Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 10/16/1990
NRHP Listing Date 12/19/1990
NRHP Reference Number 90001823
An object of considerable antiquarian interest, Mount Airy was built ca. 1797 for Col. Thomas Leftwich, whose family subsequently built three similar houses in Bedford County, each with a peculiar one-story wing that protruded from the façade. The wing at Mount Airy was demolished in ca. 1955, but the dwelling retains much of its bold late-Georgian woodwork inside and out. Prominent on the exterior of Mount Airy is the hefty modillion cornice. Inside is a wealth of original trim including paneled wainscoting, doors, cupboards, and mantels. Despite the loss of the original wing and subsequent later additions, the two-story core retains its hall/parlor plan. Thomas Leftwich settled in the area about 1752. He was active in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. His 50 years of public service included a term as county justice and a seat in the Virginia General Assembly.
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: April 25, 2022
