Eighteenth-century Virginians found messages in architecture, land use, and landscape design that are somewhat different from those we see today. The Masons expected their house and grounds to speak to their visitors about the Masons’ wealth and status.

The House

George and Ann Mason’s stylish home showcased the Masons’ wealth and prominence.

The Grounds

George Mason shaped and interacted with the land in ways that underlined his status as one of the colony’s (and then state’s) leading planters, thinkers, and political actors. Learn more about what makes Gunston Hall’s grounds so special.