Swannanoa (mansion)
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| Swannanoa | |
|---|---|
| (U.S. National Register of Historic Places) | |
 |
|
| Location: | Augusta County, Virginia, United States |
| Nearest city: | Waynesboro, Virginia |
| Coordinates: | |
| Built/Founded: | 1913 |
| Architect: | Baskerville & Noland |
| Architectural style(s): | Renaissance |
| Added to NRHP: | 1969-10-01 |
| Reference #: | 69000221 |
Swannanoa is a Medici-style Italian villa located above Rockfish Gap in eastern Augusta County, Virginia. Rockfish Gap is the southern end of the Skyline Drive through the Shenandoah National Park and the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Intended to be a "summer place" for Richmond, Virginia, millionaire and philanthropist James H. Dooley and his wife Sallie, it reportedly took over 300 artisans eight years to build the structure, complete with Georgian marble, Tiffany windows, gold plumbing fixtures, and terraced gardens. Despite the lavish expenditure, it was only occupied for a few years following completion in 1912.[1]
The mansion stood empty through the Great Depression and World War II until it was leased in 1949 to the eccentric author and sculptor Walter Russell for his "University of Science and Philosophy".[2][3]
Today the property is owned by J. F. Dulaney, Jr. of Richmond, who has been attempting to restore the property to its former glory.
[edit] Notable visitors
- President Calvin Coolidge and his wife visited for Thanksgiving Day 1928.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ F.R. Moon & Co. (1929). Auction sale! : Saturday, Oct. 26, 1929 ... : acting for Mrs. J.H. Dooley, we will sell the following articles. S.l: s.n. OCLC 19915554.
- ^ Russell, W., & Russell, L. (1957). Romance of beautiful Swannanoa, marble palace and sculpture gardens : a mountain-top paradise. Waynesboro, Va: University of Science and Philosophy. OCLC 59143234
- ^ Russell, W., & Russell, L. (1958). Announcement of purpose and objective of the University of Science and Philosophy : a world university for self-transcendency, with home study course information. Waynesboro, Va: Walter & Lao Russell. OCLC 26409679.
- ^ ""Skunked"". Time (1928-12-10).
[edit] External links
- Sizemore, Donna. "Swannanoa: An Afton Mountain Palace". Curio, Summer 1980. James Madison University: Harrisonburg, VA. 15-19.
- Gallery of Swannanoa images from the University of Science and Philosophy
