By Christy Hertel, Luxury Real Estate Specialist
In the heart of picturesque Waterford, Virginia stands a property that doesn’t just represent our village’s rich history—it embodies it. I’m thrilled to introduce you to the Griffith Gover House, a landmark residence dating back to the late 1700s that combines historical significance with modern luxury living in a way rarely found in today’s market.
A Journey Through Time
The story of this exceptional property begins in Waterford’s 1792 subdivision, comprising three of the original fifteen lots and backing to the preserved 144 acres of Phillips Farm. By 1796, Quaker merchant Richard Griffith was leasing the property, which by 1799 included a two-story log house and store.
In 1819, his son Israel sold a portion to fellow Quaker Jesse Gover, who established both a store and “hat manufactory” among other enterprises. Gover eventually purchased the remainder of the property in 1836, cementing the family’s legacy in what would become known as the Griffith Gover House.
The property passed to Jesse’s son Samuel, who served Waterford for many years as both storekeeper and postmaster. Sam’s Union sympathies during the Civil War made his store a target of Confederate raids—just one chapter in this home’s fascinating story of perseverance through American history.
From Boardinghouse to Radio Phenomenon
The early 20th century brought the James family to the property. After Edgar Clayton James’s death in 1918, his widow Lizzie transformed the residence into the Oldtown Inn, a boardinghouse that would leave its unique mark on the property.
Clarence Hopkins, who married one of the James’s daughters, created one of the property’s most fascinating features: a dance pavilion and large masonry megaphone for entertaining guests. This remarkable stone megaphone made headlines in 1922 when the Washington Herald reported on Waterford becoming “one of the busiest radio towns in the country” thanks to this eight-ton concrete and granite horn with a six-foot diameter that amplified radio broadcasts from distant cities!
A Renaissance and Conservation Success
After years of changing ownership and eventual disrepair, the home found a champion in Cornelia Keller in 1999. She undertook a meticulous multi-million-dollar renovation, restoring the infrastructure from the ground up while honoring its historical integrity. Master craftsmen worked to preserve the home’s character while incorporating modern conveniences—a perfect marriage of past and present.
Thanks to a conservation easement through the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the house, gardens, stone wall, and eclectic structures are now protected in perpetuity, ensuring this piece of Waterford’s heritage will remain for generations to come.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Property
Today, this exceptional residence offers .67 acres of formal gardens and thoughtful hardscape that seamlessly integrate with the whimsical dance pavilion and historic megaphone. The property brings the outdoors in with formal living spaces that open to welcoming porches, providing breathtaking views of the gardens and incredible natural light throughout every season.
The property features include:
- Unobstructed views of the preserved Phillips Farm wildflower fields and Mill Chase
- An exquisite English Hartley Botanic greenhouse
- A charming stone guest cottage
- Ample off-street parking (a true rarity in the village)
- Formal gardens and historical landscape features
A Special Opportunity
Properties with this combination of historical significance, architectural integrity, protected views, and modern amenities rarely come to market in Waterford. The Griffith Gover House represents an opportunity to own not just a home, but a living piece of Virginia history—one that has been thoughtfully preserved while being adapted for contemporary living.
As someone who specializes in historic properties and calls Waterford home, I understand the unique appeal of this extraordinary residence. The blending of past and present, the balance of formal elegance with countryside charm, and the knowledge that you’re participating in the ongoing story of one of Virginia’s most treasured historic villages—these are the intangible qualities that make the Griffith Gover House so special.
For those seeking a truly distinctive property that combines historical significance with modern comfort, I invite you to contact me for a private showing of this Waterford treasure.
View the full MLS Listing here: 40139 Main St, Waterford, VA 20197
Christy Hertel is Waterford’s #1 Realtor, specializing in luxury homes, historic properties, land & estates. With her background in interior design and deep knowledge of Waterford’s historic homes, she brings a unique perspective to each property. Contact Christy at [contact information] to arrange a viewing of the Griffith Gover House.