Walnut Spring
Also known as: 60-243
Why it's listed
Walnut Spring is a large two-story brick house near Kanodes Mill, Montgomery County, Virginia, built in the mid-1850s on land Major James Randall Kent purchased in 1850 for his daughter Mary Louisa and her husband, Dr. James Hervey Otey. Its Flemish-bond front facade has three symmetrical bays, a sidelit entry and a Greek Revival porch. A long rear ell links a brick kitchen, a brick meathouse and a frame woodshed, and a two-story extension was added in 1875. Inside, the painted pine woodwork is simple Greek Revival, including pilastered mantels and preserved maple graining. Kent's memo of costs names the brickmaker, stonemason, carpenter and brickwork contractor. The house is significant as a well-preserved example of the single-pile, center-passage type, one of perhaps eight brick examples built in the county between 1830 and 1865. Little has changed since 1875, and the outbuildings make it one of the county's best preserved farm seats.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is a well-preserved example of the regionally popular single-pile, center-passage house type, one of perhaps eight brick examples built between 1830 and 1865. It shows traditional planning along with pattern-book Greek Revival detailing typical of Montgomery County. The house and outbuildings are described as one of the county's best preserved farm seats.
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 89001878, listed November 13, 1989. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | VA 655, 0.5 mi. E of jct. with VA 654, Kanodes Mill |
|---|---|
| County | Montgomery County |
| Listed | November 13, 1989 |
| Reference number | 89001878 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | ca.1850-1875 |
| Architect / builder | Alexander, Brickmason; Morris (?), Carpenter |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival; single-pile, center-passage plan |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in an excellent state of preservation, carefully restored and maintained, and still occupied as a single dwelling. |
| Acreage | 2 |
| Coordinates | 37.22827, -80.48947 (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 89001878.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14713491
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.