There could be no two more different architectural masterpieces than Woodlawn and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House. Nevertheless, they are both located on the National Trust for Historic Preservation land in historic Alexandria. Therefore, visitors can compare two very different architectural styles, both of which tell a story about their builders, the inhabitants, and the most exciting time periods for the structures.

Woodlawn is a Georgian/Federal mansion designed by William Thornton for George Washington’s nephew Lawrence Lewis and his bride. The stately mansion is formal and elegant, constructed of brick masonry with sandstone trim and oversized regal windows. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Pope-Leighey house in 1940. It is one of about 100 modest residential dwellings he created.

The building is deceptively simple; it is a single level building made of wood that was designed to blend with its environment, a factor typical of Frank Lloyd Wright’s works. It was originally built in Falls Church, but it relocated to Woodland after it was in danger of being destroyed due to the highway expansion, and so it was donated to the National Trust.

Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, Virginia, Phone: 703-780-4000

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.