A Grand House Built for Love in Historic Smithfield, Virginia Marketed Exclusively by Liz Moore and Associates.

(PRLEAP.COM) The town of Smithfield, first colonized in 1634, is as old as Virginia itself and remains one of the best preserved seaports of the Virginia colonies. Located along the banks of the Pagan River, Smithfield is well known for its history, hospitality and hams. Adding to its charm and appeal, downtown Smithfield has benefited from an ongoing revitalization project to enhance and preserve this important historic area.

The P.D. Gwaltney Jr. House, built by one of Smithfield’s most esteemed residents, has been lovingly restored to its original grandeur. This enchanting Queen Anne Victorian is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is only a short walk from Main Street where you’ll find access to a variety of shops, eateries, antiques, art galleries, and the charming Isle of Wight Museum. Also nearby is the historic Smithfield Inn, Gatling Pointe Yacht Club, championship golf, Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts and the Jamestown Ferry, providing easy access to Williamsburg.

This desirable property has a special history that’s captured the imagination and hearts of all who visit. It was originally built in 1901 as a wedding gift from P.D. Gwaltney Jr. to his future bride, Estelle. To commemorate this romantic gesture, a whimsical ceiling mural was painted depicting a cheerful cherub with love letter in hand, on his way to deliver it to the home’s delighted new bride. The painting remains to this day, and has inspired two subsequent generations of weddings that have taken place in this gracious home and its adjoining gardens.

The captivating charm of this property lends itself to future celebrations, both joyous ones and moments of quiet contentment. Views from one of many porches surrounding the house are transformative and peaceful, overlooking Little Creek and the estate of
87-acre Windsor Castle Farm. The sweeping grounds bloom with century old Magnolia trees, Crepe Myrtles, the shade of Red Maples and a formal garden with paved pathways and Victorian statuary.

The exterior of the house underwent a museum-quality restoration in recent years and includes decorative copper work and copper gutters on the roof. The home also features a spacious, finished attic and the convenience of an interior elevator and outdoor carport.

Inside, thoughtful details woo its delighted visitors. Many rooms feature large bay windows allowing for gentle light to bathe the extensive wood moldings, wainscoting, paneling and ornate trim work. The vestibule boasts a gilded Greek frieze, original gas lighting fixture and intricately designed tile floor with a wreath of olive branches at its center. The stunning entranceway is further adorned by an artisan’s hand sculptured relief, a pastoral landscape of the local marshland.

Halfway up the main staircase, sunlight streams in through the colorful prisms of an original stained glass window. There are 6 fireplaces in total, including one in each of the large bedrooms and a spectacular mother of pearl inlayed mantelpiece in the music room.

Special decorative details can be found in each room throughout the house. The front bedroom has a generous window seat from which to enjoy the pageantry of colorful Gingko leaves in the Fall, as well as a hand-stenciled, gilded ceiling. The Master bedroom reveals a portrait gallery, large romantic shutters and an ornate gilded frieze with a garland motif. Also upstairs, an Asian-themed sitting room beckons with a decorative, trompe l’oeil border of delicately painted birds.

Spacious, inviting bathrooms have been updated and outfitted with luxurious details including authentic nickel-plated spa jets and sunflower shower heads imported from London. The marble master bath includes an inviting, oversized claw-footed soaking tub.

While it’s many splendid original details make this a historic show place, it’s a home that will easily adapt to the vision and lifestyle of its future owners. Grand living and entertaining rooms await joyful celebrations and gracious living, and perhaps even a new kind of love story.

This beautiful piece of history is currently for sale. For more information, or to schedule a private tour, visit www.304southchurchstreet.com or call Deelyn Neilson directly at 757-503-1999.

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