Restoration work is underway at Varina on the James, an 1853 Classic Revival-style home on Henrico County’s 2,095-acre Varina Farms. Henrico County purchased the home in 2023 and acquired the land in 2024, setting a $1.6 million budget for repairs.
County officials say early work has included asbestos remediation, with more visible construction expected soon. That includes removing windows, repairing jack arches above openings, completing brick masonry repairs, and moving crews onto the roof as scaffolding goes up.
For mason contractors, the scope is a reminder that preservation projects still depend on fundamentals that are easy to overlook on modern work. Jack arch repairs, in particular, can demand careful sequencing, tight layout, and skilled hands to keep surrounding brickwork stable while damaged sections are rebuilt. Work like window removal and exterior access can also drive planning around protection of existing masonry, staging, and safe scaffold use.
The site’s history stretches back centuries. County officials note that Pocahontas and John Rolfe once lived on the plantation, and it was also the first location of the Henrico County government. The house has survived significant damage over time, including tornadoes that tore off the roof. It also still bears Civil War scars, with cannonballs embedded in the brick.
Plans for the building’s interior will be decided next year through a public bid after the exterior work is completed. Ideas for future use include an event venue or a museum. The restoration is expected to wrap up by the end of spring 2027.
Read the full, original article from WRIC ABC 8News here.