History of Audley

Grandly set off Route 7, with Berryville 1½ miles westward, “Audley” is approached by a long, white-fenced provate avenue. The estate centers around a white stuccoed brick house, a colonial “ranch” type of 1½ stories amid an assemblage of substantial out-buildings. The garden fronting “Audley”'s stately 4-column portico-entrance is bordered by classic statuary on pedestals. White-fenced pastures, practice racetracks, and office structures surround the home, combining elegance with the functional requirements of a modern horse-breeding farm. Thoroughbreds have carried “Audley” colors on probably every racetrack in the nation.

“Audley” was built in 1774 by Warner Washington, Sr., General Washington's first cousin. Seven of Warner's grandchildren, sired by Warner Washington, Jr., in the course of a second marriage, were all born at “Audley” – the first on May 18, 1796.

The Road

In January 1825, Major Lawrence Lewis acquired the 1200-acre estate (now 700 acres in extent), for $56,000. He paid $30,000 cash and his estate “Llewellyn” (“The Plantation Over the Mountain”). Lawrence was the favorite nephew of General Washington, having onnce lived at Mount Vernon. There he met General Washington's adopted daughter, Eleanor (Nelly) Custis, granddaughter of Martha Washington. Nelly, known as the “darling of the Republican Court” at Philadelphia, later assisted her grandmother at Mount Vernon, where she captivated all with her beauty, charm, and brilliant wit.

Lawrence and Nelly were married in 1799 at Mount Vernon on Geore Washington's last birthday, and their first child, Frances, was born at Mount Vernon Novermber 27, 1799. The event was duly recorded in George Washington's diary, exactly 17 days before his death. Later, the Lewises moved to their own nearby estate, “Woodlawn,” their wedding gift from General Washington. The manor house was designed by Dr. Thornton, architect of the U. S. Capitol.

Buena Vista

Buena Vista is also on the Audley Estate grounds.

More information: http://www.clarkehistory.org