Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House
Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House are two historic homes in Alexandria, Virginia. Woodlawn was designed by architect George Washington, while Frank Lloyd Wright designed Pope-Leighey. Woodlawn is a National Historic Landmark, and Pope-Leighey is a National Historic Landmark District. Both homes are open to the public for tours.
The Pope-Leighey House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
The architectural style of Woodlawn Plantation is Federal, while the architectural style of Pope-Leighey House is Usonian. Woodlawn is a National Historic Landmark, and Pope-Leighey is a National Historic Landmark District.
Exhibits
Exhibit A: Woodlawn Plantation
In1799, George Washington designed Woodlawn Plantation as a working farm in Virginia. The house is an excellent example of Federal architecture and features beautiful views of the Potomac River. Woodlawn was home to several generations of the Washington family before it was sold to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1972.
Exhibit B: Pope-Leighey House
1940 Frank Lloyd Wright designed Pope-Leighey House as one of his “Usonian” homes, designed for middle-class families. The home is on 2 acres of land and features a compact design with an open floor plan. The Pope-Leighey House was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Tours
Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House are open to the public for tours.
At Woodlawn Plantation, you can take a self-guided tour of the first and second floors of the house, as well as the outbuildings and grounds. The tour includes a short film about the history of Woodlawn.
Pope-Leighey House offers both self-guided and guided tours. On the self-guided tour, you can explore the house’s first floor at your own pace. The guided tour includes a visit to the second floor, which is not accessible on the self-guided tour.
Both homes offer an insight into American history and architecture.
It offers two different but uniquely American architectural styles that are worth checking out if you’re ever in the area!
What to See Outdoors
Woodlawn Plantation has beautiful views of the Potomac River, while Pope-Leighey House is set on 2 acres.
Landscape architect Thomas Jefferson designed the garden at Woodlawn Plantation. The park features a variety of native and exotic plants, as well as a fish pond.
Pope-Leighey House is surrounded by woods, providing a natural home setting. There is also a small pond on the property.
Events
Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House offer a variety of events throughout the year.
Woodlawn Plantation offers candlelight tours, gardening programs, and an annual holiday open house.
Pope-Leighey House offers concerts, family days, and special exhibits.
Hours
Woodlawn Plantation is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Pope-Leighey House is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Admission
Woodlawn Plantation charges an admission fee of $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-18.
Pope-Leighey House charges an admission fee of $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-18.
Admission to both homes is free for National Trust members.
Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House are two historic homes in Alexandria, Virginia, open to the public for tours.
So visit Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House to explore two different historic homes and learn about American history and architecture!
