
My affection and appreciation for Richmond’s architecture began during college, and has lingered since then. Fortunately, I’ve had many occasions to travel down to this exceptional Virginia city. Driving through the residential areas is now a rite of passage (even when it’s raining). It is with great intention that I chose this feature image…a home by William Lawrence Bottomley, ‘Milburne’, in Windsor Farms… to introduce a post highlighting the splendid architectural tradition of Richmond. Long remembered for his neo-Georgian creations at their finest, his houses in Richmond truly characterize Bottomley’s style at the height of his talent.
Bottomley was clearly a standard-bearer and affected at least three generations of Richmond residents. And this influence included a range of skills and interests, from interior detailing and decor to a masterful handling of surrounding landscapes. His peers, clients, and associates had no doubt that this gentleman was one of the finest American residential architects in the first half of the twentieth century,







Historic Garden Week in Virginia was a glorious highlight of a long Winter 2026. The combination of houses and gardens, open for visits, is truly incomparable. With so much appreciation to you all!!


Richmond houses by Bottomly are stately. I went to high school in Richmond and admired all of these beautiful homes and gardens.
You could not have stated any better…”HOW DID THEY ACCOMPLISH” such structures…a special person, etc. indeed. Must ask hubs if he “wants to take a drive??” franki
What a joy to see these handsome homes in those beautiful neighborhoods.
LOVELY LADY,
AS A LOVER OF CLASSICAL DESIGN, ESPEC. IN STRUCTURES; YOUR OFFERING OF THESE GEMS – IS A GIFT BEYOND MEASURE.
MY QUESTION … WHERE AND WHY, HAS THIS GREAT TALENT – APPEAR TO HAVE SADLY VANISHED FROM OUR SOCIETY?
GIVEN THE CHOICE, FROM ALL OF YOUR OFFERINGS; THE ONE I WOULD BE MOST CONTENT TO CALL ‘HOME’ – WOULD BE: PHOTO NUMBER TWO.
BUT AT 80, ‘DREAMS’ – ARE SO MUCH EASIER TO DEAL WITH, THAN REALITY.
AND TO ALL THOSE SUPERIOR HUMANS: HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
FONDLY,
TOM