The original Georgian mansion, built in 1726 of brick fired on the plantation, occupies a beautifully landscaped hilltop site overlooking the historic James River. The date of the building and the initials of the owners, Benjamin Harrison IV and his wife, Anne appear in a datestone over a side door. The mansion is said to be the oldest 3-story brick house in Virginia that can prove its date and the first with a pediment roof. The handsome Adam woodwork and the double arches of the ‘Great Rooms’ in the mansion were installed by Benjamin Harrison VI in 1790 at the direction of Thomas Jefferson.

Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides in period costumes conduct tours of the original 1726 mansion, furnished with a magnificent collection of 18th century antiques. The tour includes an audio-visual program and museum. The museum collection includes Civil War artifacts as well as a unique collection of paintings by artist Sydney King.

Explore the magnificent gardens and grounds at your own pace. Five terraces of restored boxwood and flower gardens offer breathtaking vistas of the James River. Benches are arranged throughout the gardens to sit and enjoy this delightful and peaceful setting.

Berkeley is open daily 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Last tour begins at 4:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Allow approximately 1-1 1/2 hours for guided house tour and self-guided garden tour.