Picture the elegant brick facade of Hollin Hall. This grand Colonial Revival mansion stands before you a testament to history and hospitality. Originally built in 1919 by Harley and his wife it’s a far cry from the earlier Hollin Hall. That earlier structure a home built by George Mason for his son Thomson burned down in 1827. This location however boasts a rich history even before the Wilsons. George Washington himself hunted on this very land. It was part of George Mason’s expansive 2000 acre plantation.
The Wilsons transformed this site into a magnificent estate. Their 600-acre property became a hub for high society. Imagine Carl Sandburg Herbert Hoover and even Mrs Woodrow Wilson enjoying themselves here. They swam in a shell shaped pool relaxed under a wisteria covered pergola. Dancing filled the ballroom of a sprawling brick guesthouse. The Wilsons spared no expense. The floors were made of teak imported from Japan. The home was filled with museum quality antiques. Even the extensive basement was remarkable boasting rooms for storing large quantities of meat furs and wine. Mrs Wilson’s love of gardening is still evident today. Her winding brick paths charming walled gardens and profusion of flowers shrubs and century old boxwood still thrive.
After the Wilsons’ deaths in 1934 Hollin Hall sat empty for years. It even almost became a refuge for the Princess of Norway during World War II. President Franklin Roosevelt inspected the property for her. Eventually a Roosevelt advisor Merle Thorpe acquired the house and 89 acres. In 1959 Mount Vernon Unitarian Church purchased Hollin Hall and 10 acres. Though the pool and the guesthouse are gone. The windmill greenhouse and carriage house remain. The church continues to use the space for its activities. It is also available for weddings and other events. Hollin Hall a reminder of a bygone era now stands as a vital part of the community. A place where history and modern life intertwine. Today you can experience this grand building witness its rich history and appreciate the legacy of those who have walked these grounds.