Claymont Court, human settlement in United States of America
Claymont Court is a large Federal-style mansion of yellow brick built in 1820 overlooking Bullskin Run near Rippon. The house contains 59 rooms and 25 fireplaces, with 16 columns on the front porch and wings that were expanded with additional floors and a conservatory added over time.
Built in 1820 by Bushrod Corbin Washington on land owned by the Washington family, the mansion survived a major fire in 1838 that burned the interior down to the brick walls before being rebuilt. The house remained a significant family residence through the Civil War and later passed to other owners including novelist Frank Stockton before being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
The mansion reflects the life and tastes of prominent Virginia families, particularly the Washington family who shaped the region. Visitors can walk through rooms arranged to show how the household operated, with formal eastern gardens that received attention across generations.
Visitors explore a 300-acre property that includes the main house, a converted cattle barn now serving as a conference space, and cottages at each end of the grounds. Walking paths lead through lawns and established trees, allowing you to move freely through the property and view the exterior and gardens at your own pace.
Novelist Frank Stockton, author of the famous short story "The Lady or the Tiger," lived here in the late 1800s and wrote works while residing at the estate. Few visitors realize this connection to American literary history when they visit the grounds.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
