Ask Justin Rolfe - VA Principal Broker
The Mansion at Fort Chiswell: Historic Home on 15+/- Acres
Description
Unlock a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a piece of history with The Mansion at Fort Chiswell, a Virginia State Historic Landmark listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Nestled on approximately 15 meticulously maintained acres near the crossroads of I-77 and I-81, this estate is steeped in American heritage and presents a golden opportunity for history aficionados or commercial investors seeking to revive it as a premier destination.
Originally a fort and plantation, the property has hosted many pivotal moments in history, from soldiers during the French and Indian War to esteemed leaders like King Louis-Philippe of France, President Andrew Jackson, and General Jeb Stuart. The mansion itself, built on a three-foot-thick limestone foundation, spans over 10,000 square feet and is a stunning example of Roman and Greek Revival architecture. Its more than 13 rooms, featuring 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 13-foot-high ceilings, grand fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and original yellow pine flooring, evoke the grandeur of a bygone era. The mansion also boasts a central hall plan with a striking hand-carved staircase ascending three stories.
The Mansion at Fort Chiswell has continued its legacy of hospitality into the modern era, having operated as a restaurant, event venue, and inn. The estate includes a full-service restaurant with a commercial kitchen outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances, ready to serve both casual diners and large events. It also houses a 5-stall bathroom for visitors with easy access to the outdoor areas of the mansion. The sprawling grounds also feature a 40x150-foot timber frame outdoor event pavilion capable of hosting up to 310 guests, complete with an outdoor fireplace and bistro lighting—ideal for weddings, reunions, and other special events. With gravel parking for over 100 cars and additional overflow parking on grass, the property is well-equipped to handle large crowds.
Beyond its potential as a restaurant or event venue, the property is a versatile space suitable for historical tours, educational workshops, or even a bed and breakfast. The mansion comes fully furnished with a trove of treasures, including three high-end pianos, grand chandeliers hanging from cherub sky ceiling medallions, three clawfoot tubs, and various antiques that add to its charm. The grounds also include a smokehouse, a dog park, walking trails, a creek and natural spring, and an apple orchard with 13 different varieties of apples.
Given its central location, roughly equidistant from Roanoke and Bristol, and just an hour from Virginia Tech, The Mansion at Fort Chiswell is perfectly situated to attract visitors from across the region. The nearby "Great Wilderness Road to the West," now a major thoroughfare, ensures steady visible traffic, providing an excellent opportunity to develop the site into a must-visit destination.
For investors with a vision, The Mansion at Fort Chiswell offers endless possibilities. Whether you're looking to create an unforgettable wedding venue, a historical attraction, or a bustling restaurant and event space, this property is a blank canvas with a rich past and a bright future. Don't miss out on your chance to own a literal piece of history in one of Virginia's most storied locations!
To schedule a showing or inquire about the property, please contact Justin Rolfe at 704-998-1013 or jrolfe@landandluxury.com
Picture Yourself on the Property:
- The Wedding of a Lifetime: Imagine the bride and groom surrounded by their closest family and friends, who have flown into nearby Roanoke, Bristol, or a private airport. Your team provides seamless shuttle service to transport them to the historic mansion, where the couple's immediate family is housed onsite to welcome guests for an unforgettable rehearsal dinner. The dinner, expertly prepared in the mansion’s commercial kitchen, can be served in a variety of picturesque settings—whether on the charming porch, in the elegant formal dining room, under the pavilion, on the sprawling front lawn, or even in the apple orchard. After a magical evening with the wedding party, guests retire to cozy tiny homes or historically-themed accommodations you’ve added across the 15-acre property. The next morning, bridesmaids and groomsmen have separate floors to prepare the bride and groom for the big day. As guests arrive for the ceremony, they are greeted with valet parking just beyond the pavilion. After the “I Do’s,” the newlyweds are whisked away for stunning photo opportunities, while guests enjoy drinks, lawn games, and a leisurely exploration of the historic mansion. As the cocktail reception concludes, guests return to the pavilion, which has been transformed into a breathtaking reception space. Complete with well-arranged tables, ambient lighting, surround sound, and a stage for live entertainment, the reception is the perfect culmination of the day’s events. Every detail of the night is flawless, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. This wedding at The Mansion at Fort Chiswell will be a cherished memory, talked about for years to come.
- Festival Season in Full Force: Attract a crowd by hosting festivals and local events at The Mansion at Fort Chiswell, the perfect central location with easy access from across Virginia and eastern Tennessee via I-81 and the North Carolina or West Virginia borders via I-77. The Mansion’s historic charm makes it an ideal venue for a wide range of events. Imagine hosting a quarterly murder mystery dinner inspired by the mansion's rich history, or becoming the talk of the town with the most extravagant Halloween and Christmas parties in the region. If music is your passion, develop the local music scene by hosting concerts or small festivals, becoming a key stop along The Crooked Road. For those interested in agritourism, a monthly farmer’s market featuring local farms is a great way to engage the community. History buffs can spotlight the mansion’s past with reenactments, historical lectures, educational workshops, and school field trips. Whatever your vision, The Mansion at Fort Chiswell offers the perfect venue to make it a reality.
- Farm-to-Fork Concept: Capture the attention of 60,000+/- daily travelers on I-81 by showcasing the best of southwest Virginia at The Mansion at Fort Chiswell. Offer a “dinner and a show” experience where visitors can enjoy some of the finest food along the I-81 corridor, followed by a tour of one of Virginia’s historic landmarks. With options for walk-ins, reservations, and daily specials, guests can relax and stretch their legs in a beautiful setting, explore the grounds, and let their dogs roam the on-site dog park. Before leaving, they can indulge in hand-dipped ice cream or a root beer float at the ice cream parlor. Make The Mansion a must-stop destination for families on their annual road trips.
Get To Know the Area:
- Other Tourist Attractions off Exit 80:
- Fort Chiswell Animal Park – get up close and personal with animals from around the globe, including camels, zebras, and much more!
- New River Trail State Park – features scenic riverside trails perfect for walking, running, or biking. Historic Shot Tower?
- West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery – sip small-batch wines from this 4th generation family homestead winery in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Great Restaurants To Grab a Bite:
- Graze on Main – 5-star restaurant offering a twist on southern favorites.
- Log House 1776 Restaurant – step back in time to 1776 and enjoy some downhome classics.
- Skeeter’s World Famous Hot Dogs – stop by one of Virginia’s oldest continuously operating restaurants, and take a step back in time with some great dogs served simply.
- Get To Know the Area:
- Visit Wytheville – find charm, beauty, history, an outdoor scene second to none, a quaint downtown, and people who will welcome you like you’re family.
To learn more about the property, click here.
For a detailed floorplan of the estate, click here.
Additional Information
recreation
- Hiking Trails
- Other
water access
- Creek
improvements
- Other
