Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 01/15/1974
NRHP Listing Date 07/24/1974
NRHP Reference Number 74002107
The antebellum mansion of Santillane occupies an elevated site just outside of the town of Fincastle, making it one of the architectural highlights of the pastoral landscape around the Botetourt County seat. The property was long owned by the Hancock family; however, the present imposing Greek Revival house was built in the 1830s for Henry Bowyer, formerly an officer in Washington’s army and clerk of the court of Botetourt County for forty-three years. The house is known for its finely-crafted brickwork, lofty rooms, and an unusually wide stair hall. The tall portico, added in the 20th century, replaces an earlier porch. In more recent years Santillane was the home of R. D. Stoner, also longtime clerk of the court and author of A Seed-Bed of the Republic (1962), a history of Botetourt County and Southwest Virginia.
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 23, 2022
