The Details Matter

Oct. 26th 2013

On Friday, we took deliver of two canopies for the Hipkins-Bernard and Conway Junior Suite as well as the valances for the Turner Master Suite. We are almost done with all the curtains for the bedrooms! We just need to wait for the finally curtains for the Turner Master Suite as well as the half canopy. Then we just have to get the curtains for the Parlor, Formal Dining Room, Small Dining Room, Library, Common Room and the Foyer Room. But the ones we have gotten is a huge step towards finishing!

Not only does it help us cover the windows, but with them in place, we can better able to see what kind of decor we want or need for the room. Knowing that, we can find those pieces and complete the room. The Madison Master Suite, which got its curtains and canopy first is almost done. We just need to find a few portraits of James and Dolley Madison as well as some smaller decor and we can call it done!

Enjoy the pictures of the new arrivals!

Here is the “Before” of the Hipkins-Bernard Junior Suite

Decorating Our Suites at Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast in King George, Virginia, Birthplace of James Madison

Here it is now!

Decorating Our Suites at Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast in King George, Virginia, Birthplace of James Madison

Decorating Our Suites at Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast in King George, Virginia, Birthplace of James Madison

Here is the “Before” of the Conway Junior Suite

Decorating Our Suites at Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast in King George, Virginia, Birthplace of James Madison

Here it is now!

Decorating Our Suites at Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast in King George, Virginia, Birthplace of James Madison

Decorating Our Suites at Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast in King George, Virginia, Birthplace of James Madison

Decorating Our Suites at Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast in King George, Virginia, Birthplace of James Madison

Here are the Valances for the Turner Master Suite

Decorating Our Suites at Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast in King George, Virginia, Birthplace of James Madison

(This is the window with Carrie Turner’s etching in it)

Decorating Our Suites at Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast in King George, Virginia, Birthplace of James Madison

Decorating Our Suites at Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast in King George, Virginia, Birthplace of James Madison

This is the Turner Master Suite Bathroom Valance

Decorating Our Suites at Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast in King George, Virginia, Birthplace of James Madison

Who says the details don’t matter??

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Belle Grove History, Darnell History | 2 Comments »

Ghost Story Anyone?

Oct. 25th 2013

As we prepare for our busy weekend of ghost hunting, we thought it would be fun to share some of the spooky happenings in and round Belle Grove Plantation. Just to get you in the mood for some chilling and thrilling fun we have in store for you tonight!

Make sure you watch your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for updates through the day and night as we share in all the fun!

Haunted Lambs Creek Church in King George Virginia is haunted and story told by Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast for their Paranormal Workshop and Ghost Hunt Weekend

Lamb’s Creek Church – King George, Virginia

This story is taken from “Virginia Ghosts” by Jenny Lee, Marguerite du Pont Lee

In King George County on the King’s Highway about thirteen miles from Fredericksburg, on the Rappahannock River side, an interesting Colonial building may be found called Lamb’s Creek Church. Erected in 1769 it is now six miles from a lone gravestone on Muddy Creek marking the site of the Mother Church in use as early as 1710.

In Brunswick parish extending up to Stafford County, in days almost forgotten, far beyond the tide of the years in which we live, Sunday mornings the coaches of the aristocracy rolled from far distant points and over rough roads to the door of Lamb’s Creek Church.

In the company of family and friends and surrounded by retainers a large congregation listed to the delights of paradise glowingly painted, and hell pictured as very real and very hot! The lessons were read from the priceless old ‘Vinegar Bible’, so called owing to a typographical error in the edition, the heading of the Parable of the Vineyard made to read ‘Parable of the Vinegar.’ This Bible was given to Muddy Creek Church about 1716. Stolen after the Civil War, by great good fortune it has been recovered and is in use one each year when a service is held in the church. The old prayer book, also inherited from the Mother Church was printed in 1739 when George II was King.

The devastating War of the Revolution scatted the faithful an altered the lives and fortunes of the people. For fifty years the church doors were closed.

Not until the Civil War did man’s hand shatter and desecrate this relic of a civilization of which the despoiler did not even dream, and could not possibly appreciate. The woodwork was pulled out, the windows and doors broken, and the church used for a stable.

In a bend of the road this large country church may be seen from quite a distance. A vital need in the lives of a generation long passed away, it stands in an isolated spot abandoned and by the world forgot-a mute witness to the  transitoriness of all human religious expression.

Just prior to the desecration of this house of worship by Federal soldiers two Confederate officers, one named Hunter, are said to have entered the church one night seeking refuge from a heavy thunder storm. The flashes of lightning were very vivid, and the thunder deafening. Running in they seated themselves at the door facing the chancel. Presently, for one brief moment the inky darkness was relieved by a great flash of lightning. The two men were dunfound to see kneeling at the chancel rail as if in prayer a woman dressed in white! In pitchy darkness, silently and breathlessly they awaited the next flash. There still kneeled the woman! A third view of the figure was sufficient and both soldiers made a hasty exit into the teeth of the furious storm!

Mr. Thomas Lomax Hunter, a lawyer of King George County, very courteously makes rely to my letter of inqury as follows:

‘My father and uncle were the only Hunters in the Civil War from this county, but I have never heard the story you relate of them and Lamb’s Creek Church.

Lamb’s Creek Church has however been long looked upon by the natives here as haunted, and while I cannot recite any detailed story about it I have no doubt that reputable witnesses of its neighborhood could be put upon the witness stand to prove its ghostly character.’

(One note – Thomas Lomax Hunter was the son of Frederick Hunter and his wife Rose Turner Hunter. Rose was the daughter of Carolinus and Susan Turner, owners of Belle Grove Plantation from 1839 to 1894.)

There are a couple more stories about Lamb’s Creek Church.

It is said that two civil war soldiers can be seen resting on a rainy night. This usually happens on rainy nights and that the church’s windows glow from the inside around the 27th of October. There is also a ghost of a young girl who died of pneumonia. You can see a strange blue light and an apparition of the girl running and playing.

Haunted Marimon in King George Virginia is haunted and story told by Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast for their Paranormal Workshop and Ghost Hunt Weekend

Marmion – King George County, Virginia

This  story is taken from “Virginia Ghosts” by Jenny Lee, Marguerite du Pont Lee

“Marmion, in King George County, Virginia, has been in the family of Mrs. Lucy Lewis Grymes for more than 150 years. Lord Marmion was the last of the title in England, and in his honor William Fitzhugh, emigrated to the Colonies in 1670, named this portion of his vast estate, erecting in 1674, between two splendid springs flowing in the primeval forest, the mansion still standing. One finds to the north the little house from the depths of which countless juleps were cooled; not far distant the old kitchen to which, from smokehouse and dairy, still standing, bacon, butter and cream flowed in a constant stream throughout the generations.

Behind the house the lovely old office stands in a garden, carpeted in spring with single blue hyacinths and yellow primroses, hardly descendants of flowers brought from England long ago. In the attic of this office quite recently Mrs. Grymes found a roll of Colonial money, signed by her husband’s ancestor, Robert Carter Nicholas.

In 1719 John Fitzhugh took unto himself a wife, and Marmion was their home. A grove of pecans, walnuts and maples stand close to this sturdy and picturesque relic of a bygone age; its two secret rooms, one built in the huge chimney about the other, speaking to us of turbulence and of dangers unknown to our generation.

Marmion in 1785 became the property of Major George Lewis, son of Col. Fielding Lewis and Betty Washington. Their great granddaughter, Mrs. Lucy Lewis Grymes, is the fortunate owner today. A mile and a half beyond flows the Potomac River, and in 1782 Philip Fitzhugh, the last of his name at Marmion, is said to have brought to his home, one day, one of those accomplished artisans, contributing by their skill to some of the most beautiful decorations remaining with us from their day. This Hessian soldier was in a dying condition when found by Philip Fitzhugh on the banks of the river. Recovering his health in course of time, the stranger was then desirous of contributing evidence of his skill in return for the kindness shown him. He decorated the walls of the parlor in lovely landscapes and cornucopias filled with flowers, making from Virginia clay and plants the paints he used – clear and beautiful after the passing of 150 years! Owing to Mrs. Gymes’ willingness to share with countless others her treasures, the superb paneling, decorations and mirror in this beautiful parlor at Marmion were transferred into the keeping of the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

In the long age when dangers threatened, before cannon balls from two wars were left embedded as relics in the brick walks leading from the mansion, a chest of valuables was buried. Whether discovered and carried off nobody knows. But Marmion possesses a charming ghost; thieves cannot break in and steal.

Some of the old darkies whose forefathers lived in the ‘Quarters’ on the plantation claim today to have seen the ‘white lady’ walking among the roses and honeysuckle in the little cemetery.

Mrs. Grymes writes: ‘Since my childhood, every now and then guests have spoken of a lovely young girl they have seen from time to time in the house. Twice, I myself, when in the guest-room, have felt there was someone in the room, but have never seen the ghost. During the summer of 1928 Miss Edmonia Goode, an elderly lady from Chase City, Virginia, was staying at Marmion with a group of young people whom she had been chaperoning at a house party in Fredericksburg. It was in the afternoon of a bright sunny day. Miss Goode was lying down on her bed resting, when the door opened an a very beautiful young girl came in and started to open the wardrobe. Miss Goode sat up and exclaimed: ‘Why, how do you do? I did not know there was another guest in this house beside our party.’ The girl turned and looked squarely at her. The face of the Spirit, Miss Goode would recognize anywhere. She arose advancing towards the visitor in order to shake hands….”

(This is where the story ended in the book… sorry)

Haunted Stratford Hall in King George Virginia is haunted and story told by Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast for their Paranormal Workshop and Ghost Hunt Weekend

Stratford Hall – Home of the Lee Family and Robert E. Lee

This story taken from HouseandHomeMagazine.com

The Spirits of Stratford Hall 

Paranormal experts, if there are such things, are in general agreement that Virginia is one of the most haunted states, perhaps the most haunted, in the nation. And for good reason. It is the oldest colony in America and there are more surviving old houses here than anywhere else. Plus, since the experts contend that tragic and traumatic deaths are a leading cause for the existence of ghosts, if there are such things as ghosts, then Virginia surely ranks at the top of the list since there has been more blood shed here over the past 400 years dating from Indian attacks on the early settlers on up through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

Accounts of lingering spirits blanket the entire map of the Old Dominion, from Winchester south to Bristol, and from Monterey east to Virginia Beach. The Northern Neck is not excluded from this questionable list and, arguably, one of the most haunted houses in this historic area is Stratford Hall. It was here, of course, that Robert E. Lee was born in 1807. The mansion itself dates to the late 1730s. Among its long-ago occupants are some of the most famous names in American history, including Richard Henry Lee, a leader of the Continental Congress, and Light Horse Harry Lee, a hero of the Revolutionary War, and Robert’s father.

As with so many antique estates, there is ample justification for ghostly encounters at Stratford Hall, for along with its majestic eloquence, family members through the centuries have had their share of tragic events. If a visitor to the house today asks a tour guide about ghosts, he or she is told they are not part of the narrative. The guides are trained to “protect” the historical integrity of the site. The key to finding a more positive answer to such a provocative question is to query others. Find a maid, janitor, or better yet, a night security guard, and they may well reveal some of Stratford Hall’s most guarded secrets.

That is precisely what the author did some years ago, and the results were quite surprising. Here are some examples. A domestic worker walked into the library one day to clean it, and then promptly retreated. Her supervisor asked what happened and she replied that she didn’t want to disturb the gentleman inside. What gentleman the supervisor replied. The worker said she saw a figure in old fashioned clothes checking over some papers. The two women then reentered the library. There was no one there. The worker became very frightened and fled the house.

Once, a well known psychic visited. When she passed through the great hall on the second floor, she stopped and said she felt “so many good impressions.” She claimed to see the room full of Lees and that there was dancing, music and entertainment. She added that the Lees were pleased with how the house was being taken care of.

A hostess said her encounter came on a dismal, dark winter afternoon. During a tour, she saw a woman and a child in a room in colonial period costume. She thought it was another hostess but when she later asked the hostess about it she was told she hadn’t even been upstairs. Then she lifted her hand and covered her mouth and said that the first hostess “had finally seen them.” Who? She has seen Ann Lee, the distraught and broken hearted wife of Black Horse Harry Lee, and their little daughter, Margaret, who had died in the house at age two in 1820 after falling down the stairs! Others, including tourists, have reported hearing a phantom woman calling for a child, the sound of a child running, and then both of them laughing, as if they were playing together.

Security guards, too, have experienced various forms of psychic manifestations. One said a lot of mysterious things happen here, especially strange noises at night. Like what? “Loud racket,” he emphasized. “The sounds of heavy furniture being moved around when no one is in the room. Other times we heard rustling sounds, like petticoats and skirts rubbing against chairs and tables, but you never see anything.” One officer said he heard fiddle and harp music on occasion.

Another guard said one night he was sitting in a chair when something unseen grabbed his sleeve and lifted his arm straight up. Also, he added, when he was alone one night reading a book, he got up to make his rounds and when he came back the book had flatly disappeared. One guard told of a new man on the job. “He quit after one hour and wouldn’t even talk about what happened to him.”

Two officers said that on multiple occasions they had seen the apparition of a small boy, about three or four years old, wearing dark purple britches and a light colored purple shirt with ruffled sleeves. Each time they approached the figure, he evaporated before their eyes. One said, “I believe he was a spirit. If he wasn’t, where did he go?” Could it have been the ghost of Robert E. Lee, who moved out of Stratford Hall when he was just three and a half? Another clue suggests that it might be the son of Philip Ludwell Lee, himself the son of Thomas Lee, the founder of the house. According to family tradition, this boy fell down the stairs in the mansion one day in 1779. He was four years old!

Possibly the most terrifying encounters were experienced by J.R. “Butch” Myers, a leather craftsman who lives in Richmond. He travels about demonstrating how 18th century shoes are made. In June 1989, he was at an exhibition at Stratford Hall. He spent the night in a dependency building near the main house. Getting ready for bed, he lit six candles in stands, then heard approaching footsteps outside and assumed it was the security guard making his rounds.

Myers recalled: “I took a couple of steps toward the door when a sudden down draft of freezing cold air hit me, taking my breath away. It was like walking into a cold storage locker. I got goose bumps all over. Just as this happened, there was a thunderous noise in the chimney. It sounded like the whole building was going to collapse. I didn’t find this out until later but the chimney was sealed top and bottom. There was no way anything alive could be in it.”

“If this wasn’t scary enough, and believe me it was,” Myers continued, “I turned around just in time to see the candles go out. They didn’t go out at once, as if blown out by a down shaft of air. They went out one at a time, in sequence, as if someone was snuffing them out!” At first Myers thought someone was playing a joke on him, but then he realized he was alone in the room. He told a security guard what happened, and the man didn’t seem surprised. He just said, “Oh, you’ve just met our friend.”

Myers returned to his room and relit the candles. He said, “Now you can believe this or not, I don’t care, but the icy coldness hit me again, and the racket kicked up in the chimney, which really scared me now, because the guard had told me about it being sealed. Then, someone or something very methodically extinguished each candle again, this time in reverse order!”
“There definitely was something there, a presence or whatever you want to call it. It was enough for me. I said, “Listen, you can have the room. Just let me get my pillow and blanket and I will get out of here.” And I got out of there as quick as I could and went over to another dependency, where the guard was, and I told him I was spending the night with him!”

Myers went back to Stratford Hall five years later for another craft show on the grounds. He refused to stay in the dependency where he had been before, but one evening he walked over to it. “It was a nice gentle breeze blowing,” he says, “but when I got in front of the building, everything was deathly still. Nothing was stirring. It was an eerie feeling. I put my hand on the doorknob and it was like clutching an icicle. That’s as far as I got. I wouldn’t go back into that room. There was something in there that didn’t want me inside.”

“The guards told me it wouldn’t hurt me, but they hadn’t felt what I had in that room. I’m not saying definitely that it was something evil, but I didn’t want to stick around and find out. It had made its point with me. I’m not psychic or anything, but I believe there is something to ghosts and spirits and there’s a lot we don’t understand about all that yet. But I can say for sure that I am certain there is something other worldly at Stratford Hall. There was something unexplained in that room, and one experience with whatever it was, or is, was enough for me!”

If you are interested in seeing Stratford Hall at Halloween, they are hosting a “Spook-tacular Halloween” as part of their annual Halloween program. It will have something for everyone this year. L.B. Taylor, author of over 13 books on the Virginia paranormal, will present a talk on the ghosts of the Northern Neck in the duPont Library. There will be ghost tours, refreshments, craft making, palm and Tarot card readings. You can check their event out on their website at http://www.stratfordhall.org/

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in General History | Comments Off on Ghost Story Anyone?

Ghost Stories

Oct. 24th 2013

The Time is Fast Approaching and there is a nervous tension in the air!

Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast and Southeast Virginia Paranormal Investigations host Paranormal Workshop and Ghost Hunts at Belle Grove Plantation!

Friday Night starts our Halloween Ghost Hunts at Belle Grove Plantation!

If you can’t be here, don’t worry, we will be sending out updates throughout the weekend on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!

TIME TO HAVE SOME FUN!!

We are going to give away one Ghost Hunt Ticket for Saturday, October 26th or Halloween, Thursday, October 31st!

We want to hear YOUR best Ghost Experiences!

Starting Now until 3pm, Friday, October 25th, write your best ghost experience story. Don’t forget to include where it happened it! (City and State or Country) The best story will win the free Ghost Hunting ticket! This is a $50 value!

Since our comment section isn’t working here on our new website blog, you can post your story on our old blog or Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Belle-Grove-Plantation-at-Port-Conway/271783509524776

http://virginiaplantation.wordpress.com/

Either way make sure you get it in before the “dead” line!

No ghost writers please!

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Darnell History | 1 Comment »

Belle Grove Plantation Makes Press for Halloween!

Oct. 24th 2013

On Wednesday, the King George Journal released an article about Belle Grove Plantation!

How awesome is this!

King George Journal Newspaper release an article on Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast talking about the Paranormal Workshop and Ghost Hunt for Halloween!

by Richard Leggett

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Halloween Season brings ghost hunters to Belle Grove

King George Journal Newspaper release an article on Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast talking about the Paranormal Workshop and Ghost Hunt for Halloween!

Historic Belle Grove Plantation, the birthplace of President James Madison that is now King George’s most luxurious bed and breakfast, will host paranormal investigators and ghost hunters for the next week as it participates in Halloween activities.

“Is Belle Grove Plantation haunted? Since arriving on the property, we have had several personal experience as well as stories told to us about others experiences,” said Michelle Darnell, who operates the bed and breakfast and event venue with her husband, Brett.

“In the time we have lived at the plantation, we have to say that none of the experiences are evil or malicious in nature. We feel they are just those that came before us that loved this plantation and never wanted to leave,” Darnell said.

The Darnell’s are hosting a Paranormal Workshop and Ghost Hunts Oct. 25, 26 and 31. The workshop will be Saturday, Oct. 26 featuring investigative medium Laine Crosby from 10:30 am to noon.

King George Journal Newspaper release an article on Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast talking about the Paranormal Workshop and Ghost Hunt for Halloween! Meet Laine Crosby

From 1pm to 6pm a Paranormal Team called Southeast Virginia Paranormal Investigations will be at Belle Grove to teach would-be ghost hunters how to hunt for ghosts the right way.

On Oct. 25, 26 and 31, the SVPI team will host a Ghost Hunt at Belle Grove to see if the historic plantation is actually haunted. “We have had them here before and have gotten lots of results.” Darnell said. “And the funny thing is, ‘Are you haunted’ seems to be the second question we are asked on our tours.”

King George Journal Newspaper release an article on Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast talking about the Paranormal Workshop and Ghost Hunt for Halloween!

The SVPI ghost hunters hosting the Ghost Hunt at Belle Grove are from Newport News. “This paranormal team of investigators has years of experience and is working on a new television pilot, ‘Paranormal Apprentice’. Belle Grove Plantation will be their second episode.” Darnell said.

“If you have ever watched shows like ‘Ghost Hunters’ or ‘Ghost Adventures’ and wanted to be a part of a real paranormal investigation, then this is the event for you!,” Darnell declared.

King George Journal Newspaper release an article on Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast talking about the Paranormal Workshop and Ghost Hunt for Halloween!

King George Journal Newspaper release an article on Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast talking about the Paranormal Workshop and Ghost Hunt for Halloween!

King George Journal Newspaper release an article on Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast talking about the Paranormal Workshop and Ghost Hunt for Halloween!

SVPI will bring all their paranormal equipment and will be taking Belle Grove visitors and guests o nighttime paranormal investigations. The Ghost Hunters will be conducted from 8pm to 4am. Darnell said suites for overnight guests are still available, but urged visitors to call to book a suite or check availability.

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Belle Grove History, Darnell History | Comments Off on Belle Grove Plantation Makes Press for Halloween!

Giving and Receiving

Oct. 23rd 2013

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
― Mother Teresa

The last few days have been so amazing for us. Not just because we have been busier than we have in the past or that we have met some of the most wonderful people. But because we have received so much this week that it has really taken our breath away.

We have received some of the most meaningful things at the plantation that we can’t even begin to put them into word. It is beyond our greatest expectations and has caused our hearts to burst with all the love and support we have gotten from others.

The first to arrive on our door step was two boxes of books from Robert in Nevada. He had written to me and told me about these books that belonged to his father. His father, John M. Wilson MD,  had a deep love of the Civil War and History and was a member of the Cleveland Civil War Round Table. Now that his father has passed, Robert wanted them to go somewhere others like his father could enjoy them. We asked Robert to place his father’s name in each of the books before sending them so in the future, his father and his name would be part of the historic library.

When I opened the box, I didn’t expect what we got! These books are just beautiful! Each one is leather tooled covers with a picture of the subject on the front. It color is a silver-gray and gives these books a wonderful finish. These books have now found a place among our “American History” section of our “James Madison / Belle Grove Plantation Library”.

 

Civil War Books donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

Civil War Books donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

Civil War Books donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

American History Section

Books donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

American Life Section

Civil War Books donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

General Interest Section

Civil War Books donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

Found Fathers /  Founding Mothers / Revolution / Constitution Section

This section could really use some books if you have any on these subjects!

Civil War Books donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

James Madison Section

Of all the sections this one is in the most need!

If you have any books on James Madison, please consider donating them to our historic library!

The next gift was just as wonderful. Dorothy was part of a group of ladies that came to the plantation last week for a tour. She and the ladies had a wonderful time. I personal enjoyed sharing Belle Grove with them and got just as excited seeing their faces as they saw each room.

Dorothy had told me that her husband, John Halpin, who had passed away was a fan of chess. She had caught sight of our chess set in the library and had told me that her late husband had a set that she would like to give to Belle Grove. She told me then that it was a better set than our crystal pieces and that it would look wonderful in the library.

She came over on Tuesday, after missing me on Monday to deliver the set. I was again blown away by the gift. This set is so elegant and so well made! The detail in each piece shows the love and care the creator use in making it. And to know that her husband spent hours enjoying such a set as well as knowing our guests will be just as fortunate just warmed our hearts. It now graces our library on a game table with two chairs waiting for players to come along and love them.

Chess Set donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast  James Madison Library King George, Virginia

Chess Set donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

Chess Set donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

Chess Set donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

Chess Set donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

Chess Set donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

Chess Set donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

Our next gift came today and has brought such beauty to our Madison Master Suite. Trish Bailey of Trish Bailey Designs brought us two wonderful flower arrangements to place in our Master Bath. They are unique and colorful and fill the space just as we had hoped. It was such a wonderful gift, not only the flowers, but her talent that she gave us free of charge. They are just … beautiful.

https://www.facebook.com/TrishBaileyDesigns

Flowers donated to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

Our last gift surprised me this afternoon. After running some errands, I arrived back at the plantation to two very large boxes on our porch. I started running through my head wondering if we had something coming. And for the life of me, I couldn’t think of what I missed.

I pulled them into the kitchen and cut away the ties and opened the first box.

Inside I found two canvas wrapped in paper.

Still I wondered what it could be.

After I pulled out the first canvas, I still didn’t know what I had.

It was on opening the second box did I realize that these canvas were all one picture cut into three parts.

When you place them together, you have …

James Madison Portrait given to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

James Madison!

The gift was from our daughter, Alexa and her boyfriend, Young for our 27th Wedding Anniversary on Friday. The pictures all together measure 4 feet tall and 2 feet, 8 inches wide! It is so big! The photo is of a statue of James Madison.

I tried the three parts over the mantle in the Parlor, but I think it looks a little too big for that space. I think we are going to place it in the library on the large wall between the two Common Room doors with the accent lights on it. What better place for a large picture of James Madison than in the “James Madison / Belle Grove Plantation” Library!

James Madison Portrait given to Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast / James Madison Library in King George. Virginia

Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast  James Madison Library King George, Virginia

Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast  James Madison Library King George, Virginia

We can’t even begin to tell you how blessed we feel!

It is just beyond any words we can say. We do want to thank everyone that have supported us, given of their time or resources or both and have followed along with us each and every day. This has been an amazing journey that still to this day brings me to tears. In my mind all I can keep saying is, “How did I ever get so lucky, so blessed to be here? How did I ever desire all this and more?”

“Encourage, lift and strengthen one another. For the positive energy spread to one will be felt by us all.

For we are connected, one and all.”

― Deborah Day

Thank you with all of our hearts!

Brett and Michelle Darnell

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Belle Grove History, Darnell History | Comments Off on Giving and Receiving

The Landscaping, Sidewalk, Hurley and an Incredible Find have arrived!

Jun. 24th 2013

20130622_095039

Saturday morning at 10am, a huge red Kenworth truck pulled into Belle Grove Plantation bearing lots of beautiful new plants! We also had 17 wonderful volunteers who gave of their time and worked hard in the heat to help us unload and plant 1/3 of the plants! We can’t begin to tell you how much we appreciate all our volunteers! We could have never done this alone!

20130622_100601

Thank you to the following:

Mr. and Mrs. Hudson

Mr. and Mrs. Moore

King George Board of Supervisors Ruby Brabo and her daughter Clara

Mrs. Veazey and her son Warren

Mrs. Durrette and her daughter Rachel

Mr. and Mrs. Crosson

Mrs. DeGroat from Chesapeake

Mrs. Barnett from Chesapeake

Mrs. Goodall and her friend Alex from Richmond

We had the following plants to arrive:

Blaauw’s Pink Azalea – Delaware Valley White Azalea – Girard’s Renee Michelle  Azalea – Karen Azalea – Milky Way Dogwoods – Old English boxwoods – Golden Mop Cypress – Pink Velour Crepe Myrtles – Monarda Petite Delight – Karl Rosenfeld Peony – Okame Japanese Cherry Trees – Double Red Knockout Roses – Double Pink Knockout Roses – Crown Jewel Gardenia – Leyland Cypress – Twist and Shout Hydrangea – Limelight Hydrangea – Charles Joly Hydrangea – Sunny Yellow Knockout Roses

Leyland Cypress

Leyland Cypress

Double Red Knockout Roses

Double Red Knockout Roses

Pink Velour Crepe Myrtles

Pink Velour Crepe Myrtles

Crown Jewel Gardenia

Crown Jewel Gardenia

Old English Boxwood

Old English Boxwood

Golden Mop Cypress already planted

Golden Mop Cypress already planted

One bed almost complete

One bed almost complete

As we were digging holes, we were finding more artifacts! One find was more than we could have hoped for! Alex found two parts of a white plate and two pieces of green glass. As soon as I saw the green glass I knew it was from an old wine bottle. But you just couldn’t date it because it lacked markings. But the white plate looked really interesting! I held my breath and hoped until today. I ran to Ferry Farm to get it dated! Mara confirmed my wildest dream! It dates from 1740 to 1755! It is now the oldest pieces we have found on Belle Grove! And the date would have been when James Madison’s Grandmother was still here! Can you believe it?! James Madison’s Grandmother, Rebecca Catlett Conway Moore and his mother, Nelly Conway Madison could have held this plate!! It just blows your mind!

White Plate (1740 to 1755)

White Plate (1740 to 1755)

Green Glass from a Wine Bottle. Found in the same hole believed to be the same dates

Green Glass from a Wine Bottle. Found in the same hole believed to be the same dates

While we were hard at work on the landscaping, we had a crew of hard working masons from Betts Masonry working hard on our sidewalks. You know that we have been pulling our brick from the Riverside to move to the front. Well Saturday we started seeing the fruit of our labors! We love this sidewalk! It should be done by Friday if we don’t get delayed by the weather!

Getting Started on the Sidewalk

Getting Started on the Sidewalk

Getting Started on the Sidewalk

Getting Started on the Sidewalk

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And I know we haven’t talked much about Hurley , our Official Plantation dog, because I have been at Belle Grove and he and Brett have been in Chesapeake. Well Hurley has arrived back at Belle Grove Plantation! He has a photo shoot on Tuesday with a soon to be bride.

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Just like me, he is discovering lots of new things, like this fake owl on the porch! I don’t think he cares for it.

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After all the hard work, the end of the day gave us a wonderful sunset!

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Just another great day at Belle Grove Plantation!

Keep up on all the things going on at Belle Grove

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Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Darnell History, Hurley | 16 Comments »

You Be the Judge

Jan. 23rd 2013

They are giving away the Key to the Courthouse!

No, it’s not a building or even a new job…

Flowers by Chikpea

Flowers by Chikpea

It’s a Bridal Expo!

What better way for a future bride and her family to spend a cold Sunday afternoon than to come to the Old Manassas Courthouse in Manassas, Virginia and enjoy the warmth of hospitality this event has to offer!

While Belle Grove Plantation won’t be there to exhibit this time

we will be there to enjoy meeting new vendors!

In fact one of our own selected vendors will be there!

Chikpea Graphics and Weddings

Chikpea

You may remember Chikpea with its team of Raygan and Brigitte! As the graphic design side of Chikpea, Raygan will be showing off her newest designs in invitation and stationary needs. Florist, Brigitte will be there to show off her artist designs in bouquets and flowers for every occasion!

Raygan Ketterer

Raygan Ketterer

Brigitte Morrow

Brigitte Morrow

This event is called

Key to the Courthouse Local Wedding Showcase

It is being hosted by Davis and Talley Events and Designs and the Prince William County Division of Historic Preservation.

Wedding Event Host

www.davistalley.com

You will have an opportunity to chat with knowledgeable exhibitors while sipping on a mimosa and getting ideas for your special day.

Flowers by Chikpea

Flowers by Chikpea

There will be local vendors, consultations, entertainment, tasting tables and more!

Admission is Free!

They will also be giving away prizes every hour.

Door Prizes include

Date Night Giveaway, Girls-Night-In Basket, Pretty Paper Kits,

In-Shape Inspiration and Wedding Mini-Library!

Old Manassas Court House

Old Manassas Court House

This event will be held in

the Historic Old Manassas Courthouse

located at 9246 Lee Avenue, Manassas, Virginia.

The event is from 1pm to 5pm.

For more information, check out their website at:

http://keyweddingshowcase.vpweb.com/?prefix=www

Come out and join us!

We would love to meet you in person!

Flowers by Chikpea

Flowers by Chikpea

We hope to see you there!

Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

Facebook Link

@BelleGroveVA

@BelleGroveVA

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Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Year of the Virginia Historic Homes | 20 Comments »

More Progress

Jan. 4th 2013
Landscape Plan dating back to the restoration in 2003. This will give you an idea of the lay of the grounds at Belle Grove. We aren't using all these ideas, just some.

Landscape Plan dating back to the restoration in 2003. This will give you an idea of the lay of the grounds at Belle Grove. We aren’t using all these ideas, just some.

Tomorrow we head back to the plantation… YAY!

We are meeting with the landscape contractor we have selected to help us turn Belle Grove Plantation back into the showplace it once was. I was very excited to find out that the person who is going to help us design the landscape is a licensed horticulturist. She is able to tell us what we have and how to best use it. She is also able to help us know what we need and what will look best. I am very excited!

Our goal is to use as many Virginia native plants as possible. We have several trees, but sadly a few are going to have to go. We are going to try and preserve as many ancient trees that we can.

Trees on the Bowling Green

Trees on the Bowling Green

But we have to look at the placement and remove those that might threaten the house. We have one just in front of the front entry. If a good wind came along, it could end up in the front hallway. So we are going to have to sacrifice this one. I don’t think I can be there when they do it though. After doing so much research and knowing about how long it has been there, I would be in tears as it came down. But don’t worry. It won’t be going far. The tree is large enough that we can have it milled to make boards to use on the Smokehouse or Summer Kitchen. So it won’t be gone, just changed in form.

The Tree that will need to be removed is to the right of the horse and buggy.1906

The Tree that will need to be removed is to the right of the horse and buggy.
1906

The Bowling Green looking toward Mansion1906

The Bowling Green looking toward Mansion
1906

So what kind of plants would you recommend? I love crepe myrtles. I am looking to use them around the Bowling Green (the large circle of grass on the Carriage side of the house). I also love flowering plants and want to use ones that will keep the yard filled all year around if possible. We are also looking at putting in a Formal Walking Garden. In the center of this garden will be a smaller version of Montpelier’s Temple. It is our way of remembering James Madison in the yard. It will also be a great place to take wedding pictures!

3D Drawing of grounds ideas dating back to 2003We are not going to follow all the ideas, but use it as a starting point.

3D Drawing of grounds ideas dating back to 2003
We are not going to follow all the ideas, but use it as a starting point.

Here is a copy of the landscape plan that was done back in 2003. This was just an idea of what they were thinking about doing.  The walking garden at the Riverside of the house isn’t going in at that place. We are thinking of moving it to the right of the house behind the garage area. This will leave open the grounds between the house and the river. We want this to be a three terrace step from the main grounds to the bluff over looking the water. It will also leave space for weddings at the Riverside with a view of the river and wooded area across the river. It is so beautiful.

If you look to the left of the house, you will see a pool. The three buildings around the pool are the three 1790s outbuildings, the Smokehouse, Ice House and Summer Kitchen. The pool isn’t there yet. Right now, there is only open ground. Under that open ground is an older inground pool that runs from the side of the house to the Ice House. But it was filled in for some reason years ago. So before we can put in the new pool, we will have to dig up the old one and remove it.

Current area around Outbuildings

Current area around Outbuildings

The pier you see at the waters edge isn’t there either. There use to be pier there many years ago. In fact I was told by a local man that he use to come to Belle Grove to swim in the pool with the owners son. He would travel from his plantation home downstream up to Belle Grove by boat. We hope in the future to add that pier back. It would be a great place for guests to get down to the water’s edge to watch the birds or do some fishing.

The trees around the Bowling Green aren’t all there yet either. Those will be the crepe myrtles that I love. This will be my touch on Belle Grove that came from my heart. There are also more trees on the Bowling Green that aren’t showing on this plan.

Trees that are still on the Bowling Green -picture date - 19061. Tree to be removed 2. Maple 3. Elm 4. Hickory

Trees that are still on the Bowling Green -picture date – 1906
1. Tree to be removed 2. Maple 3. Elm 4. Hickory

As you can see, we have a lot to talk over and a lot of work ahead of us! Our first task is driveway, sidewalks and grading. We also need to get some drainage work done on the guttering system. Right now it just comes down at the base of the house. This isn’t good for the foundation or the basement that dates back to the Conway period (1670 to 1790).

Whew.. just talking about it, I am already tired. But it will be a labor of love for us. And just think of the wonderful artifacts we are going to find! I can’t wait to get my hands dirty! Anyone what to come “play”?

To see more picture of Belle Grove Plantation

Please visit our Facebook  Page!

Facebook Link

We have also created a new “ABOUT BELLE GROVE PLANTATION” page!

Located just under the “About Us” page on the left hand column!

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Don’t forget to enter the “First Annual Official Cookie of Belle Grove Plantation” Cookie Contest!

Just Click on James Madison for entry information and rules!

Cookie Contest 2013

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Darnell History | 54 Comments »

In Search of….

Dec. 15th 2012
The "Evening Show" on the Riverside Balcony at Belle Grove Plantation

The “Evening Show” on the Riverside Balcony at Belle Grove Plantation

As we start working towards our opening date with zoning, we also have to start thinking about who we will be using for different products and services we might need at the plantation. Yes, it’s time to start looking into vendors.

Besides the bed and breakfast side of the business, we are looking at doing events at the plantation too. The events will start out small at first to give us time to get on our feet and see what works and what doesn’t. But it is our hope to increase the size and scope of the events as we progress through. One of the biggest events we will be doing at the plantation will be weddings.

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For anyone that has ever planned or be involved in planning a wedding, you know it is no easy task. On top of that is finding the right business to handle each part that would need to be delegated out. That is where we hope to help the brides and their families. By working with a select group of key businesses, we want to be a “One Stop Shop Experience” for brides.

So now comes the fun part…

During the last year, Brett and I have been looking around and talking to different people to see who they would recommend. We have also met with some businesses to discuss the possibility in being a selected vendor with Belle Grove Plantation. Armed with the word of mouth we have received and doing some of our own research, we are already gearing up for the selection process.

What we are looking for…

In selecting a business to be one of our vendors at Belle Grove Plantation, we are looking for is a business that understands who we are and what our goals are for each event. The one thing we have said over and over in planning our bed and breakfast business is that we want each guest that visits the plantation to come away with a “Wow Virginia Experience”. That experience would start the moment you contact the plantation. From the experience of making reservations to pulling into the long driveway to leaving after a relaxing stay to following up after the visit; it’s all important to us. I guess the best way to say it is “Details Matter”. So when looking for someone to represent us, we want them to have that same philosophy.

We also want to use as much local, small businesses as we can. We believe that America was built by small businesses and we want to support them. We would prefer to use local, Virginia based businesses that will provide a product or service that we can showcase and include in our plantation. This is not to say that other small businesses that are outside of Virginia are off the plate. We know that we may have to go outside the area to find the best product or service. We want to make sure that the product or service and the business lives up to our standards. We want only the best for our guests.

Meeting with Businesses…

Just recently we had the opportunity to meet one with a local florist and graphic design business who is interested in being a part of Belle Grove’s “Wow Virginia Experience”. It happened just last Saturday. They came to us by word of mouth from another plantation in the area. They had contacted us through Facebook and requested a meeting with us. You have to love Social Networking!

www.chikpeagraphics.com

www.chikpeagraphics.com

The company is called “ChikPea”. This Graphic Design / Florist company is based out of Culpepper, Virginia. This mother and daughter team has been in business for six years now.

Raygan Ketterer

Raygan Ketterer

Raygan Ketterer, the daughter side of the business and the acting “El Presidente” graduated from Lynchburg College with a degree in Studio Art & Graphic Design. She has worked in the graphics industry since 2002. She has worked with offset printing, screenprinting and embroidery. Her longest run was with a high end sign shop for over six years. It was during those six years that Raygan developed a passion for creating and constructing every detail with her own hands and materials.

Brigitte Morrow

Brigitte Morrow

Brigitte Morrow, the mother side of the business and acting “Flower Guru” has been a florist for over 30 years. Through her wealth of experience, Brigitte is able to create beautiful masterpieces in mere minutes. She showed us her ability this past Saturday. Just before coming to see us at Belle Grove Plantation, Brigitte and Raygan stopped by a neighboring plantation they currently do work for. There Bridgette asked to make some cuttings from their greenery on their grounds. With this greenery, she created a very beautiful and very accurate Colonial wreath for us at Belle Grove!

Colonial Style Wreath made by Chikpea.Contains pine, spruce, mistletoe, and magnolia leaves

Colonial Style Wreath made by Chikpea.
Contains pine, spruce, mistletoe, and magnolia leaves

Needless to say, we were very impressed! They brought with them a very professional portfolio with some of the most wonderful flowers pieces they have done for weddings in and around Culpepper. Raygan also brought us samples of her graphic skills which were well presented and of the highest quality. Needless to say, we will be talking more with them about being one of our partner vendors!

Flowers by Chikpea

Flowers by Chikpea

Flowers and Graphics by Chikpea

Flowers and Graphics by Chikpea

Flowers by Chikpea

Flowers  and Graphics by Chikpea

Flowers by Chikpea

Flowers by Chikpea

So What Now…

We start by making a list of products and services that we are going to need. Then we send out invitations to area businesses we want to talk to. Then we make appointments to view their products or services. After we have met with everyone, we narrow it down to those few that we found to be the best representation for Belle Grove Plantation. Sounds simple, right? Believe me; we are going to be looking very closely and hard at each of the businesses because we want to make sure when you come to see us at the plantation, you will only get the best!

If you are a business and are interested in working with us or if you know of a business, please feel free to contact us through our email at virginiaplantation@gmail.com.

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Year of the Virginia Historic Homes | 48 Comments »