OAK HILL 



"By a garden is meant a place of spiritual repose — stillness — peace — refresh- 

 ment — delight." — Cardinal Newman. 



AK HILL, the stately home of James Monroe, in 

 Loudoun County, Virginia, was built by him while 

 President of the United States. 



The place took its name from an avenue of 

 giant oaks towering above all other trees on the 

 spacious lawn. At Oak Hill today there may be 

 seen a letter from President Monroe written from the White House 

 to William Benton, the manager of the estate. In this letter the 

 President gives instructions regarding the avenue leading from the 

 house to the public road and states that it is to be lined with Lom- 

 bardy poplars planted as he directs. 



This President chose wisely in selecting Loudoun County as his 

 home. In the distance the Blue Ridge Mountains, ever veiled in a 

 blue and violet haze, and around him an undulating, varied land- 

 scape whose climate, except for one district in the hill country of 

 Bavaria, has been shown by health statistics to be the most healthful 

 region In the world. 



The plan of the house is said to follow that of the White 

 House, and Is a striking example of the taste In the early years 

 of the Republic for the severely classical in domestic architecture. 

 It is built of brick, and its great portico is graced by seven massive 

 Doric columns, nine feet in circumference and thirty feet high. 



The flower garden lying at the rear of the house is overlooked 

 by the porch which, In most Georgian manor houses, characterized 

 the rear, or more private entrance. The ground slopes slightly 

 from the house, and while the garden Is not a large one, it is laid 

 out In fine proportions, and with taste. There are three terraces, 

 and with such a setting one can Imagine the beauty of masses of 



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