Old Homes of Louisa County Tour 2025
The 2025 Old Homes Tour includes guided tours of four homes and one church in Louisa County. This year’s tour focuses on the eastern half of the County. This event always draws visitors both from within the County and the greater Richmond, D.C., and Central Virginia regions. Net-proceeds support the operation of the Sargeant Museum of Louisa County, owned and operated by the Historical Society.
This year's tour features: Sunny Side, Merry Oak, Elk Creek Farm, Thompson's Crossroads, Gilboa Christian Church, and Providence Presbyterian Church
Sunny Side
Located on West Chapel Drive, Sunny Side is a tall two-story frame structure with a full raise brick basement. The home sits on land owned by the Anderson family dating back to the early 1800s. It served as the home and practice of physician Dr. John Anderson starting in 1856.
Merry Oak
Home to Revolutionary War Maj. Thomas Shelton, Merry Oak is a frame house with an English basement and at least four additions. Merry Oak was the residence of Garland Anderson, owner of Sunny Side, after his marriage to Mary Cecelia Shelton. It retains some of its original woodwork.
Elk Creek Farm
Nearest to Lake Anna, Elk Creek Farm is a two-over-two room home with central stairway and brick end chimneys. The house was original inhabited by John Carpenter. Subsequent owners included Louis and Claudia Chisholm who restored the structure. It is still in their family today.
Providence Presbyterian
Established in 1747 under the ministry of Samuel Davies, the Church was built by dissenters of the Church of England in Hanover and Louisa counties. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Providence is one of the few remaining wood-frame colonial churches in Virginia.
Thompson's Crossroads
A visit to Thompson's Crossroads examines how a community changes over time. This stop focuses on how the community of Thompson's Crossroads has evolved over time. You'll visit the site of the former general store, the old Goodwin House (1895), and see where Stoneman camped during the Civil War.
Gilboa Christian
Organized by Uriah Higgason, Gilboa Christian formed in 1834 in response to reform movements of the Second Great Awakening. In 1835, Col. Edmund Pendleton helped establish the acreage where the church now stands. The brick structure replaced the frame church in 1857.
Tour Information
• The Tour will take place this Saturday, September 20, from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm.
• The Tour will take place rain or shine. It is currently forecast to be sunny with seasonal temperatures, but that could change so please plan accordingly.
• Photography is welcome on the grounds but not inside the homes themselves.
• No strollers, backpacks, or large bags are permitted.
• No pets- except service animals- are allowed.
• Please wear appropriate, comfortable walking shoes. Many of the homes have uneven floors and grounds. High heels are highly discouraged.
• Food is permitted on the grounds, but not inside the homes. Water is allowed as
long as it is in a capped or otherwise closed bottle.
• Restrooms are available at Gilboa Christian Church and Providence Presbyterian Church. Tables are provided in their community halls for anyone wanting to stop and eat lunch. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch and make use of the tables
too! Beverages will also be available.
You may begin your tour at any one of the homes listed. Tour entry begins at 9:30 am.
There will be staff and volunteers at each home to guide you through the spaces. You may proceed through the tour in whatever order you wish. Addresses for the homes along with maps and suggested tour routes are included below.
A booklet will be provided to each participant, along with an entry ticket for the homes. Each home will be marked with a large "Event Today" flag. This will note the entrance to the property. In some instances, the homes are at the very end of a very long driveway. Do not get discouraged, if you see a flag you are in the right place. Just keep driving!
Parking is available but limited at some locations. At those locations, parking attendants will help direct traffic.
For those of you who have purchased lunches, lunch will be available for pickup at Gilboa Christian Church. Day-of lunch purchases are available at both Gilboa Christian and Providence Presbyterian.
Address for the homes:
• Elk Creek Farm, 3218 Elk Creek Rd, Mineral, VA 23117
• Gilboa Christian Church, 6746 Jefferson Hwy, Mineral VA 23117
• Sunny Side, 694 West Chapel Dr, Bumpass, VA 23024
• Merry Oak, 746 Merry Oak Ln, Mineral, VA 23117
• Thompson’s Crossroads, 8411 Cross County Rd, Mineral, VA 23117
• Providence Presbyterian Church, 3388 Three Chopt Rd, Gum Spring, VA 23065
Suggested tour routes:
1. From the North- Elk Creek Farm, Gilboa Christian Church, Thompson's Crossroads, Providence Presbyterian, Sunny Side, Merry Oak
2. From Central Louisa- Thompson's Crossroads, Providence Presbyterian, Merry Oak, Sunny Side, Gilboa Christian Church, Elk Creek Farm
3. From Hanover- Sunny Side, Merry Oak, Providence Presbyterian, Thompson's
Crossroads, Gilboa Christian Church, Elk Creek Farm
4. From the South- Providence Presbyterian, Thompson's Crossroads, Merry Oak, Sunny Side, Gilboa Christian Church, Elk Creek Farm