An awesome Old World Estate finds appreciation and rebirth in a New World
A long time ago (last century, even) I lived in Richmond. Agecroft Hall (also in Richmond) Virginia just didn’t seem worth it. There was a place that wasn’t far from where I lived. That had promises of a magnificent garden and an English Tudor home FROM the actual TUDOR area in my immediate area. However, there WAS an admission cost. And I had two small children. So, at the time, while compelling, it seemed like it would be quite a hassle to take my little family to this magical place.
The perfect daytrip for a gardener
Taking toddlers in there to possibly break things or have to shorten my visit? Regrettably, that was my attitude at the time. In retrospect, i think they would’ve quite enjoyed this beautiful place, even before they could speak full sentences. Fast forward to 2023. I’m now an avid gardener. I learn that Agecroft Hall is consistently voted one of Virginia’s top ten public gardens. My youngest child just moved to Richmond. Time to finally visit Agecroft!
How did Agecroft Hall end up in RVA?
The home was built mainly in the 1500s. Later, after its owners and owner’s families were unable to keep it, it was put up for auction for almost 100 years.
Nobody bought it, and it looked as if it would sit abandoned until it crumbled. But finally, T.C. Williams Jr., a very wealthy person (obviously!) from Richmond, Virginia, buys it with the plan of having it moved.
Immediately, there was outcry from people in England saying that their ‘history’ was being sold off to the Americans.
A perfect fit
It’s laughable now, because it made perfect sense that something from the old world should find more value in the new world. It didn’t even get bid upon by any English people at the auction, but people in America, Richmond, VA specifically, REALLY wanted to have it here. Agecroft Hall was relocated to Virginia’s capital city in 1926-27 and has been there ever since.
I’m so glad that it was moved, because it is just a beautiful place inside and out. I’ll focus on the outside, though: the Agecroft Hall gardens. Because that’s why I write and maintain www.virginiaisforgardeners.com.
Agecroft Hall’s stunning (and Shakespearean) gardens
There is a flower cutting garden, a courtyard garden, and beautiful views of the James. River Valley. A mini orchard. An herb knot garden. A Shakespearean Garden (Coincidentally, the house probably was built at the time Shakespeare was alive, so it’s appropriate as well as unique).
A lot of things were in high production when I went (mid-August). There was just almost too much to take in. But I will say they had culinary, medicinal, ornamental, native plants. You name it. They had it.
There were also some champion trees! Just stunning, stunning trees that you don’t see everywhere. One is in the front. And it was a Yew of exciting proportions.
Do yourself a favor. When you’re in Cary Town, visiting the Fan, VCU, the VMFA, Shockoe Bottom or the Capital City for whatever reason– take a slight detour. It’s five minutes from downtown.
Visiting Agecroft Hall
I highly recommend going on a day where you can spend a good amount of time indoors and out. I would give yourself three to 4 hours even if you are an architecture aficionado and like to ask a lot of questions.
Admission to tour the home and gardens:
$8(students), $11(Seniors) or $12 (General)
OR
just the gardens for $4-6.
Children and military admission are free.
Agecroft Hall is open 12-5pm
Tuesday through Sunday
Located at:
4305 Sulgrave Road, Richmond, VA 23221
804.353.4241