City: Williamsburg, VA

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (804) 829-5176

Address: 12200 Weyanoke Rd.

Description: One of the truly old bed-and-breakfast structures in the area (built ca. 1819 and enlarged in 1853), North Bend Plantation is on the National Register of Historic Places and also is designated a Virginia Historic Landmark. The National Park Service features it on its Civil War and birding trails. Your hosts here are Ridgely and George Copland, the fifth generation of the family to own the home, which was built for Sarah Harrison, George’s great-great-aunt and sister of William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States.The main house’s Greek Revival design will meet your expectations of a plantation house and educate you concerning the changes in architecture on antebellum plantations. It is situated on 500 acres just east of Charles City Court House and one mile off Route 5 on Weyanoke Road, about a 25-minute drive west of Williamsburg. The Civil War has close associations with this residence. In 1864, Union General Phil Sheridan headquartered at North Bend, as you will see upon examining the plantation desk he used at that time. Union breastworks from the war still exist intact on the grounds. Possessions treasured and displayed by the family include old and rare books, colonial antiques from related plantation families, and an antique doll collection. Modern fun is to be had, as well: a fine swimming pool, billiards room, croquet, horseshoes, volleyball, and a full country breakfast including fresh fruit, juices, waffles, omelets, bacon, sausage, and biscuits. Accommodations include varying combinations of bed sizes and styles, and all rooms feature private baths and TVs. The Magnolia Room features a canopied queen-size rice bed and a shower. The Sheridan Room features a high queen-size tester bed (ca. 1810–40) that belonged to Edmund Ruffin, George Copland’s great-great-grandfather. The headboard was shot out in the Civil War. General Sheridan’s desk and a sitting area are in the room. The Federal Room features an iron-and-brass queen-size bed. The Rose Room has a queen-size canopy bed, a fireplace, and a sitting area. The Maids Quarters connects to the Magnolia Room and has a double bed. An upstairs sun porch (one of three) is available for guests’ enjoyment. Guests are treated with refreshments on arrival: cookies and lemonade or hot cider, depending on the season. A choice example of southern cooking in a pleasant historic setting is available nearby at Charles City Tavern; reservations can be made for you at North Bend. Children six and older are welcome, but pets are not. Smoking is restricted to certain areas. Senior citizens receive a 10 percent discount.