
Portfolio · Restoration
Selma Mansion
Leesburg, Virginia
The Project
Decorative restoration throughout a historic Virginia estate.
- Location
- Leesburg, Virginia
- Discipline
- Restoration
- Studio
- Ronald Layman
Project Story
Leesburg, VA
ad the incredible honor of being part of the restoration team for Selma Mansion in Leesburg, Virginia. As a fourth-generation decorative painter and finisher, I have worked on some amazing projects in my career, but Selma was something truly special. It’s not every day that you get to breathe new life into a home with such deep historical roots and timeless craftsmanship.
Selma is more than a mansion—it’s a living piece of history. The property dates back to 1741 when it was purchased by Ann Stevens Thomson Mason for her children, including George Mason IV, the “Father of the Bill of Rights,” and Thomson Mason. Through the years, it’s endured generations of family ownership, a Civil War raid, and even a devastating fire in the 1890s. Yet, it still stands proud at the base of Catoctin Mountain, a testament to resilience and beauty.
When I first stepped onto the grounds, I was struck by the sweeping vistas of pastures and the quiet dignity of the estate. Even in its neglected state, you could feel the history echoing through its walls. My job was clear—restore its former glory while honoring the craftsmanship that defined its past.
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Project Gallery
Details from the commission.





Related Work
More from the studio.

Historic Wood Graining Restoration
Restoring missing imitation oak and blending new work into the surviving historic finish.

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Hand-painted mahogany created for large architectural doors in a private estate.

Kennedy Center — Painted Carrara Marble
Architectural doors hand-painted to disappear into the surrounding Carrara marble façade.
Commission Ronald Layman
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