Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 09/17/1974
NRHP Listing Date 11/19/1974
NRHP Reference Number 74002139
An exceptionally rare example of Stuart-period, Southern vernacular architecture, this hall-parlor dwelling was built ca. 1700 and marks the first generation of structures in the Northampton County area employing permanent construction. The Westerhouse House follows the precedent of the compact, post-medieval cottages of England’s West Country and Highlands. Characteristic features are the one-story elevation, steep gable roof, two-room plan, uneven arrangement of the openings, and the massive exterior-end pyramidal chimney. No influence of the bookish classicism that was to mark the Georgian style is evident. William Westerhouse, a New England merchant, purchased the original 200-acre tract in 1661. The house was built either by his son Adrian or grandson William II. The house stood in a state of advanced deterioration until 1982 when it underwent renovation and received a new rear wing and dormers.
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: August 16, 2021
