A House Tour at Colonial Williamsburg With Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Interior designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas grew up visiting Colonial Williamsburg and credits the historic living history museum as a constant source of inspiration and the birthplace of American decorating. When she was asked to take part in the "Designer In Residence" program - a newly created program wherein a historic home in Colonial Williamsburg is re-envisioned by a top interior designer, Hillegas called it a “once-in-a-career homecoming.”
Enter: The Nelson-Galt House. Built in 1695, the historic gem was once home to a signer of the Declaration of Independence and governor of Virginia and is believed to be the oldest residential dwelling in Colonial Williamsburg. Hillegas set to work imagining and planning her vision for the historic home while working with partners like paint giant Benjamin Moore, fabric, wallpaper, and lifestyle leader, Schumacher, and Paul Montgomery, who specializes in hand-painted mural wallcoverings.
Hillegas found inspiration throughout various restored buildings and rooms around campus and settled on a color palette of blues, greens, neutrals, and whites. While the ever-humble designer says there was “no need to reinvent the wheel” because of the classic color schemes and notable architectural details, the rules Hillegas had to follow during the project were daunting. Through endless research and decorating lessons, she says are rooted in the soul of the museum, Hillegas gave the home a new lease on life. Her interiors for the Nelson-Galt house feel tailored, clean, and livable while still maintaining an air of historical appropriateness given the significant context of the over 300-year-old home.
Produced by Tori Mellott and Kate Gilhool
Filmed and Edited by Emmrich Creative

[@lianeabeyta4515]

I couldn't leave after only 2 years , having poured my heart and soul into this transformation. Just stunning.

[@Saba15-t9d]

Why do they have to leave?

[@zuzuspetals38]

She’s just the decorator in residence for tht time As far as leaving it, it’s all her furniture and she’s a designer, can recreate anywhere

[@rneustel388]

I feel the same way!

[@studiohost]

After living under a microscope, she’ll be ready😊

[@user-es9mb8wi3m]

This has my heart. As a Williamsburg supporter and frequent visitor, I greatly appreciate what Heather has accomplished in the Nelson-Galt House. Thanks to her, the home is preserved and beautiful. We were shocked during a recent visit to the Williamsburg Inn, to see that it had been redecorated in a more modern tone. So disappointing. The Williamsburg Lodge, at the hands of Marriott, the new management, did the same. We were crushed. Gone was the historic, colonial atmosphere we cherish. I hope that someone with more respect for the history, will, indeed, prevail in restoring what should be presented as authentic Williamsburg. It truly is a national treasure and should be preserved as such.

[@anntravis4054]

They need to hire Heather to bring those places more in keeping with the spirit of Williamsburg!

[@rneustel388]

I’ve never been to those places, but your description makes me wince with pain! 🥺

[@user-es9mb8wi3m]

Hi. @@rneustel388 The very good news is that new management has been brought in and Williamsburg has been rescued. It has been restored and looks beautiful. The previous managers nearly bankrupted everything and it showed. I hope that the restoration news makes you feel better.

[@bryanspindle4455]

I agree. As someone who has lived my whole life near Williamsburg and been influenced by the historic architecture and interiors, it is sad to see them move away from much of the atmosphere that has always made it such a special place to visit. I was involved in the renovation of the Williamsburg lodge in 2006 and 2007 and at that time the newly built rooms and refurbished ones were furnished mostly with pieces that were reproductions of simple country antiques. I haven't seen the rooms since that time. I was in the Williamsburg Inn last Christmas and noticed the main lobby and other public areas didn't have the same regal elegance that they once did.

[@user-es9mb8wi3m]

Bryan, how surprising to find your comment. If it makes you feel any better, my grown son was recently in Williamsburg and happily reports that it has returned to its former self, with some new improvements/changes. The previous entity that managed everything nearly bankrupted the assets, but that group is gone. If you can find out who is now managing Williamsburg, I would certainly love to know. It truly is a national treasure and needs to be treated as such. Happy New Year. Thanks for your reply.@@bryanspindle4455

[@kirstenclouse7846]

Perfection! What a graceful and stunning home. The paint, fabrics, wallpaper, furnishings and decor are all so cohesive and elegant. Truly one of my favorite homes, I’ve seen to date.

[@Schumacher1889]

We couldn't agree more!

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

I do SO agree! Her focus speaks to my HEART-I LOVE this and her approach to decorating!!

[@kennethstuckey7823]

Heather, you, my dear, are the epitome of true excellence, decorum, class, graciousness, and total perfection! What an exquisite, beautiful, and tastefully decorated/furnished, light and airy house! Wow, wow, wow! That house's interior....to include its paint, wallpaper, and window treatments selections, screams peaceful abode, tranquility, serenity, and complete, total and unrelenting blissfulness! Everything inside that house is well curated and well placed. You can feel GOD'S spirit all over that house! Now that's what I'm talking about! If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!👏👏 You did a magnificent job with this house!! 👍👍

[@josheggler8180]

I couldn’t agree more with this comment! I’m clapping my hands in unison 👏🏽

[@Schumacher1889]

we 👏are 👏clapping 👏our 👏hands 👏too 👏

[@kennethstuckey7823]

@annesmith6582 Oh yes, they do! They can, should, and will do so if they are the ones living there! A home is meant to be lived in and thoroughly enjoyed by its occupants, and if that enjoyment includes placing ones feet on a sofas' cushions, then so be it.

[@MillieTyler-q1g]

Well said. I agree wholeheartedly! I liked her trick of dipping the silk shades in dye until she got just the right color. That took guts. Loved it!

[@elgallito8252]

Just one word, exquisite. Thanks, Schumacher, for introducing us to Ms. Chadduck.

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy to have been introduced to her, too!

[@sheilaball3693]

Absolute triumph. Fabulous, aesthetically appropriate and pleasing interior which exudes casual glamour and has paid great respect to the buildings pedigree. ❤❤❤

[@Schumacher1889]

Couldn't have said it better ourselves!

[@kimcross3230]

Absolutely beautiful home!!! My husband is a William & Mary alum and I’ve always loved visiting Williamsburg. So many colonial-styled homes are dark and drab but this one is happy and fresh while still respecting the era. I think this is my favorite Schumacher video. Thank you!

[@Schumacher1889]

Thank YOU for watching! We're happy you enjoyed it

[@TheRayjane]

What a gorgeous home....love the paint colors you used, and the wallpapers. Everything is perfection. Such a warm and inviting home. Eloise is precious ♥️.

[@Schumacher1889]

We love the home and Eloise - or 'Weezie' as Heather calls her - too!!

[@janetower546]

My grandfather helped restore Colonial Williamsburg, it makes me happy to know this and visit there!

[@4everyoung24]

I have loved Heather Chadduck’s work ever since I saw one of her homes in Cottage Living back before we had laptops and Pinterest. I STILL have magazine clippings if that house in my “dream” folder. She had maps on the ceiling and the prettiest embroidered numbers on the back of the dining room chairs.

[@elizabethmilligan7173]

I grew up in Charlottesville, now live in Richmond, and my cousins live in Williamsburg - I was raised on the beauty of the Colonial era! Many family took many trips to Colonial Williamsburg (Christmas is especially stunning) and it never gets old. Heather's decorating for this house is PERFECT - you can just tell she fell in love with it. Thank you for sharing!

[@maryschlotter108]

Ever since I was a child and visited Colonial Williamsburg for the first time, I fell in love with it. The homes the beautiful gardens in Spring. Your choices are so lovely and welcoming. Love the history behind some of the fabrics and the wall coverings. Then adding touches from your own home. The corner cupboard, the butcher block from your brothers tree. To me that’s what makes a house a home. The layers of new and old that tell a story,so when you walk into that room the feeling of those who came before us is there. I am a descendant of a signer of the declaration and I’m fortunate to have two items in my home from one of his family members ( civil war era) every time I walk into the room I’m drawn to it visually. Love the fabric design made from Martha’s dress . Thank you.

[@abacus299]

The designer was right - she was born to decorate this house. Wonderful stories about the inspiration behind choices. Everything feels and looks utterly right yet still liveable. Timeless design executed so beautifully I actually found this tour surprisingly moving. Now want to cross the pond and visit the area!

[@williamandcynthialyons3841]

This was one of the best tours ever! Thank you.

[@Schumacher1889]

Thank YOU, Emmrich Creative and Heather Chadduck!!

[@RobertGilliamHurwitzNeal]

My Darling Lady! You have a way of conveying your ethic and intention in a way I really haven't heard before. There is literally zero affectation and I feel as though everything you're sharing comes from a skilled and experienced repertoire. You're so familiar with the products that the styles, uses, and brands slide off your tongue as if you created and made them all yourself. I really loved that you talked about how you decided to soften the dining chairs, in that stunning Schumacher stripe, (in that, by the way, GLORIOUS, dining room), with skirts and that you'd chosen to slip-cover them. That one component, in a home with a myriad of components, just makes it clear how detailed your efforts have been - and you know what - that fabric is precisely right, IMHO, and the skirt does exactly what you say it does. Really excellent video and wonderful that you are graced with living in such an immaculately elegant representation of American History - and in a day where we really need to honor that phrase - it's delightful to see something that personifies and celebrates our remarkable roots even with all their complexities, foibles, and blemishes. This house...well...there isn't a blemish in it. Thanks again!

[@Schumacher1889]

We couldn't have said it better ourselves! Heather is a rockstar!!

[@Robin-no8cu]

Have watched this several times! What a treat! Beautiful and traditional without being stodgy. Comfortable upholstery!

[@seachange17]

Oh sweet Williamsburg. This house is one of the best I've seen in colonial style. Everything is done so well: the scale of the rooms, the views outside, the wallpaper and fabrics and the cool yet warm colors used throughout. And of course Eloise making herself at home on the bed makes it a perfect home.

[@AmyAnnetteHenion]

I have waited MONTHS for a video tour of this house and it does not disappoint. Thank you for uploading!

[@dottiebaker6623]

What a FABULOUS house. I've been to Colonial Williamsburg many times, as my sister lived in the area for years. I had no idea it hosted a residence interior designer - what brilliant idea. You've designed a home that is perfect for the house, and historic environment, with the perfect balance of current trends and history. Well done!

[@birthdaybash4721]

The architectural style is a continuation of their roots from England. Symmetry is evident in architecture. You had a beautiful house to decorate … to start and you enhanced it even more. Bravo. Love what you added to this special historical sight.

[@dilshaddealwis6543]

I can watch this over and over

[@gardenlevel7385]

What a beauty. Also, the music accompanying the video is perfect.

[@carolweaver3269]

Such a beautiful home. You are a great designer, Just love the wall coverings and paper. What caught my eye at first was the name Hillegas, as it is a name in my family tree! I take it is your husband's name, but it just stood out. Although we live in NYS, one never knows if we still are somehow related even distantly. Williamsburg would be a lovely place to live. Has to be the most peaceful place to wake up in? The hand painted murals truly ae very unique. Thanks for sharing!

[@cynthialambert9067]

Extraordinary. What a talent. Everything is lovely, and appropriate. So well done. Thanks Heather, and Schumacher!

[@sandramadaris7814]

Beautiful! You've captured English country home feel but it's totally American. What a spectacular house!

[@christineobrien6590]

Absolutely beautiful! Love everything she did! ❤

[@diannshoemaker6419]

As a retired dealer in 18th and 19th century American antiques, i remember this world and the small attention to detail, she used to bring this house, not just to life, and historic beauty, but modern useage. Irrelevant can too easily become LOST FOREVER...she avoids that...and makes it suitable for modern life... and lovely.

[@pgadeb]

Had never heard the name 'Hyphen room'/ sun room before! and the blue room with canopy daybed with Dandridge Damask pattern is dreamy! That looks like a massively long bay laurel or magnolia garland in the blue room - gorgeous! Looks to be fresh cut.

[@TracieClaiborne]

This is absolute perfection in every way - I'm going to watch again and again. Long time fan of yours, Heather, but you have outdone yourself on this. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow. I just want to see all your flower arrangements again too! Wow.

[@patriciaanderson1305]

me too!!!

[@Saba15-t9d]

I got extremely inspired by the decorating style of this home. The color palette is simply stunning. Those beautiful bedrooms. I would never be able to leave.

[@Schumacher1889]

It was hard for us to leave!

[@thevintagekitty]

Timeless beauty and elegance. These homes will be beautiful forever.

[@jimaalexander6021]

The most beautiful house. Heather is a genius! I’ve watched dozens of times.

[@lisaparrino3063]

What taste! The window in the house is such a charming historical detail.

[@lindarivelli8683]

Such a stunning representation of lessons and legends! The history and the interlude of old with the new is perfectly enhanced by Heather. And, illuminated with Benjamin Historic palettes interwoven with the Schumacher legendary historic designs and textiles! Truly a long lasting treasure!! ⚜️

[@sheRoyals]

Thank goodness someone with a talent for classic taste done impeccably for this home! These colors with fabrics are supremely cohesive!

[@phyllishaynes1544]

Colonial Williamsburg is our favorite place to visit. ❤❤❤ I had no idea that they had programs like this. I love learning something about Colonial Williamsburg .What happens to the house when you leave?

[@elanorwainscott]

I wonder this too. Would be cool to tour this house next time I'm in town.

[@carolpipher4839]

💯 ~Oh Heather, absolutely beautiful! Warm, cozy, elegant & rustic; I LOVE it! 🍍🌱

[@douglasthompson9482]

Outstanding is an understatement….beautiful in every way.

[@dennykoncz2907]

My god that wall paper makes me feel like l have stepped back in time and it feels so warm and cosy it's hard to express my emotions, I just adore the study and the reef adorning the portrait OMG, thank you for creating this channel that is all inspiring and beautiful in a truly ugly cruel world 💌

[@ItsMeHello555]

Could not find a spot in this entire home, inside or out, that I would change! How lovely! Such an inspiration, and I thank you for sharing it all with us! ❤

[@dutchhillhome158]

So gorgeous and well done!

[@Thatsinteresting363]

Thank goodness there are people committed to preserving and improving and salvaging who also have the talent to do it well!❤

[@theUrbanJoe]

I fell in love with Williamsburg and I always come back to these classic looks. I was so blessed to grow up in an historic Southern home filled with beautiful family antiques. What you’ve done here is absolutely exquisite and serene! It’s Heavenly. It’s a joy to marvel at your passionate handiwork. Your tranquil use of so many colors & patterns is truly masterful ❤

[@firouz256]

Relaxed, authentic, calm! This is interior that does not try to impress others but the people who live in it. Color palette is incredibly sophisticated and a very clever monochromatic shades, No nonsensical collection of trash, incredible use of space, well presented, she isn't trying to appear old money or extraordinarily artistic, selection of fabrics is bold yet not in your face or tacky. I will one day ask her to design my home (with me). I could learn much from her.

[@SteveL2012]

The blues are breathtaking, and the valances around the living room windows, ingenious. What creative way to add some contrast to a room with mostly right angles. A perfect home.

[@JoyceB-qv9xq]

I would live in Colonial Williamsburg in a heartbeat! Heather has done an amazing job decorating this home to perfection. The beautiful fabrics and paint colors make it so lovely and cozy!

[@2Sugarbears]

Absolutely gorgeous. I love it to bits.

[@anntravis4054]

Heather this is absolutely stunning! Gorgeous but it's so warm and comfortable not -museum like. I would have a hard time leaving. Well done!

[@penelopehammerton2907]

A gently elegant home that living in it would be very calming. Just beautiful, you did a good job bring this home to life 👏

[@debrademostheni9674]

i love the colour scheme and the wallpaper through out the house

[@BlueAlien1313]

I am so happy that we have people out here restoring our old homes in America. We need to do that all over the country like they do in Britain. I would travel to each state to see them in all their splendor. This one in particular is gorgeous! Do they allow the public to see this home?

[@katewarnebold59]

So livable while respecting history. Fantastic

[@nancyvance2772]

So, so fabulous! Every inch is perfection!

[@MizJilly]

The fabrics are, of course, stunning! And a giant Bravo! to the designer and Benjamin Moore. I was staring at the paint colors the entire time. Wonderful choices. They'd need a court order to get me out of there.

[@KirstenJoerg]

My Gosh, this house is so stunningly beautiful - thank you so much for sharing this gem!

[@Schumacher1889]

Thank you for watching. We're so happy you enjoyed it as much as we did!

[@doreen9838]

Beautiful!!! And Eloise is beautiful too!!!

[@pamelakilgore7836]

Wow!! Very pretty home. Excellent job. Cozy.

[@edseventyeight6749]

What a beautiful home! The dining room reminds me of the Pewter Pot Restaurants that were all around Boston years ago. You did a wonderful job preserving the past!

[@girlygirl0053]

So deliberately styled and decorated just stunning! Everything flows so well from one room to another, so very cohesive.

[@jameslarge3350]

I adore this. The Mural in the Dining room includes my old school, White Lodge in Richmond Park London.

[@fishercourt]

That’s really cool that you noticed that. That’s really interesting that you saw your old school in a mural there. ❤

[@vickiboise]

Absolutely Divine! Such talent. Lovely use of color combinations.

[@SpanishEclectic]

So much style; so tasteful. Everything is beautiful and balanced. What a charmed life, even though she knows it's only temporary. Really enjoyed this.

[@leselle777]

🍃 I love every aspect, every design detail, every view. Very special and very beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@davidlynn5385]

Simply beautiful. The home, furnishings and colors blend so well together. And- The production of this video was so well done too. 🙂

[@deborahkilleen4841]

beautiful elegant, sophisticated, love you're home, forgot one more thing.........Stunning

[@Schumacher1889]

Can't forget 'stunning'!

[@jenh9361]

Absolutely Gorgeous... Love everything!!!

[@frenchprovincial9602]

Beautifully decorated, lovely cosy home.

[@angiean8793]

Beautiful home

[@giddingsrocks]

Wow! What a wonderful experience. I love that amazing house! It is beautifully decorated. The fabrics were stunning but a bit to matchy matchy for my tastes. Thank you for sharing! 😍

[@noreenalexander3836]

Wow, just wow, perfection in every room, so hard to choose a favourite. Well done to the designer!

[@Schumacher1889]

Brava, Heather Chadduck!

[@nunyabiznes4471]

I loved this video. The color combinations with the fabrics are stunning. Very tasteful well appointed home.

[@paulahawkins3786]

Absolutely gorgeous- you did a wonderful job!

[@judithburgess8222]

Your decor is lovely; Colonial Williamsburg is magical. I tried to locate the house but was unable. Such an honour for you to have been chosen to design the decor.

[@louiselewis5061]

Beautifully done!

[@elizabethsummers4696]

Watched this video several times & love it more each time! Stunning design choices & an absolutely beautiful home! I could not leave after only 2 years!!

[@sandrabrown6326]

What a beautiful home. I would just wander around room to room daily if I lived there. Pinch myself every morning to see if I was really in this home.

[@Marie-lx3wg]

I’ve loved all the homes in the past but this? This is my absolute favourite by far! Beautiful home, fabrics, wallpaper and the furniture… this will be hard to beat! Thank you from Sydney 🇦🇺🌸🥰

[@kathrincichos3114]

One word: Amazing! 😘

[@nancyjarrell5509]

Absolutely stunning! Love all the rich color!

[@rneustel388]

I’ve never been to Williamsburg, and I can’t figure out why, because we lived just north of Baltimore for 10 years. The decor is all the things I love-colors, fabrics, furniture, art, wallpapers, etc. I’m happy to see that they were allowed to bring their dog to the home with them along with personal furniture and objects. It feels like a real home, not just a museum. To create a book about the experience of decorating and living in this home would make a gorgeous coffee table book. *Hint*Hint*

[@strll3048]

Incredibly talented designer!!!

[@3catmom844]

Gorgeous! We now live in Texas and there is nothing like Williamsburg and the style of that time and place.

[@sharonlatour6230]

Just lovely! You all did a wonderful decor colorway in this stately home!

[@lindaleejones2330]

We spend a lot of time in Williamsburg every year. This was an awesome video to run across. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Veravsvet]

Очень понравился интерьер. Восторг! Гармония. Всё прекрасно! Люблю такой стиль.🥰😍💕💕💕

[@shed7100]

Beautiful home with very tasteful decoration. It is very Georgian English in style.

[@ginafriend1690]

Lovely wallpapers, window treatments and landscapings. Rich in history. Such warmth. I'd like to know how the brass rail was hung, that has the pictures hanging from (?) Hearing the House Rules.

[@jeanenekrogh4537]

I have watched this video multiple times! I can appreciate all of your talents in decorating this house. Great job! 5:37

[@ruthklipp3357]

Oh, my! What a gift to be able to live there for two years. Lovely!

[@robyngranberry9044]

Love your relaxed approach and the way you have been faithful to the design ethic of Colonial Williamsburg while keeping it livable !

[@melissa-wz6uj]

Incredible ❤❤❤❤❤ the history, architecture and passion behind all of it 🙏🙌😊♥️

[@kimberleymansfield1099]

So tastefully done!!! Beautiful

[@49LivingtheDream]

Lovely home. I live in a 100 year old building in Minneapolis, in a small apartment. My walls are still bare since they are plaster and I just prefer to not mess with them. I'm a minimalist, though. The older walls and trim remind me much of many relatives from previous time in my life growing up in Wilmington, Delaware. Plus, having lived in old homes when in college at VCU in Richmond. Colonial blue is my favorite, too.

[@homebodyheaven6114]

True beauty is forever.

[@Montana_Ranch_Rescue]

I am in adoration of this video ❤

[@AppealToHeaven]

This is so absolutely perfect I want to cry

[@stahradams4729]

Absolutely gorgeous!! Wonderful job!

[@dresqueda]

I so much appreciate this video. I have a renewed appreciation for colonial style and colors. Thank you!

[@josephforsuh6929]

I keep on coming back to this home, the interior design is wonderful but what I am really stuck on is the parlour. It stays with me..... Yep! Love the brass picture rail! Thank y'all.

[@Schumacher1889]

Such a good design trick!

[@Missybittle7501]

Just dreamy!