The Patterson House is currently open on weekends between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The Patterson Gardens are open during regular public hours.
History of Patterson House and Grounds
In 1932, Jefferson Patterson purchased the Peterson farm, which he then renamed Point Farm. Here he created a retreat from his life as a Diplomatic Officer with the US Department of State. He hired Gertrude Sawyer as his architect to create facilities for his farm and a home for rest and enjoyment. The 3-story brick house is built in the Federal style on a smaller scale than seen on most wealthy estates. Miss Sawyer designed a comfortable, yet elegant, home with input from Mr. Patterson on many of the details. He picked out many of the home's furnishings, including the hand painted Chinese wallpaper in the Dining Room and the Monel metal sink for the Butler's Pantry. After his marriage to Mary Marvin Breckinridge in 1940, the farm became a family retreat—the scene of many family picnics and parties. Surrounding the house are beautiful gardens designed by Rose Greely, a well-known landscape architect who merged formal plantings with native plants and trees to create a comfortable background for the flower-loving Mr. Patterson. Mrs. Patterson used the gardens and grounds to hold fundraising teas and parties for her charities.
