Explore
The Estate at River Run
THE ESTATE AT RIVER RUN
A LOOK INSIDE
Each room within the Estate tells its own story — one of timeless craftsmanship and gracious living. As you walk through the mansion, you’ll discover spaces that balance history and hospitality, beauty and comfort, grandeur and intimacy.
The Main Floor
From the moment you step inside, the Estate sets the tone. The Marble Foyer welcomes you with sweeping curved staircases on either side — rising toward the Loft Gallery and a beautifully detailed balcony above. Two Waterford-style chandeliers, dripping with antique Straus crystals, cast a warm glow across the “Casino Rose” marble floor and the 23-carat gold leaf Corinthian capitals that crown each column.
Your eye moves from detail to detail — the double doors to the Cameo Ballroom, the egg-and-dart crown molding, the symmetry of the stairs — and you begin to realize this feels less like an arrival, and more like the beginning of something unforgettable.
If you look closely, you’ll see a quiet design thread woven throughout the house: the oak leaf and acorn motif, chosen by the original owner, Mr. Massey, as his personal symbol. You’ll find it in the plaster cornice and in the hand-printed damask wallpaper — alongside his initials, WBM, subtly worked into the pattern. Even the upholstered cornices in the grand hall were custom-designed from Mrs. Saunders’s imagination, echoing 18th-century style while honoring the heritage of the estate.
Every inch was crafted with intention — and when you walk through these doors, you feel it.
Marble Foyer
Wedgewood Ballroom
Step into a space designed to impress. Inspired by fine European china, the Wedgewood Ballroom rises two stories high and carries a quiet grandeur that feels cinematic the moment you enter. Every detail draws your eye — from the ornate ceiling in soft “river” blues to the contrasting neutral accents that make the room feel both elegant and inviting.
The handmade spiral staircase sets the tone for a grand entrance, while the musicians’ gallery wraps around three sides of the room — made for live music, toasts from above, or simply admiring the view. The marble framing the fireplace once belonged to English royalty, and the striking crystal chandelier suspended overhead was custom-designed just for this estate, intentionally playing against the monochromatic ceiling for dramatic effect.
Floor-to-ceiling windows open to sweeping views of the James River, reminding you that this isn’t just a ballroom — it’s a stage for some of life’s most extraordinary moments. Whether you’re sharing vows, hosting a gala, or raising a glass with the people who matter most, the Wedgewood Ballroom makes every moment feel worthy of celebration.
Cameo Ballroom
If you’re envisioning an event that feels warm, elegant, and close in all the right ways, the Cameo Ballroom is where it comes to life. With beautiful natural daylight and a soft, neutral color palette, this space offers an intimate setting for smaller gatherings — or a graceful transition area during an indoor/outdoor celebration.
Three sets of double doors stretch across the back of the room, opening effortlessly onto the terrace and creating a seamless flow between inside and out. It’s the kind of space that adapts to your vision — understated when needed, or full of charm when activated with décor and florals.
Originally known as the Drawing Room, the Cameo Ballroom features an intricate, hand-molded plaster ceiling inspired by 18th-century English design. Look closely and you’ll spot acanthus leaf scrolls, hidden faces, and even mythical griffins woven into the pattern. The original decor once included a custom-carved wool rug mirroring the ceiling’s detail — a beautiful reminder that every part of this room was imagined with intention.
Whether you’re hosting a cocktail hour, luncheon, intimate ceremony, or creative staging space, the Cameo Ballroom invites connection, conversation, and the feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be.
Dine like royalty in this beautifully appointed space, complete with original furnishings and a custom hand-carved table. Ideal for intimate dinners, tastings, or styled shoots, the Dining Room offers a refined setting that feels both historic and timeless.
Dining Room
When you step into the Woodhaven Lounge, the pace naturally slows. Once Mr. Massey’s private office and study, the space now invites conversation, relaxation, and a touch of friendly competition. Rich wood paneling, custom carvings, and deep leather seating create a warm, stately atmosphere — perfect for cocktail hours, post-event unwinding, or a quiet toast between friends. Enjoy a game of billiards, gather at the pub table, or simply take in the views beyond the windows — Woodhaven is made for lingering.
Woodhaven
Billiards Lounge
Or relax in the Foxhaven Room - one of Mr. Massey's favorite spots in the house! Connected to the Brick Terrace, the Foxhaven is a great space to lounge, host an intimate meal, or host a bar serving an indoor/outdoor event.
Foxhaven Room
Guest Room Floor
The Primary Suite
On the morning of your wedding, this becomes your sanctuary. With sunlight pouring in and river views from every window, the Primary Suite offers a calm and spacious setting for getting ready with ease. Two elegant full bathrooms, generous dressing areas, and plenty of space for hair, makeup, and wardrobe mean you never have to worry about feeling rushed or crowded.
Sip mimosas with your closest friends, take your time, and breathe — the Primary Suite gives you room to prepare, to be present, and to savor the moment before your walk down the staircase. It’s the peaceful beginning every celebration deserves.
The Green Garden Suite brings in the feeling of a southern resort — fresh, calm, and quietly elegant. Natural light fills the space, highlighting the botanical wallpaper, antique furnishings, and crisp white woodwork. With an ensuite bath featuring a beautiful soaking tub, this suite offers both comfort and charm.
Whether it’s used as additional getting-ready space or a place for guests to unwind after the celebration, the Green Garden Suite creates a peaceful retreat — a soft reminder of the joy and beauty of the day.
Green Garden Suite
Artfully appointed with Asian antiques and soft touches of lavender, this suite offers both charm and serenity. It’s an ideal space for family or wedding party members to get ready with you — spacious, calming, and beautifully designed.
The ensuite bathroom features vintage gold Sherle Wagner fixtures and offers privacy, comfort, and ease for hair, makeup, or a quiet moment before the day begins. The Lavender Orient Suite feels like a calm breath — inviting, graceful, and thoughtfully prepared for the people who matter most.
Lavender Orient Suite
Ground Floor
Tuscan
Ballroom
On the ground level of the Estate, the Tuscan Ballroom welcomes you with warmth the moment you enter. Brick walls, stone fireplaces, and a cozy wine cellar set the scene for dinners that feel transported straight from Tuscany.
The built-in wooden bar is well lit and accessible from multiple sides — making service smooth and ensuring every guest feels attended to. With virgin heart pine floors perfect for dancing and four individual restrooms just steps away, the space is ideal for a rehearsal dinner, reception, or elegant evening celebration.
Whether you’re hosting a grand meal or dancing the night away, the Tuscan Ballroom wraps your event in comfort, charm, and the feeling of being somewhere unforgettable.
Exterior
Bluestone Terrace
Many paths meet here — and many celebrations begin. The Bluestone Terrace reveals the true scale of the Estate, surrounded by sculpted boxwoods, white river rock, ornamental grasses, and soft landscape lighting that blends the natural and the intentional into one seamless setting.
The bluestone carries through the entire terrace and walkways, giving the space a clean, continuous flow perfect for a ceremony, outdoor cocktail hour, or dinner beneath the sky. From here, the views of the James River feel both expansive and private — creating a sense of tranquility that’s hard to describe and impossible to forget.
Whether you’re exchanging vows, welcoming your guests, or simply pausing to take it all in, the Bluestone Terrace invites you to slow down and savor the moment.
Brick Terrace
From the Brick Terrace, the Estate opens before you — with sweeping views of the grounds and surrounding landscape. A limestone balustrade frames the space, and a graceful double staircase flows down to the lower terrace, creating one of the most iconic vantage points on the property.
The curved brick staircase and custom-forged iron railing set the stage for a grand entrance — unforgettable in photos and even more stunning in person. Flowing directly from the main floor, this terrace is ideal for indoor–outdoor cocktail hours or intimate wedding ceremonies where the view becomes part of the experience.
The moment guests arrive, the Front Lawn sets the tone. Framed by sculpted boxwoods, fresh green grass, and a beautifully restored stone fountain, this space feels both welcoming and impressive — a perfect introduction to the Estate. New lampposts and symmetrical landscaping highlight the architecture of the mansion, making it an ideal backdrop for ceremonies, photos, or greeting guests as they arrive.
As day turns to evening, the lawn transforms. The up-lighting in the oak trees creates an elegant glow that carries through the property, making the Estate look just as dignified at night as it does in the daylight. Whether you’re exchanging vows, capturing portraits, hosting a welcome party, or watching fireworks light up the sky, the Front Lawn offers the perfect vantage point.
Front Lawn
Oak Grove
Tucked beneath the shade of the trees, the Oak Grove feels naturally sacred — a space that invites guests to gather, pause, and witness something meaningful. The handcrafted arbor, created using the property’s original custom scrolled iron gate topper, provides a stunning backdrop for ceremonies and quiet moments alike.
A stone path leads to the raised platform, creating a graceful aisle and a clear focal point for your vows. Surrounded by nature and softened by the filtered light through the oaks, the Oak Grove becomes more than a ceremony site — it becomes a moment shared with the people who matter most.
There’s something unmistakably peaceful about being poolside at the Estate — with the James River just beyond the trees and the sky reflected on the water, this area feels like a hidden resort. The marble Jeffersonian-style Pool House includes a built-in wood bar and elegant restroom, making it ideal for cocktail hours, pool parties, rehearsal dinners, or a unique ceremony location.
It also serves as a getting-ready suite, giving your wedding morning a relaxed, sunny start — imagine beginning your day with friends by the water, coffee (or champagne) in hand. With natural surroundings that shift beautifully from day to evening, the pool area offers a waterside experience unlike any other on the property.
Poolside
& Pool House
The Pavilion
At the heart of the Estate’s grounds, the Solar Pavilion brings together the grace of indoor elegance and the beauty of open-air celebration. Covered by a striking solar roofline, the space offers full weather protection while maintaining a connection to the surrounding landscape — making it ideal for ceremonies, cocktail hours, dinners, or lively receptions beneath the stars.
With nearly 10,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed hardscape, the Pavilion adapts effortlessly to your vision. You can host cocktails, dinner, and dancing in one seamless flow — or customize each area to create distinct moments throughout your event. Optional sidewalls offer comfort and privacy, while full electrical connectivity allows for lighting, entertainment, and creative staging.
Whether you envision twinkling chandeliers overhead, an elegant seated dinner, a concert-style reception, or a full weekend of celebration, the Solar Pavilion is built to accommodate it beautifully. It’s one of the Estate’s most versatile spaces — and one of the most unforgettable.
~ The estate at river run ~
Where moments become memories
~ The estate at river run ~ Where moments become memories
You’ve seen the details,
imagined the moments,
and pictured the photos.
Now it’s time to experience The Estate at River Run in person.
When you walk these halls, you’ll understand why couples and hosts fall in love with this place. The views, the grandeur, the feeling — they all come together to create something extraordinary.
A first look at your event venue.
Before you visit in person, take a guided walk through The Estate at River Run — our luxury riverfront venue nestled between Richmond and Charlottesville, Virginia. This virtual tour showcases the ballrooms, terraces, suites, gardens, and outdoor event spaces that host weddings, retreats, photo sessions, corporate gatherings, and public celebrations year-round.
As you watch, imagine your guests arriving, your celebration unfolding, and your story coming to life here at the Estate. If you can envision it, we can help you make it happen. When you’re ready, we’d love to welcome you for a private tour..