5 Distinctive Virginia Estates from Historic Ghent to the Beachfront

Overlooking Beechwood Park in Norfolk’s Ghent, the Fergus Reid House stands as the fourth residence built in the neighborhood, with a storied past that includes dinners hosted for President Taft and Andrew Carnegie and a later turn on the Garden Tour. Stone construction and finely preserved architectural detailing set a timeless tone, while meticulous updates bring a clean, modern ease to daily life. The main level features the original library alongside a butler’s pantry, wet bar, custom wine fridge, and sunporch. A professional-chef-designed kitchen anchors the home with a stainless steel Viking range, two dishwashers, and warming drawers. Upstairs, the primary suite offers a sitting room, soaking tub, rain shower, two closets, and a private balcony. Gas-converted fireplaces, restored windows, a newer roof, and landscaped grounds with bluestone walkways complete the experience.

Surrounded by 9+ acres in the rolling foothills of Battle Mountain, Lac Clair pairs a modern farmhouse with a landscape designed for lingering. Water and nature set the tone, from spring-fed ponds to a saltwater pool that brings a quiet, resort-like rhythm to everyday life. Sweeping lawns unfurl beneath flowering dogwoods, while curated trails lead through an enchanting forest—spaces that invite morning walks, unhurried afternoons, and evenings spent listening to the land settle. Here, architecture meets the Piedmont’s softer edges, creating a serene estate where refined country living feels both grounded and contemporary. Set in Amissville, Virginia, it offers a rare sense of remove without feeling unreachable, with an easy 1.5-hour drive to Washington, DC—close enough for connection, far enough for true exhale.

Along the water’s edge near Lake Monocan, this custom-built residence in Stoney Creek at Wintergreen Resort announces itself with a dramatic two-story foyer, reached from the Governor’s Drive or through the porte-cochere. Inside, soaring ceilings and volumes of glass pull abundant light through the living spaces, setting an easy rhythm for daily life and larger gatherings alike. A chef’s kitchen anchors the home, complemented by a striking bar and a spacious covered patio with an outdoor kitchen—an inviting flow for entertaining. When it’s time to unwind, retreat to the great room, slip away to the billiard room, or settle into the primary bedroom with his-and-hers primary baths. Set along the acclaimed Reese Jones–designed golf course and close to the Stoney Creek Clubhouse, it offers a natural connection to the Wintergreen lifestyle, morning to evening.

Set on 10 open, level acres in Ruckersville, this horse-ready retreat pairs modern log-home character with sweeping mountain views. Built in 2013, the main residence offers three bedrooms and three baths, anchored by a light-filled great room with cathedral ceilings and walls of windows that frame the rear landscape. Generous room sizes and quality craftsmanship carry throughout, creating spaces that feel both airy and grounded in their surroundings. Outside, a fenced pasture and run-in shed make daily care easy, whether you keep horses full-time or simply enjoy the pastoral setting. A detached guest cottage, added in 2018, brings a fourth bedroom and bath—ideal for hosting visitors or exploring rental income—while keeping everyone comfortably separate. Evenings here naturally drift toward the view.

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Along the water’s edge in Virginia Beach, this gated community of just three beachfront condos offers a rare sense of privacy paired with effortless access to the shore. A walkway leads to the beach directly from your deck, opening to wide sand and a privately owned beach that keeps the setting calm and uncrowded. Inside, the residence has been completely and beautifully redone throughout, with an elevator adding everyday ease. Practical comforts are equally well considered, including a generator and low condo fees of $500 per month. A 2-car detached garage is complemented by an additional parking space, plus 200 square feet of storage or studio area for hobbies and overflow. Close to restaurants and state parks, it’s a setting that suits both full-time living and weekends spent in true beach life.

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