Tanglewood-037-5010
Also known as: Tanglewood Ordinary; Tanglewood Tavern
Why it's listed
Along Route 6 near Maidens in Goochland County, Tanglewood is a log roadhouse that grew in stages over several decades. Its front section, built in 1929 from hand-stripped pine logs, first served as a filling station and sandwich shop for the Barret family. A large two-and-a-half-story addition around 1935 brought a dance hall with a diagonal oak floor, log support posts and living quarters above. Further space was added in 1942-43, and a cinderblock owner's house followed about 1950. The building reflects the rustic log style that spread along American roadsides in the early automobile era and later appeared in park architecture. It was listed for its architectural value as one of Virginia's best surviving examples of this approach, and for its long role as a community gathering place. Weekly dances, high school proms and club meetings were held there, and travelers between Richmond and Charlottesville stopped in. It continues to operate as a restaurant.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues Tanglewood is one of the finest surviving examples of 20th-century log-built rustic architecture in Virginia, and especially important for roadside commercial architecture. It is described as unique in Goochland County and rare in the state. It also served for decades as a community gathering place for dances, proms and club meetings.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 02000775, listed July 11, 2002. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 2200-2210 River Rd W, Maidens |
|---|---|
| County | Goochland County |
| Listed | July 11, 2002 |
| Reference number | 02000775 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1929-1950 |
| Architect / builder | Syme and Morris Barret |
| Architectural style | Other - Log cabin & related construction (Rustic style vernacular) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Entertainment/Recreation |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as well cared for and in very good condition; it currently operates as a restaurant, with a single dwelling on the same parcel. |
| Acreage | 3.8 |
| Coordinates | 37.65240, -77.84595 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 02000775.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14713285
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.