Step Back In Time At Richmond’s Stunning Historic Mankin Mansion

If you find yourself planning a southern destination wedding, be sure to witness history and luxury collide at the Historic Mankin Mansion located in Richmond, Virginia. The Georgian Revival property dates back to 1903, when it was built by the entrepreneurial brick maker and founder Edward Thurston Mankin. He not only designed the entire Italianate estate, but was a pioneer for his contribution to architecture in some of Virginia’s finest homes and beyond.

So well known for producing handmade specialty bricks, which were generated on-site, Mankin’s bricks were famously utilized in the private estate of John D. Rockefeller, in prominent buildings at Yale University, in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown NY, as well as in the revitalization of Colonial Williamsburg and the re-creation of Jamestown Church. Co-owners Martin and Paula Ramirez saved the dilapidated estate and renovated it in 2004.

Historic Mankin Mansion brings forth southern charm, from the manicured English gardens beset with intimate Victorian seating nooks and chic vintage decor, to Mansion couples uttering I-Do’s under the shade of the estate’s 100-year-old sycamore tree. The pergola is connected by brick walkways, to a bocce court, parterres, a lawn tennis court and brick benches. Across Oakley’s Lane, there is a one acre man made reflecting pond.

Shortly after purchasing the Mansion, the west coast native couple expanded the property from two into five acres, and over time, have restored the 7,000 square foot Mansion, Carriage House, Gardener’s Cottage, Farmer’s Cottage, Gallery and Summer House to far beyond their original grandeur. By 2020, the duo plans to turn a 100-year old road that travels through the middle of the property back into the grand entrance to this landmark estate.

The property was renovated to offer a climate controlled Grand Pavilion, English gardens, a restored urban Gallery, in-house Planning & DJ Teams, timeless furniture, custom lighting, and vintage décor.

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.