Historic Rosegill -700 Acre Farm on Rappahannock River with Pool, Beach, Fishing

Step back in time at one of the oldest and most historic estates in America. Enjoy a vacation or family reunion for up to 12 people in a house built more that 200 years ago on a 700 acre working farm. Hike around two beautiful fresh water lakes, or explore them in canoes. Swim in the private pool, or spend the afternoon on our beach. Look for abundant river ospreys, eagles, geese, wild turkey and deer. The kids will love catching Chesapeake blue crabs at our dock while others can fish in fresh or salt water. The lawn has Middlesex County's best swing. You’ll sleep to the sounds of the wind rustling through the huge oaks.

3 minute video tour of property

VRBO Rentals

We are available for vacation rentals for a maximum of 12 overnight guests. Many of our rentals are multi-generational family groups. While we offer a 4 night minimum rental, any rental under 7 nights must include a Saturday night booking. It helps us schedule cleaning at mid-week. Please be careful to avoid short rentals that do not include Saturday night. To finalize bookings, we require execution of a Rental Contract with house rules, plus a submission of guest list and ages for acceptance by Rosegill Farm LLC. The contract form is sent automatically to everyone requesting a booking.

History of the property:

In 1649, shortly after the settlement of Jamestown and more than 80 years before George Washington was born, Ralph Wormeley received a Crown grant of 3,200 acres, and within a few years established Rosegill on the southern shore of the Rappahannock River. The first buildings were built between 1650 and 1654, when it was the home of Sir Henry Chicheley, a governor of Colonial Virginia who married Wormeley's widow. The present complex, consisting of four brick buildings, most likely was erected during the tenure of Ralph Wormeley IV (1715-1790). The main house evolved from a small brick dwelling into a large U-shaped structure covered by a gambrel roof. In the 1850s the extending wings were removed and the second story added. Rosegill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.

Description of the property:

The Rosegill main house is located between 2 other occupied cottages. Our innkeeper and property manager live in the East Cottage and a family of three lives in the West Cottage. Nearby are a large barn and other buildings. In 2008, the main house was given a complete renovation and historic restoration, including new central heating and air conditioning. We added broadband internet service in 2021 and have good wifi coverage throughout the house and the nearby lawn and pool area.

Rosegill sleeps 12 in 9 beds (1 King, 2 Queens, and 6 single or twin beds) in 5 bedrooms which are all upstairs. There are 3 full baths upstairs, and 2 half baths downstairs. You are limited to 12 staying overnight, and total guests at any one time — without permission of the VRBO Host — is limited to 25.

The large kitchen was completely redone in 2008. You can choose to eat in a small breakfast room which seats 6, the formal dining room, or the river porch, both of which have tables seating 12.

The wood-paneled den has cozy seating for 5. The large living room, also wood paneled, is comfortable for a large group. On the river side of the house, there is a large stair hall that extends the full length of the house. There are two small half-baths downstairs.

The River Porch – or Sun Porch, which faces the Rappahannock River, has proven very popular with our guests. It has large plate glass windows with comfortable informal seating for everybody and a picnic table for informal dining.

The swimming pool at Rosegill is open May 15 – September 15. The use of the pool is reserved exclusively to those in the Main House during Main House rentals.

Smart TVs in the den and living room can stream all popular services.

The house has central heat and air conditioning. Our laundry machines are on the East Porch. On the West porch is an extra refrigerator and the exterior door to the swimming pool. The property has security cameras covering the driveways, parking areas, pool, grounds and exterior of the home.

While we have added modern amenities, it is still a very old house and requires tender loving care. If you're not prepared to treat the property with great respect, please look elsewhere for a place for your vacation. None of the three fireplaces have been relined so they are not to be used.

Activities at Rosegill:

Rosegill’s 700 acres includes large agricultural fields, two large fresh water lakes, a dock and waterfront on Urbanna Creek, and a mile of waterfront with a beach on the Rappahannock River. You can walk in the fields, to the lakes and to the beach. The dock on Urbanna Creek is an excellent spot for children to go crabbing.

We have two canoes, two sea kayaks, and two sit-on kayaks. Urbanna Creek offers a large expanse of protected water to explore. The Rosegill lakes abound with fish and are accessible via your jon boat or a canoe. You can elect to bring a boat and keep it at the Rosegill dock for your vacation – it easily handles a 5’ draft.

We provide arrangements for you to line up a golf cart rental for the duration of your stay, for a local naturalist to come lead a walk focused on birding and native plants and bees and a local guide who can pick you up at our dock and take you on a boat tour of Urbanna Creek or beyond. Historic Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown are all located within an hour’s drive.

We require 4 night minimum rentals and any rental under 7 nights must include a Saturday night stay. When you make a booking request you will be sent additional information on the property and activities along with a contract that must be filled out and executed prior to final booking acceptance.

Each season is special - cozy and private in winter, beautiful in spring and fall, and active in the summer when the pool is open.