Burgh Westra

Burgh Westra is a two and a half story brick house built in the Gothic Revival style in Gloucester County and situated on a large estate with several outbuildings. The property includes gardens, a dairy building, and a carriage house near North River.

The building was constructed between 1842 and 1851 and served as a hospital for wounded soldiers from both Union and Confederate sides during the Civil War. A barn fire during the war destroyed part of the original farm buildings.

The house was designed following a pattern from Andrew Jackson Downing's 1842 book Cottage Residences, selected by Dr. Taliaferro during his medical studies in Europe. This choice shows how European influences shaped the design that the owner brought back to Virginia.

The estate requires advance planning to visit since it is not regularly open to the public. Being located in a rural area outside Gloucester means you will need a car to reach it, and should allow time for travel.

The property is dotted with native daffodils that mark the locations of former servant quarters, telling a story often overlooked. These flowers stand as quiet reminders of the people who once lived and worked in those spaces.

Location: Virginia

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

GPS coordinates: 37.41970,-76.45390

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44