Battersea overlooks a 37-acre property with several interesting features. They include a long-lost garden on the south terrace of the lawn, a pet cemetery, a guinea house, tenant house, and the Banister Mills. In the 1867 Micheler map there are also four clearings shown where possible slaves’ quarters once stood, though no evidence of those quarters remains today.
As with most 18th and early 19th century homes, Battersea has an outdoor kitchen, which originally consisted of two rooms. This building was also used for laundry and servant or slave quarters, the west room being the kitchen, the east the laundry room, and the attic the servants’ quarters. In the 1840s, the Warings likely remodeled this building. During this process, the partition between the rooms was removed, double hung windows were added, and the chimney was rebuilt so that there were dual fireplaces on either side. Because the west fireplace was intentionally made larger than its east counterpart, it is believed the west side of the building was used for cooking and the east for laundry. Also during this time, two ladder stairs were placed on either side of the interior for servants and slaves to access the attic as sleeping quarters. In the late 19th century, the Wright family filled in both fireplaces so the east was made smaller and the west side completely bricked in to make way for a wood cooking stove in its place.
Greenhouses like this one were often found on the grounds of fashionable estates from the 17th to 19th centuries. They were used for growing fruit trees, flowering plants, and ferns during the winter, or for nutritional value and aesthetic purposes. The historic greenhouse was constructed between 1825 and 1835, probably by Judge John F. May, who owned the Battersea property during this period. It is an architectural gem and perhaps one of the earliest American greenhouses still in existence today.
The east hyphen was originally used as a parlor or drawing room where visitors and guests would be received. The east pavilion beyond was the Banister’s dining room. Both were elaborately decorated. In the 1820s, these rooms were converted into double parlors and given marble mantels and woodwork in line with the Federal renovations Judge May oversaw during this period. The window on the east wall of the pavilion leading to the east porch used to be a doorway, but was converted into a triple-hung window and secured with shutters. Jefferson himself was a fan of this style of window, including them in his home at Monticello. In the 1890s a bathroom was installed on the outside of the east pavilion with a doorway leading there, however it has since been removed and the doorway resealed.
Evidence suggests that the west side of the villa was used as a private quarters and service area because of its lacking embellishment. In fact it was left without interior finish or plastered walls, which further hints at its original purpose. The west hyphen was initially divided into a smaller chamber and a hallway, possibly allowing slaves to get from the west pavilion to the main part of the house. May took out the dividing wall in the west hyphen, making one large room and finished the west pavilion, adding plaster to the walls and a second floor by lowering the ceiling joists. In the 20th century the west pavilion became a kitchen.
The five-part interior of the house is modeled after what was known as the “formal plan” of the 17th and 18th centuries. The formal plan was utilized as a layout for European palaces and grand homes in the colonies.
The exterior of Battersea exhibits a five-part Palladian style design complete with a Roman pine cone finial atop the roof, a symbol of fertility and immortality. The exterior remains well-preserved from the early 19th century and all sections of the house are original with no later additions present.
Battersea is a marvelous 18th century estate located in Petersburg, Virginia. Built in 1768, Battersea celebrates its 250th anniversary. Its characterstic Palladian style architecture and beautiful grounds provide visitors a memorable and unique historical experience. Battersea Foundation is restoring Battersea for future generations. The estate is one of the finest surviving Palladian structures in America and is a Virginia Historic Landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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The Battersea Walking Tour comprises the Battersea grounds and contributing historical buildings as well the interior of the Battersea villa, built in 1768 by Petersburg's first mayor Colonel John Banister. The tour takes about an hour to complete. If you are interested in scheduling a time for a self-guided tour of the property and home, please contact Battersea Foundation at: (804)-732-9882
