The Wharton Cottage

The Wharton Cottage was built by John A. and Isabella Brown Wharton in 1847, exemplifying the Carpenter Gothic style of architecture that was popular in the mid-nineteenth century. This style emphasized charm and quaintness while using an abundant supply of wood to recreate much of the ornamentation common to European stone Gothic structures., John, born in 1803, was a Bedford County native and Isabella, born in 1810, was from Berkshire County, MA. They were married in 1830 and had nine children. John was an attorney, the first school superintendent, judge, ordained Episcopal priest and leading citizen of Bedford County. Isabella was described as having "rare intellectual gifts and a mind richly cultured.", Their youngest son, Charles, built the brick Italianate house next door., 1847 , The Cottage built by John and Isabella Wharton, 1903 , Deeded to Ellen Davis Gregory, 1933 , Deeded to her son, Edward Gregory, 1959 , Deeded to Dr. Robinson, Sr., by Eloise Gregory, Edward's wife, 1997 , The Wharton Memorial Foundation purchased and restored the Cottage, (caption) The Wharton Cottage, in 1937, with its distinctive gingerbread, double chimneys and attached orangery., The Wharton Memorial Foundation and its volunteers maintain this historic property.