Historic Homes On Display For Garden Week Tour Around McLean

MCLEAN, VA—Virginia Garden Week will mark its 85th anniversary with garden tours across the state. The tour in McLean, Vienna and Great Falls will have much to offer history buffs and garden enthusiasts alike on Tuesday, April 24 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

Hosted by the Garden Club of Fairfax, the tour lets participants explore four homes and gardens, each with stories behind them.

Here's a look at the homes and sites included on the tour:

William Gunnell House: 600 Innsbruck Avenue, Great Falls

This fascinating 1750 home was owned by Lord Fairfax, who the county is named after. William Gunnell III, believed to have been a caretaker for Lord Fairfax, purchased the home in 1791 and constructed an addition to make it one of the grandest manors in the area. An originally outbuilding from 1770 still stands, and the house has also added a log cabin tavern among other additions. The grounds and gardens include a pond, Virginia's fifth oldest hemlock and much more land to explore. Access to William Gunnell House is only by shuttle bus from Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike.

7849 Montvale Way, McLean

Known as "The Reserve," this home was built by one of Northern Virginia's renowned builders in 2001. You'll find a mix of traditional and modern style inside and the owners’ collectibles from travel. Outside, the gardens and koi pond provide beautiful views no matter the season.

The Grange Camp: 8621 Redwood Drive, Vienna

This 1892 home was originally land used by the post-Civil War grange movement for fairs. Alexander Wedderburn, a printer and publisher in Alexandria, bought the land and built a Victorian home. The home has been maintained since then and still displays original doors and windows.

207 Center Street North, Vienna

The three-level Cape Cod is a newer home in a historic neighborhood. The cottage belongs to the owner of Vienna boutique REfind, so you'll see the home accessorized well. The home displays items from travels abroad and lots of plants blooming in the gardens.

Other sites of interest are recommended for the tour: the 9.5-acre Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Freeman Store and Museum in Vienna, the gardens at the L’Auberge Chez Francois restaurant in Great Falls and the Oatlands Historic House and Gardens in Leesburg.

Tour headquarters is Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. L’Auberge Chez Francois, The Old Brogue, Our Mom Eugenia, Brx American Bistro, Dante Ristorante and Zamarod Restaurant in Great Falls and Panera Bread, Clarity Restaurant and Maple Wood Grill in Vienna.

Tickets are $40 by April 17 $50 the day of the tour at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. See more information here and buy tickets here.

Image of 7849 Montvale Way via Google Maps screenshot