The Hermitage

The Hermitage is a one-and-a-half story wood frame house in Virginia Beach with a multi-bay facade and structural elements from different building periods. The residence expanded significantly over time through several renovation phases that modified its original footprint and design.

The house was originally built in 1699 and underwent major additions in 1820 and 1940 that doubled its size. These construction phases reflect how property owners adapted their homes to changing needs across nearly 250 years.

The place shows how early colonists built and used their homes, with preserved details that reflect the craftsmanship of the period. These elements tell stories of daily life during the early American colonial era.

This is a private residence and not open for interior visits, but visitors can view it from outside and explore the surrounding area. The location sits near other colonial-era buildings, making it part of a broader historical neighborhood.

The property includes several outbuildings on its grounds, one of which has an unclear past and may have housed enslaved workers or served as a stable. The fact that this working farm operated continuously until the 1950s sets it apart from many other preserved colonial houses in the region.