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February 2024 by Doug Clanton
Secluded and peaceful
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December 2023 by Miss Daisy
It was much more difficult to obtain a tour at this time of year. (Dec) than I anticipated. Thankfully, we were able to rearrange schedules to get to see something I've read about for years. (decades, I'm a history buff, & moved to NoVA in '83)Dec 13, 10:30 am was ONLY option.There is one candlelight tour on Dec 15 @ 4pm.Tour guide was the owner, that works; she seemed a bit rushed though, and left very shortly after, leaving us to wander the grounds & dependencies. I didn't see any gardens. Maybe in the spring....?I will not be here come spring, & targeted Dec for Christmas decor. It's the first I've seen cotton plants in decorations, but makes perfect sense, and it works!
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December 2023 by Robert Wydra
Shirley is on your honor payment and you are free to walk around the grounds. They could really up their game with an audio app tour and gift shop. Looks like a working farm, lots bales of cotton. Super nice winery and event Center.
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October 2023 by Sunflower
Went here to celebrate my Uncle's 70th birthday ?. This Winery was absolutely worth the trip. Very nice, elegant, and spacious. Had a great time. Got to meet new family members and see family I haven't seen in a while. The food and service was phenomenal. Looking forward to stopping by again. One of the most beautiful Winery's ? I've visited.
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August 2023 by Cathie Bales
An impressive plantation on the river. Many outbuildings to view.Purchase tickets at the gift shop. $11 to walk the grounds and over $20 to tour the house ground floor. The family still lives in the house so the upstairs is closed off.The gardens were disappointing as they were overgrown. It would be nice if a community group would volunteer to help preserve the gardens as they were probably very nice at some time in the past.There are two magnificent old trees behind the house. The tour guide says they are over 450 years old.There is approximately a 2 mile drive from the main highway.
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August 2023 by Artemis D
Quite frankly, I am disgusted. I don't believe that the family should continue profit. It is a testament to their family being the #1 slave owners in Virginia. This should be more of a memorial site for lost souls... rather than continued exploitation of those who made it what it is.The horrible things that happened on this land is shameful. It should not be glamorized. Shame on this family. May those who built everything this plantation is - get all the glory and God rest their souls.
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July 2023 by Stephanie G.
This place is definitely down on its own path and out of the way in the country, but it's interesting to hear and see a house and business that's been around 400 years and the oldest family-owned business in the country. The descendants still live here, so only the first floor is tourable.The tour guide was knowledgeable and touched on all aspects of the house's history, so it felt like an all-encompassing informational about the owners of the house and the enslaved people who lived and worked there including photographs to give faces to the names. She went over room highlights and answered any questions that people wanted to better understand. It includes a lot of very old artifacts and paintings of the Hills and Carters who lived there.The view of the river is beautiful, and there are a few outer buildings but most don't have anything to see in them. The gift shop is decent. The price is high for a historic tour, but it is a significant enough house to see to understand more the history of Virginia.
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April 2023 by ReneeLynnIndia
The best Plantation I've ever been to. I highly recommend everyone to take the time to visit this Planation. The history and grounds were just incredible. The tour guide, Melissa was so impressive. She knew so much, even about other Plantations. She knows the history and every detail of the house, family generations, history, etc. I truly believe Melissa's heart and soul was in the game, so she brought everything to life and made the tour alive. I can't say enough about her. Go see this Planation.
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December 2022 by Anna Criddle
It was a beautiful Plantation and we had gone 2 days before Thanksgiving 2022 to visit family on Virginia.When we arrived we waited for the 3:00 tour to begin. It started outside & the weather was sunny but chilly and very windy.The tour guide Kathy started outside with a lengthy explanation of the exterior and history of the buildings.Once we went inside she discovered there was no heat and it was 56 degrees in the house on the main floor which is where the tour is.Mind you my husband and I both wore masks and I had gloves, scarf and hood on during the entire tour.That evening about 3 hours later I started to get so sick from coughing and we had to leave Virginia without seeing our family, no thanksgiving & driving back straight through the next morning Wednesday 500 miles to Ohio. My husband ending up getting sick as well. Not Covid just horrible colds and we are still sick and it’s Saturday.Warning : If your going to visit this historic plantation during the cold season call in advance to make sure the home has heat.Especially if your older.Just wish the outcome was better because the history of the plantation was just fascinating and the guide was well informed.
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December 2022 by MJ Worldwide
Beautiful and remarkable home. The people who constructed this home were truly craftsmen and built something that continues to stand the test of time. It’s hard to fathom that this family 13/14 generations later is still profiting from slavery. They profit from their ability to show and tell their family story, the “Carter family” to be precise. I don’t think it’s right to charge people to visit a space constructed using free labor. The Carter family wealth continues to accrue but what of the descendants of those enslaved here? I think more can be done here to right historical wrongs and set an example as “The oldest family run business in America.” If you’re selling the story include all the players, not just the story you choose to highlight.
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November 2022 by Sue H
This is a very old established family property/ home. 13 generations have lived here. the tour is only of the bottom floor. It is a very nice tour. All the bricks of all the buildings were made on site. The home is set on a beautiful property surrounded by the James River. It is a lovely setting. The tour guide was very well informed.
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October 2022 by Theresa Corral
Lovely old home with out-buildings open to the public. It has been the same family since before the American revolution. Still operates a farm growing pecan, wheat, soybeans and cotton.
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September 2022 by Glen A.
Tons of history. Beautiful view of the James River behind the house. Well preserved historic site.
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August 2022 by Peter F.
Visited Shirley with friends from out of state. Wonderful tour with exceptional guide. Fascinating history and gorgeous house and property. Always worth the visit!
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July 2022 by Janet Beaudet
My review is about the restaurant there which is fantastic. In same price range as Boathouse but they have more food I am not allergic to.. On beautiful setting overlooking the river with outdoor and indoor dining
