Peyton Randolph House, Williamsburg

The Peyton Randolph House, also referred to as the Randolph-Peachy House, is a distinguished historic house museum nestled within the confines of Colonial Williamsburg. Dating back to approximately 1715, it stands as one of the oldest surviving structures within the museum's premises. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973, the house holds significant historical importance as the former residence of Peyton Randolph, a prominent figure in American history and the first and third President of the Continental Congress.

The Peyton Randolph House boasts a distinctive architectural style characteristic of its era. Its two-story wood-frame structure is comprised of a seven-bay main block and a single-story ell to the east, with a roof featuring both hipped and gabled sections. The main entrance, sheltered by a gabled hood, is positioned at the center bay, while the interior retains original 18th-century woodwork and a striking marble fireplace mantel in its central section.

The house's construction history is reflected in its slightly asymmetrical arrangement of windows, a testament to its evolution over time. Originally constructed around 1715 by William Robertson, the western half of the main block was later acquired by Sir John Randolph in 1724. Peyton Randolph, John's son, subsequently joined the two structures together by constructing the middle section. During the American Civil War, the house served as a crucial site for the care of wounded soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies during the Battle of Williamsburg in 1862.