Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 06/21/1977
NRHP Listing Date 03/30/1978
NRHP Reference Number 78003005
Colorful graining, marbleizing, and polychromy, as well as elaborately stylized woodwork, were popular decorative treatments of the Shenandoah Valley homes of farmers of German origin. The Coiner House in Augusta County, built ca. 1825, holds one of the least altered and most spectacular examples of such decoration yet discovered. Installed in a deceptively plain brick I-house, as was often the case, the boldness of the colors and the imagination and skill with which the mantels, doors, stair, and other trim are executed serve to make the rooms a fascinating document of American folk art. The parlor mantel is embellished with neoclassical motifs of urns and sunbursts so stylized and elaborated that they bear little resemblance to the pattern-book Federal-style designs that inspired them. Typical of early brick houses of the area, the Coiner House employs Flemish-bond brick walls and a molded brick cornice.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: May 20, 2022
