Old Town Alexandria Homes and Gardens Tour April 26

Five beautiful and historic private homes and gardens open to visitors as part of the 92nd Annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia

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OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA HOMES AND GARDENS OPEN FOR HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK IN VIRGINIA April 26 Photo 1 — Photo courtesy of The Garden Club of Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Enjoy the timeless beauty of Old Town’s historic homes and gardens, showcased at the peak of spring bloom. The tour takes place on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It features stunning floral arrangements designed by garden club members.

“We are honored to share these unique historic homes and gardens with the community. This year’s tour is especially meaningful as The Garden Club of Alexandria celebrates its 100th anniversary. Each property on the tour reflects the rich history and vibrant charm of Old Town Alexandria, offering a glimpse into its heritage while showcasing thoughtful, modern restorations that respect the past,” said Barbara Warder, Tour Co-chair. “We extend our deepest appreciation to the homeowners for their generosity in opening their homes to the public.”

Among the featured homes and gardens is the Michael Swope House, the oldest home on the tour, built between 1784 and 1786 for Michael Swope, a Revolutionary War hero. The lot was originally purchased in 1749 by Augustine Washington, George Washington’s half-brother. The home boasts original paneled wainscoting, 12-foot ceilings, and a Delft tile-lined fireplace. Its elegant side garden features fountains, a trellised magnolia, and an outdoor kitchen.

Since 1929, Historic Garden Week tour proceeds support the restoration and preservation of historic public gardens and landscapes in Virginia and fund research fellowships in landscape architecture. Historic Garden Week has raised millions for conservation projects, funding over 50 public sites across the Commonwealth.

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Advance purchase tickets are $55 each and are available at www.vagardenweek.org or $60 at the Alexandria Visitor’s Center (221 King Street) on tour day. In addition to the featured five homes and gardens, tour tickets provide access to Carlyle House, Lee-Fendall House, River Farm, Gunston Hall, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Green Spring Gardens, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on the same day.

OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA HOMES AND GARDENS OPEN FOR HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK IN VIRGINIA April 26 Photo 2 — Photo courtesy of The Garden Club of Alexandria

Visitors who purchase tickets online may start the tour at any featured home by presenting their electronic ticket. Public parking is available in nearby lots, with street parking limited. Details are available on the Alexandria Visitor Center website: https://www.visitalexandriava.com/plan/parking/.

Please note: Historic Garden Week tours are private and therefore the homes are not handicapped accessible; those with physical limitations should be advised. The Old Town Alexandria tour will take place rain or shine.

Tour sponsors include Corcoran McEnearney and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

The Garden Club of Alexandria also completed the Ramsay House garden renovation with new patios with memorial bricks, an accessible pathway and patio, native and sustainable plants to provide year-round color and the only cell phone charging station in Alexandria’s parks.