GUNSTON HALL 703-550-9220
www.gunstonhall.org
10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck, VA 22079
DIRECTIONS: Follow signs from I-95 or US Rte 1 to State rte 242 (Gunston Rd.)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Gunston Hall was the home of George Mason, father of the Bill of Rights. Mason wrote the Virginia Constitution and the Virginia Declaration of Rights on which the U.S. Bill of Rights was based. Mason's home, constructed circa 1755-1760, is an outstanding example of Georgian architecture. The elaborate carvings of the interior, designed by indentured servant William Buckland, serve as an impressive backdrop for guided tours discussing the 18th century plantation household. The boxwood gardens at Gunston Hall include the massive central allée, believed to have been planted during Mason's residence. Beyond the garden lies the deer park and the Potomac River.
PARKING: 6 wheelchair accessible parking spaces.
TYPES OF PATHS: Brick, gravel and grass. The plantation grounds surrounding the Mansion are relatively flat and the garden is accessible, with gravel pathways through the boxwoods.
ENTRANCE: 6 steps, each 6 in. in height. Handrails on left/right. Entry door, 40 in. wide, is opened by guide. 21 steps inside lobby, to second level. Ramped side entrance for visitors with mobility disabilities.
PUBLIC REST ROOMS: In Visitor’s Center. No turns to enter. Single-user restroom has handrails, accessible sink and commode. Rest rooms are identified by a raised figure with pants or skirt on door to designate men or women. Unisex and/or companion assisted rest room available.
SPECIAL SERVICES:
For guests with hearing disabilities, there is a written tour of house and out buildings, and orientation film is open-captioned.
For guests with visual disabilities, there is photo guide of museum exhibits with large print labels. Large print guide to the museum displays.
For guests with mobility disabilities, the first floor of the mansion is accessible to all visitors. A wheelchair lift is on the east side of the house. For those unable to tour the second floor of the house, there is a book of photographs available for viewing in the Mansion.
Because of the historic period and age of many of our tour buildings, some areas may not be fully accessible to visitors with physical disabilities.
MUSEUM SHOP: Aisles 44-56 in. wide. Has an extensive inventory of books about George Mason, 18th century Virginia history, decorative arts, games and books for children, cookbooks, food and accessories, colonial reproductions, and much more. Link to on-line store.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Admission fee. FREE entrance for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. First tour at 9:30, last tour begins at 4:30 daily. On Mondays at 10:15 a.m. and Thursdays at 1:15 p.m., visitors may choose to take a longer, more detail focused tour. Sign up in advance, or let the staff member at the front desk know you would like to take the tour when you arrive. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days.
Tours are given for the first floor. Visitors may visit the second level and the outbuildings on their own, including kitchen, dairy, smokehouse, laundry and school house. Short film shown in visitor center on the first floor is accessible to wheelchairs.
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