Belmont

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Address: 224 Washington Street
City: Fredericksburg
State: VA
Zip: 22405
Phone: 540 654-1015
Website: http://garimelchers.umw.edu/

Belmont sits on a hill in Falmouth, across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg. The north half of the frame house, with an entrance passage on its south side, was built about 1795. It was enlarged to its present size in several stages and the structure of the garden was laid out during the 1850s. In 1916, Belmont was purchased by the American Impressionist painter, Gari Melchers and his wife, Corinne. It was the Melchers' garden that the Garden Club of Virginia was asked to restore in 1991. Photographs and garden records from the 1920s and 30s enabled the restoration of the setting. The grounds afford spectacular views of the river, especially from the lovely summerhouse situated at the edge of the steep slope to the river below. Melchers' studio is on the grounds and their art collection is on display as well.