DMF's Restoration Action Plan 2026
The Dunnington Mansion Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the historical and cultural significance of the Dunnington Mansion/Poplar Hill while rehabilitating it with the goal of operating a multi-use event and education center.
Our mission is to provide a venue that highlights local history while remaining financially solvent. We believe this is a unique paring of tourism (weddings, conferences, business retreats) and rich local history.
While its primary use will be for private events the DMF is committed to providing a path for public use. We believe community involvement is vital to preserving the shared history of this property.
Funding is our biggest hurdle and we are working hard to raise the needed money.
Proposed Funding Sources
Congressionally Directed Spending grant (earmarks) - application is underway and due April 5th, 2024.
Tobacco Commission grant - potential funding (we meet qualifications for application in 2025)
Private donations and crowdsourcing fundraising campaigns - coming soon!!!
Private rentals of mansion for artists/films - We are listed though the Film Office of Virginia, Giggster and Peerspace.We have had fantastic success in all of these listings.
Historical Tours - We have completed six historical tours of the mansion and grounds in its abandoned state with a seventh scheduled
National historic preservation grants - private and government
Phase 1: Stabilization
Roof and gutter repair
Masonry - front porch
Window replacement
Floor - safety and stabilization
Walls/ceilings - safety and stabilization
County water and sewer hookup
Upgrading electrical and plumbing
Heating and HVAC systems
Basic grading, grounds cleanup and maintenance
Phase 2: Interior/Exterior Restoration and Garden/Grounds Reclamation
Interior and exterior restoration to original condition with modern upgrades.
The DMF does not intend to adhere to strict historical standards due to budgeting considerations. We are not intending this to be a historic house museum, but a modernized multi-use community and event center. We would like to make it as period correct as possible to preserve the historic culture of this beautiful place but with a fiscally responsible approach.
Grounds/garden restoration with period-correct considerations.
Parking lot and outdoor event structure construction.