Westend, Classical Revival plantation house in Trevilians, Virginia.
Westend is a two-story brick residence built in the Classical Revival style, distinguished by a four-column portico and single-story side wings. The interior follows a symmetrical layout organized around a central hallway that connects an entrance hall and stair hall, with rooms arranged evenly on either side.
The house was commissioned by Susan Dabney Morris Watson in 1849 on inherited family land, with Colonel James Magruder directing construction. This period marked a time when wealthy Virginia families were building grand residences that reflected Classical architectural ideas becoming popular across the state.
The house reflects how Virginia's planter families valued classical architecture as a sign of education and refinement during the mid-1800s. Visitors can observe how such homes anchored large estates and served as symbols of status and cultural identity in the region.
The house is located in rural Trevilians and is best reached by car due to its remote location. Visitors should plan ahead since access to this private historic property may be limited and typically requires prior arrangement.
The original orangeries built as side wings remain intact and showcase how 19th-century plantation houses served both domestic and agricultural purposes. These structures protected tropical plants during winter months and demonstrated the owner's ability to maintain such horticultural luxuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
