Sitting in an unexpected spot in the middle of a golf course near Farmville, Virginia, you’ll find the Dunnington Mansion, also known as Poplar Hill. It’s not in the best shape, with 24/7 security keeping watch. However, acclaimed urbex photographer Bryan Sansivero was allowed access to capture its faded grandeur. Join us as we explore the decaying halls of this historic home and learn how it ended up in the midst of a country club.

This grand red-brick manor stands on a piece of neglected land within the upscale Manor Resort Golf Club, south of Farmville. A rusty wrought-iron gate, flanked by two deteriorating posts, marks the boundary between the golf course and this enigmatic abandoned mansion.

The contrast between the mansion and the meticulously landscaped golf course is stark. The golf course boasts manicured fairways, pristine wooded areas, and a beautiful lake, while the mansion’s surroundings are cluttered with discarded items, overgrown with vines, and offer no clear path to the front porch. Nonetheless, the mansion’s exterior, with its turret and architectural brickwork, appears to be holding up reasonably well.

In a photo from the early 20th century, you can see the mansion in its former glory. Its history dates back to the 1700s, when Richard Woodson, also known as Baron Woodson, purchased a significant parcel of land in Prince Edward County, establishing the Poplar Hill Plantation and constructing a small four-room house. Over the years, the property changed hands and underwent significant expansions and renovations.

Walter Grey Dunnington, a wealthy tobacco tycoon, embarked on a lavish renovation in 1897, resulting in a stunning 14-room mansion. The interior was filled with modern conveniences, making it a social hub for Farmville’s elite. The mansion features charming alcoves, a grand entrance foyer, and a stately dining room, all reflecting Dunnington’s affluence.