Gilded Age Living In Richmond, Virginia - Maymont

It all began in 1886, when Major and Mrs. James H. Dooley acquired a former dairy farm on the James River in Richmond, Virginia. They set out to transform rough fields and pastures into a showplace many American millionaires were creating during the Gilded Age. Completion of their opulent Romanesque-style mansion in 1893 was only the beginning. The Dooleys understood that luxurious landscaping was an essential part of any distinctive estate. Throughout the next three decades, the Dooleys developed the grounds of their estate, employing architects and landscape designers and in the end resulted in a 100-acre Victorian country estate. James Dooley died in 1922, and Mrs. Dooley’s death followed in 1925, and their wishes were to bequeath their estate to the City of Richmond. Six months after Mrs. Dooley’s death, Maymont opened as a public park and museum, and has survived intact.

Here is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

The Dooleys spent the three decades filling its sumptuous interiors with treasures from around the world and establishing Maymont’s magnificent gardens, landscapes and architectural complex.

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The property includes historic information posts like these.

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Maymont: An American Estate

By Wheary, Dale Cyrus

Hidden History of Richmond

By Griggs Jr., Walter S.

Nonesuch Place: A History of the Richmond Landscape

By Potterfield, T. Tyler

More than 25 original buildings and garden structures are preserved including the Normandy-style Carriage House, the three-storied Stone Barn and the Water Tower.

Carriages typically owned by families such as the Dooleys are displayed in the Dooleys’ Carriage House, designed by Noland and Baskervill and completed in 1904.

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This village-like assemblage of picturesque outbuildings have been adaptively renovated for re-use.

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Large pool and fountain

Maymont’s magnificent gardens and landscapes—still very much as the Dooleys left them.

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Mrs. Dooley, an avid student of horticulture, led the effort to transform the landscape into a showplace that would rival the lavish estates that were springing up throughout the country.

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A few more of the other estate buildings.

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Maymont was not a farm during the Dooleys’ time, but part of the estate is now home to goats, sheep, chickens, a donkey, cows, pigs and horses.

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The National Register of Historic Places recognizes Maymont as a significant example of an American country estate of the Gilded Age.

The mansion exterior

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The library

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A portrait of Sallie May Dooley

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A Renaissance style carved walnut chair

The 33-room mansion showcases the lavish luxury from the late 19th century.

Antique French Louis XV style sofa and chair

The lavish dining room

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Lighting with cherubs supporting flame-shaped light shades at the bottom of the staircase.

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French Louis XVI style ormolu-mounted tall case clock featuring intricate brass inlay and gilded bronze.

The grand carved woodwork, oppulent wood paneling and beautiful stained glass windows.

The spectacular 15-foot stained glass windows created by the tiffany Glass and Decorating Company installed in 1892. In addition to this icon central window, the upper floors of the home feature stained glass transoms, also Tiffany.

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The parlor

Victorian-style chaise and tufted armchair

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In James Dooley’s bedroom

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The swan bedroom set designed around 1910 by Neuman and Co. of New York is now In Sallie Dooley’s bedroom. It was originally custom-built for Mrs Dooley’s summer estate, Swannanoa, before being relocated here.

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This antique slate and copper switch circuit breaker controlled the power coming into the house and was interestingly located in Sallie’s bedroom.

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In the bathroom

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Looking through an alcove to the porch

The kitchen and pantry In the basement

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In the wine cellar

Some staff bedrooms were also in the basement.

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The Dooley Mausoleum, a Neoclassical stone structure built in 1923 overlooking the James River, is the final resting place for James and Sallie Dooley.

What you should know:

• There are walking trails throughout the property.

• Restrooms are available.

• There is no charge to enter the grounds or to tour the mansion, but a donation is suggested.

• There is a charge for admission to the mansion; there are both guided and self-guided tours available.

• Grounds are self-guided.

• There is plenty of free parking.

• You could spend anywhere from a couple of hours to entire day exploring here.

• Check website for days and hours or operation, as well as any special events.

• Picnicking is allowed.

Location: 1000 Westover Road, Richmond, VA 23220

For more information: Maymont