by Danielle Verderame
With a name that nods to the naval service of its historical owner, Commodore William Conway Whittle, The Anchorage House is a place where you can come to shore. Boaters, brides, tourists, and townspeople, can all enjoy this newly renovated historical venue.
Chris and Spring Witt, of The Witt Stop General Store, have opened The Anchorage House as a Bed and Breakfast and an event center. The building boasts four rooms for overnight guests, as well as space downstairs for events.
Weddings, and other special events, are welcome in the event space. The venue offers a network of services including wedding cakes, catering, photography, massages, and even hair styling. Outside, a lovely gazebo creates picture-perfect moments, rain or shine.
The Anchorage House is also designed to attract travelers who are boating or tubing the James River or hiking the trails.
Special features and services include:
- Bike Racks
- Washers and Dryers
- A Full-Service Kitchen
- An area for massage therapy and hair styling
Additionally, the house contains a museum on the first floor with information about the history of the house and the Town of Buchanan.
Spring Witt, owner of The Anchorage House, revealed a great interest in keeping local history alive. She explained, “My father, Mercer Stillman and my husband are definitely history buffs. My father grew up in Richmond, so our family certainly has some Virginia roots.”
“We are so blessed to have regular customers of The Witt Stop, like Pat and Gail Jasper, who have so much history related to Buchanan that they are willing to share with us. They are just the sweetest couple and they have been big supporters of us since day one!” Spring continued.
“We also have Harry Gleason, the Revitalization and Events Coordinator for Buchanan, who is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Buchanan’s history.”
That history dates back to the Civil War era when Union General David Hunter’s troops briefly occupied the property. General Hunter led a fiery raid through the Valley on his way to Lynchburg in 1864.
Built in 1840, The Anchorage House still stands two stories tall. Inspired by the Greek Revival, it features decorative crown molding and cornice, multi-light windows, interior brick chimneys and a hipped roof.
William Conway Whittle purchased the property in 1851. He was best known for serving in the Confederate States Naval Service and fighting as a commodore in the battle of New Orleans. When he settled in the area, with his second wife, Ann E. Hammer, he named the homestead “Anchorage.”
In keeping with its history, The Anchorage House can be a port in a storm, or at least, a charming place to stay when visiting Central Virginia.
Editor’s note: To learn about another business the Witts have opened (The Witt Stop), see page 6 of the Guidebook.
