This 1912 Italianate marble villa sits high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains in Afton, VA. Major James Dooley, an executive with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company, completed construction of the $2 million Swannanoa in 1912. Dooley, who owned the Maymont estate in Richmond, built this 52-room marble palace as a token of love for his wife, Sally May. More than 300 artisans were hired to create the palace as a replica of the Villa de Medici in Rome. Visitors today can still see the depth of James and Sally May’s relationship is places like the 4,000 piece Tiffany stained-glass window and a domed ceiling bearing the likeness of Mrs. Dooley. Limited weekend visiting hours. Check Events calendar at www.nelsoncounty.com for times or call 540-885-5653 for information regarding group tours, weddings and other events.
Remainder of 2019 Dates:
11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
$8.00 Self Guided Tour, $10.00 Guided Tour, Children 12 & Under FREE
Tickets must be purchased inside prior to tour
Cash or Credit Card Accepted
September 1, 7, 8, 14, 21, 22, 28, 29
October 5, 6, 19, 20, 26, 27
November 2, 3