Sweet Bottom Plantation Tour

A Federal style brick mansion near Richmond, Virginia inspired this Sweet Bottom residence. Built by planter Colonel Conway Webb in 1812, Hampstead is located on a high bluff overlooking the Pamunkey River. The dramatic two-story pediment portico has four prominent unfluted columns with attic bases. Around the perimeter beneath the roof line is a triglyphic entablature detail and the front entry has an elliptical fanlight with side lights. Overall, the architecture strongly represents the Federal style with its classical understatement and elegant detailing. The architect of Hampstead is thought to be John Holden Greene of Providence, Rhode Island. Greene changed the face of Providence by designing over fifty buildings, including a church with the largest bell cast in the foundry of Paul Revere and Son.