By Kim Davis

91^st Historic Old Town Home and Garden Tour – April 20^th

 Saturday April 20 marks the 91st Historic Old Town Home and Garden Tour, a rite of Spring that has captured the hearts of residents and tourists who annually revel in the advent of this seasonal tradition.

This year’s tour provides a glimpse into six Old Town properties, each unique in their histories and their owner’s approach to ensuring the historic preservation of this unique community.

Every tour is different and special in its own way.  Some homes are grand in style and scope while others are cozy and reveal an artistic bent.  Each homeowner delights in the uniqueness of their home with an exacting eye toward maintaining the historic accuracy of its heritage.

One such property known for its unique vibe is located at 611 Queen Street in North Old Town.  611 Queen has an interesting history, made even more unique by the artwork and eclectic style of current owners Dominique and Dorn Wenninger.

The property’s history dates to 1803 when the lot was purchased by Thomas Reed. It sold twice before William Veitch acquired it in 1807 for $250.  Veitch constructed a dwelling on the lot between 1808-1810.   Two separate two-story additions were added later.  In 1815, the property sold for $4,000 to William Vowell, president of the Common Council of Alexandria. In 1824, he shared honors with Mayor John Roberts when the Marquis de Lafayette visited Alexandria.

Throughout the years, the property changed owners every 20 to 30 years.  The Wenninger’s made it their home in 2021 and wasted no time initiating a major renovation.  The old kitchen was moved from the back to the middle of the home and a beautiful new kitchen was created as well as three and one-half new baths.   The couple also made necessary repairs to interior joists and masonry.

Beneath the façade of most historic homes lies a plethora of architectural surprises. The Wenninger’s uncovered several such unexpected revelations when relocating the kitchen.  An intact old door was discovered behind a wall.  The Wenninger’s also found evidence of a preexisting wood-burning stove along a wall shared with neighboring 609 Queen.  This led to an unexpected coincidence: the location they chose for their new gas stovetop was exactly where a previous stove stood with the remnants of the flue and blackened bricks visible.

“We were surprised to learn the layout was in the exact place where one had previously existed,” Dominique said.  “Renovating historic homes is not for the fainthearted,” she commented. “There were many other surprises, but we loved remaking this home into our own. We enjoy every room and have celebrated so many traditions with family here.”

In addition to making significant structural changes, the Wenninger’s added their own unique sense of style to the home, providing a striking mix of furnishings and curated artwork from their travels around the world.

The couple began to collect art reflecting their style and interests. Tourgoers will enjoy discovering the many original art pieces throughout their home. A grouping of colorful African art Zulu dolls inhabit a windowsill. A clay pot from Mexico is a replica of a pre-Hispanic vessel that would likely have been excavated by archeologists.  A signed painting dedicated to their daughter by a Kauaian artist has sentimental meaning.  A journey through Nepal to Lhasa in Tibet, Mount Everest space camp and Kathmandu, led to the acquisition of two stunning mandalas, sacred geometric art that represents the cosmos or deities in various heavenly worlds.  A trip to Northern Thailand inspired the addition of a collection of beautifully hand-embroidered pieces from the Hmung tribe. Two traditional Huichol cow skulls from Mexico, hand crafted with tiny, colorful beads set in wax are striking statement pieces from one of their favorite countries.

The home has a lovely garden with hydrangeas, camelias, azaleas, hellebores, jasmine, and honeysuckle. The patio has been expanded to create, according to Dominique, “a whimsical secret garden with cozy spaces and quirky corners of interest, complete with Mexican stone carvings and an antique bench from Mexico.”

The Old Town Historic Garden Week Tour kicks off the Garden Club of Virginia’s week-long tour showcasing a carefully curated selection of our state’s most gracious historic homes and gardens.  Expertly updated, tastefully furnished, and filled with spectacular floral arrangements designed by blue ribbon garden club members, each property features lovely gardens filled with bountiful Spring flowers timed to bloom in concert with the tour.

Tickets include admission to five private Old Town homes and gardens, Lee-Fendall House Museum and Gardens and six nearby public properties, including: Mount Vernon, River Farm, Carlyle House, Gunston Hall and Green Spring Gardens. Advance tickets are $55 online at  www.vagardenweek.org and may be purchased tour day at the Alexandria Visitor’s Center located at 221 King Street. The tour is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event also includes a special pop-up Marketplace Boutique located in the Atheneum at 201 Prince Street. The boutique features a curated collection of beautiful clothing, gifts, and jewelry.  Offerings include soft cashmere scarves, linen dresses, and Scottish woven sweaters by Heidi Wynne; elegant personalized stationery, invitations and gifts from Georgetown Paperie; exquisitely handmade, timeless designs by Deo duPont Jewelry; hand painted art featuring flowers and animals by the talented and gifted artist Virginia Donelson;  children’s clothing, toys and personalized gifts from Old Town’s Monday’s Child boutique; Indo-Chic classic silk blouses, jackets, and skirts for women; Sarah Bray Bermuda Hats made of sea grass and palm leaf, adorned with beautiful vintage floral and grosgrain ribbon; A Shirt Story offering pre-loved 100% cotton men’s oxford shirts reworked for women; and, an extensive inventory of stunning peony bulbs from Peony’s Envy.

The Marketplace is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be available for tourgoers at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 228 S. Pitt Street from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.and the historic church will be open for touring.

The Garden Club of Virginia’s (GCV) eight-day statewide tour from April 20th to 27th includes 170 private properties throughout Virginia, including stately manors, renovated farmhouses, private homes, and waterfront villas.

Proceeds fund restoration and preservation of nearly 50 Virginia historic public gardens. The annual event also funds a historic landscape research fellowship program that is building a comprehensive library documenting the Commonwealth’s important gardens and landscapes.

The tour draws approximately 25,000 tourists annually and was the brainchild of a group of women with a love of gardens in 1929.

The Old Town Alexandria tour is hosted by the GCV’s two local garden clubs, Hunting Creek Garden Club, and the Garden Club of Alexandria. For more information, visit www.vagardenweek.org, online, @historicgardenweekoldtownalexandria on Facebook and @historicgardenweekoldtown on Instagram.