Seven Oaks Farm and Black's Tavern

Seven Oaks Farm and Black's Tavern is a Greek Revival residence in Virginia with a two-story main house topped by a hipped roof, a three-bay north wing, and several farm buildings distributed across the grounds. The layout and architectural details reflect the practical needs of a 19th-century working farm combined with formal design principles.

This property was built around 1847 for Dr. John Bolling Garrett, a physician who worked at the University of Virginia. The ownership passed through several families including the Bowens, Shirleys, and Langhornes over the following decades.

The property takes its name from seven oak trees that were named after U.S. presidents born in Virginia. After Hurricane Hazel in 1954, only one of these trees survives today.

The property sits along U.S. Route 250 within the Greenwood-Afton Rural Historic District and is visible from the public road. Visitors can view the exterior and grounds from the street without requiring private access to tour the interior.

The property contains a distinctive six-sided ice house that differs from the standard eight-sided design common in other historic properties of that era. This rare architectural choice shows how local builders adapted practical structures to their own preferences.

Location: Virginia

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 38.04250,-78.74580

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:11