Hinman-Mason House, Guilford, Accomack County, Virginia

Significance: Built between 1720 to 1730, the Hinman-Fisher-Mason House is a rare example of early Tidewater Virginia Architecture. It is a vernacular Georgian brick structure containing an early oak Jacobean staircase and glazed diapering.

The house has a central passage. It is story-and-loft structure with brick walls, no windows in the gable-ends and a cellar that was very likely filled in. The rooms are Hall, Hall Chamber, Stairs Passage, Parlor or Dining Room and Parlor Chamber. A separate Kitchen was on site.
Changes were made in the construction early on. At an undetermined time during the 1720-30 decade, the Mason House underwent changes that included turning frame walls to brick ones. The house foundation walls above grade were all rebuilt and the present fireplace foundations with their arches were constructed ca .1800.

In 1721, Richard Hinman willed the property to his son John, who probably built the earliest house of wood. Later, the property was owned by Thomas Fisher, Thoroughgood Mason, and others.

In 2002, the future of the property was in doubt, and the house was purchased under the Preservation Virginia revolving fund. It was sold in 2006, and is under restoration.


Survey number: HABS VA-630
Building/structure dates: 1720-1730 Initial Construction