The main house is in the shape of a cross. Three tall, diamond-shaped chimneys set diagonally rise from curved gables at both ends of the steep roof. It has two full stories, a cellar that was the site of the original kitchen and a garret that was used as servants' quarters. The Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, a private, nonprofit preservation group, bought the house in the early 1970s after the last owners died. The association renovated extensively and the house has been continuously open for tours since 1984.
Some rooms are empty while others have been furnished with period pieces and reproductions.
The house is filled with little delights. I am sick today. Some window panes have names scratched in them. Women did that to test their jewelry, since real diamonds can cut glass, Ms. Peterson says. Dr. Emmet Robinson was a bit more ambitious with his window-scratching.