Weston Manor has been described as "an elegant, three story 18th century Georgain mansion, in the style of Virginia's Tidewater plantations," according to Calder Loth, Chief Architectural Historian, Department of Virginia Historic Resources. William and Christian Eppes Gilliam built their home, Weston Manor, in 1789 on land that was acquired two years earlier. The Gilliam family first arrived in Virginia in the 17th century as indentured servents. By the late 18th century the family had amassed several plantations in the area. Christian was the daughter of Richard Eppes of Appomattox Plantation. Her maternal grandfather was a descendant of Pocahontas. Her cousin, John Wayles Eppes, was married to Thomas Jefferson's daughter, Maria.
Listed on the National Register of HistoricPlaces, Weston is considered notable for preserving much of its original interior. The manor's distinctive moldings, wainscotings and chair rails are eighty-five percent original. The passage is twenty-eight feet long with a distinctive central arch accented with a paneled keystone. The spiral stairway features concave paneling. A Jeffersonian style dumb waiter is located in the dining room closet.
The manor is tastefully furnished with period antiques and selected reproductions. Visitors learn about the generations of families who resided at Weston, including the Gilliam and Eppes families, the Civil War adventures of little Emma Wood based on her own journal and post-war ghosts that "ran rampant" in the manor. The tour includes all three floors, grounds and gardens.
The house, lush grounds and gardens are open April 1 through October 31. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10am - 4:30pm, Sunday 1pm - 4:30pm.
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