  No matter what time of year you choose to visit, you are sure to enjoy the year-round beauty and charm of Chester, both inside and out. Guests will enjoy Chester’s cozy library and living room with grand piano. In cool weather, warm yourself in front of a crackling fireplace or curl up on the plush sofa with a good book.
In warmer weather, gracious Southern porches with rocking chairs and porch swings are the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening. Chester’s extensive gardens and pondside patio are wonderful for enjoying a cool drink or morning cup of coffee. The patio and porches are also perfect for hosting your next family reunion or business reception.
 The House and Grounds
 This beautiful home was built in 1847 by Joseph C. Wright, a retired landscape architect from Chester, England. Situated on seven acres of historic arboretum, Chester’s grounds contain an expansive natural lily pond, garden patio pond and fountains, large stands of English boxwoods, over 50 different varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers, and reputably the largest holly tree on record in Albemarle County. The woodland trail and sweeping lawns make for a lovely early morning walk or afternoon stroll.
The Animals – Tame and Wild
The grounds are an informal sanctuary for a wide variety of Virginia wildlife. Deer, hawks, tree frogs, hummingbirds and many species of nesting birds, among others, can be seen on a regular basis. Many varieties of unusual birds have been spotted at Chester; in fact, a bird census is conducted twice a year by a local wildlife group.
 Chester is also home to Lucy Rose, a gentle, playful hound.
Chester’s Role in History
Chester played a part in the last month of the Civil War during General Sheridan’s occupation and partial destruction of Scottsville in March of 1865. The house was then occupied by Major James Hill, the local Confederate Army Commander who, suffering from battle wounds, was visited at Chester by General Sheridan and his aid, Colonel George Custer. The two decided not to arrest what they thought was a dying man. However, Major Hill survived, became a General, and after the War became Editor of the Scottsville Courier newspaper. Chester keeps this Civil War history alive by hosting occasional reenactments and encampments on the grounds.
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