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Preserving Over 300 Years of Virginia Beach History

Built around 1725, Lynnhaven House is one of Virginia Beach’s important surviving examples of early Virginia vernacular architecture.

For generations, the house passed through several families before preservation efforts helped secure its future as a historic site. Today, Lynnhaven House offers an extraordinary opportunity to study an early Virginia building and the people whose lives were connected to it.

Interior of the Lynnhaven House Under Construction

Discover Lynnhaven House

The house was built by Francis Thelaball, a plantation owner and ship’s carpenter, for a household that included his family, an apprentice, and enslaved people. Its distinctive craftsmanship — including brick jack arches, an enclosed staircase with a teardrop pendant and unusual floor construction — reflects both skill and artistry.

Preservation Efforts

Lynnhaven House is currently closed for regular tours while the City of Virginia Beach continues restoration work to protect this over 300-year-old historic resource.

The restoration process is revealing new information about the house and the ways it has changed over time. Preservation work allows staff and specialists to better understand the building while protecting significant historic materials for future generations.

Lynnhaven House Tours

The Lynnhaven House is currently closed for restoration. However, during this time, the Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center will be open for select programs and events. Virginia Beach History Museums staff also offer free Lynnhaven House Preservation Tours at noon on the third Thursday of each month to view the interior architecture under restoration. Register for Lynnhaven House events.

Visiting Lynnhaven House

Hours & Admissions

The historic Lynnhaven House is currently closed for regular tours during restoration. Select Lynnhaven House Preservation Tours programs and events continue during this time.

Location

4409 Wishart Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455
757-385-5100
vbhistory@vbgov.com

Preservation Tours

Become part of the restoration journey through a free Lynnhaven House Preservation Tour. These 30-minute guided experiences offer a behind-the-scenes look at the house, including architectural features once hidden beneath plaster, examples of past and present preservation work, and the methods being used to protect the building.

Preservation Tours are currently offered at noon on the third Thursday of each month (unless that Thursday is a City of Virginia Beach holiday). Advance registration is encouraged because space is limited.

Visitors are welcome to bring lunch and enjoy the beautiful Lynnhaven House grounds after the tour.

Reserve a Preservation Tour

Programs & Events

Virginia Beach History Museums offers educational experiences for schools, homeschool groups, scouts and community organizations. Programs use objects, stories and hands-on activities to connect learners with the history of Virginia Beach and early Virginia.

Education Programs

Private Events

The Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center and the historic grounds offer a distinctive setting for weddings, celebrations, meetings and other select private events.

The Education Center includes a great room, kitchen and restrooms, while the grounds can accommodate larger outdoor gatherings. The historic house is not available for viewing during private rentals while restoration continues.

Learn About Private Events

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