Thoroughgood House
Explore one of Virginia's oldest homes, a circa 1719 cottage offering a vivid look into colonial life and the story of Adam Thoroughgood.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Thoroughgood House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of Virginia's oldest homes, a circa 1719 cottage offering a vivid look into colonial life and the story of Adam Thoroughgood.
"Guides are friendly and warmly knowledgeable without being long-winded, making the tour relatable. "
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Essential for understanding the history; guides are friendly & knowledgeable!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll want to explore the grounds and navigate the historic house's steps.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Circa 1719 Cottage
Main House
Step back in time in one of Virginia's oldest homes, showcasing colonial life and architecture.
Historic Grounds
Exterior
Explore the well-maintained gardens and grounds, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse of the past.
Visitor Center & Museum
Visitor Center
Discover artifacts, period clothing, and informative videos about the Thoroughgood family history.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Essential for understanding the history; guides are friendly & knowledgeable!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll want to explore the grounds and navigate the historic house's steps.
☀️ Visit on a Sunny Day
The gardens and exterior are particularly lovely when the weather is nice.
⏳ Allow Time for Museum
The visitor center has a small museum with interesting exhibits before your tour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Essential for understanding the history; guides are friendly & knowledgeable!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll want to explore the grounds and navigate the historic house's steps.
☀️ Visit on a Sunny Day
The gardens and exterior are particularly lovely when the weather is nice.
⏳ Allow Time for Museum
The visitor center has a small museum with interesting exhibits before your tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Thoroughgood House for its historical significance, knowledgeable and friendly guides, and beautiful grounds. Many appreciate that it's a free attraction offering a genuine glimpse into colonial life. Some note the steep steps inside the house as a potential challenge.
"Loved it! Guide is friendly and warmly knowledgeable without being long-winded. Appropriate for school aged kids who can go up and down steep steps. There's a little musuem - visitor center and clean restrooms."
Emilia Mead
"Visited in mid-April and were fortunate enough to have cool weather and a nice sunny day to enjoy the grounds and Thoroughgood House.
While waiting to take a tour with Ethan there is a small museum in the visitor center that references some general Virginia history (period clothing, some artifacts) and gives a little overview of the Thorowgood family.
Prior to walking the grounds and home there is a nicely informative video which goes into a little more detail on who the family is and their history from Britain to the colonies.
During the tour our guide Ethan was able to answer many questions and I felt was very good at sharing knowledge in a historical context while connecting it to modern sentiments. It made the tour more relatable as opposed to just hearing recited facts from a placard (which there are no placards, so a tour is absolutely recommended and free!).
The grounds and home are well maintained and the visitor center was clean. For a location that is free and has such a connection to the area I highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area."
Gerrard Fatu
"Lovely historic home and garden tucked in a neighborhood. I attended a Dyeing program and it was very informative and well done."
Merrill H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Thoroughgood House is located in a residential area of Virginia Beach. Don't worry if you think you're going the wrong way; it's a well-known local landmark. Parking is available on-site.
Information on public transportation options can be found on the official Virginia Beach tourism website or by contacting the visitor center directly.
Specific driving directions can be obtained via GPS or mapping services, but it's generally accessible via major roads in Virginia Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Thoroughgood House and its grounds is free, making it a great value for visitors.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Thoroughgood House website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on tour times and visitor center hours.
While not always required, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or for group visits, to ensure your spot on a guided tour.
Yes, the Thoroughgood House often hosts special programs, such as dyeing demonstrations, which are very informative and well-done.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take a guided tour of the circa 1719 house, explore the historic grounds and gardens, and visit the small museum in the visitor center which includes exhibits on colonial life and the Thoroughgood family.
The historic house has steep steps, which may be challenging for some. The grounds and visitor center are generally more accessible. It's advisable to contact the site directly for specific accessibility information.
Yes, the Thoroughgood House is appropriate for school-aged children who can manage the steep steps. The tours are engaging and informative for younger visitors.
Yes, clean restrooms are available in the visitor center.
The Thoroughgood House is one of Virginia's oldest homes, illustrating the transition from frontier structures to permanent colonial dwellings. It belonged to Adam Thorowgood, a prominent landowner and burgess.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with your tour guide or at the visitor center regarding restrictions on interior photography.
The historic cottage exterior, the surrounding gardens, and the scenic grounds offer excellent photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be aware that the historic house features steep steps, so supervision and assistance may be needed for younger children. The well-maintained grounds provide space for kids to move around and explore safely after the tour. It's a free attraction, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for family entertainment.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay close attention to the nuances of colonial life presented, from domestic arrangements to the broader socio-economic landscape, including the complex history of plantations and enslaved people. The visitor center's exhibits and the guide's insights provide a rich tapestry of historical information.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Colonial Life
Beyond the structure, the Adam Thoroughgood story is compelling. He arrived as an indentured servant and rose to become a significant landowner and a member of the House of Burgesses, illustrating the opportunities and social mobility of the colonial period. The grounds, including the gardens, are meticulously maintained and add to the immersive historical experience.
It's important to note that this was also a plantation, and discussions about the lives of enslaved people are part of the historical context presented, offering a more complete and nuanced understanding of the past.
The Value of a Guided Tour
Unlike many historical sites, the Thoroughgood House tour relies on the guide's expertise rather than extensive placards. This personal touch ensures that visitors receive tailored information and have their questions answered in real-time. The guides' ability to share knowledge in a historical context is frequently highlighted as a key reason for the tour's success.
For families, the tour is also noted as being suitable for school-aged children, provided they can manage the steep steps within the house. The informative video in the visitor center and the guide's presentation work together to provide a comprehensive and memorable experience for all ages.
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