Step Inside Historic Alexandria Homes For Garden Week Tour

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Virginia Garden Week will mark its 85th anniversary with garden tours across the state. The Old Town Alexandria tour will have much to offer history buffs and garden enthusiasts alike on Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

Hosted by the Garden Club of Alexandria and the Hunting Creek Garden Club, the tour lets participants explore five homes and gardens, each with a rich history behind it. The ticket also includes admission into six historic sites and refreshments at 228 S. Pitt Street from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Homes

201 South Lee Street

George Washington's half-brother actually bought this lot in 1749. But it wasn't until 1780 when Robert Townsend Hooe, Alexandria's first mayor, built the home. At the time it was the largest property in Alexandria, and Washington even dined there in 1786.

415 Prince Street

Built in 1807, this home has served as the location of the Bank of Potomac, offices for Union Troops and headquarters for the Restored Government of Virginia (Union). It later served as office space before being converted to an apartment building and then a family home.

412 Prince Street

Finished in 1852, this home showcases incredible custom features like dentil molding, an acanthus leaf pediment and custom wrought iron window grills. The home has undergone renovations and an addition while staying true to its 19th century character. Today the owners display family antiques from South Carolina and Georgia.

213 South Fairfax Street

One wing of this home dates back to 1781. It was originally a small "flounder" home, named because it was flat on one side like a flounder fish. The front part was built in 1812, while the latest owners have recently done a major renovation. Former owners included Charles H. Callaghan, an Alexandria historian and Masonic leader.

209 South Saint Asaph Street

This charming Victorian was built in 1851 and military governor of Alexandria when Union Troops occupied the city in 1861. Original owner William McVeigh fled to Richmond during the Civil War but returned to the property afterward. In 1897, the home was conveyed to descendants of the Stabler-Leadbetter Apothecary Shop. Today the home maintains the 19th century feel with original Corinthian columns and hand moulded plasterwork.

Historic sites

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco Street

Built in 1785 by Philip Fendall on land purchased from Revolutionary War hero, “Light Horse Harry” Lee, it it's been home to the Lee family and labor leader John L. Lewis. The home is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on tour day.

Carlyle House, 121 North Fairfax Street

Visit the 18th century mansion built by John Carlyle in 1753, stroll through the gardens and browse the herb and craft sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local artisans and crafters, performances by area musicians and gardening experts on hand. Proceeds benefit the Carlyle House and Garden Guild.
Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the event. Buy tickets here.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Hwy, Mt Vernon

The home of George and Martha Washington is eight miles south of Alexandria on the Potomac River.
From the end of the American Revolution in 1783 to his election to the presidency in 1789, Washington completed many renovations to the family estate.

River Farm, 7931 East Boulevard Drive

The headquarters of the American Horticultural Society was one of George Washington’s original
properties and overlooks the Potomac River. It is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on tour day.

Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Rd, Lorton

The property was home to George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. During April the conceptual plan for the restoration of the riverside garden will be on display. It will be open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on tour day.

Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 the day of the tour. See more information here and buy tickets here.

Image of 201 S. Lee Street via Google Maps screenshot