Rice House tours show brilliant view of James River

The beautiful Rice House is located on Lock Island on the north bank of the James River, across from Pony Pasture Rapids. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is now available for tours. The home is easy to see from the canoe launch at Pony Pasture Rapids. From a marker […]

May 26, 2011; 7:01 AM • by Phil Riggan

The beautiful Rice House is located on Lock Island on the north bank of the James River, across from Pony Pasture Rapids. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is now available for tours.

The home is easy to see from the canoe launch at Pony Pasture Rapids. From a marker at the home:

Gift of Ambassador Walter L. and Mrs. Inger Rice

In 1996, Ambassador and Mrs. Rice donated this property to the Science Museum of Virginia. Walter and Inger studied the work of the world’s leading architects, settling upon Richard Neutra, viewed by many as one of the 20th century’s most influential architects. The Rice House has been recognized as a peerless example of modest architecture integrated into a complex natural environment. For decades, the Rice House served as a family home. The Rices received the Architectural Medal for Virginia Service in 1997.

Want to see inside? To see the view of the James River from the house? See the report from NBC12’s Kevin Jeanes:

Science Museum of Virginia Director, Richard Conti, said this is a great way to attract new people’s attention to the home and to the museum.

“It’s a great example of contemporary architecture and the idea that we can kind of restore it using very modern kind of green technology really fits right into the heart of what the museum is all about,” he said.

Tour details: Historic resources tours will be offered once a month. Tour groups are limited to 12 people, and reservations are required. Tours are $30 per person. Call the Valentine Richmond History Center at (804) 649-0711, ext. 301 or go to www.historicrichmondtours.com.

May 26, 2011 7:01 AM 0