Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 05/13/1969
NRHP Listing Date 11/12/1969
DHR's Virginia Board of Historic Resources easement
NRHP Reference Number 69000250
The architectural formality that could be achieved in a relatively small wooden house is demonstrated at Nanzatico, a plantation dwelling on the banks of the Rappahannock River in King George County. The house is traditionally dated ca. 1770 when owned by the Carter family; however, its architectural detailing suggests a date after 1780 following Thomas Turner’s purchase of the property. As built, Nanzatico was a near twin to Belle Grove upstream (before the latter’s ca. 1839 alterations) which also has an engaged Ionic portico and projecting entrance hall with an interior elliptical arch. Richard and Yelverton Stern, builders of the also similar original house at Gay Mont, Caroline County (since burned), may have constructed both Belle Grove and Nanzatico. Unlike the others, Nanzatico survives almost unchanged. Many of the woodwork details appear to follow illustrations in Abraham Swan’s A Collection of Designs in Architecture, an 18th-century English design book.
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: December 29, 2021
