HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK IN THE NORTHERN NECK
Wednesday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LANCASTER—The Garden Club of the Northern Neck will host the 2026 Historic Garden Week in the Northern Neck tour highlighting six distinctive properties near Kilmarnock.
Five waterfront homes along Indian Creek, just off the Chesapeake Bay in Kilmarnock, showcase scenic views, inspired architecture and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces.
The Manor House at Historic Ditchley offers a remarkable glimpse into the region’s colonial past and historic landscape.
Together, the properties reflect the area’s deep connection to land, water, and enduring traditions of coastal living. Located within a designated National Heritage Area, the tour ticket includes shuttle transportation for easy access between sites.
Historic Garden Week is an annual fundraising event of the Garden Club of Virginia in association with affiliated clubs statewide.
The Manor House at Historic Ditchley
Founded in the mid-1600s by the Lee family, Ditchley features a Georgian manor house built in 1752 by Kendall Lee. The estate later belonged to Colonel James Ball Jr. and remained in the Ball family until after the Civil War.
Over time, the house evolved through several additions, including a south wing added in 1840 and a north wing added in 1932 by Alfred and Jessie Ball duPont, who also introduced modern amenities and the signature herringbone brick drive.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark, the 162-acre property features orchards, pastures, woodlands, shoreline, historic boxwoods, flower beds and a large kitchen garden that reflects the estate’s long agricultural heritage.
Current owners Cathy Calhoun and Paul Grosklags have established Ditchley Cider Works and placed Ditchley under a conservation easement, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
Heron Cove
Tucked along a quiet cove of Indian Creek, this 1985 residence blends natural beauty with a gracious architectural design. Set on two-and-a-half acres, the property is framed by mature magnolias, crepe myrtles and towering pines.
Inside, a round foyer, a dramatic second-story catwalk and three porches encourage seamless indoor-outdoor living.
A whimsical hallway “Cabinet of Curiosities,” displaying shells and natural treasures, reflects the homeowners’ deep connection to the coastal landscape. Outdoors, beyond a terraced pool, lies the “Field of Dreams,” a lush garden layered with magnolias, lilies, hostas and seasonal blooms. Rhonda and Chris Beale, owners
Five Little Indians
Across the creek from Indian Creek Yacht & Country Club, this coastal retreat is distinguished by its full-length porch and signature eyebrow window.
French doors open to tranquil water views, where herons and ospreys glide past and dolphins occasionally surface.
Built in 2013, the home takes its name from Indian Creek and the five cousins who spent their summers crabbing off the dock and boating to nearby “Pirate Island.”
Inside, tall ceilings and an open layout create an inviting setting for gatherings. Outside, mature oaks provide shade for the gardens, while the porch remains the heart of daily life, from sunrise coffee to sunset suppers. Pam and Tom Roberts, Susan stone, owners
Off The Menu
Set on 2½ acres between Indian and Henry’s Creeks, this stunning property features a Nantucket-style shingled main house built in 2004.
A winding tree-lined driveway leads to gardens filled with wisteria, jasmine, camellias, peonies, roses and daylilies. A Southern-style wraparound porch opens to a patio overlooking the pool, beach and private dock.
Inside, the home showcases extensive millwork and reclaimed heart pine floors. The interior décor is thoughtfully curated with a collection of antiques, an 1855 Chesapeake Bay map and a painting of Miss Ann, the 1926 fantail yacht once owned by the Tides Inn in Irvington. Pamela and Michael Grady, owners
Todd’s Pointe Of View
This reimagined Craftsman-style home at the entrance to Indian Creek seamlessly balances timeless riverfront charm with modern elegance.
Expansive water views, ornamental grasses and Hollywood junipers define the serene landscape, while a travertine-edged pool adds a resort-style touch.
Inside, a soft coastal palette and river-inspired décor enhance the natural setting. A covered second-story porch offers an inviting spot for morning coffee, afternoon reading, or sunset cocktails, perfectly capturing the relaxed elegance of coastal living. Carrie and Monte Todd, owners
River Dayz
Built in 2001, this authentic Tidewater-style home features simple lines, a distinctive green metal roof and wide porches that embrace coastal life.
A two-year renovation completed in 2025 introduced a striking great room with floor-to-ceiling windows and two dramatic porches overlooking a swimming pool and Indian Creek.
The thoughtfully designed landscape includes hollies, dianthus, roses, hydrangeas, butterfly bushes and a weeping cutleaf maple. Named for the owners’ goldendoodles—River and Daisy—River Dayz is a cheerful expression of gracious waterfront living. Beth and Sheldon Groner, owners
Tour information
Tour Headquarters and Check-in: Ditchley Cider Works, 1571 Ditchley Road, Kilmarnock. Wristbands will be issued to all ticket holders.
Parking and shuttle: Parking is available only at Tour Headquarters. All other tour properties are accessible only via the shuttle, which will run continuously.
Tickets: $50 each in advance at gcvirginia.org/historic-garden-week/tickets/. On the day of the tour, $60 each at Tour Headquarters and online. Ages 5-17, $15 each, online only; younger than 5 free, accompanied by an adult.
Lunch: $15 and $18 each by prepaid reservation. Place order by April 15, ditchleyciderworks.com. Pick up from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Tour Headquarters.
Tour properties require walking and have uneven ground. Walking shoes are highly recommended. This tour is not appropriate for visitors with accessibility issues. Curbside drop-off and wheelchair access are not available.
The Kilmarnock tour co-chairs are Rhonda Beale and Linda Lindfors.
