Untold Stories of the ABANDONED 1700s Dunnington Mansion Finally Revealed

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

What would you turn it into if you had all the money in the world?

[@pigoff123]

A lovely home again. I have always wished to be rich and go down every road and restore property and sell it then start restoring the next one.

[@suenesnidal2600]

It's original self.

[@TheWvubaby]

A bed and breakfast.

[@rachelcookson3492]

Bring it back to its original glory, do guided tours, weddings, functions and festivals.

[@StanCat4]

Just preservation as it was & orig grounds too

[@MrWolfsDen]

Leave it to developers to destroy a beautiful history of America , truly sad .

[@drblais5193]

you misspelled conservatives and ya they suck for what they have done to America

[@1976mcfarlane]

Every time. America needs to learn from European nations ..preserving these beautiful historical structures

[@MrWolfsDen]

@@1976mcfarlane Possibly . I see videos all the time from Europe and they actually have the same problem . Many historical places left to rot or highly vandalized . It's nice though when they can be saved so future generations can see what true craftsmanship looks like and how long they can be around if taken care of .

[@ANTI_FAscist_WW2champs]

unfortunately nothing lasts forever…

[@dain-x9q]

Actually it looks weathered not withstanding the many years of weathered foundations..

[@laurawilde8137]

How I wish I could handle the restoration of this! I love older buildings, and this looks still possible to save. I'll keep my fingers crossed...

[@charlesrobertson8767]

I love it there.. My family genealogy shows they were some of the founding families of Farmville and Hampden Sydney College..Because of that I could of had free Tuition and all expenses paid.. But back then I didn't want to live in a small college town so Virginia Tech it was.. now some 40 years later I regret that.. ( Funny Karma..I became a Virginia State Trooper and did my FTO where else but Farmville..lol)

[@rachelcookson3492]

Heather is a Saint. This house must be saved! Not only is it stunning, the history is beautiful, and families who lived there great people.

[@maxinenall9950]

This is heartbreaking 💔 It's a perfect example of how corporations don't care about history and only the families took loving care of the house 🥰 I don't understand how it deteriorated that fast in less than 20 years 😥

[@normanfletcher8332]

Bed & Breakfast, what a Great idea., So hope this once Grand Mansion is restored & saved...

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

Me too!!

[@jilldavis7229]

God bless Heather Beach!!! She is turning, what was a sad, heart breaking story, into a ray of sunshine of hope!!!! I pray that she is successful 👍🙏💕

[@heatherarmstrong1366]

Thank you Ms Heather Beach for your passion and not standing by the wayside. Thanks also for the community and family for this video. I will share it. May God bless you with His will to see the glory of the home brought back from the brink. You are all so amazing!!!❤❤❤ Love 💕 Heather from Iowa.

[@TheWvubaby]

Wow this home was a happy home and then it’s like the mansion was sad because the love and families left it. 😢

[@galvaceci6498]

Beautiful Grand Mansion!!!! Please save it and restore this Grand Beauty!!

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

They are raising funds now! If you want to help, here is how! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpCqepqJmc-ol7c Do you think the Dunnington Mansion can be saved?

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Of course, but it would be an absolute money pit to bring it up to code.

[@daniakalaina]

It always ends with a developer leaving a historic house to fall apart so they can put McMansions on the property.

[@StanCat4]

This should be outlawed!!!

[@pontifier]

It's surprising how quickly buildings decay when people arent taking care of them. Very sad. I hope they are able to save it!

[@patricatfurever4051]

Gorgeous! If I only had the funds! Praying that it eventually will be restored 🙏🏼

[@littlemary434]

This channel is so underrated

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

That warms my heart, thank you!

[@oliveo.5022]

Were they employed there or enslaved there?

[@HLBear]

I would imagine both across its history. The pictures they showed were in the 20th century, so those are employees. But having been built mid-1700s in Virginia, they would have had enslaved people at that time.

[@sandracuthbert1217]

A beautiful historic guesthouse and wedding venue.

[@SandraOshea-d7o]

This is awesome. Bless the young women that has a love for it. Will keep it lifted in prayer.

[@veniceliston1618]

what a beautiful home and beautiful history but so sad it was let go i hope it can be revived

[@tishasian4314]

I can't understand how one person could let this house go. a 300 year old house completely destroyed. I'm sure it all had to do with money and greed and not caring a world about architect. I'm glad somebody stepped up you don't let a 300 year old house crumble to ruins. It would make a great wedding venue

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

And that is exactly why we made this documentary! To help spread the word about this beautiful place and the potential it has!

[@pj091373]

Right... money and greed...and not caring about the slaves who began this legacy smh

[@RickPeters-gy7to]

Wow, this film is AMAZING! brings back so many memories. I’m so glad that Michael was able to capture the amazing story where I used to visit with my first girlfriend in the 1980s. I don’t remember how we got to see it, but I really wish this place would be restored, because it means so much to me. Even though she broke my heart when I asked her to marry me in front of they archway, it made me the person I am today and I will never forget that. Go Heather and team!!

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cuddzilla]

Beautiful and sad. And typical of "investment groups".

[@bettyb1313]

I pray someone saves this beautiful piece of history Amen

[@luv2luv720]

This is a beautiful mansion! I'm so glad there's so many pictures to enjoy from its past. I got chills when she said the house was happy she decorated for Christmas! I bet it was 🥰

[@alishadarcy8482]

Have they spoken to the daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution?

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Best wishes to everyone involved. May you succeed in a grand way!

[@ndog2005]

Yes, Yes, preserve this mansion for it is so rich in History...

[@StonedustandStardust]

Prayers for the complete restoration and a museum would suit it❤

[@bwiseok]

What a beautiful story

[@52daa]

Slavery is slavery! Let’s be real here

[@artist6135]

Thank God for Heather’s love for this home!!! ❤ I sincerely hope this home can be saved!!!

[@cathyreardon8979]

Please someone save this house with a beautiful history. 🙏 16:51 16:51

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

Denton mansion foundation is trying their best!

[@pj091373]

Slavery was beautiful history?

[@dorisantwine]

What a sad mistake they have made. This home could have still been a slice of History that so many people could have seen how grand the home was for the people who lived their dreams. They could have done like Builtmore has done.

[@helenawarsinnak]

This is an HISTORIC SITE that should be saved!!!! So many memories were made here and so many more can be!!!!

[@Chr0chet_Obsessed]

I would turn it into a small farm rescue/ b&b where the house was like a two night stay or something. I totally agree that it needs to be cherished and enjoyed! Hopefully it will be restored and preserved before its too late 😢

[@SJ-um2ym]

It’s lovely to see that people are gathering together to help preserve a part of American history. We bulldoze and replace so much now. I hope they can save this place.

[@phunkyfeelone4855]

Interesting, my maternal family, The Jackson's and The Bowles', were land owners and farmers that go back generations in Farmville. I will def. enjoy this vid. Thank you for sharing!

[@21299]

Every state has its list of multi-million-aires. If each one was on the board of directors you might have a chance.

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

I appreciate your confidence!

[@beachrose88]

sad town allowed this to fall to ruin. SHAME ON THE TOWN GOVT

[@petalily47]

Why aren’t the slaves that helped build their wealth mentioned? They talked about employees. Give me a break.

[@oliveo.5022]

Good question....where's the proof of ownership of slaves

[@Ray-sj2iw]

Slavery ended in 1865, and the Dunington family owned it after that.

[@oliveo.5022]

I'm so tired of hearing about the enslaved...we were all enslaved at one time or another...still are until they abolish the fed!..

[@Ray-sj2iw]

@@oliveo.5022 Every race has been enslaved and enslaved others. It's a sad but true part of history. There are more true slaves in the world today than at any point in history and I mean real slaves not perceived slavery like in the US.

[@YellowstoneBound1948]

The simple answer is that this is a restoration project only. How the mansion was built 200 years ago is subordinate to re-building it now. I am familiar with a lot of restoration projects that insisted on pushing the slavery issue to the front. They failed.

[@bunnymad5049]

That is just heartbreaking. I hope they are successful.

[@sherleengibson8847]

SLAVERY IS NEVER GOOD, HUMAN BEINGS WERE MADE TO BE FREE.

[@Ray-sj2iw]

Ya, think? What is your point? Do you think the history of places like this shouldn't be preserved? No one is saying slavery is good. So stop with race baiting. All history must preserved, good and bad. This place is not only a reminder of slavery but the thousands who died to end it. Slavery is a horrible part of every race's history. More white people have been enslaved than blacks. Do you feel the same way about Muslims as you do about this place? Do you blame them the same way? No one alive today is to blame for what happened more than 159 years ago. The Islamic slave trade in Africa started more than 400 years before the first European white slave traders bought their black slaves. It was a Muslim slave trader who captured the Africans and sold them. Muslims also castrated all the black slaves that went the Islams Arab route. Did you know that? They did this for two reasons, they could not have intercourse with Arab women and so they could not reproduce. The very word for black people in Arabic is Abeed, which means slave. The word slave was originally for white European Slavic people. History, all history, needs to be taught. Not to teach hate, but to teach of humanity's mistakes so we don't repeat them. There are more slaves in today's world than at any time in recorded history. Perhaps we should concentrate on helping them instead of living in an American past that does not exist anymore.

[@QueenSuga405]

@@Ray-sj2iwyou wrote this essay for what? Your family owned slaves?

[@oliviasayshi7517]

This makes me so happy! I saw a picture of this place abandoned about a year ago. I love that folks are trying to revive it now!

[@chlldavefromsd7862]

As a distant cousin, I am inspired by this cause and this story. It was the Civil War that caused a rift among some brothers in Maryland, and my branch descended from the ones who believed in the Union cause. Even in my line the names Francis and James continued, which is interesting, because it was a Francis who first settled in Maryland from England-probably York-in the 1600’s. I will look for the foundations website. I would like to do what I can.

[@DonnaBrowwn]

I loved this video. Very good information and near enough that I can visit in the not to distant futures. Hopefully, someone will have the funds or plans to save it. Looks like it might happen. Thank you for this information.

[@amurray1149]

Were they employees or did they work for free?

[@fabiolabunny12]

They talk about it… they were enslaved there

[@ohhoneyhani9963]

But it also says that the family was more progressive than those around them. The society and government of the time might look down on them for actually giving them a wage and trying to treat them equally. But treating them with kindness wouldn't make them any enemies at the time. They were still living in a time of prejudice and hate

[@julianatorrez5146]

Of course they are going to try to wash their hands of the brutality that land/property experienced and witnessed.... in revisionist history they were all "the good ones" or....um um "progressive".

[@tracywilliams9379]

What a gorgeous property. A perfect opportunity for a wedding venue/bed & breakfast/restaurant. So many ideas. Please save this piece of history. ❤

[@esterherschkovich6499]

Morning from the Uk.. I love history.. This is interesting 😊Thank you. Heather is a star🌟🌟🌟and all who wishes to save this beautiful place 😊

[@kelseyfoster1240]

First time coming across this channel and subscribed immediately. Beautifully done. You’ve got a new follower. 👋

[@rockinggator969]

What a lovely story. Let's hope a proper restoration happens soon!

[@Kuulei265]

How about getting it declared a “historical site?” The African American history alone may qualify it. Or is it too late?

[@ghostqueen2082]

What a beautiful manor house...it's so worth preserving for posterity.

[@lms1982luvpeace]

Thank u for saving and respecting that box all the history ppls live story's I think it's important ❤

[@ABeautfulMess]

I've been there, omg over 30 yrs ago..I wish they would make it Historical and save it.

[@robertunderwood3393]

Most excellent and informative video. Thank you

[@aileenjackson1706]

...and would make a wonderful old folks home.

[@mercedithcompala8148]

A magnificent home, please bring it back to life 🎉

[@GCF-Media]

The AAF did it again! 🎉

[@tamathalamb9193]

I wish this was illegal. These are part of our history. So sad. If I was able I would save it.

[@Aztec73]

I hope that that beautiful Mansion is saved.🙏 22:29

[@shannonaudette7307]

Why is the history of society not jumping on this for when it's destruction keep it up to date

[@haveagreatday3664]

Definitely going to try and donate to the restoration

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

Thank you!!

[@veralynguillory8579]

I would love to visit this place. Thanks for restoring something that was once so beautiful

[@shynickel8239]

Retired restoration guy ,as my father before, would volunteer my services as project supervisor for a token. Reach out if interested

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

@@shynickel8239 i’m sure the foundation would love to talk to you! Please contact Heather Beach at [e-mail] Thank you for volunteering your services to help restore this beauty!

[@Traci.Johnson.Francisco]

Now this was great! I have a heart for historical preservation of old properties like this. I would love to see it restored.

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

That’s great to hear! Thank you so much for the comment. If you enjoyed that, you’re going to enjoy our future videos! We have a lot of upcoming content that showcases, beautiful old abandoned buildings getting restored. And we already have a few on our channel right now. Thanks again!

[@duvine3882]

The home my dad built which was cared for better than us was demolished to build a luxury tall house by a new owner, if it isn't companies is other peoples conveniences that eliminate a past, as there's no need to care much for material things.

[@chantellovely]

I hope they get all the funding they need and it gets fixed up ! I can’t wait to see the transformation !

[@leahtv7778]

Bummer they're just letting it decay and not restoring it. Tourists would love to visit!

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

They are trying to raise funds to buy it and restore it now! Here is more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpCqepqJmc-ol7c

[@Stayoutofthewater522]

I can never understand why anyone would purchase a piece of history and then proceed to neglect it.

[@georginaseal8924]

Kappy explored this home.

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

Awesome looks like Kappy and I have something in common!

[@mountainmama6398]

Only 20 some years and it goes to ruin. So sad.

[@jacquetow9914]

I would love to help you bring it back together and seeing how it gets done what will it be used for! Thanks for sharing 👍 😊

[@evem1907]

“They self sustained” you mean they had slaves?

[@jaysonbarnett4677]

Were you not watching? They literally talk about this in the video. They don’t try and hide it. 😒🙄

[@kelrogers8480]

Stop virtue signalling! Self righteous ass!

[@kelrogers8480]

There are more slaves in the world currently than at any previous time in history. Worldwide over 30 million are in chains. If you truly give a damn about slavery, stop whining about the past, and showing us all how virtuous you are. Instead, get off your lazy butt and go do something for those who are actively suffering as we speak! Otherwise, frankly Honey, you're simply a hypocrite, and you can keep your trap shut!

[@QueenSuga405]

@@kelrogers8480you sound upset. Are you helping those you state are suffering?

[@YellowstoneBound1948]

The video states that the original family (Woodsons, et al) surrendered the property to "non-family" when it was bought by John Hughes Knight Jr., in 1860. This is not quite true. Knight was closely related to Richard Woodson and the other families mentioned in the video. John Hughes Knight, Jr. was a direct descendant of Dr. John Woodson, an early Jamestowne settler. His great-granddaughter, Sarah Woodson, married John Knight. His great-grandson was John Hughes Knight, Jr., who bought the property in 1860. The Knights, Woodsons, Blands, et al, make their homes in Prince Edward, Lunenberg, Nottoway, and nearby counties.

[@VibeeAventura]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@tammyeastwood6899]

So Nelson Bolt was the downfall. Shame.

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

No, Mr. Bolt was the last before the downfall. He sold the property to the people that neglected it.

[@robertabray-enhus3198]

Unfortunately there are many old historical homes and buildings that are falling down. What happened to the family? They were a wealthy family,why wasn’t the house preserved?

[@michelledabney8248]

Its a damm shame , i blame that guy who sold it to the investors (golf course ..he obviously didnt love the house all that much! He had a price, hes annoying thinking those people would going to keep their word! They just wanted the property Sir!! You inherited the house because they trusted you to take care of it, i wouldn't give you anything, if the house doesnt get save its all on you sir!! I got an idea with all that money you got from selling the house. BUY IT BACK!!

[@jbouman13]

@ourrestorationnation

[@oliviasayshi7517]

Great thinking! They would love to get involved with this I bet!

[@oliviasayshi7517]

I just messaged them on Instagram

[@diane1390]

Im sure glad that man saved that box full of papers. I think they should save that old mansion. That's a piece of Virginia history.

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

I am too! I can’t imagine if all of that ended up in the trash.

[@RondaStar]

Sometimes in family we can't afford heritage then greedy take advantage of people.Ronda Australia

[@genevawilson4448]

Oh, if only I had the money. If it can't be saved, I'd have salvageable parts taken out then have it rebuilt as the original house with those salvaged parts. It all depends on how good the bones are.

[@kalisvarkrom9937]

If they wanted to save it, they could. If some one wanted, they could take it down brick by brick and then re build it. On the other side of the world, there is a man do something like that right now with a chateau in rural France. The place was lost to fire that gutted the whole Chateau. He is not doing it to make money, he just wants to restore it's beauty. He has had to take down much of it's brick and stone works and rebuild it. All most all it's wood was lost to fire, and he is replacing it all.

[@bettyward4634]

someone with the money could stool save it

[@akyrajackson1998]

I saw someone ask were the African Americans employed there or enslaved? I would definitely like more history on that!

[@haleybrewer3003]

Developers came after my mom to destroy her 3 story Victorian that is almost all original just so they can build a stupid mini Waterpark and mom told them that they are plagues to society that just sweeps through the lands suching the life out of the earth so they can build cheap temporary thrills or try to and once they're done all that's left is the rubble and shells of what's once a beautiful place just for greed

[@The1ByTheSea]

The architecture of the Dunnigton Mansion reminds me of the old house of Detriot;if they were restred;so could Dunnigton Mansion .

[@H_H_____]

Instead of HGTV building a brand new HGTV home, why not reno and restore an old grand home?

[@eilenekellogg-ki2br]

Those old mansions held a rich history. Todays buldings are just shells, empty.

[@WyrdWanderings]

Another great way to raise money for old building like this is to do ghost hunts. People will pay to come at night and just hang out and see if they get anything. Its a great way to raise money to restore cool buildings like this.

[@The1ByTheSea]

Online sales of mugs,calenders ,sweatshirts,T-Shirts to raise awarenes sand funds for the foundation

[@dollyespinoza8219]

I would like to hear about the family before this family What about the 100 year history befor what's going on with that

[@dagmarmarionkidwell-to9ub]

I sure hope this house can be saved

[@melissabolden4051]

I hope someone saves this house.

[@The1ByTheSea]

Oh wow !! SOmoene should buy and donate it to the university

[@davinasquirrel7672]

That was a sad and rather rapid downfall. Shame on those developers.

[@RondaStar]

I know there is bad history we have to look beyond the past Ronda Australia

[@karensback]

Start telling people how good W treated b thats how you talk about that stop lying about how evil we were to b people

[@valor101arise]

How much you want to bet Black rock has something to do with this