Rappahannock Times

Historic Kinloch Moving Forward
by Erin Kelly

Amongst the many grand and storied homes Essex County, the unique history of the structure on Quarter Hill Road in Caret known as Kinloch stands alone.

The first grand home at Kinloch was built in the 1840’s by planter and politician Richard Baylor.

Once considered the finest house in Essex County, the Georgian revival was designed by Robert Cary Long Jr., a Baltimore architect considered in his time to be one of the leaders in the field of urban American architecture.

The brick antebellum mansion stood four stories tall, had four great halls and 21 rooms with 18 fireplaces. An iron railed rooftop observatory provided views of five surrounding counties and the Rappahannock River Valley.

In 1948, the original structure was consumed by fire and a new home was commissioned.

Designed by another renowned architect, Charles Goodwin, the new edifice at Kinloch could not have been more different from the first.

Goodwin practiced mid-century modernist architecture. His designs included straight clean lines, warm cherry paneling and enormous expanses of glass, Kinloch was no exception.

While still built on the grand scale, the new Kinloch did not climb into the sky; it stretched outward, mostly on one floor.

A wall of windows across the length of the house opened the building to bright sunlight and the vast outdoors. Expansive living areas were largely open and free flowing.

This premier 7,000 square foot red brick home resembled something more to the chic sophistication of a Hollywood luminary than the quiet grace of the Virginia farmer.

The old Kinloch was mint juleps on the veranda this new structure was highballs in the billiards room

The grounds are still dotted with a variety of both native and exotic nuts trees planted by Baylor 150 years ago. Today the old hardwoods provide shade to modern amenities such as a large parking lot and tennis courts.

Completely updated in 2005, the house has entered into another phase in its storied history. Residents Angeline and Grady Frame hope to make Kinloch the region’s premier wedding and event venue.

Frame says she had been seeking a unique location to establish a wedding and event venue site. When Kinloch became available last year she was quickly convinced it had everything she was looking for.

“People really appreciate the openness of the layout”. Frame says. Some people say it reminds them of a county club.

Frame says the house can accommodate up to 140 guests inside and up to 350 for the garden wedding.

With over 20 acres of grounds to choose from, Frame says there are numerous locations on the estate to stage weddings. And surrounded by 1,400 acres of natural beauty the site provides a secluded backdrop for guests to relax away from the stresses of more urban environs.

In addition to weddings, Kinloch can play host to any number of events including rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, bridal teas and luncheons, family reunions and corporate events.