Preservation Updates
Show Barn Storm Damage
Interior structural repairs are underway to one of the estate’s ca. 1912 barns which received structural damage during “Snowmageddon” in February 2010.
Grand View
This summer, thanks to the support of The National Trust’s Historic Sites Fund, repairs to the foundation of Grand View house, a private residence on the grounds of Woodlawn, will begin. Over time, drainage on the hillside site undermined portions of the shallow brick foundation. The damage will be repaired and the drainage problem addressed to prevent future erosion. The work, designed by Robert Silman Associates, Structural Engineers, and Davis Buckley, Architects and Planners, will include archaeological investigation of the site in hopes of finding evidence of the property’s 19th century occupants and their daily lives.
Grand View, built circa 1869, was the home of Jacob M. Troth, his wife Ann, and their three children. They were members of the Quaker community that settled on the grounds of Woodlawn after 1846 in hopes of creating a free-labor colony. In 1869, the Troths departed to the Genoa, Nebraska area, where Jacob Troth served as an Indian Agent on the Pawnee reservation. They returned to Virginia in 1878, and resided in Grand View, which Ann Troth inherited from her father, David Walton of Walnut Hill, in 1881. President Rutherford B. Hayes visited Grand View and Woodlawn on June 23, 1878.
Coming Soon:
Conservation of the exterior cypress siding of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House.
Restoration Completed:
Smoke House
Smokehouse "After" Restoration, April 2010
Woodlawn is happy to announce the restoration of the 1803 Smoke House is complete!! Located immediately to the north of the main residence, this brick outbuilding was designed (like the main house) by architect of the U.S. Capitol, Dr. William Thornton, and constructed ca. 1803. It was used to smoke ham and other meats for storage and consumption on the estate.
Restoration included replacement of the wood shake roof in historically accurate materials and methods; repointing of the brick; repair to decorative plaster panels and repair of interior wood beams.
Plantings and landscape elements in the adjacent pond garden area (perfect for weddings and events!) will be enhanced this spring and summer (2010).
The project was designed and will be managed by Davis Buckley Architects & Planners of Washington DC, Davis A. Buckley FAIA, principal. The Graham Gund Architect of The National Trust for Historic Preservation, Barbara Campagna FAIA, LEED is overseeing the work for the National Trust.
We thank the following sponsors and donors for making this important project possible:
The Alexandria Association
The Historic Sites Fund of The National Trust for Historic Preservation
The Allegheny Foundation
Nelly’s Needlers
The National Society of Colonial Dames of America, Virginia Chapter, Washington, DC Committee
There was a time a few years back where I would visit Woodlawn every wee-end for 6 weeks. The home is perfect and it only makes it better to know that is a part of Mount Vernon. I wish I could fine more information about Nelly Custis and her life.
By: susan michael on September 20, 2009
at 10:35 am
There is a wonderful biography of Nelly Custis for sale at Mt. Vernon.
By: Cynthia Evans on January 9, 2010
at 5:48 pm
I just finished reading this book and it is wonderful. It gives great insight into George Washington as well as Nellie. I so admire George Washington—I read as many books as possible about him. I just started one titled Sacred Fire—an excellent description of George as a Christian man. I grow so weary of new authors trying to discredit his Christianity and labeling him an atheist. This book uses example after example to prove he truly was a believer.
This book on Nellie Custis mentions that the red roof of Mount Vernon can be seen from Woodlawn. We just visited Mount Vernon and I don.t remember seing a nearby house. Can Woodlawn be seen from Mount Vernon, and if so, from what direction?
By: Teresa Neighbors on July 6, 2010
at 7:43 pm
Woodlawn is about 3 miles west of Mt. Vernon and although you can no longer see Mt. Vernon’s red roof from Woodlawn, you can see the tall trees that stand at Mt. Vernon.
By: Max van Balgooy on August 16, 2010
at 1:04 pm
Have you read the correspondence between Nellie and her childhood friend? They began corresponding when both girls were approximately 12 years old up until Nellie passed away. If you are interested in the book, let me know and I’ll find it at home and e-mail you the title.
By: pam murrow on February 22, 2010
at 2:16 pm
I have enjoyed visiting both Mount Vernon and Woodlawn over the past 30 years. I was wondering why Woodlawn doesn’t receive the same support that Mount Vernon does….since Woodlawn is a part of the legacy of George Washington.
By: Vicky Wall on December 19, 2009
at 9:14 pm
Glad to see restoration informationon the site- I got married at Woodlawn in 2000 and having been disappointed about the upkeep after going back a few times to reminisce with my wife- Its nice to read that things are being cared for again- We will certainly have to come back and check things out- What a great place!
By: Scott montgomery on February 3, 2010
at 2:34 pm
I have exhibited at the Needlework Show several times and have been fortunate to receive some ribbons. I love designing my own samplers. The Show is truly amazing. I was wondering if Nelly’s Needlers is open to those of us who don’t live in the area? Thank you, Kelley Cook
By: Kelley Cook on April 19, 2010
at 9:22 am