De Witt Cottage

The de Witt Cottage is a two-story brick structure shaped like an L, located on the Virginia Beach oceanfront with a wraparound porch on three sides. The thick brick walls and 22 rooms with a basement create a substantial Victorian-era residence.

Bernard Holland built this residence in 1895 as a wedding gift for Emily Gregory, with financial backing from her father, a textile manufacturer. The building has endured as a notable coastal landmark for over a century.

The cottage houses the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum since 1995, displaying hand-carved duck decoys, vintage hunting firearms, and local artifacts. This collection reflects the hunting and maritime heritage that shaped Virginia Beach's past.

The cottage is open for guided tours throughout the year with regular visiting hours, giving access to the Victorian architecture and interior spaces. Plan ahead since tour times are limited and can fill up during peak seasons.

This cottage is the only brick building on Virginia Beach's oceanfront, earning it the local nickname 'The Brick House' among residents. This distinction makes it a surprising landmark in a region where coastal homes have different architectural styles.

Location: Virginia Beach

Architectural style: Queen Anne style architecture in the United States

Website: http://awhm.org

GPS coordinates: 36.84030,-75.97280

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:42