Sherwood Forest: The Tyler Family’s Generational Residence

In this installment of ‘Larger Than Life: Architecture Through the Ages,’ we peruse America’s oldest continuously family-owned and occupied presidential home.

The 25 publicly accessible acres of Sherwood Forest are surrounded by mature trees, manicured boxwoods, and maintained lawns. The home’s entryway is part of a circular approach. Although the roof dormers and second-floor windows are not symmetrical at the front of the house, due to various additions and renovations, the Greek Revival-style portico over the front door draws the eye away from the misalignment. Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation

At over 300 feet long, the family home of 10th president, John Tyler, is considered the longest historic frame house in the United States. Partially Virginia Tidewater in architectural design, the house displays elements indicative of the regional style with clapboard (horizontal wood) construction, a gabled roof with dormers, small-pane double-hung windows, and both centrally located and exterior-end brick chimneys.

Located off the John Tyler Memorial Highway in Charles City, Virginia, the house was not always as expansive as it is currently. In the 1820s, the former owner of the property and a distant cousin of John Tyler first added on to an existing simple farmhouse, which became the core of the present house. In 1842, John Tyler purchased from his relative the 900 acres where the home sat as well as an additional 700 acres. He then added onto the house through the mid-19th century. The widespread house has 26 rooms and 15 fireplaces, according to Sherwood Forest’s executive director Annique Dunning.