The Somerwell House was built about 1700 by Mungo Somerwell, a local ferryman. This house survived the Siege of 1781, a fire in 1814, and the Civil War. It was restored in 1936 and is now owned by the National Park Service. It is currently rented by Period Designs as a commercial enterprise in keeping with the historic nature of the Colonial National Park.

Period Designs specializes in ceramics, glass, prints, furniture, brass, floor coverings, iron, and museum-quality framing, as well as exceptional home furnishings by artisans working in 17th- and 18th-century traditions. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (757) 886-9482.