Community Corner
Rockledge Mansion: A Rare Photographic Tour
Lake Ridge Occoquan Patch photographer Stephanie Dupal-Demartin tours the historic of ghosts who haunt the hallways.
Built around 1760 by famed Virginia industrialist John Ballendine and master builder William Buckland, Rockledge Mansion is one of the oldest dwellings in Occoquan. Its Georgian architecture and stone features make it a fine example of a pre-Revolutionary War residence.
Located at 410 Mill St., the house is currently leased by Georgetown Caterers, a local company dedicated to hosting events and parties at Rockledge. While on assignment to shoot photographs for the weekly Viewfinder column, Stephanie Dupal-Demartin was graciously invited to tour the mansion. A Confederate soldier is even rumored to haunt the residence, and Dupal-Demartin says, "The owners let me walk through the house, camera in hand, with my young daughter in tow. She was a bit frightened by their stories of strange footsteps and closing doors!"
Rockledge Mansion is a featured Ghost Tour location. The tours are offered on Friday and Saturday evenings from late April to October and reservations must be made at Polka Dot Divas, 416 Mill St., or by calling (703) 910-7059. To contact Georgetown Caterers, please call (703) 615-8565.