University of Virginia Library

The Palace

The Palace itself is well
worth the dollar. Though the
Italian Renaissance style is
somewhat incongruous on the
top of Afton Mountain, the
building is strikingly handsome
nonetheless. The gardens are
carefully structured, though in
a mild state of despair. The
view, of course, is magnificent.

Immediately inside the
front door the romance of
Swannanoa diminishes. A large
table runs nearly the full length
of the room and is filled with
postcards, pamphlets and every
book written by Walter and/or
Lao Russell, all for sale at
popular prices.