Belle Air Plantation facts for kids
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Belle Air
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | N of VA 5, Charles City, Virginia |
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| Area | 135 acres (55 ha) |
| Built | c. 1700, c. 1800 |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002232 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 18, 1974 |
Belle Air Plantation is a historic home located by the James River in Charles City County, Virginia. It's found along State Route 5, a beautiful road connecting the cities of Richmond and Williamsburg. Belle Air is a special place listed on the National Register of Historic Places, meaning it's important to American history.
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Building Belle Air: A Look Inside
Belle Air is a very old wooden house. It's special because you can still see its original wooden beams inside. This style is called "postmedieval-style exposed interior timber framing." It's probably the oldest plantation house along State Route 5.
Early Design and Unique Features
The first part of Belle Air was built around the year 1700. It has architectural details from the 1600s. However, its window layout and overall look are more like designs from the 1700s.
The exposed wooden beams inside are very rare for a wooden building in Virginia. These strong, hand-cut timbers are not just for holding up the house. They also add to its decorative look. Large "summer beams" run through the middle of the ceilings. They help support the floorboards above.
Other Buildings on the Property
Besides the main house, Belle Air also has other old buildings. There is a wooden smokehouse with a pyramid-shaped roof. There is also a separate wooden kitchen building. These buildings help show what life was like on a plantation long ago.
Belle Air's Long History
The story of Belle Air began with the Bradford family. In 1657, Richard Bradford I received part of a large piece of land in Charles City County. He bought the rest of the land in 1662. This land stayed in the Bradford family for 65 years.
Changing Owners Over Time
Later, Continental Army Colonel William Green Munford bought the property. When he passed away in 1786, his son John Munford inherited it. John then sold Belle Air in 1792.
In 1800, a wealthy planter named Hamlin Willcox bought the property. He added a new section to the western side of the house. The Willcox family owned Belle Air for many years, even during the American Civil War. They also owned another nearby plantation called North Bend Plantation.
Restoration and Modern Day
The Willcox family owned Belle Air until 1945. After that, Mrs. Walter O. Major bought the house. She worked to restore Belle Air, bringing it back to its original beauty.
Visiting Belle Air
Today, you can visit Belle Air for guided tours. It is open during Virginia's Historic Garden Week. You can also arrange a visit by making an appointment.
See also
