shirley plantation

We were spending a few days in Williamsburg, VA soaking up the history. Being that it is still considered winter for a bit long much of it was not open. We decided to venture out and my Mom had seen the plantations listed on a website and sent me and email. I randomly picked which one to visit as I am not a decision maker. I for sure made the right decision. My boyfriend and I loved the tour. Julian our tour guide was awesome. So much information about the houses history and the family. You can tell he enjoys his job. Would recommend a visit to this plantation to everyone.

If you have time for only one tour of the many Plantations on the James River, Shirley Plantation should be your choice. We went to another plantation that a guidebook reviewed "as the one to see" and we were very disappointed. We decided to tour the Shirley Plantation on our way back home and were glad we did. Everything was first rate and well managed. The property is managed by Shirley Plantation Non-Profit Foundation. The Great House is well maintained as are the many out buildings and grounds. You can easily see that there is a great deal of pride taken by the eleventh generation descendants that still reside on the top floors and run the gift shop. I must say that the tour of the home was very informative and entertaining. Our tour guide was a young man named Julian - he was spectacular. We have taken tours of historic buildings and homes all over the United States and in seventeen countries. Julian ranks near the top in every category - historical knowledge of the time period, depth of knowledge of the family, personality and genuine warmth. You can readily tell that this is more than just a job for Julian.

Shirley Plantation is beautiful and scenic and just walking the grounds can be captivating BUT the real gem here is Julian. I arrived for the noon tour and no one else had purchased a ticket. I was concerned that the tour may be cancelled since it was just me, but instead of a cancellation, I got the best tour ever! One on one with Julian and the first floor of the house. He covered a ton of info and even took the time to show me some of the furniture details that I am most interested in. He made the house come alive! If you are anywhere near Charles City, plan a visit!

I have visited several Louisiana plantations and have wanted to visit some of the Virginia plantations. Unfortunately only two are regularly available for tours; at least in this area. But the histories of both are fascinating. Let me admit that I am a history buff but the James River area of Virginia is so much more than I expected.Shirley Plantation was established in 1613 and still in operation by the same family. This makes it the oldest continually operated business in the country and the current plantation home (built in 1725) the one of the oldest continually inhabited homes in the country; 11 generations by the same family and never vacant. Only the first floor of the house is available for tour (remember it's still a family residence) and unfortunately they don't allow photography but unlike so many historic homes the furnishings are family heirlooms with the oldest item being from 1690. Some of the original INDOOR plumbing for hot and cold running water (the 1700's) is still in place as well as an early attempt at central heating.The site is also the most complete colonial plantation site anywhere with most of the outbuildings still in existence. We visited in early February, not the best time weather wise, but you could see how beautiful the property would be in the spring or summerI don't know how many guides the plantation employees but if you have Julian Charity he is both knowledgeable and enthusiastic and as a long-time family friend can point out damages caused by football and Frisbee games in the house. He refrained from telling stories of the current generation but seems to have some.

Loved the grounds and the tour. Went two times and both times learned different things about the property. Really suggest this plantation tour to everyone!

This is one of the very oldest plantations in the US, its history starts in the early 17th century although the house was built about 1725. Great tour guide, and the outbuildings are very interesting. The house is beautiful especially as it was decorated for Christmas, beautifully furnished and maintained by the 11th generation of the family which has patrician ties to Virginia including Robert E Lee's mother.

Gorgeous house and setting, outbuildings to visit. A must-see and one of only two James River plantations where the house is routinely open.

My friend and I visited Shirley Plantation on a chilly December afternoon, and although the grounds are no doubt prettier in the spring and summer, it was lovely to see the home decorated for Christmas. There were just two others on our tour, which was given by Julian Charity, the plantation's historian. The tour was at least an hour and it was incredibly interesting and absorbing. Julian weaved the story of the family and the plantation together with the history of the times so well. There was also lots of fascinating information about the slaves who worked on the plantation, as well as as interesting display on that subject in the kitchen building. The house and grounds are also very interesting, and Julian pointed out unusual architectural details. It was a very absorbing afternoon.

What a historic gem. This place has a beautiful view of the James River. You'll love this place that has been in the of the same family since colonial times. The furnishings are authentic to the house. The family thought enough of their history not only to preserve it but to allow the public to view it as well and I, for one, applaud their generosity and selflessness. Members of the family still live in the old mansion. After you tour the first floor of the mansion, look at all of the out buildings and the grounds. This place is well worth the drive along route 5. Make it plantation day and visit others along the road.

this is a well maintained plantation estate, small house but the story of the house is interesting, inside it is not a luxury house but the building is great, you can visit just the first floor, not allowed to the second story, that is still the owners home. It has a nice sourvenir store and the view is great for taking pictures! I went with my auntie but she was a little disapointed she expected a kind of Downton Abbey and is certainly not.

This was our favorite Plantation tour by far. The history of the house is so well detailed with original paintings and pictures, because the home has been owned by original family members since the 1600's. The outbuildings were also the best and most well preserved.

Shirley Plantation reflects this areas English settlement in the 1600s in its style, floor plan and furnishings. We took the 45 min first floor tour and found the family history information interesting.We enjoyed walking around the outhouses and reading the information made available. I was however a little disappointed about the limited information on the slaves of the plantation. What information that was available was simplistic and idealised plantation life. I appreciate this is a sensitive issue but given the detailed records kept on the plantation I think having more information on the use of slaves at Shirley would acknowledge its full history and enrich a visitor's experience.

Second trip to Shirley Plantation this year. So much history here! Very interesting ! The floating staircase and the glass etchings are worth the price of admission alone !

I grew up a stone's throw from Shirley Planation yet never went during my youth. During a recent visit to Williamsburg, a friend and I ventured to Shirley Plantation and enjoyed a very informative tour of the first floor of the house. Extensive grounds are open for self-tours as well. Small gift shop; friendly and helpful tour guide.

Beautiful drive on 2 lane woodsy road to get to Shirley. Plantation has been in the same family for 11 generations and is the oldest continually operating family business in the US. RE Lee was part of this family and spent a few years here when young. There are a couple of pictures of him in the house. Recently married young couple now live on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the main house built in the early 1700s. Guided 45 minute tour of the ground floor of the house. Tours are every 45 minutes currently. In the summer, they were every 30 minutes. Almost all the furnishings are original. Several out buildings to visit on your own including an ice house and smokehouse. In a separate room in the icehouse building is a time line listing important dates/events in American and Shirley history. Very enjoyable visit. Small gift shop but no food or drink available for purchase on site.