The Madison Suite Gets Its Crowning Glory

Sep. 24th 2013

Today our seamstresses arrived with the Madison Master Suite’s Canopy for the Full Tester Bed!

Wow what a difference it makes for the bed!

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It really makes the bed look taller than before and really dresses the suite up!

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All we have left to do is add some portraits, pictures and small decor and we will have a finished room!

Thank you to Gates Antiques, most especially Mrs. Jo Gates for putting so much time into getting the details right for this suite! It looks beyond beautiful! Any President would be over joyed in staying here!

Gates Antiques

12700 Old Buckingham Rd  Midlothian, VA 23113

http://gatesantiques.com/

Now I wonder who will be the first to sleep under this canopy!

At this moment, the suite is available for this coming weekend!!

To see more pictures of our Suites or to Book a Suite with us

Please visit our Official Website at

Home Page

https://www.bellegroveplantation.com/

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Belle Grove History, Darnell History | 14 Comments »

More Furniture Has Arrived

Jun. 28th 2013

Bright and early yesterday, 7am to be exact, we took delivery of more furniture! 

Truck

This time, it arrived from Farmville, Virginia!

Look what we have added to Belle Grove Plantation!

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We have chairs and a table for the Riverside Balcony!

Now you can have your breakfast with a view from the river!

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A New Mirror!

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Another New Mirror

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We have two of these new mirrors!

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A new sideboard for the Grand Hall 

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I love this inlay detail on the sideboard!

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Two new card tables to go under the mirrors in the Formal Dining Room!

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A Leather Chair for the Library!

Can you see yourself curling up with a good book?

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And a Leather Sofa for the Library!

How about a quick book and nap!

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A Desk and Chair for the Common Area!

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The legs are just beautiful!

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And the inlay is just amazing!

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To see more purchases for Belle Grove Plantation

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Visit our Facebook Fan Page!

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Darnell History | 18 Comments »

More Furnishings Arrived!

Jun. 10th 2013

Gates Antiques

Today we took another deliver of furniture!

Look what we have now!

Sideboard from Richmond Family

The Sideboard that was owned by an Old Richmond Family has come home to Belle Grove!

English Slant Top

So has the English Slant Top Desk!

English Slant Top Open

Isn’t it just beautiful?

Framed Mirror

Today was a big mirror delivery!

We got this Gold Framed Mirror…

Two Gilded Mirrors

These two Gold Gilded Mirrors….

Mirror

And this beautiful floor mirror!

Can you image all the brides that will be looking into this looking glass before their wedding at Belle Grove?

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What Details!

Mirror details 1

Mirror details 2

Want to see more of the things we purchased?

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Visit our Facebook Fan Page!

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in General History | 10 Comments »

We Never Do Anything Halfway at Belle Grove Plantation

Jun. 9th 2013

Yesterday was a great adventure! I was back in Chesapeake Friday night so we could head to Richmond on Saturday to meet with our design team. We decided to make a day of it and headed up Surry, Virginia to eat lunch at the Surrey House Restaurant and Inn. We have been following them on Facebook for awhile and have seen some of the awesome dishes they make.

Surrey House Restaurant and Inn

https://www.facebook.com/SurreyHouseRestaurant?fref=ts

As soon as we sat down, Jennifer (one of the owners) pops out of the kitchen to say hello and asked about my finger. The restaurant is wonderful. They have such a “homey” feel when you come in. They have some sayings framed around the place and I loved the one that said:

“Unattended Children will be given Expresso with an Energy Drink and a Puppy.”

Lunch was great too! I started with something I have never had before but wanted to try – Virginia Peanut Soup. This area around Suffolk, Smithfield and Surry is a large producer of peanuts. And I have to tell you, I LOVE Peanut Butter. But the soup must be an acquired taste. The waitress asked me if I had ever had it before and I said no. So she suggested that I take a sample first. It was awesome! So I asked for a cup.

Surrey House Restaurant and Inn Virginia Peanut Soup

Surrey House Restaurant and Inn Virginia Peanut Soup

It was like drinking warm, liquid peanut butter! It is even had bits of peanuts in it. They served it with crackers which was just perfect! When I was young, my grandmother, Nannie, would always make me an afternoon snack of peanut butter on crackers. What a great memory it brought back! I tried very hard to get the recipe, but it is a closely guarded secret. (Time to start experimenting!)

Brett ordered a Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich and I got a Cheeseburger. Instead of fries, we both got an Apple Fritter. He had his without sugar, I had mine with sugar. They were heavenly! I could have made a meal of just them!

Chicken Cordon Bleu and Apple Fritters

Chicken Cordon Bleu and Apple Fritters

Cheese Burger and Apple Fritters

Cheese Burger and Apple Fritters

After we finished, we headed out to go to Richmond. Just as we started to pull out, Sam, Jennifer’s husband flagged us down to say good-bye. What a great couple! You must stop here and grab a bite! Make sure you say Belle Grove said “Hello!”

We arrived in Richmond at Gates Antiques for a day of reviewing and approving new purchases. It is such a “hard” thing to do… not! Here are some wonderful things we saw yesterday.

Federal Linen Press

Federal Linen Press

You  may remember this Federal Linen Press from a recent post. It was in pieces as they were working on making some repairs for us. Well, it’s done and will be making it’s way to Belle Grove on Monday!

English Slant Top Desk

English Slant Top Desk

They also have the English Slant Top Desk ready to head to Belle Grove!

Curving for Satee

They have started work on a Settee that we are planning on placing in the Grand Hallway upstairs. Look at this carving repair they have completed! It is hard to believe that it wasn’t part of the Settee to start with!

Early 1800s Sideboard

Early 1800s Sideboard

I finally got to see in person the Sideboard we picked for the Formal Dining Room!

It is very more beautiful in person than in the photographs!

Early 1800s Sideboard - details

Early 1800s Sideboard – details

Early 1800s Sideboard - The doors are curved!

Early 1800s Sideboard – The doors are curved!

Early 1800s Sideboard - Even the Key is cool!

Early 1800s Sideboard – Even the Key is cool!

Victorian Chairs

Victorian Chairs

We selected these two Victorian Chairs for the Parlor!

One has a Fruit Detail at the head and the other has a Rosewood Detail!

Satee

Settee

We also selected a matching Settee to go in the Grand Hallway downstairs! It looks allot like the one they just started working on, but has just a very differences. We won’t be using this leather covering. We are going to do both in a gold fabric with a diamond pattern and light blue accents in the fabric to match the wall color in the Grand Hallway.

Satee Details

Settee Details

You can see here that similarities with some of the carvings.

Satee Details

Settee Details

But this inlay is different on this one. It is in the head rail at the top.

Satee Details

Settee Details

And this carving in the foot rail.

Corner Cupboard

Corner Cupboard

We selected this Corner Cupboard for the Parlor too. Can you see the tea cup collection in this?

Egyptian Black Marble Serving Table

Egyptian Black Marble Serving Table

And of course the best for last!

This is the Egyptian Black Marble Serving Table that will go in the Parlor beside the Corner Cupboard.

Marble Table Detail

Marble Table Detail

The marble has white and gold veining in it! It is amazing!

We returned to Chesapeake last night completely happy with all the selecting and repairs being made!

Our design team is doing an awesome job and working very hard to get us ready to open soon!

This morning, I head back to Patients First here in Chesapeake to see my long time primary doctor, Dr. Mansfield. I have been seeing her for years now and its almost like seeing a friend when I come in. I wanted her to follow up on  my broken finger to make sure it was looking good. I had gotten a call just two days after my accident (three weeks ago) from Patient First telling me that it was in fact broken. They had advised me to go to an Orthopedic Surgeon to have it looked it. Thinking that it was just a hairline fracture, I declined the referral and said I would just splint it and watch it.

Thursday this week, I got a second follow-up call from Patient First. They again asked if I had gone to the Orthopedic Surgeon. I reminded them that I had declined, but then it got me to wondering why a second call. So I asked the nurse for a little more detail about the break. Come to find out, I didn’t have a hairline fracture. I had a compression fracture and she told me that I broke part of the finger tip off!

So today, I thought it wise to follow up with Dr. Mansfield to make sure I really don’t need to go. When she came into the room, she sat down and said that after reading the notes from the two follow-up calls, all she could say was, “That’s Michelle.” I guess you can say I get pretty involved in my own medical care. She had them take a second set of X-rays to review the finger.

Tip of my left ring finger X-ray

Tip of my left ring finger X-ray

After the X-rays came back, she said, “I have to say, you don’t do anything half way do you?” I kind of laughed and asked what the results were. She told me that I did have a compression fracture and that I did break the tip off. But that the break was in eight pieces!

Tip of my left ring finger X-ray - Detailed

Tip of my left ring finger X-ray – Detailed

Good news – I don’t have to go to an Orthopedic Surgeon! There is really nothing they can do but splint it and let it heal. She said it should heal nicely. The two cuts (one on top and one of the side) are healing good with no infections.

Bad news is that it is going to take longer to heal. But I have been using my hand and there really isn’t any pain unless I hit it or touch it. The splint is pretty much keeping it from that.

She did tell me that the reason they followed up twice was more because of the cuts. That it could have had some of the bone coming out! Yikes! But thankfully that didn’t happen either.

So splint, clean dressing and no dirt or water and I should be good. Typing has taken some getting use to, but its not really slowing me down.

I do want to thank everyone for the kind words and the gifts that I have gotten since it happened!

It means allot to me!

We have such great supporters!

Don’t forget our Virtual Housewarming Party

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Help Us Stock Our Library!

Click below and read how you can help us and

become part of the history of James Madison’s Birthplace – Belle Grove Plantation!

https://virginiaplantation.wordpress.com/2013/06/07/housewarming-party/

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Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Darnell History | 34 Comments »

Things Are Getting Crazy!

May. 23rd 2013
Possible Lamp for the Madison Room

Possible Lamp for the Madison Room

I have to tell you, things are starting to move along at a faster pace now. We are down to about 30 plus days before we open. We have had to push the date several times due to delays, but I think July 1st is going to be the date!

I almost feel like I am neglecting you because I am not writing as much or being able to read your blogs as much. I hope you will understand my absence for the next month or so! I am trying to get pictures in everything I do so you will have a chance to enjoy the fun with us!

This week, I have had my nose in the computer most of the day working on our Official website text. We hope to have it complete and ready to launch by mid-June. I’m not sure if we will have the photographs ready by that point, but at least we can get the site up. Depending on how firm the July 1st opening date is, we may even be able to start taking reservation by mid-June! So get ready and watch for the launch date!

I did get a break yesterday. I needed to go to Richmond for the day to finalize the fabrics for the rest of the rooms. It was great fun! Of course I didn’t have to look at tons of fabrics since we pretty much picked out the whole house last time. We just needed to get a few rooms done that we didn’t get to before.

Fabric for the Foyer and Bath in the South Wing

Fabric for the Foyer and Bath in the South Wing

Cord for the Fabric for the Foyer and Bath in the South Wing

Cord for the Fabric for the Foyer and Bath in the South Wing

Style Valance for the Foyer and Bath. We will have a Roman Shade in the Bath

Style Valance for the Foyer and Bath. We will have a Roman Shade in the Bath

Fabric for the Library and Business Center in the North Wing

Fabric for the Library and Business Center in the North Wing

Style Valance for the Library in the North Wing - One difference we will have a rod showing

Style Valance for the Library in the North Wing – One difference we will have a rod showing

Rod for the Library

Rod for the Library

Valance Style for the Business Center

Valance Style for the Business Center

Canopy Style for the Madison Bed - without wood detail around top

Canopy Style for the Madison Bed – without wood detail around top

Canopy Style for the Conway Bed - without wood detail around top

Canopy Style for the Conway Bed – without wood detail around top

I also got to see some of the furnishings that we have already purchased. It was so cool to see them standing in the shop with at red “SOLD” tag on them!

Grand Father Clock for the Parlor. Note the red "Sold" tag!

Grand Father Clock for the Parlor. Note the red “Sold” tag!

Two Mirrors for the Parlor with their "Sold" tags!

Two Mirrors for the Parlor with their “Sold” tags!

I got to see some of the items we are having restored. They are doing such a great job with them! One was an Acorn Bed we purchased for the Conway Room. They have been working on the finish and had the first coat on! It was amazing! Just to see it together and with the details just took my breath away. I knew it was beautiful, but never knew it was going to be this beautiful!

Acorn Bed for the Conway Room

Acorn Bed for the Conway Room

Acorn Headboard and Post

Acorn HeadboardAcorn Top

They have been working on our bed for the Madison Room. They showed me the rail from this 1810 bed that they were adding some length to. It is amazing how they do it and make it look like it was always a part of the bed!

Extending rail on Madison Bed

Extending rail on Madison Bed – Check out the Carpenter’s Marks from 1800s!

They had our Federal style Linen Press for the Madison Room in the workroom. They had it broken down and were making adjustments to the shelves so we can house a flat screen television in it. They were also making repairs to the details that were missing. Can you believe the work that they have done to make this look so perfect!

Jay with the Linen Press

Jay with the Linen Press

Linen Press

Linen Press for the Madison Room

Original Detail Line Press

Original Detail Line Press

Replacment Details for the Linen Press

Replacment Details for the Linen Press

The "Miracle Workers" at Gates Antiques!

The “Miracle Workers” at Gates Antiques!

We needed to pick out a chest for the Hipkins-Bernard Room. Jay, one of the owners of Gates Antiques, showed me this beautiful chest from the late 1700s! I love it and can’t wait to see it in the HB Room! It is going to look so perfect! And the best part is that the family this room honors was at Belle Grove between 1790 and 1839!

Late 1700s Chest for the Hipkins-Bernard Room

Late 1700s Chest for the Hipkins-Bernard Room

Jay also showed me a serving table he has found for the parlor. The base is mahogany with an Egyptian Black Marble Top that has Gold Veining running through it! The top was out for repairs, but the base is just beautiful! I can’t wait to see it together!

Serving Table for Parlor

Serving Table for Parlor

Side View of the Serving Table for Parlor

Side View of the Serving Table for Parlor

One last piece that Jay just called me about. We purchased a sideboard from an old, prominent Richmond family. The previous owner was looking for just the right person to purchase it. He didn’t want it to go to just anyone. In fact if he didn’t find a good home for it, he was thinking of donating it to a university! I am so glad we made the cut! But it has just arrived at the shop and they sent me pictures of it. It had a gallery added to it that isn’t original so they are going to remove it for me. I can’t wait to see it at Belle Grove!

Sideboard for the Formal Dining Room

Sideboard for the Formal Dining Room

So now I am off to pack up and head back to the plantation. Our goal this weekend is to get the Madison Room painted. It will be going from green to a beautiful Presidential Blue, Gold and White. Brett will be joining me later today after he gets off work. He will be working on pulling the rest of the bricks from the riverside and pulling the old fountain out. We need to get this done really soon too. The company that will be making the final repairs to the mansion will be starting on June 3rd. They will be putting in our sidewalks and arrival pad at the front door. All the bricks we pull will be used to do the sidewalks and arrival pad.

A Couple of Quick Announcements!

We are excited to announce that we will be at a Bridal Show with the Virginia Wedding Network on June 2nd!

It will be in Fredericksburg at the beautiful Riverside Conference Center from noon to 4pm!

Come out and see us if you can!

We are also planning our own vendor fair soon too!

Watch for details to come!

To see more photos of our shopping adventures

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Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Belle Grove History, Darnell History | 28 Comments »