Untold Stories of the ABANDONED 1700s Dunnington Mansion Finally Revealed

Step into the forgotten corridors of history as we unveil the captivating tales hidden within the walls of the abandoned 1700s Dunnington Mansion, nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Farmville, Virginia. Join us on a journey of discovery as we delve into the untold stories of this majestic estate, revealing its rich heritage and the lives of those who once called it home.
@DunningtonMansionFoundation
0:00 - Intro
0:55 - 1700s / Poplar Hill
1:27 - 1800s / Dunninton History
9:17 - 1960s / Bolts Ownership
10:51 - Selling / Abandonment
15:08 - DMF / Hope for Future!
In this immersive exploration, we'll take you through the grandeur of Dunnington Mansion's architecture, showcasing its elegant design and intricate details that have stood the test of time. From its impressive facades to the remnants of its opulent interiors, each room whispers secrets of a bygone era, offering glimpses into the lives of its former inhabitants.
But this isn't just a tale of abandonment; it's a beacon of hope for the future. Meet the dedicated team behind the Dunnington Mansion Foundation, as they tirelessly work to preserve this historic landmark for generations to come. Through their passion and commitment, they seek to breathe new life into these hallowed halls, ensuring that the legacy of Dunnington Mansion lives on. DunningtonMansion.org
Join us as we shine a light on the forgotten splendor of the past and celebrate the ongoing efforts to safeguard its legacy. Discover the beauty, the history, and the resilience of the Dunnington Mansion, and witness firsthand the remarkable stories waiting to be told. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey into the heart of Farmville's history.Find the websites and socials of all 6 states here: AbandonedAtlas.com/links
Feature Documentary on a really cool abandoned hotel!
www.amazon.com/Forever-Majest...
Video Produced by: Prairie Nation Creative - prairie-creative.com
Want to support the Abandoned Atlas Foundation? Think about donating to our cause or buying a book as a different form of donating! Our shop is equipped to accept all major credit cards, Afterpay, Cash App, Venmo, and Paypal.
Shop Our Books - AbandonedAtlas.com/shop/
Donate to our Cause!
Venmo - @AbandonedAtlas
Cash App - $AbandonedAtlas
Paypal - www.paypal.com/donate/?token=...

[@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

[@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.

[@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...

[@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 😥

[@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.

[@galvaceci6498]

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

[@littlemary434]

This channel is so underrated

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

That warms my heart, thank you!

[@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)

[@normanfletcher8332]

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

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

Me too!!

[@TheWvubaby]

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

[@user-bw4bu2fj8w]

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

[@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!

[@patricatfurever4051]

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

[@sandracuthbert1217]

A beautiful historic guesthouse and wedding venue.

[@veniceliston1618]

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

[@danialeatherman8934]

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!!!

[@bwiseok]

What a beautiful story

[@bettyb1313]

I pray someone saves this beautiful piece of history Amen

[@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.

[@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 🥰

[@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!

[@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 😢

[@bunnymad5049]

That is just heartbreaking. I hope they are successful.

[@helenawarsinnak]

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

[@cuddzilla]

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

[@ghostqueen2082]

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

[@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!

[@artist6135]

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

[@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!

[@kelseyfoster1240]

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

[@juliebarnett9812]

That was a great rendition. Thank you.

[@tjo1976]

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!

[@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.

[@user-hv2uq8st7v]

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.

[@darlenespencer4594]

Beautiful story

[@aprildryden7964]

This was great! Thank you.

[@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.

[@tracycombs1484]

It is so sad that such a beautiful piece of history will be destroyed.

[@StonedustandStardust]

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

[@robertunderwood3393]

Most excellent and informative video. Thank you

[@lizbetty6661]

Such a great composition of historical places. Growing up near NYC, I’ve traveled to many revolutionary war sites and this estate surely needs help fast.

[@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?

[@ellamaeloftus3493]

Great video.

[@georgiasmalley8984]

Great story!!!

[@BodyworkByJon]

Amazing!

[@ABeautfulMess]

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

[@veralynguillory8579]

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

[@chantellovely]

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

[@lms1982luvpeace]

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

[@haveagreatday3664]

Definitely going to try and donate to the restoration

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

Thank you!!

[@tracywilliams9379]

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

[@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 👍 😊

[@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

[@mercedithcompala8148]

A magnificent home, please bring it back to life 🎉

[@alishadarcy8482]

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

[@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!

[@dagmarmarionkidwell-to9ub]

I sure hope this house can be saved

[@ShowzShorts]

,beautiful propwrty and history and family...its so sad that group that bought it broke his promise to make this a amazing gilf course

[@ninnin261]

Oh how terribly sad this is!

[@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.

[@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

[@GCF-Media]

The AAF did it again! 🎉

[@aileenjackson1706]

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

[@FLMegan]

I love the house and the families telling the tales of how it used to be. I am very sad thou, that all the family and friends in the interview never said slaves but only employees/ staff/ workers. Only one to mention slaves and even plantation, was the African American lady herself. We need to recognize all the good and the bad, speak all of the history accurately and factually - leaving all souls who contributed willingly or unwillingly, as an important part of the hopeful restoration of this plantation and home. And just maybe, the holdup is the test of truth and real reflection.of this generation to acknowledge all involved, including the reality of slavery. Allow the souls of today to learn the names of those who lived back then, the cabins they shared, the mistakes and atrocities that were committed by the owners so that the past does not repeat. It is vital that we recognize how, meaning the entirety, of how we should learn from history and only then can we reflect on what kind of energy and behavior we want to bring forth now as we move forward together. This project is absolutely a great cause, but definitely needs some very thought out intentions set out before the stars align, and things can move forward. ❤.

[@karenplater8491]

Please please someone take this property on and restore it doesn't deserve to be left to fall down such history

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

@dunningtonmansionfoundation is raising funds to purchase and restore the building right now! Let’s hope their campaign is able to reach that goal!

[@oliviasayshi7517]

If they made a patreon i would support it

[@sherristyers5627]

This mansion would make a beautiful wedding venue. It has enough room to have part of it be a small bed and breakfast, a wedding venue and several other businesses

[@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.

[@megmills4798]

This is the story of to many abandoned properties truly sad

[@Aztec73]

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

[@eilenekellogg-ki2br]

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

[@S1YAM]

When is the pine bluff video coming out?

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

We are currently editing it, as soon as it’s done, we will release it on that Sunday. It’s hard to tell right now.

[@marydlutes1792]

Need to hear the story of the enslaved people who lived there.

[@YellowstoneBound1948]

Could we please restore the property first?

[@beachrose88]

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

[@tarialorehand]

My only issue with turning it into a bed and breakfast is, location and worry about things getting broken. It's not a bad idea though. a Wedding venue wouldn't be a bad idea either. But it seems a bit small for a large wedding to be inside. It is a beautiful house and if I had the money I'd buy it and restore it back to its full glory, add some gardens around, a few foot paths, a large boxwood border around the property line, get a new driveway into the place since I can't see where it would be now, maybe even a pond somewhere. How big is the property?

[@YellowstoneBound1948]

My main concern would be the annual budget. I have the impression here that many of us do not quite grasp what is involved in running a small business three miles south of Farmville.

[@tarialorehand]

@@YellowstoneBound1948 that's a good point. But if you have say a bed and breakfast you could make a small profit off of that alone. I mean to me it would mean you would have to charge quite a bit for the rooms and if people are willing to pay that price, there needs to be a reason for them to stay and not just for the house alone. Lots of questions come to mind, like: What is the town like, is there any historical areas for places for people to visit to make it worth their while. lots of things need to be taking into account for it to be a B and B. Yes it could be a wedding venue if the grounds are turned back into something that was very ornate and amazing to see. But as I said it's a small house and there doesn't look like there is that much room inside. So I supposed it would just need to be turned back into a residents and whoever buys it would enjoy the house as a home and that's it. Maybe do a tour or two to help them maintain the house. But again the house would need to have some sort of history that brings people there besides that fact that it was built in the 1800's. I know I sound odd, but I always tend to have more questions than most, sorry.

[@mikulina7985]

So sad

[@davinasquirrel7672]

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

[@shannonaudette7307]

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

[@amydoss-andres2412]

Who knew there was an actual Farmville?

[@melissabolden4051]

I hope someone saves this house.

[@aileenjackson1706]

Everything dies and rots away.

[@jeanannleone7242]

Can anyonemake out what the word is in the recipe for the Beaten Biscuits is in the sentince "Then......until smooth," It looks lke "rot" but that can't be it. Also, beat for 30 to 45 minutes?! How can anyone do that forso long? I wonder if the relatives who still make them, have found a short cut?

[@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.

[@blunewhouse7528]

😥

[@veralynguillory8579]

Where are the slaves quarters they did all the work. Something that bring back so many memories.

[@jenniferlash763]

Why hasn’t a historical site got involved to save this

[@charlenemock333]

I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE HEARD OF ANYONE ELSE NAMED INDIA BESIDES MYSELF, MY MOTHER, AND MY OLDEST DAUGHTER! WOW THAT BLOWS MY MIND! GREAT STORY OF HISTORY! THANKS FOR SHARING! I'M A HISTORY FREAK AND AN AVID READER. SO THIS VIDEO WAS RIGHT UP MY ALLEY! ✌🏻

[@loricoleman4567]

What about India Wilkes ?

[@kelrogers8480]

India Hicks - Winston Churchill's grand daughter.

[@YellowstoneBound1948]

I think her name was "Indiana," but it slowly evolved into India. I do not have documentary evidence, however. Oral history, only.

[@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.

[@asmith5090]

Museum

[@eilenekellogg-ki2br]

Its original condition.

[@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".

[@jbuck3592]

6:12 Mr Lester. Who?????? 😂😂

[@AbandonedAtlasFoundation]

Mr. Lester Bigger

[@brini206]

Only if I had the money

[@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!!

[@robertunderwood3393]

Boy if I had the cash flow I'd be all over that restoration like flies on a hogs backside

[@ValerieDee123]

I blame greedy dude.

[@julia-ff9kt]

So who owns the property now?

[@jbouman13]

@ourrestorationnation

[@oliviasayshi7517]

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

[@oliviasayshi7517]

I just messaged them on Instagram

[@bettyward4634]

someone with the money could stool save it