Whitehurst-Buffington House
Whitehurst-Buffington House is a attraction in Kempsville, Virginia Beach, best for colonial and Civil War history fans, a quiet Historic Kempsville stop, pairing with the Princess Anne County Courthouse Village.
Built in 1793 by the Whitehurst family — a year after the first Cape Henry Lighthouse went up — this saltbox farmhouse sits directly across from the old Princess Anne County Courthouse in the heart of Historic Kempsville. Its distinctive roofline (a short gambrel in front, a long sloping catslide in back) and twin end chimneys mark it as one of the city's 50 most historically significant structures. The house passed through generations of Whitehursts, including Confederate soldier James Howard Whitehurst, before later owners George Bratten and Jay Buffington added brick siding and modern conveniences in the 20th century — layers the all-volunteer Whitehurst-Buffington House Foundation now interprets as 'a house over time.' Open for tours Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, 1-4pm; suggested donation $5 adults, $4 seniors/military, $3 students.
- Hidden Gem
- Quiet & Peaceful
Amenities
- Docent-led tours
- Original 18th-century farmhouse architecture
- Rotating local-history displays
Know Before You Go
- Best for: colonial and Civil War history fans, a quiet Historic Kempsville stop, pairing with the Princess Anne County Courthouse Village
- Parking: On-site parking in the Historic Kempsville Courthouse area off North Landing Road.
- Accessibility: Historic c.1793 farmhouse with period stairs and thresholds; contact the Foundation for current accessibility details.
- Dogs: not allowed
- Location: 2441 N Landing Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, in the Historic Kempsville Courthouse area, Virginia Beach, VA
Last verified 2026-07-10.
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While You're in the Area
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77 Coffeehouse
Regent University's campus coffeehouse, named for the school's 1977 founding class of 77 students, serving espresso and tea in the Dede Robertson Student Center.
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Bodega Cafe
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Buko Resto-Bar
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Upcoming Events Nearby
Autumn in the Air
November 7, 2026 · annual
A newer addition to the city's Parks & Recreation calendar, this single-day fall festival takes over Mount Trashmore Park with folk, americana, and rock bands on an outdoor stage, food and drink for purchase, and activities scattered across the lakefront lawn. Now in its third year, it's grown into the city's answer to a proper autumn street festival without the Oceanfront crowds -- bring a lawn chair or blanket, since tents and large coolers aren't allowed in the event area. Free admission and parking make it an easy afternoon add for anyone already in Kempsville.
Santa's Stocking Old Fashioned Craft Bazaar
November 14, 2026 – November 22, 2026 · annual
Now in its 48th year, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation's holiday craft bazaar splits across two weekends and two recreation centers: Princess Anne Recreation Center hosts November 14-15, then Kempsville Recreation Center takes over November 21-22. Crafters sell handmade items ranging from stocking stuffers to fine art at budget-friendly prices, with Saturday hours 9am-4pm and Sunday hours 10am-3pm each weekend. Admission and on-site parking are free at both locations, making it an easy holiday-shopping stop regardless of which side of the city you're on.
Mount Trashmore July 4th Celebration
July 4, 2027 · annual
Virginia Beach's inland Independence Day tradition fills Mount Trashmore Park -- the converted landfill hill that gives the park its name -- with live music, food trucks, and family activities before a fireworks show over the lake at 9:30pm. It's the free, low-key alternative to the Oceanfront's Stars & Stripes Celebration the same night, drawing families from the Kempsville and Town Center side of the city who'd rather skip beach traffic. Free admission and free parking, with the park's grassy hill doubling as a natural amphitheater for the fireworks.