Brandon Plantation Circa 1607!

Brandon Plantation Circa 1607!

Brandon Plantation Circa 1607!

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One of history’s most interesting romances was between William Shakespeare’s youngest daughter, Judith, and her husband, Thomas Quiney. Thomas’ brother, Richard, was an original part owner of Brandon Plantation on the James River in Virginia where Judith and Thomas stayed while visiting in America.

Brandon Plantation has been in agricultural operation continuously with the earliest record of land tended traced to 1607 with uninterrupted operation until today, according to the National Register of Historic Places. In 1720, the plantation was sold to Nathaniel Harrison, in which family it remained until 1926. The Harrison family produced multiple governors and two U.S. Presidents. In 1926, the farm was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Daniel who undertook a total restoration of the plantation. The estate of their son, former Virginia Congressman Robert W. Daniel, Jr. who died in 2012, is the current owner of the property. Of the main house, it is said that the wings were constructed originally in 1765, and that later Thomas Jefferson designed the central section and wing connections as a gift to his dear friends, the Harrisons.

Located on 3.5 miles of the banks of the James River in Prince George County, Virginia, the expansive estate contains more than 4,500 acres, of which 1,600 acres are cultivated with soybeans, wheat, barley and corn producing high yields. The farm operation has 14 farm structures, including a horse stable, two-story brick mule barns, a dairy barn, wood and metal frame buildings for storage of farm equipment and three grain elevators. There are also 11 tenant homes on the property for staff or guests. The main house consists of 7,700 square feet with seven bedrooms and seven baths and is in the Palladian architectural style of a Roman country house, positioned 750 feet back from the river. Having weathered the Indian Massacre of 1622 and both the Revolutionary War and Civil War, cannonball pockmarks in the rear wall of the center section have been retained for posterity. The interior has been exquisitely maintained with much original millwork. English and American furnishings date to the period. Outdoor activity areas include a pool, tennis court and water sports or fishing on the river, in addition to game hunting. Although it is a private residence, Brandon Plantation has been designated a National Historical Landmark and the house and gardens have been open for tours.

For those who favor the romance of historic buildings with connections to William Shakespeare, Thomas Jefferson and America’s earliest settlers, the 4,500 acres of the original Brandon Plantation is now offered for sale. Priced at $20 million.

Source: premiereestates.com