Historical interpreter Doug Smith talks about a confederate encampment which has been unearthed on the grounds of Morven Park Mansion in Leesburg on April 23. The historic mansion, which dates to the 1700s, will soon re-open to the public after an extensive four-year, $8 million "green" preservation.

Photo: Jonathan Ernst

Tagged: history, Morven Park

Hidden from view, the front lawn is dotted with new underground wells to provide geothermal heat to Morven Park Mansion in Leesburg. The historic mansion, which dates to the 1700s will soon re-open to the public after an extensive four-year, $8 million "green" preservation.

Photo: Erica Garman, LoudounExtra.com / Jonathan Ernst

Tagged: history, Leesburg, Morven Park

The formal dining room at Morven Park Mansion. The historic mansion, which dates to the 1700s will soon re-open to the public after an extensive four-year, $8 million "green" preservation.

Photo: Jonathan Ernst

Tagged: history, Leesburg, Morven Park

The front hall of the historic mansion at Morven Park is decorated with centuries-old tapestries.

Photo: Jonathan Ernst

Tagged: history, Leesburg, Morven Park

Workers install a modern HVAC system at Morven Park Mansion in Leesburg, part of an extensive four-year, $8 million "green" preservation.

Photo: Jonathan Ernst

Tagged: history, Leesburg, Morven Park

A new geothermal heating system runs in pipes under Morven Park Mansion in Leesburg, part of an extensive four-year, $8 million "green" preservation.

Photo: Jonathan Ernst

Tagged: history, Leesburg, Morven Park

The view from the front door at Morven Park Mansion in Leesburg on April 23.

Photo: Jonathan Ernst

Tagged: history, Leesburg, Morven Park

The lady of the house, Marguerite Davis, whose husband served as Virginia governor in the early 1900s, looks over her former sitting room from a painting at Morven Park Mansion in Leesburg. The historic mansion, which dates to the 1700s will soon re-open to the public after an extensive four-year, $8 million "green" preservation.

Photo: Jonathan Ernst

Tagged: history, Leesburg, Morven Park

Collections technician Allen Stoudt shows off the new fire suppression system under Morven Park Mansion in Leesburg on April 23.

Photo: Jonathan Ernst

Tagged: history, Leesburg, Morven Park

The old steam heat radiators await their final removal at Morven Park Mansion in Leesburg. The historic mansion will soon re-open to the public after an extensive four-year, $8 million "green" preservation.

Photo: Jonathan Ernst

Tagged: history, Leesburg, Morven Park