Bedford, VA
The original plantation known as Avenel was built circa 1838 by William M. Burwell and his wife, Frances Steptoe Burwell. Once Avenel was completed, the Burwell’s, along with their two young daughters, Letitia (Lettie) and Catherine (Kate), moved in with Frances’s widowed mother, Mrs. James Steptoe, and her son Edward. The Burwell’s then had two more daughters, Mary Frances (Fan), and Rosalie (Rosa). Unfortunately, their only son, James Steptoe Burwell, died at less than one year old.
In 1906, Avenel was purchased by J. W. Ballard. The home remained in the Ballard family until 1985, when it was purchased by the Avenel Foundation.
March 12, 2011
Investigators: Beth Rosen & Matt Rosen
Location Photos: (click to enlarge)
Avenel was built circa 1836 by William M. Burwell, whose father proudly served as Presidential Secretary to Thomas Jefferson. At its height, Avenel functioned as a 200-acre plantation, built on the back of slave labor. Today, the house is beautifully restored thanks to the Avenel Foundation. 
Avenel Plantation House from days long passed. 
This is the main entrance of Avenel House. To the left is the main stairway, where an apparition has been spotted descending time and again – commonly referred to as ‘the lady in white.’ 
Welcome to the ‘Yellow Room’ on the second floor. This room was previously William M. Burwell’s office. 
Lee Bedroom, appropriately named because this is where the Confederate General stayed during his visit. A slave boy has also been seen staring from these windows, still terrified by the approaching Union Troops. 
A portrait in Avenel’s ‘Red Room’ on the first floor. (Better ‘red room’ than ‘redrum’ don’t ya think?) 
Shot of the sitting room in Avenel.
Findings: Nothing to report
Grave Concerns Paranormal does not view findings presented on this page as evidence of ghosts or the paranormal. These are merely experiences that we can not explain at this time.