Lynnhaven House
#48 of 187 things to do in Virginia Beach
Description
The Lynnhaven House is considered by some to be one of the most well-preserved examples of early Virginia vernacular architecture, surviving over 300 years of Tidewater history. The home was built by Francis Thelaball, a middling plantation owner and ship's carpenter, for his family.
The property passed through the Thelaball to Boush and Oliver families, and was eventually donated to the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA) by the children of William W. Oliver III and Alice Millner Oliver in 1971, as a way to honor their parents' legacy. Mr. Oliver is credited with saving the Lynnhaven House by adding minimal modern conveniences to the 18th-century structure, and preserving the historic building. In 2006, the City of Virginia Beach began operating the site and, in 2008, took over ownership of the property. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources holds a preservation easement on the property.
Architectural and design details of The Lynnhaven House include brick jack arches, a closed-spindle staircase with teardrop pendant, and ship’s lap floor construction, all revealing a builder concerned with quality as well as artistry. It is furnished to interpret the period Francis and Abigail Thelaball lived in the home along with their five sons, an apprentice, and several enslaved people, and accurately illustrates the lifestyle of colonial Virginia.
Guided tours vividly describe the roles of the household members and what daily life was like for similar families at the time. Visitors will also learn about the Tidewater world of the early 18th century. Please call us if you have any questions or are interested in learning more about educational programs that are available to schools, scouts, and homeschooling groups.
The Lynnhaven House is currently closed for restoration, but there are free preservation tours at noon on the third Thursday of each month (except holidays) where guests can view the interior architecture of the home under restoration. The on-site Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center and house grounds are open for select programs and events, as well as for private event rentals. Please call (757) 385-5100 if you have any questions about upcoming programs and events.
- Kid Friendly
- Outdoor Attraction
