With more than 200 years of history in 20 structures on 400 acres of grounds, keeping Oatlands Historic House & Gardens in pristine condition is a monumental undertaking.
This challenge has become even bigger in recent years as the COVID-19 pandemic affected tourism revenue and support from the National Trust for Historic Preservation has waned.
To overcome these challenges, Oatlands Inc. has over the last four years invested approximately $750,000 from its reserve funds to restore and improve elements of the property that had fallen into disrepair. Those projects include:
Preserving the Carter Barn
- Preserving the north porch of the Oatlands Mansion
- Repairing the Hamlet
- Refurbishing the Carriage House
- Upgrading the grounds and garden to keep them in beautiful condition
- Correcting electrical and plumbing issues throughout the property
- Completely replacing the water infrastructure
- Repairing the new sprinkler system
- Replacing the cistern that stores and supplies water to the gardens
Oatlands Inc. has also invested in several initiatives to generate new revenue that supports operations and preservation. These initiatives include establishing three Airbnb rentals on the property and purchasing a high-quality, climate-controlled tent that makes it possible to hold events throughout nine months of the year.
These efforts have gone a long way toward restoring Oatlands to pristine condition, but there is always work to be done and the reserves Oatlands Inc. has relied upon to fund these efforts are running out. To learn more about how you can support our efforts to keep Oatlands pristine, visit our Membership & Support page.
