James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage

The original structure is a Colonial-Georgian home consisting of a one and a half story frame structure built over a full basement.  According to author and research scientist Ms. Ann Miller, this residence is considered small by our standards, yet it has a “delightful scale and perfect proportions”; not achieved by accident."  Bloomsbury Manor was built in two phases, the first between 1729-1750s and the addition between 1797-1810.  You could call it a Colonial/Early Republic dwelling.  The original farm consisted of 1,000 acres deeded to Capt. James Taylor, III by his father, Col. James Taylor, II, and 400 acres that Capt. Taylor purchased from Robert Taliferro in 1729.  Today, the farm is approximately 350 acres.

Ms. Miller further wrote Bloomsbury's size and symmetry “reflects the sophisticated geometry utilized in even the simple houses of the Georgian period.”  The cellars and chimney are laid in English bond (alternate courses of brick stretchers and headers), which was normally used in the 17th century and is unusual to find in an 18th century dwelling.  It is unique in Orange County as well.  The back portico (covered porch) is framed into the body of the structure and researchers from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation suggested it may be the earliest known such porch surviving in Virginia. 

The generous use of wainscoting and decorative woodwork are among the architectural features that make Bloomsbury an historic treasure.