Redfield
Why it's listed
Redfield is a brick villa built around 1855-1857 on a spacious lawn along State Route 683 near Oak Level in Halifax County, Virginia. Its two-story central-hall plan, low hipped roof and projecting pavilion with a portico of paired Grecian-Doric columns reflect the Classical Villa style. One-story brick wings connect to the main block through arched passageways. Inside, a single-run open-well stair with walnut baluster and handrail dominates the hall, and the western rooms are double parlors with sliding paneled doors. John R. Edmunds built the house with money earned selling grain to Russia during the Crimean War. He served as a director of the Richmond and Danville Railroad, led the Virginia Agricultural Society, and sat in the House of Delegates. The design may echo a classical villa plan published by Alexander Jackson Davis in A. J. Downing's work. The house left the Edmunds family and was restored in 1963 by a descendant of the builder. A late 19th-century granary also stands on the 38-acre property.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls Redfield a notable example of a Classical Villa-style residence, a popular American house form when it was built. It is also tied to John R. Edmunds, a prosperous grain farmer, Richmond and Danville Railroad director, president of the Virginia Agricultural Society, and legislator. Its conservative classical design and its setting are cited as important elements.
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 78003020, listed September 20, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 3 mi. SE of Oak Level on VA 683, Oak Level |
|---|---|
| County | Halifax County |
| Listed | September 20, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78003020 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1855-57 |
| Architectural style | Classical Villa |
| Areas of significance | Transportation, Architecture, Agriculture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Restored in 1963 after the house had left the Edmunds family; the form marks the property as private and occupied. |
| Acreage | 38 |
| Coordinates | 36.70066, -79.07809 (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 78003020.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14713123
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.