From The Archives

Gracious Living in the Heart of Virginia

Edgewood, one of the oldest and largest houses in the town of Amherst, Virginia, was built circa 1818 in the Greek revival style by local attorney and clerk of court Arthur B. Davies. As he began construction on a knoll overlooking the town’s two historic thoroughfares, he spared little expense on the exceptional house. Constructed in a T-shape with two stories above an English basement, Edgewood’s design was influenced by 19th-century building manuals popular at the time. Davies built his new home with locally
made brick laid in both American and Flemish bond.
Almost two centuries after its construction, Edgewood remains an extraordinary property. Lovingly restored and meticulously maintained, Edgewood is a significant historical structure that offers all the comforts of modern living. It is unique due to its plan and size, and significant for its stylish interior decorative features. The house retains most of its original woodwork and mantels. With approximately
8,000 total finished square feet, Edgewood boasts nine bedrooms and seven full baths. Elegant touches throughout continually surprise and delight, such as the intricate herringbone brick floor in the dining room. The oldest section of the house, at 4,500 square feet, includes ten rooms and three full baths. Interesting
interior details of the old section include nine fireplaces with complex carved mantels, a circular
staircase, paneled wainscote, and light fixtures original to the installation of electricity. Perhaps most striking is a three-wall mural in the drawing room painted by an itinerant artist around 1830. Layers of wallpaper were peeled away in the 1970s to reveal boldly painted eastern designs influenced by the French wallpapers popular at the time that used scenes, buildings and figures from China and India. The
mural, as well as the house, have been widely studied and written about. The two-story, 3,500-square foot wing was added in 1972 and was designed within the guidelines for
historic preservation and built in the Georgian style to be compatible with the original architecture. It adjoins the English basement but opens at ground level. Six bedrooms and four full baths are located in this section of the house, along with a large, inviting family room and a private, spacious master suite.
The 5.5-acre, park-like grounds alternate between rolling lawn and established, shady foliage. Other
outdoor amenities include an in-ground pool, patio area, original slate walkway, a gracious garden and outbuildings. While convenient to shopping, schools and access roads, Edgewood is peacefully located and retains its pastoral grace and historic charm. From its impressive Tuscan-columned portico to its interior Chippendale woodwork, Edgewood offers gracious living in the heart of Virginia.

Amherst County Virginia

Located near the geographic center of Virginia and ideally situated in the foothills of Virginia’s breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Amherst County offers the best of rural and suburban living combined with thriving businesses, beautiful neighborhoods, strong schools and cultural opportunities. Founded in 1761, the County is home to golf courses, museums, lakes, parks, vineyards, festivals, trails (including the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway), Sweet Briar College, as well as to nationally known manufacturers. It offers prime commercial real estate, supported by solid infrastructure (including broadband telecommunications), remarkably affordable housing, outstanding schools and youth athletic and civic programs. Amherst County is just minutes north of Lynchburg and additional shopping and cultural opportunities. It is located 45 minutes south of Charlottesville, three hours south of Washington, D.C., and two hours west of Richmond. Bounded on the west by the Blue Ridge Mountains and on the south and east by the historic James River, Amherst County has land area of 479 square miles. The population is 32,000 concentrated in the southern part of the county near Lynchburg and in the Town of Amherst, the county seat, in the central part of the county. The county is part of the Lynchburg MSA with a population of 235,000. Amherst County enjoys a moderate climate and the beauty of the four seasons. Fall is the most spectacular time of the year with the vibrant leaves reaching their 'peak' in mid-October. The topography is gently rolling, typical of the Piedmont, and the climate is mild with an average temperatures of 75 degrees in July and 34 degrees in January. From its historic traffic circle and whimsical art meter walk along Main Street to the spectacular mountain views and wide open spaces, Amherst is a vibrant and progressive community that does not disappoint.
Helpful Links:
Amherst County: http://www.countyofamherst.com/
Amherst County Public Schools: http://www.amherst.k12.va.us/.
Amherst County Chamber of Commerce: www.amherstvachamber.com
Town of Amherst: http://www.amherstva.gov/
Amherst County Museum: http://www.amherstcountymuseum.org/