Lodging at Belle Garden Estate
Belle Garden Estate is a historic home built in the 1700s. Its design stays true to the historic feel of the home, with small modern elements mixed in. Each bathroom has a claw-foot tub that adds to the elegance of the space. The home sits on 10 acres of scenic land, with mountain views and a creek along one side of the property. We'd love to have you stay with us and experience the ambiance for yourself!
Room Options at Belle Garden Estate
The Governor’s Suite
1 Queen Bed
Stand Up Shower
Claw Foot Bathtub
Private Balcony
Double Vanity
Main Floor
The Ivy Suite:
Bridal Suite
1 King Bed
1 Daybed
Stand Up Shower
Claw Foot Bathtub
Private Balcony
Double Vanity
The Terrace View Suite:
1 King Bed
1 Daybed
Stand Up Shower
Claw Foot Bathtub
Private Balcony
Double Vanity
If these walls could talk…
Belle Garden Estate
consists of a colonial manor constructed in 1771, a small cottage for intimate events, a large arbor for ceremonies, and an outdoor pavilion for receptions. Our manor is also equipped with a luxury bridal suite and groomsmen lounge. Ten acres of beautiful landscaping, a bold creek, and mountain views make for a beautiful setting for any stay or event on our property.
The home is known as one of the oldest in Franklin County. The property dates back to 1763, when Sir John Talbot bought the land, then part of Bedford County. Johnathan Richardson bought 200 acres from Talbot and built the manor, completing construction in 1771. Richardson expanded the property with an additional 100 acres on Gills Creek, which still runs through the property today.
Virtual tour of Belle Garden Estate’s manor and property in Wirtz, VA
Belle Garden Estate History
Belle Garden Estate is known as one of the oldest homes in Franklin County to date. Its rich history dates back to Sir John Talbot, who bought the land in 1763. Johnathan Richardson bought 200 acres from Sir John Talbot, on which the home was built and finished in 1771. Johnathan Richardson also bought an additional 100 acres on Gills Creek, which still runs through the property today.
Johnathan Richardson served as the Sheriff of Bedford County, as well as Justice of the Peace. The home had a private jail in the lower quarters for temporarily holding prisoners in transport. When Franklin County was formed in 1786, the plantation fell under its new county lines, and Johnathan Richardson became a high member of Franklin County’s first court.
In 1810, Johnathan Richardson died and left the property to his beloved wife, Elizabeth. Elizabeth Richardson then deeded the plantation to her sons and her brother Skelton Taylor, who is known for Taylor’s Store in Franklin County. Skelton Taylor and his family moved into the home on the plantation, and the property continued to get passed down to family members as the years went on.
In 1999, the home was saved from the bulldozers by Mike and Darlene Leslie. The couple lived in the home for the next 16 years, pouring heart and sweat into the property to completely restore the home to its former glory.
Susan Mitchell Ober bought the property in 2016 and converted it to a bed and breakfast. And now…
Isabelle and Jordan Russell
bought the property in 2018, and named it Belle Garden Estate. They run it as a wedding and event venue and inn and hope to keep the integrity of the historic property alive and well maintained.
