The history of Poplar Hill Farm is rich and storied. Ownership predates the French and Indian War by 12 years, the American Revolution by 32 years and the Declaration of Independence by 23 years. The town of Farmville, just a mile away, was not charted until 1798, 55 years after the Poplar Hill Estate was acquired.

Revolutionary War patriots, Civil War heroes, and tobacco barons have all walked through the doors of The Manor House, camped on the land, and dined late into the southern evenings. We invite you to become part of The Manor Resort, Spa, and Residential Estate and write a glorious history all your own.

1748	Richard “Baron” Woodson II obtains land from Great Britain and King George II for sum of four pounds. He builds a four-room frame house and names the property, Poplar Hill Farm.
1775	Francis and Agnes Watkins acquire the property and later build the back brick portion of The Manor House.
1826	James D. Wood, who married the daughter of Francis and Agnes Watkins, becomes the third owner of the property.
1849	Dr. Frank Wood becomes the fourth owner of Poplar Hill Farm.
1860	John Hughes Knight, Jr. purchase the property to become its fifth owner.
1897	W.G. Dunnington acquires the property and builds the large front Victorian portion of The Manor House, which quickly becomes a popular hub for business and social life in the county.
1922	Upon the death of her husband, Mrs. W.G. Dunnington takes over the deed to Poplar Hill Farm. She lives in The Manor House and expands its lush gardens until her death in 1960.
1929	The Dunnington Family builds a nine-hole golf course on the Poplar Hill property, perhaps the first in the area. A few of the greens are still visible today.
1960	Poplar Hill Farm is purchased by the Bolt family. They own the property until selling The Manor House and the Poplar Hill acreage to The Community Development Authority for the development of The Manor Resort in 1999.

Side Stories
Richard Woodson, the original owner of Poplar Hill Farm, was called Baron Woodson because he was the owner of such a large amount of land in the area.

Francis Watkins was on intimate terms with Patrick Henry, with whom he served on the Board of Trustees of Hampden-Sydney College. The community, and judges and lawyers of his day held Mr. Watkins in high esteem.

Francis Watkins was the first deputy clerk and second clerk of Prince Edward County, serving for over fifty years. His clerk’s office was in the yard at Poplar Hill.

James D. Wood was of the class of 1815 at Hampden-Sydney College, later a Trustee of the college, and served as college treasurer.