Bel Air, located on Happy Creek Road within the Warren County town of Front Royal, was built in the late-18th century and likely is one of the oldest brick homes in the area. The picturesque property occupies one of the largest lots within the town and contains several outbuildings; it also includes an open lot south of the house which was the site of military encampments during the Civil War. Bel Air was originally constructed by Captain Thomas Buck, one of the founders of Front Royal, and the property remained under Buck family ownership for 125 years. One of the youngest inhabitants at the time was Lucy Rebecca Buck, who chronicled her experiences in her diary during the Civil War and the occupation of the house by Union forces. Later published, her diary provided information regarding war while chronicling her life at Bel Air. In 1905 the property was sold to the Downing family, and it was under their ownership that the house was renovated, with the help of local builder Gustave A. Beyer. Bel Air is an excellent example of an evolved Federal style home that was transformed into a refined Classical Revival style residence in the early 20th century.