User:Alexiskferia/Draft Pear Valley

Pear Valley is a one-room Yeoman's Cottage and prime example of Vernacular architecture. The modest embellishments and its high level of preservation make it one of the most architecturally interesting examples of small, historic homes in Virginia.

Architecture
The house is very typical of early Chesapeake architecture. The single-story dwelling is remarkably detailed and impeccably constructed. The owners were presumably slightly more well-off than their near neighbors, but still not wealthy enough to afford a larger, brick building. Distinctive features of the building include a pyramidal chimney and glazed brickwork. Although there used to be controversy surrounding the constrution date, Dendrochronology and extensive study place the date between 1720 and 1750.

Preservation
Preservation Virginia purchased the property in 1986. They began extensive restoration work, including repairing the foundation, in 1994. The entire roof of the structure was replaced with cedar shingles, as called for by the Historic Structures Report, in 2004. The property is currently open to the public by appointment.