Long Branch Estate

Long Branch Estate
1811-1813 and 1842
Benjamin Henry Latrobe and Minard Lafever, architects
Millwood, Virginia

Long Branch Estate in Virginia has a long and interesting history. George Washington assisted in the original property survey, and the land passed through the hands of a number of famous men, including Lord Culpeper, Lord Fairfax, and Robert "King" Carter. In 1811, Robert Carter Burwell began building the mansion based on classical principals. He consulted with Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who was an architect of the U.S. Capitol and who also designed the graceful portico for the White House. Burwell died in 1813, and Long Branch Estate was left unfinished for 30 years.

Hugh Mortimor Nelson purchased the estate in 1842 and continued construction. Using designs by the architect Minard Lafever, Nelson added intricate woodwork which is considered some of the finest examples of Greek Revival craftsmanship in the United States.

Long Branch Estate is known for:

• Elegant porticoes
• Carved window cases
• Spectacular, three-story wooden spiral staircase

In 1986, Harry Z. Isaacs acquired the estate, began a complete restoration. He added the west wing to balance the façade. When Isaacs learned that he had terminal cancer, he established a private, non-profit foundation. He died in 1990 shortly after the restoration was complete, and left the house and 400-acre farm to the foundation so that Long Branch would be available for the enjoyment and education of the public. Today Long Branch is operated as a museum by the Harry Z. Isaacs Foundation.

Learn More:

• Greek Revival Architecture
• Federal Style Architecture
• Antebellum Architecture
• Neoclassical Architecture
• Long Branch Estate