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Historic Homes in Chester
Apartments in Chester, VA

Part of the charm of living in Virginia is the rich history that surrounds us. The founding fathers and many of the first colonists who helped build the foundation of our nation lived in the very same cities and towns that we now occupy. If you are looking for a day trip or an interesting afternoon activity, start by exploring the history right next door!

Chesterfield County has a rich history stretching all the way back to the Jamestown settlers. Home of one of the first colonies in the nation, Chesterfield was directly involved in the American Revolution. Chesterfield County’s vital railroad lines all played an important role in the Civil War. As a result, Chesterfield includes historic homes whose history stretches back to the founding of our country.

The Halfway House in Chesterfield, VABelgrade Plantation was originally built in 1732 and was expanded in 1824 when wings were added to the main house. During the Civil War, the house served as headquarters to General A.P. Hill and was used as a Confederate hospital. The house changed names twice, once to Belvidere and then to Alandale, before becoming the current home to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

During the nineteenth century, travelers heading south from Richmond to Petersburg would stop at the Halfway House for food and lodging. The aptly-named inn hosted famous guests including the Marquis de Lafayette, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Robert E. Lee, U.S. Grant, and James Whitcomb Riley. The historic inn is now home to a family-owned restaurant that retains the feel of the Revolutionary period.

Castlewood in Chester, VaConspicuously located at the Chesterfield Court House is the unique, Federal-style house at Castlewood. The five-part house was built in 1917 by county clerk Parke Poindexter and the layout is unique among Virginia’s historic dwellings. While the house is a unified composition, it was built in stages. The middle section was probably built circa 1816 by Poindexter, and the south wing may have been part of this original construction. The woodwork in this wing dates from the 1830s, however. The north wing seems to have been moved from elsewhere and predates the rest of the house. It is now used by the Historical Society for events and special functions.

Magnoila GrangeThe well-preserved house at Magnolia Grange was based on designs from an architectural pattern book used by Virginia builders in 1806. The name Magnolia Granges stems from a circle of magnolia trees and formal boxwoods that once graced the lawn. Much of the original ornate woodwork remains intact, including elaborate ceiling medallions and Federal mantles with slender Ionic columns that support an embellished entablature and deeply molded cornice. The house has been restored and now serves as a museum featuring a variety of living history programs to help bring the 19th century to life.

Eppington Plantation in Chester, VaThe crown jewel of the county’s historic homes is the Eppington Plantation, built circa 1768. The home of Frances Eppes VI, a successful farmer and the brother-in-law of Thomas Jefferson, is an excellent example of 18th-century Georgian design. Featuring a three-bay, two-and-a-half-story central block design with a hipped roof, dormers, and glancing one-story wings, Eppington is well persevered and looks very much as it did 250 years ago.

In Chester, it’s easy to step into history – look right next door and experience the history of where we live.