The house that George built

Our vacation was quite eventful this year. During the drive north, we decided to make a stop at Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, located in Alexandria, Virginia. What an estate! During that time, everything you needed was on your plantation/farm which pretty much made it seem like a city unto itself. Shoemaker, bakery, blacksmith, gardener, etc., were all located somewhere on the farm.
This is a view of the farm as you begin to approach from the road. The original house that George had was quite smaller than this, however, George spent many years adding on to it making it quite an exquisite home. By the time he got it pretty much finished to their liking, he died. It took about 35 years to build (remember, he was off soldiering and being president while building this home so that put a crimp in how quickly things would get done). But if you think this looks spectacular, just wait!
This is the rear view of the house. Equally as beautiful as the front view. They have a bunch of chairs on the back porch that you can sit and look at the view of the Potomac. Now that's an exquisite site to see!

Can you just imagine sitting on your back porch and having this to look at? It was just gorgeous. I could picture George and Martha sitting out there on a cool summer evening enjoying the view. Of course, they were very busy people, always working and putzing around the house so they probably didn't get to sit and enjoy as much as I did. It was hot in Virginia while we were there, but there was a beautiful summer breeze blowing as you sat on the chairs that made it quite comfortable.

These are all the picture I have of the house. They don't allow you to take pictures inside. Guess they don't want the pictures to get out and prevent people from actually visiting the estate. Pictures don't do it justice anyway. You really have to go there and see for yourself. The view of the Potomac alone is worth the trip!

On the estate, like I said, are many different buildings of all those who helped to make the place work. The gardeners home was a very simple place.
The kitchen was a separate building just outside the house. In those days it wasn't uncommon for fires to start in the kitchen and rather than lose the entire house, they built the kitchens separately. Pretty smart thinking. Easier to rebuild a kitchen rather than an entire house!
And of course, the garage. Or more aptly, the stables. George happened to be on the wealthy side. He had a couple of different carriages for his personal use. One "family" vehicle in which they could all ride comfortably. Looks a lot like a stagecoach, doesn't it?
And, to suit George's boyish needs, he had himself something that not many people had in those days. He had himself a sportster model, big enough for one!
When George died in 1799, he was laid out in the last room he added to his house...the fancy dining room. There he laid for 3 days while visitors came to pay their last respects. On the fourth day, they carried him to the tomb that was also on the property. This is now known as the "old tomb".
George isn't in there so don't go looking for him. Martha isn't in there either. They've been moved to what is now called "the new tomb". Prior to his death, George had written that he wanted a new tomb to be built. It didn't get finished while he was alive or in time for his burial. Several years after his death (I don't remember the exact number), the new tomb was finally finished. This is the new tomb.

That is where George lays now. And Martha. And about 24 of their closest family members. Interesting fact about George Washington. He had no children of his own. However, Martha, having been married once before George, had two children that she brought into their marriage. (Her first husband had died at war.)

So if you're ever in Virginia and you're looking for something to do, I would recommend stopping to see George Washington's home. It's worth the trip.