History and modern architecture are perfectly blended and framed by Mill and Wilkins creeks that feed the Yeocomico and nearby Potomac rivers in the picturesque community of Mundy Point in historic Northumberland County.
On Wednesday, April 27, the Garden Club of the Northern Neck’s Historic Garden Week Tour showcases five architecturally designed homes with spectacular waterfront views and modern gardenscapes.
The homes offer insight into Mundy Point’s present and historical past. Invading British troops used the location as entry to burn and pillage much of the Northern Neck during the War of 1812 in retribution for the sinking of British warships off of its shores. The thriving steamboat trade passing its shores enhanced Mundy Point’s farm fields, crab pots and oyster beds that still characterize the area and represents a continuing legacy of its commercial and agricultural past.
This tour will offer the experience of a variety of homes and gardens with expansive water views. Each of the architect-designed homes presents a number of different styles, including contemporary, mid-century modern, and southern and New England coastal. Landscaping ranges from natural woodlands and informal farm settings to more formal gardens.
IN ARREARS FARM
This home is approached through woodlands inspired by those of Pennsylvania’s Longwood Gardens, which in the spring manifest a profusion of flowers in bloom. Situated at the head of Mill Creek, this property and adjoining horse pasture and stable overlook vast wetlands inhabited by eagles and other native wildlife. The wetlands abut Kissinger Springs, a freshwater pond, formerly the site of a well known grist mill. This New England style coastal home was designed by its Maine architect to provide water views from almost every room. Flooring throughout the house is taken from heart of pine logs recovered from a river bottom near Pensacola, Fla., and the cherry kitchen cabinets were milled on site from trees on the property. The home at 219 Creekview Lane is owned by Bill Wine.
THE POINT
The Point’s home, garden and entertainment spaces are beautifully defined by rose-covered archways, cascading stone walkways and multi-level terraces. First registered as “Prickly Pear Point,” its original brick rambler was replaced in 2007 by the current owner and her late husband Jim Lake with a structure designed to appear as if it were built and added onto over time. A mix of historically appropriate materials and features define the home’s additions that include a Spanish-tiled roof and stone-columned portico, a mudroom floored with pre-Civil War forged bricks, a massive stone cooking fireplace in the heart of the brick-alcove kitchen and a glassed sunroom leading to the upper-level terrace, pool and raised garden areas. Cobblestone and Pennsylvania blue stone pathways lead to the property’s oar house, boathouse, fire pit and vine-covered grotto covering a terrace original to the property. The home at 536 Mill Creek View Lane is owned by Cynthia S. Hudson.
PATRIOT’S PLACE
This architect-designed coastal farmhouse is situated on the west side of Mundy Point with expanded views of Wilkins Creek. The property is framed by pine woodlands that affords privacy and nesting sites for eagles and numerous other wildlife. Constructed in 2011, this two-story home has an open floor plan that easily accommodates large family gatherings. It offers a beautiful setting that showcases the owners’ collection of American and English antiques, local and regional art and Native American pieces. The house orientation, in addition to its four exterior porch areas, takes full advantage of the prime waterfront property and gives all living areas direct water views. The home at 2363 Mundy Point Road is owned by Mary Jane and Scott Thompson.
WARWICK BANKS
This peninsula projecting into Mill Creek includes farmland, pine and hardwood forests, and wetlands. Its history as a once-larger farm is evidenced by its late 19th century two-story farmhouse, red barn with attached woodshed and artist’s studio. A brick ranch-style house was constructed in 1947. All structures were in a deteriorated state until renovated in 2005 by the current owners with the intent of maintaining as much of the original character as possible. With 270-degree views of Mill Creek, the open floor plan of the main house, organized around a central fireplace, places an emphasis on natural materials—stone, brick and wood—and showcases a collection of modern paintings, sculptures, prints and ceramics. The home at 1452 Mundy Point Road is owned by Susan and Monte Lake.
WILLOW OAK
Nestled under a majestic 150-year-old willow oak tree, this property was completed in 2018 and consists of a three-bedroom main residence, two-bedroom guest house, garage and dock house. Just off the Yeocomico River, the residence features a dramatic two-story entryway with a floating wood staircase, polished concrete floors, reclaimed heart pine posts and beams and retracting glass door panels connecting the interior spaces with picturesque water views on three sides. The infinity pool and screened porch further accentuate the home’s connection to her natural surroundings. This contemporary home won” Best of Rural Residential” in the 2020 Best of LaCantina competition. The home at 302 Feriazzo Lane is owned by Brenda and Jim Gianiny.
Tour headquarters
The shuttle bus tour will be offered on Wednesday, April 27, beginning at tour headquarters, 1530 Mundy Point Road, Callao. Shuttle buses will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. between tour headquarters and each of the five houses which may be visited in any order. Complimentary refreshments available at headquarters from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Lunch
Box lunches must be pre-ordered by April 16 for $18 each. For menu options see: ststephensheathsville.org. Vegetarian lunches will be available upon request. Online order and payment is preferred at ststephensheathsville.org. If ordering by mail, make checks payable to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Mail to Ellen Kirby, P.O. Box 40, Heathsville, VA 22473. Pick up lunches from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on tour day at tour headquarters. Picnic table seating will be available at tour headquarters.
Parking
Parking and restrooms will be available only at tour headquarters. Houses are not handicapped accessible. Tour visitors are reminded to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Tickets
Advance tickets are encouraged. Tickets are $40 per person, sold in advance at vagardenweek.org. Day of tour ticket sales will be available by credit card only.
