Toddsbury is an ancient 17th-century family home, acknowledged as the “Mother House” of the North River. Of the original land grant, made to English sea captain Thomas Todd in 1652, 100 acres remain. Built of brick, facing the river, the original house dates from 1658. Additions in 1690, 1720, 1782 and 1948 complete the L-shaped gambrel-roofed structure seen today.

An outstanding and substantial example of an early Tidewater domestic structure, Toddsbury is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Virginia Historic Landmark. The interiors boast extremely fine early 18th-century paneling, unique carved “keystones” over the windows, and brick linenfold jack arches above the earliest entrances. The garden wall dates from the 1690s and contains an acre square.

The grounds at Toddsbury are spacious and inviting for all ages. Interesting details are found in every corner.

The nearly mile-long riverfront with its enormous willow oaks overlooks the longest southern...