Salubria in Stevensburg, Virginia
Latin for "healthful" or "good health," Salubria, unlike James Madison's nearby home, Montpelier, is a lesser-known gem of the Piedmont region. Salubria, c 1757, is currently preserved though not restored- the house has not been repainted or re-furnished in period attire inside. Much of the wood is original! The Germanna Historical Society owns the home as of 2000, and was recently awarded a…
Salubria, a lesser-known gem nestled in the Piedmont region, is a house steeped in history and charm. Unlike Montpelier, James Madison's nearby estate, Salubria has managed to maintain its original wood and has never been repainted or re-furnished in period attire. The Germanna Historical Society has owned the property since 2000, and they recently secured a significant grant to further preserve and open up Salubria to the public.
The history of Salubria is a complex tapestry woven with the lives of enslaved people who toiled here for the first century of the home's existence. The halls of Salubria have seen the passage of famous early American figures and even witnessed Civil War skirmishes. Notably, Woodrow Wilson's personal physician, Cary Grayson, was born at Salubria in 1878.
Interestingly, Salubria's floor plan mirrors that of the George Wythe house in Williamsburg, Virginia, providing a fascinating insight into what the interior of Salubria would have looked like nearly 300 years ago.
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