Archives for 2020

Of all the buildings at Oatlands, only two in the historic core still have cedar shake roofs- the Pump House and the Bachelor’s Cottage. In addition to being historically accurate for 19th century agrarian buildings, shingled roofs add a charming note to both structures. The roofs began to show signs of deterioration so Oatlands hired Tomlinson Company, Inc. to conduct repairs. For the Bachelor’s Cottage, the contractor removed biological growth and installed a ridge cap. For the Pump House, the contractor conducted more intensive restoration including replacement of rotted shingles, sheathing, crown molding, and fascia boards. The much needed repairs allow for better aeration of elements and extended durability of the entire roofing system.

Both sides of Oatlands’ 1804 mansion have one-story porches with green shutters and white paneling. These side entrances were added during subsequent renovations to the mansion and helped create its Federal style appearance. One shutter on the western porch began showing signs of moisture infiltration, insect damage, and wood rot mostly due to a previous repair project. Oatlands hired Western Loudoun Restoration to repair the shutter by cutting out damaged sections and replacing them with appropriate material such as old-growth Redwood and Fir. After repainting the whole piece, repairs blend in wonderfully.

Commissioned by George Carter in 1810, Oatlands’ greenhouse has protectively housed a variety of plant-life over the years, including citrus trees and roses. In 1903, the Eustis family installed a state-of-the-art Lord & Burnham roof, made of old-growth cypress and glass panes. By 2010, the roof suffered from severe deterioration, particularly to elements from a previous repair. Due to the scarcity of appropriate replacement material, Oatlands and the National Trust for Historic Preservation decided on a new roof made of extruded aluminum and glass, designed to emulate the historic roof. Today, the greenhouse is open every day with interpretive panels on Oatlands’ enslaved community and plants from the garden during the winter months.

Located in Oatlands’ terraced garden, the sundial is a major focal point for visitors, photographers, and special events. The Eustis family purchased the piece in Italy during the 1920s and it can be seen in a 1933 aerial photograph of Oatlands. Due to weatherization over time, all three sections of the sundial became detached from each other. Oatlands hired Ashby Masonry to stabilize the piece and re-install it securely on the base. Today, visitors can safely enjoy the whimsical sundial and its note of playfulness in an otherwise formal garden.

The early 20th century farm building was severely dilapidated and in unusable condition. Loss of the agricultural structure meant loss of a physical link to the working community at Oatlands. Oatlands hired Lauten Design and Construction to restore the entire exterior of the building, including repairs to the roof, siding, doors, windows, and a few structural elements. By stabilizing the Hay Barn, Oatlands has ensured that it will remain standing and in good condition until funds are raised for more intensive structural repairs.

George Carter’s 1804 mansion is the centerpiece to Oatlands’ historic core. As such, staff constantly strives to keep it in good condition. Damaging roof leaks began endangering the structural integrity of the building, valuable collection items on display, and priceless archives. Oatlands hired Tomlinson Company, Inc. to patch problem areas, waterproof all elements, and paint the entire roof. Now it looks great and Oatlands’ staff can rest assured that the building and collections are once again protected.

In 1903, Mr. and Mrs. Eustis hired the Norris Bros. of Leesburg to build a state-of-the-art structure for their horses and carriages. Today, much of the original historic fabric is still visible, including an equestrian birthing chamber, chestnut beadboard paneling, decorative floor drains, and second floor grain chutes that emptied into bins on the first floor. Recently, the heavy front doors began showing signs of moisture infiltration and wood rot. Oatlands hired Vintage, Inc. to repair three of the four Dutch doors. Contractor kept as much original material as possible by cleaning out rotted sections and splicing in appropriate material such as Spanish Cedar. Once repainted, the result is nearly seamless.