Stuart-Robertson House (Entrance Gates), 120 Church Street, Staunton, Staunton, Virginia

Significance: Archibald Stuart built the house and the influences of the Classical Revival style of architectural design are evident in the temple-form of the structure and in its portico. The interior of the building is notable for its woodwork, and the exterior is distinguished by the Chinese lattice entrance gates. Steps made of stone lead up to the gates from a brick sidewalk. At the time of the HABS survey in 1936, District Officer Philip Stern observed that the balls (finials) had been replaced and the wrought iron hardware was missing.

Stuart's connection to Thomas Jefferson led to the belief that Jefferson designed the building however the interpretation of the classical elements in the Stuart house lacks the sophistication of a Jefferson commission. The Chinese lattice gates, with the patterned panels, are suggestive of those motifs popularized by Thomas Chippendale and subsequently incorporated into furniture and, as Jefferson did, into architectural features, like balustrades.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: FN-6
Survey number: HABS VA-11-7
Building/structure dates: 1791 Initial Construction
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 72001531