Historic Goochland County Farm Listed by Long & Foster’s Pam Diemer

September 9, 2014
Built in 1853, the home at Ben Dover Farm was originally designed as an Italianate mansion. Click here for more photos.

44-acre property featured on National Register of Historic Places

What do former Virginia Gov. Harry Flood Byrd and renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh have in common? A historic Goochland County, Va., farm, where Lindbergh is reported to have landed his plane before enjoying an afternoon quail hunting with the governor and the property’s then-owner, William T. Reed, Sr.

Now owned by Reed’s extended family, the 44-acre farm and Colonial Revival home at 115 Ben Dover Lane in Manakin-Sabot, Va., are on the market for $1.789 million—listed exclusively by Pam Diemer of Long & Foster Real Estate, the largest independent residential real estate company in the country and an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in Virginia.

“Ben Dover Farm is a one-of-a-kind property, located in some of the finest countryside of Virginia, yet close to Richmond and its nationally ranked schools, making it ideal for homebuyers in the market for a historic, yet livable, home near the state capital,” said Diemer. “This is also the first time in nearly a century that this historic property has been available, so it’s a rare opportunity to take advantage of.”

Built in 1853, the home at Ben Dover Farm was originally designed as an Italianate mansion similar to the creations of well-known New York architect Richard Upjohn. Impressive marble mantles and Italian hand-painted ceilings adorned the informal mansion, which also featured a tower and loggias. The Italian style remained until the early 20th century, when Reed purchased the home in 1921 and converted it to the Colonial Revival style.

While Reed’s arrival brought the removal of the tower and the introduction of a columned front porch, he and his family, which has owned the property ever since, have ensured the majority of the home remained largely true to its original design. Floor-to-ceiling windows, all originals, welcome light into the home, highlighting its exquisite moldings, high ceilings and heart pine flooring. Ten marble fireplaces—a carryover from the Italianate manse—are showcases in the spacious living, family and bedrooms.

In total, the home features five bedrooms and six-and-a-half baths, as well as a separate guest house ideal for long-term visitors. Indoor and outdoor entertaining space abounds at the farm, where the home’s expansive porches provide an ideal location to relax and enjoy views of the gently rolling meadows. Additionally, a Brunswick bowling alley, constructed in the early 1900s, and a saltwater pool offer entertainment for homeowners and their guests alike.

The farm’s impressive history dates back to the early 1700s, which helped it earn placement on the National Register of Historic Places. You can learn more about the property’s history in this video, which also highlights a few unique features of the home itself. Additional photographs of the home and Ben Dover Farm are available online at Diemer’s website. For more information, you can contact Diemer at 804-740-3000 or 804-241-3347.