A Mighty Fortress of Privacy

The level plateau of grassland near the old house leads into the woods and to a hilltop, which overlooks the Rappahannock River, Cleve Marsh, and the river valley.

The spectacular site is further protected by well defined topography of descending to stream valleys, either side of the hilltop.

Above, is a current photo. More spectacular views could be gained by trimming and thinning.

Below, looking up the Rappahannock River;

Below, U.S.G.S. quad map

Below, a detail of the topographic map; NOTE, that the elevation is 'terraced', leading down to the River; also the "Low Bank" river frontage  would allow for access to the river for a dock and boat launching (the area next to "Moons Mount Wharf").  Abraham Moon was an early settler, patenting several thousand acres in the very early 1700's.  His "Mount" was another large hilltop, a little further up river.

Below, double click for photo of the remains of an old road, which might have been the 'rolling road' used to transport hogsheads of tobacco in colonial times.  During the winter of 1862-63 General Stonewall Jackson's army spent the winter at Moss  Neck, and this might have been a defensive position, but that is doubtful since the trench descends, away from the crest of the hill.

River frontage is about 1,300 feet, more or less; mostly high bluff; but does include the low bank river frontage.  Photos are from the winter; double click to enlarge.

Below, Double Click for a view towards the side of the hilltop, looking down towards stream valley.

Below, view of hilltop or Mount,