Swannanoa

497 Swannanoa Ln, Afton, Virginia 22920 USA

Open Now

Sat 11:30a-5p

Independent
Credit Cards
Accepted
Not Wheelchair
Accessible
No Public
Restrooms
No Wifi

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“A Haunted Marble Palace”

This 1912 Italianate marble palace is now open for group tours, weddings and other events. By appointment only. Call for information or to plan a group tour, contact Phil Dulaney. Major James Dooley, an executive with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company, completed construction of the $2 million Swannanoa in 1912. Dooley, who owned the Maymont estate is Richmond, built this 52-room marble palace as a token of love for his wife, Sally May. More than 300 artisans were hired to create the palace as a replica of the Villa de Medici in Rome. Visitors today can still see the depth of James and Sally May’s relationship is places like the 4,000 piece Tiffany stained-glass window and a domed ceiling bearing the likeness of Mrs. Dooley. Limited weekend visiting hours. Check Events calendar at www.nelsoncounty.com for times.

Reviewed by
Aiden K.

April 06, 2019

This place is amazing. The history of the place itself sparks my interest. And there is so much to see on the property. They have No Trespassing signs up. Mrs. Dulaney gives tours of the place on... Read more

Reviewed by
Anissa H.

August 28, 2021

The house is still in disrepair and very dusty; could see spider webs and spiders around. The outside needs a good pressure wash. The tour really should've been 45 minutes ; the first hour was... Read more

Reviewed by
Greg W.

June 09, 2019

This palace is absolutely STUNNING. It's such a shame it's fallen into such disrepair. Each room had its own unique feel, and the artwork and detail was breathtaking. The best part by far was the... Read more

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