Santillane

Santillane is a brick residence near Fincastle from the pre-Civil War era, featuring two main stories, four window bays across the front, and a single-story kitchen wing attached to the rear. The property spans about 35 acres and includes a stone spring house plus other outbuildings that still stand today.

Colonel George Hancock acquired the land in 1795 and established the property, which took its present form through improvements added over the following decades. Its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 recognized its importance as a surviving example of early American rural architecture.

The house reflects building practices common in rural Virginia during the early 1800s, using local materials and construction methods of that era. The layout shows how prosperous families organized their homes, with living spaces clearly separated from work areas.

The location sits in a rural area and is best reached by car, as walking access from the main road is limited. Visitors should plan ahead and check availability beforehand, since the building is partly private and not all areas are open to the public.

A simple detail reveals the evolution of architectural tastes: the four-column front portico was added only in the early 1900s, much later than the rest of the house. This addition shows how owners adapted older buildings to match changing preferences of their time.

Location: Virginia

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 37.49360,-79.88110

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40