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Neala
Ca. 1840
With 209 Acres In The Blue Ridge Foothills Of Madison County
I
n the early 18th century present day Madison
County was our western frontier. In 1728 access was by
Native American trails and a new 4’ wide cart path along the
Rapidan River from Fredericksburg. Seeking his fortune,
on September 29, 1728, William Neale received a patent of
715 acres from King George II as recorded in Spotsylvania
County (then including Madison) reading in part:
George the Second, to all, know thee that for sincere,
good causes and consideration but more especially
for and in consideration of the sum of forty shillings
of good and lawful money for our use paid to our
receiver General of our Reveneur in this our Colony
and Dominion of Virginia. We have given, granted, and
confirmed ……….and do give, grant and confirm to
William Neale…….715 acres….
William died very shortly thereafter and it was only until
the maturity of his son Charles that a family member moved
to Madison. By that time, the spelling was Neal and the
mountain within the present farm retains their name, as does
this unique and beautiful home.
In time, title to the property passed to George Bouton who
built Neala in the decade 1840 to 1850 with stone collected
from one of the farm’s spring-fed streams. The stone still
lies along the same stream, fractured as if ready for today’s
mason. Bouton elected to build in the Greek Revival style
that became popular after the War of 1812 as the rejection
of all things English while embracing the democratic ideals
of Ancient Greece. The stone walls at Neala are 18” thick
rising two stories and capped by a low-hipped roof. The
deep front portico is classic Greek Revival with tetra style
fluted Doric columns. Anecdotally it is believed the entire
decade was required to complete construction of the manor.
As it rose, the Italianate style of architecture began to emerge
and, typical of later Greek Revivals, took flower at Neala in
the deep eaves, broad cornice and ornate brackets.
The manor remained in the Bouton family until 1944. The
first of two sensitive 20th century renovations removed a
whitewash cover of the beautiful stone. During 1991 and
1992 the manor was sensitively and completely restored
under the sure hands of the present owner. Additions to
the residence at that time included the mudroom and the
Conservatory.
Today, this exceptional manor enjoys the patina of original
heart pine complemented by the addition of the mellowed
furniture-grade Honduran mahogany hand-selected for the
library. 10’ ceilings throughout create a tenor of grace and
comfort. Wide center halls upstairs and down are trademarks
of the South where entertaining remains essential to country
living. There are seven fireplaces in Neala, six with propane
features and a wood-burning fireplace in the library.
Neal Mountain
T
here are other structures on Neala that speak to 19th
construction by their stone foundations. These include the
stone cooling house and a large one-story barn. Predating
the house by some 25 years, the farm manager’s residence
was built in 1829. The croquet court behind the manor is a
more recent addition and awaits renovation. The swimming
pool and bluestone decks are all ready for summer evenings.
Also behind the manor is the “bunk house”, an antebellum
barn converted to a guesthouse with bedroom, bath, sitting
room and full kitchen.
Bunk House
The topography rises from 580’ along Gilmore Creek to
1,107’ at the crest of Neal Mountain creating a natural and
private amphitheatre. Springs and streams are plentiful but
there are also seven drilled wells on the property. Hardwood
forests are mature and shelter a wide variety of wildlife.
Suitable for a wide variety of agricultural interests, the
fertile soils are of the Eubanks/Lloyd loam association.
Farm Manager’s House
The quarried stone construction of Neala is unique in
Virginia’s Piedmont and has been featured in “Classic
American Homes” magazine. The land at Neala is protected
in perpetuity by a conservation easement to the Virginia
Outdoors Foundation as is the 248 acres across Rte. 663.
Jos. T.
SAMUELS
Three Generations Of Virginia Real Estate Service
Charlottesville
u
www.jtsamuels.com u (434) 981-3322
All information herein is from sources deemed reliable and is submitted subject to errors,
ommissions, change of price, prior sale, or withdrawal without notice.