Hawkwood

Hawkwood is a Renaissance Revival villa in Louisa County, Virginia, featuring a two-story central pavilion with single-story wings and a distinctive three-story tower crowned by a hipped roof. The composition creates a varied silhouette across the property.

Alexander Jackson Davis designed this Italian villa in 1851 for Richard Overton Morris, with construction completed in 1855 on a 404-acre estate. The house represents one of only two unaltered Davis designs in this Italian villa style that survive.

The house displays Italian villa characteristics through its octagonal entry hall, reflecting the architectural preferences of its period. Visitors can observe how this central space shapes the flow and character of the interior.

The property sits south of Gordonsville along U.S. Route 15, making it accessible from this main highway. Access to the grounds requires prior arrangement, as this is a private historic property.

A fire in 1982 severely damaged the house, leaving only the exterior walls and tower intact after the interior was destroyed. Despite this loss, the structure retains its strong architectural form and stands as a testament to Davis's original design vision.

Location: Virginia

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 38.01570,-78.19490

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:14