Historic Powhatan Farm Protected
For Connie Harriss, protecting her home, “Norwood,” in Powhatan County was her duty. Her family has stewarded Norwood for six generations dating to 1834 when Robert Beverley Randolph (1790-1839) purchased the land and original brick farmhouse. It is a view that is mostly frozen in time and will remain so due to the permanent protections afforded under a conservation easement recorded with Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) on December 20, 2017. Three unusual brick agricultural barns dating from 1834 are still standing which adds to the grandeur and uniqueness of Norwood.
The 145-acre property along Route 711 (Huguenot Trail) encompasses 112 acres of prime farmland according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Virginia Department of Agriculture has designated Norwood as a “Century Farm” in honor of the same family residing and farming there for at least 100 consecutive years.
After nearly a decade of conversations with friends at CRLC, I am delighted that Norwood finally has the protections that my family has sought. My grandson who will inherit this land will mark the eighth generation of my family ownership. He will be responsible for that legacy and ensure its proper stewardship.
The property also shares 1,500 feet of shoreline on the south bank of the James River. A 100-foot riparian buffer area on the property along the James River will help ensure that runoff is limited and water quality is improved in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The conservation easement also protects the scenic view of tranquil Norwood from Route 711.
