Come walk the grounds where President James Madison drew his first breath. Take in the grounds where James Madison’s mother, Eleanor Rose “Nelly” Conway Madison was born, grew up and returned to have James. Walk through the mansion that Union soldiers forced a family from to take it as a Union Headquarters. Stand in the bowling green where Union soldiers set up camp. View where John Wilkes Booth rode the ferry across the Rappahannock River on the way to Garrett’s Farm. Learn about the Union detachment pursuing John Wilkes Booth stopping to rest, eat and sleep at the plantation. Stand in the Grand Hallway where one of those officers slept.
As you walk through Belle Grove Plantation’s mansion, you will feel instantly transported back with our period antiques. Each room is filled with antiques that reflect a time in the history of this grand Southern plantation.
Our collection was started in April 2013 and has continued to grow. From pieces that were found in antique shopping trips to antique auction, each piece tells us a story of the past. Our collection include very special donated pieces from individuals who wish their pieces to be a part of this very grand landmark. Each of these donated pieces from our candelabras in the parlor to the pewter chess set in the library have come to us with very unique stories that will live on as part of Belle Grove Plantation.
Our tours are a guided 45 minutes to 1 hour tour through the mansion. All rooms are open with the exception of those that are occupied by overnight guests or event spaces during that time. Grounds are open for self guided viewing with restrictions on the Caretakers home.
Hours
January to March – Closed weekdays (Monday to Friday) / Open weekends (Saturday and Sunday) 1pm to 4pm (Last tour starts at 3pm) / For weekday tours, please email us to make an appointment to view.
April to November – Open Wednesday to Sunday 1pm to 4pm (Last tour starts at 3pm) / Tours can be taken on Monday or Tuesday with Afternoon Tea Reservations.
December – Open 7 Days a Week 11am to 4pm for our Holiday House. No Reservation Required for Tour. Dickens of a Time Tea and Tour Requires a Reservation. This can be made by visiting our Calendar page.
Cost
January to November
$15.00 – Adults
$10.00 – Children under 12
Free – Children under 4
December
$15.00 – Adults
Free – Children 12 and under
Tickets are sold at the mansion. They may be purchased with a credit card or by cash.
Things to Know about the Tours
- While Belle Grove Plantation is a historic site and bed and breakfast, the mansion is also a private residence. We do not allow individuals to enter and wander around the mansion unaccompanied. The grounds are open only during tour hours. We would love to have you come and visit, but please respect our home and hours.
- Belle Grove Plantation does strive to provide the best possible accessibility to the mansion and grounds to meet our visitors’ diverse abilities and needs. However tours at Belle Grove Plantation do involve a fair amount of standing, walking, and stairs. Chairs are provided within rooms for those that can not stand. We have a temporary handicap ramp that we can move into place for those who need it. This is by request and must be done with a two weeks notice.
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- We ask that you please not bring food or drinks inside.
- We ask that you please not bring food or drinks inside.
- We ask that you please not open closet doors or furniture drawers. These are our personal spaces.
Belle Grove Plantation Mansion and Grounds Tours will be closed in for the following dates due to Private Events or Holidays.
Belle Grove Plantation will reopen on the next normal tour date.
Private Events can be adding at anytime. Please check our website before you come to visit for any updated dates. Thank you.