A Piece of American History Awaits: The Hollingsworth-Lee House Comes to Market

40135 Main Street, Waterford, Virginia

Where Presidential intervention, Civil War heroism, and Federal-era architecture converge in America’s most preserved historic village

In the heart of Waterford’s National Historic Landmark District, where cobblestone memories whisper tales of courage and conviction, stands a home that witnessed one of the most extraordinary stories of the Civil War. This Thursday, the historic Hollingsworth-Lee House at 40135 Main Street becomes available for the first time in years, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of American history that literally reached the desk of President Abraham Lincoln.

A Home Born of Federal Elegance

Built between 1816 and 1827, this two-story brick Federal-style home showcases the architectural sophistication that defined early 19th-century America. The house’s distinctive dog-tooth cornice and jack arches over the openings represent some of the finest examples of Federal-period craftsmanship in Virginia, features it shares with the neighboring Wisteria Cottage, creating a harmonious streetscape that has remained virtually unchanged for two centuries.

With 1,720 square feet of thoughtfully proportioned living space, the home offers three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, maintaining its historic character while providing comfortable modern living. The stone foundation speaks to the enduring quality of early American construction, while the original fireplace serves as a gathering point where countless conversations about freedom, education, and principle surely took place.

The Schoolteacher Who Defied an Empire

The home’s most celebrated owner, Robert Hollingsworth, was far more than a property holder—he was a Quaker schoolteacher from Winchester whose unwavering commitment to the Union cause would ultimately lead him into one of the war’s most dramatic episodes. Hollingsworth was, by all accounts, “an outspoken defender of the Union, which he supported ‘now and forever.'” In an era when such declarations could cost a man his freedom—or his life—Hollingsworth never wavered in his convictions.

As a Quaker educator, Hollingsworth embodied the values that made Waterford unique during the Civil War. While much of Virginia aligned with the Confederacy, Waterford’s Quaker community remained steadfastly loyal to the Union, their pacifist beliefs and abolitionist principles putting them at odds with their Confederate neighbors. The village became a beacon of resistance in hostile territory, and Hollingsworth’s home stood at the center of this quiet revolution.

September 1863: When War Came to Main Street

The most extraordinary chapter in the house’s history unfolded on a tense September day in 1863, when Confederate General Jeb Stuart’s cavalry thundered into Waterford with a mission that would change several lives forever. Stuart had ordered the seizure of two prominent Quakers as hostages to secure the release of Confederate prisoners from Federal custody. The targets were insurance company president William Williams and tannery owner Asa Bond.

The drama began on Second Street, where Williams was captured while entertaining guests in his parlor with his wife Mary. But when the Confederate soldiers reached this end of Main Street, they found their second target had been warned. As Asa Bond slipped out the back of his property, his daughter Mrs. Rachel Means and niece Miss Laura Bond mounted an extraordinary defense at their front door.

What followed was a scene that could have been lifted from an adventure novel. The two women “challenged the soldiers at the door and, from all reports, put up a good fight.” In an act of remarkable courage, Miss Laura Bond actually fired a revolver at the Confederate raiders. This desperate diversion allowed Bond to escape into the surrounding countryside, but the soldiers needed a second hostage.

Robert Hollingsworth, the principled schoolteacher who had never hidden his Union sympathies, was seized instead.

From Castle Thunder to the White House

The two Waterford hostages were transported to Richmond’s notorious Castle Thunder Prison, where conditions were harsh and the future uncertain. But Waterford’s Quaker community was not about to abandon their neighbors. What happened next demonstrates the remarkable networks of influence and determination that defined this unique village.

Mrs. Mary Williams, whose husband languished in Confederate custody, undertook an extraordinary journey to Washington, D.C. She carried with her a letter to President Abraham Lincoln and a petition signed by 85 Union supporters from Loudoun County—a remarkable show of solidarity in Confederate territory. The fact that 85 residents were willing to publicly declare their Union loyalty speaks volumes about Waterford’s unique character and the courage of its residents.

In one of the most remarkable moments in the house’s history, Mrs. Williams was granted an audience with President Lincoln himself at the White House. Lincoln, moved by the plight of the Waterford hostages, personally intervened in their case. He “jotted a note to the commissioner for prisoner exchange,” setting in motion the diplomatic machinery that would eventually secure their freedom.

Even with presidential intervention, the prisoner exchange process proved complicated and slow. Negotiations continued into December, with families anxiously awaiting word from Richmond. Finally, after months of uncertainty, the news came: the prisoners would be released.

Christmas Eve 1863: A Miracle on Main Street

On Christmas Eve 1863, Robert Hollingsworth returned to his home at 40135 Main Street. One can only imagine the emotions that filled this house as the schoolteacher who had sacrificed his freedom for his principles was reunited with his family and community. The timing seemed almost providential—a Christmas miracle born of courage, community solidarity, and presidential compassion.

This Christmas Eve homecoming represents more than just one man’s return; it symbolizes the triumph of principle over persecution, of community solidarity over individual fear, and of moral conviction over political convenience. The Hollingsworth-Lee House stands as a testament to these enduring American values.

Life in America’s Most Preserved Village

Today, 40135 Main Street sits on a generous 8,712 square foot lot in the heart of Waterford’s National Historic Landmark District—one of only three such comprehensive landmark designations in the entire United States. The village that sheltered Union sympathizers and defied Confederate authority has been preserved with extraordinary integrity. An remarkable 64% of Waterford’s 97 homes were built before 1861, with only four constructed after 1922.

Walking down Main Street today, visitors experience virtually the same views that Robert Hollingsworth knew when he returned from Richmond in 1863. The dog-tooth cornice still decorates his home’s roofline, the jack arches still frame the windows, and the stone foundation still anchors the structure to Virginia soil. The surrounding 1,420 acres of protected farmland ensure that the rural character that defined Hollingsworth’s world remains intact.

The home’s location provides an ideal blend of historic immersion and modern convenience. Waterford sits just 47 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., and 7 miles from Leesburg, making it easily accessible while maintaining its timeless character. The modest $42 monthly HOA fee supports the ongoing preservation efforts that keep this National Historic Landmark pristine for future generations.

An Investment in American Heritage

Properties in Waterford represent far more than real estate transactions; they are stewardships of American heritage. With a median home value of $1,350,232 in the village, significantly above Loudoun County’s median of $595,500, Waterford properties have consistently demonstrated strong appreciation while offering owners the irreplaceable satisfaction of preserving history.

The Hollingsworth-Lee House, with its compelling narrative and architectural integrity, represents a particularly significant opportunity. Houses with such well-documented Civil War provenance and presidential connections are exceptionally rare in today’s market. The property’s connection to Abraham Lincoln’s personal intervention makes it not just a home, but a tangible link to American leadership at its finest hour.

The Perfect Steward

No one is better positioned to guide this extraordinary property to its next steward than Christy Hertel of Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty. As Waterford’s resident realtor and a 25-year veteran of interior design, Christy brings unmatched expertise to historic properties. Her deep understanding of period architecture, combined with her passion for preservation and her intimate knowledge of Waterford’s unique character, makes her the ideal advocate for both property and purchaser.

Christy’s design background enables her to help potential buyers envision how historic charm can seamlessly blend with modern comfort. Her years of experience with Waterford’s preservation requirements ensure that any modifications respect the home’s historic integrity while meeting contemporary needs. Most importantly, her genuine love for the village and its stories means that she truly understands what makes properties like the Hollingsworth-Lee House so extraordinary.

A Rare Opportunity

Discerning buyers will have the opportunity to own a piece of American history that few properties can match. The Hollingsworth-Lee House offers:

• Architectural Significance: Federal-style features rarely found in such pristine condition

• Historical Provenance: Direct connection to Civil War resistance and presidential intervention

• Prime Location: Main Street frontage in America’s most preserved historic village

• Investment Potential: Strong appreciation history in an irreplaceable setting

• Community Heritage: Membership in one of America’s most distinctive historic communities

This is more than a real estate opportunity; it’s a chance to become the next chapter in a story that began with Quaker settlers in the 1730s, survived the trials of civil war, and continues to inspire visitors from around the world who come to experience America’s most authentic historic village.

For those who appreciate history, architecture, and the enduring values that define the American character, the Hollingsworth-Lee House represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of the American story. In a world where authentic historic properties become increasingly rare, this home stands as a testament to courage, principle, and the timeless appeal of Federal-era craftsmanship.

The house that sheltered a hero, captured a president’s attention, and witnessed a Christmas miracle is ready for its next steward. Will that be you?

Contact Christy Hertel Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty 703-624-6283 christy.hertel@hcsir.com Waterford’s Resident Historic Properties Specialist

This property will be featured in the annual Waterford Fair home tours, continuing its tradition of welcoming visitors to experience authentic American history.