Stratford Hall Historic Preserve — Attraction in Colonial Beach

We recently completed a group event at this site with members of our private wine, food and historical property hobbyist club. The location was selected for our 2013 summer tour for its recognized historic significance in the state of Virginia, and because it is an area of evolving interest in oenology and viticulture having several boutique wineries and vineyards in the surrounding environs to explore. Nestled between two rivers on the Chesapeake Bay, Stratford Hall Inn and the surrounding terrain will appeal to those searching for a short, rural, relaxing respite from life’s hustle and bustle. Guestrooms in the Cheek House feature conveniences that create a peaceful and comfortable ambiance and allow for a group to be housed together with a common lounging area. The food service and housekeeping staffs were exceptionally helpful, friendly and played a significant role in the success of our visit. As a group we enjoyed a very high quality, privately prepared, 5 course wine paired meal orchestrated by in-house Chefs Benedicte Merian and Will Epes, and two traditionally hearty and tasty Southern style breakfasts. The architecturally stunning 18th century Great House museum and the corresponding Stratford Cliffs on premises are well worth the visit.

Based on our experience, I would not recommend this site for a group stay that requires a lot of hands-on attention. From the minute we arrived until our departure, we were pretty much on our own to fend for ourselves. Although as the Event Coordinator I had contact and assistance (via electronic mail and telephone) in the time leading up to our stay with our reservations and special request bookings, no on-site group representative was available, or provided. Thankfully, Ms. Merian (Director of Food Services, and the only one in management who officially introduced herself) volunteered to help us with the two ‘hiccups’ we encountered. As a group we enjoyed our experience, and would encourage others interested in historical property preservation, and in regional...

I usually review restaurants, not historic homes, but this experience was very strange indeed. Maybe it was a full moon. I have visited dozens of historic homes in the U.S. and this is one of the most beautiful and fascinating of them all. That said, I didn’t give it five stars because of the people who worked there (except for the friendly groundskeepers and the gal in the visitors center who eventually warmed up to us). From the gatekeeper to the main house guardians, the vibe I got was weird and unwelcoming. It was as if they were suspicious of me, my sister, and my 81 year-old mother—and we’re all history lovers! We were stopped at the gate (strange) and instructed to pay for tickets before we even parked at the visitors center. That in itself was bizarre. I have never paid for tickets at the gate of any historic home/property—that always occurs in the visitors center! We chose to take the self-guided tour instead of the impending guided tour, which seemed to irritate the girl at the desk. That was bizarre as well. We were then instructed to leave our purses in the car because they are not allowed in the main house—our purses. Lucky I had pockets. On the way to the main house we were waved at by a couple of friendly groundskeepers. Once we got to the main house the woman who was there to answer questions was not friendly at all and was more interested in reading her magazine than talking to us. I can see that the $14 fee has deservedly gone to restore the beautiful home, but you would think that the people who are paying that fee would at least feel welcome in this place. Just to clarify, I talked with my mom and sister who have very different personalities from mine and they came to the same conclusion—unwelcoming atmosphere. Maybe it was just a bad day. I don’t think I want to return to Stratford Hall and take a chance, though. There are lots of other beautiful, more friendly places to visit in this...

I had previously went here with my kids about 15 years ago and since Tony and I were in the area I decided to stop again. It was very easy to find close to Colonial Beach VA in the same area where other famous people were born and lived

Stratford Hall is the birthplace and Childhood home of Robert E Lee in 1807 and his siblings. I am a history major and my dream job was to be a history teacher but I never made it. So, when my kids and nieces & nephew was growing up I dragged them on field trips back in time and they actually LOVED it!!!! As adults now, they tell me it's some of their favorite childhood memories.

Stratford Hall is a gorgeous working (still today) Plantation. There is a gorgeous Great House, tons of out buildings and barns. Built in 1730 by Thomas Lee, its still one of the greatest homes ever built in American History. Over 2000 acres spread out along the banks of the Potomac River. Lee Family had various notable descendants born and raised here. Including 2 Signers of the Declaration of Independence : Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee. Also American Revolution War Hero "Light Horse Harry" Lee father of Robert E Lee.

The Grounds Pass for $8 per adult and $5 per child gives you access to the property for the hiking trails, public grounds, beach area access and gardens BUT not to the Great House or other buildings.

General adult admission tickets for the Driving Tour that is audio to 28 stops is $12 each and $5 per child. This is the one we chose to do today. Currently due to Covid-19 the Great Hall and Buildings are closed. If in the area, I highly recommend you to check it out. Amazing how in 9 years, it will be...