St. James' House Spring Opening

Tour a local favorite only open twice a year!

Tour the St. James’ House during Historic Garden Week in Virginia to see its beautiful collection of antiques and decorative arts. Be sure to stroll the handsome gardens after your tour. The house was originally home to James Mercer, an attorney. Mercer was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, the first judge of the General Court in Fredericksburg, and the attorney who drew up the will of Mary Washington. Mercer built the house on land once owned by Fielding Lewis, brother-in-law of George Washington. The house is particularly noted for its fine collection of antique furniture and decorative arts acquired by Daniel Breslin and William Tolerton who, together, restored St. James’ in the mid-1960s and eventually bequeathed it to Preservation Virginia. Washington Heritage Museums then received the property and its collections by deed of gift in 2012. St. James’ House serves as the headquarters for Washington Heritage Museums.