021-0030

Farnley

VLR Listing Date

12/13/1988

NRHP Listing Date

11/02/1989

NRHP Reference Number

89001914
DHR's Virginia Board of Historic Resources easement

Named for the Quaker family who established the Clarke County farm in the 18th century, Farnley was developed into a prosperous plantation by the Hay family. William Hay, an attorney born in Scotland, and later a resident of Williamsburg and Richmond, purchased the property in 1808. He built a plain brick house which still stands, around 1815. James Hay, his son, married into the locally prominent Burwell family and built Farnley’s principal residence, a grand late-Federal mansion, begun ca. 1832. Dominating the surrounding pastoral landscape, the stuccoed dwelling is distinguished by its stately outline, bold interior woodwork, and an unusual wrap-around veranda on the rear. Attached to the house is a series of service structures. On a knoll nearby is a rare two-story stone slave quarters. One of the county’s numerous historic estates, Farnley is now a noted pony farm.  The Farnley property contributes to the Greenway Rural Historic District.

Last Updated: August 24, 2024

Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.

Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark

For additional information Read

Nomination Form

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