The Dillard Mansion

Over the years, there are handful of grand homes that have been etched into my mind when I've driven the highways and byways around Virginia; places that just grab you and make you want to learn more. Everything else along the way is just a blur, but these, once you see them, they never leave you. The Dillard Mansion happens to be one of these special places.

As you drive down Elon Road (Route 130 West) and pass the village of Elon, your eyes will immedediately be captured by the sight of the Dillard Mansion. It's impressive stone exterior appears like a beautiful work of art. Your mind will begin to wonder who lives there, who built it, and imagine what it looks like inside.

Winding up the driveway, you realize that the site could not be more perfect. The home sits on a knoll, with views over the many layers of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the front and Tobacco Row Mountain at the rear. It's just breath-taking!

Several steps lead up to the front portico. If you look over your shoulder, the Blue RIdge Mountains seem to go on forever.

Opening the large door, you walk in to the welcoming hallway, where the dining room positioned straight in front of you with large windows opening up the views over the rolling farmland and towards Tobacco Row Mountain beckons you.

As you approach the dining room, the first thing you will notice is its immense size (25' x 20') which flows out to a larger 27' x 11' terrace. This was built for grand dinner parties.

Then you remember that you walked straight by two other rooms to the side and return to them. On the east side, is a 20'x 16' library, with floor to ceiling bookshelves and a marble mantle showcasing the large fireplace. As you turn to leave, you are staring into the living room and it's large fireplace. These three rooms make the heart of the home.

Next you wander down the east wing to find the den (14' x 19'4"). Having left the formal rooms, this one feels cozy and has its own fireplace. Off of the den is a beautiful glassed sunroom, which connects with the library and would be a wonderful place to curl up and read a book, or just sit and gaze as the clouds drift over the mountains.

Further down the east wing, there is the primary suite with a large 15' x 14' sitting room. To the south is the bedroom (13'1 x 17'8) and a bathroom. At the north side of the sitting area, you will find another bathroom. Further north, there is a 15'6 x 8'5 glassed-in porch with a beautiful Palladian window.

Heading back towards the west wing, you will find the 26'x 11'8" eat-in kitchen. And further down the hallway you will find three bedrooms (smallest is 13'1x14'3). All three bedrooms are en suite.

On the second level, you will find an open area and a large storage closet. Take a few more steps up and you will enter a massive and hidden recreation space. You can even climb the spiral staircase to look out over the neighboring farms from the cupola.

The terrace level provides additional living space with two/three rooms that can serve as additional bedrooms and 2.5 baths. There is a 30'x 13'7" game room with a large fireplace and an original ice cream parlor. To the east side there is another kitchen as well as a greenhouse. There is also a large walk-in cooler to store your favorite wines. To the west side, you will find a four-car garage.

The beautiful 17+/- acre grounds have fenced pastures, a tractor shed, a stone garden shed, and a few fruit trees.

The Dillard Mansion is located 12 miles from Lynchburg, 62 miles from Charlottesville, 131 miles from Richmond and 178 miles from Washington, D.C.

This beautiful property leaves an impression. It is part of an estate and needs some TLC. The property is being sold "as-is" and inspections are welcomed but are for informational purposes only.

NOTE: All room sizes are approximate and should be verified if important to a buyer.