Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 09/21/1976
NRHP Listing Date 12/12/1976
NRHP Reference Number 76002097
Spring Grove’s stuccoed walls, bracketed cornice, and square cupola make this imposing pile an excellent example of the Italian Villa style advocated for the southern states by the architectural theorist Andrew Jackson Downing. The present house, at least the third on the site, was built in 1856 for Daniel Coleman DeJarnette, whose family had owned this Caroline County property since the 18th century. DeJarnette served in the Virginia House of Delegates, the U.S. Congress, and the Confederate Congress. Spring Grove’s interior has heavy molded classical woodwork with its original painted graining. Other interior embellishments include a curved stair, plasterwork ceiling medallions, and marble mantels. The architect of this highly sophisticated mansion is yet to be discovered.
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: July 1, 2021
