A Rappahannock River Retreat

Wheatland, built circa 1850, overlooks the Rappahannock River.

The two-story Greek Revival plantation house has two identical facades, each proudly greeting the river or road with a two-story entry.

Family silver and portraits on display in the dining room.

A classic canopy bed and plenty of reading material.

Floral wallpaper in a bedroom.

The central staircase.

Wheatland in 1910.

A collection of game bird and waterfowl etchings.

After the Civil War, the family had to sell furniture and silver to keep the property, but descendants later found original furniture, books, and oil portraits in the house’s attic.

Over time, the family has added period-appropriate pieces bought from nearby antiques dealers.

Hunt-ready waders in the mudroom.

“The house could be updated, but that’s not what we’re going for,” says Louise Bance. “It feels suspended in time.”

Pup at the ready.

The family strolling to the river.

The view of the Rappahannock River from Wheatland.

The house sits atop a raised brick basement.

The original Saunders wharf burned in 1900, but its 1901 replacement, a massive wooden warehouse perched on timbers along the bank, still stands.

“The river is the reason Wheatland and all the other beautiful old homes are here.”— Peter Bance

Wateremelon and wine inside the steamboat wharf at Wheatland.

Today in the wharf, kayaks and canoes fill stalls that once held livestock and bushels of wheat.