The Manor House Histroy

A Manor Steeped In History

The Manor House was built by the Bazile Family, and in the late 1800's the original home on the property burned, forcing the family to relocate nearby. Their son, Leon, cherished the beauty of this land and it never escaped him. While Leon was fighting in World War I, his fiancé, Virginia, visited the property daily to plant and nurture the gardens. Upon his return, they were married and began building their home, "Retirement," also called The Manor House.

Construction began on the home in 1920 and took ten years to complete. With 18th century architecture and brick, the Bazile's recaptured the essence of Williamsburg in Richmond. The oldest room in the house is the Library, located on the west side of the house.

Judge Leon Bazile was a Circuit Court Judge as well as Assistant Attorney General for Hanover and Caroline Counties, sometimes holding court in the Library. Judge Bazile was also an amateur historian. Upon request, he would trace the roots of Virginia families to France or England. His letters were donated to the Virginia Historical Society upon his death in 1966.

In the late 1980's, the property was restored and the gardens were expanded. The house became known as "Charter Hall." In 2000, the estate was opened to the public for events and the name The Manor House returned.