Virginia House Fund

Formerly an English manor house, Virginia House, as it is now called, was relocated to Richmond by Virginia and Alexander Weddell beginning in 1925. In the earliest years of building Virginia House, the Weddells had envisioned it someday serving the historical society – perhaps as its headquarters. In fact, the Weddells deeded the property to the historical society in 1929, with a provision that they have lifetime use. Alexander served as Chairman of the Virginia Historical Society in 1944. Tragically, the couple died in 1948, and the VMHC has stewarded the property including the home and its magnificent gardens for the last 75 years.

As with any home, but even more so because of its age, Virginia House requires a significant amount of upkeep. Because the VMHC does not receive operational funding from any government agency, the museum relies on the generosity of donors to fund maintenance and repairs to the home.

Loggia Restoration Project

The Virginia House Loggia, one of the house’s distinctive architectural features, was among the final improvements orchestrated by Ambassador Alexander Weddell and Virginia Weddell. It was added in 1945, just three years before the Weddells were tragically killed.

The Loggia was designed by architect William Lawrence Bottomley, who is renowned for his revival style and his iconic work both in Virginia and along the East Coast. This project was smaller than many of his commissions but was likely of special interest because of the unique clients and the interaction between the Loggia and Virginia House’s beautiful gardens, which were designed previously by renowned landscape architect Charles Gillette.

In preparation for Virginia House's Centennial Period (2025-2026), VMHC is excited to begin a major restoration of the iconic Loggia--solving for decades-long water infiltration and related challenges and returning the loggia to its original, beautiful appearance. Restoration will begin in November 2024, will last nearly six months, and will cost approximately $600,000. This is one of the marquee investments planned to ensure another 100 years of use and vitality for this special property.

Your gift to the Virginia House Fund ensures this historic property will be available to members and guests for years to come. 

Please contact Elizabeth Darling, Manager of Membership & Annual Giving, at 804.342.9692 or edarling@VirginiaHistory.org to make a pledge or gift by phone or check or with any questions.