EDEN TRY “A Try at the Garden of Eden”
Recapture the romance of yesteryear as you wander the 12 magnificent acres of this architecturally stunning, Georgian Colonial reminiscent of the grand manors of the past.
If you choose Eden Try as the setting for your wedding or special event, you and your guests may take pleasure in the ancient trees and mature landscaping that adorn the property, flowing manicured acres, old stone walking paths, multiple fountains, and gardens galore placed in a park-like setting.
Surrounding the property are 90 acres offering exclusivity and privacy yet only 4 miles from one of Virginia’s largest shopping and dining meccas on the I-95 corridor and only 6 miles from the heart of Frdericksburg’s historic district. For your wedding day and a truly memorable event, we recommend use of the Fredericksburg wedding trolley (“Gracie”) to shuttle your guests from the historic district past the horse farms to Eden Try.
Your wedding, reception, or special event can be held on the grounds at the front of the brick Manor House with a dramatic horse and carriage arrival, amongst the beautiful tiered gardens at the back of the Manor, or or in the natural amphitheatre and wedding pergola nestled amongst the acres of manicured lawns and mature landscaping. You choose your style.
History and Architecture. Eden Try’s Manor House was built in the Williamsburg style and upon arrival you will notice a resemblance to the George Wythe House. All brick and four stories high, the Manor House stands as a proud tribute to a by-gone era. The detail in the brickwork is reminiscent of old-world craftsmen. Since a brick home was seen as more prestigious than a wood home (and interestingly enough, still is), the level of attention to detail in the brickwork was seen as the ultimate indicator of success and status in the period. Shutters, porticos, and other less durable embellishments are noticeably absent as they would hide the meticulous attention to detail and would not stand the test of time. Quality homes of the period were built for future generations. (Think of Stratford Hall, the stately boyhood home of Robert E. Lee.)
But the Manor House provides only half the drama. The Manor House is surrounded by the “Garden of Eden”. Eden Try simply means “A try at the Garden of Eden”. Eden Try was named by the original owner, who was a horticulturist. He would tour the formal gardens, castles, and estates of old-Europe and lecture on his findings in the States. He was an expert in the field and tried to recreate what he saw at his own estate: his goal was reccreating the “Garden of Eden” in Virginia. Befitting its name, and carrying on its grand tradition, Eden Try was selected to participate in the prestigious Virginia Garden Tour.
As if that were not enough, Eden Try offers a glimpse into its past. During clearing and construction of the Manor House, an abandoned gold mine was discovered. You can still readily find “fool’s gold” in the many streams meandering through the property. Civil War artifacts have also been found on site.
A small footbridge takes you to what is rumored to be the largest specimen of rhododendron in the state, affectionately named “Grandpa” by the original owner. It is 60’ around and is so large you may walk under it! Many unusual flowering trees, bushes and flowers adorn the property – including an exceedingly rare “Flying Dragon”. This is purportedly the tree that was chosen to guard prominent citizens’ gravesites (including Jefferson) because of its threatening but dramatic features intended “to scare off the evil spirits”. Despite its outward appearance, it bears an exceedingly fragrant and edible fruit that was used in “the day” to scent linens, bedding, and clothing. In season, it is still being used in the Manor House to that effect.
For your memorable event consider Eden Try … and step back to a time when Elegance and Sophistication were a way of life.
