Eager for a new challenge, Owner Vicky Castegren bought the building in the Spring of 2005 with the hopes of contributing to the revitalilzation of Gordonsville.

It took approximately 3 months to renovate the interior and exterior of the historic structure, which has been home to the Toliver House restaurant for 20 plus years. In 1787 Nathaniel Gordon founded the Gordon Tavern, an eating and drinking establishment. The Gordon Tavern was in Thomas Jefferson's words "Good House" which played host to many including George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, James Madison, James Monroe, Robert E. Lee, and others.

The site of the Toliver House was part of the original Nathanial Gordon holdings. Originally constructed about 1870, the building has been a private residence, general store, boarding house and now, a restaurant.

Today, Vicky Castegren is delighted to welcome guests into the "new " Toliver House Restaurant. With a warm and inviting atmosphere along with a superb menu, she hopes to satisfy diners with outstanding service, and great prices! The Toliver House is the perfect eatery for any gathering, from casual family dinners to special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays.

The restaurant is also home to The Gordon lounge which offers a classic pub like experience with nightly drink specials and draft beer. Diners in the Gordon Lounge can enjoy a full dinner menu until 9:00PM, followed by limited bar menu until 9:30pm on weeknights and 10pm on Friday & Saturday.

Executive chef, Jonathan Hayward, is a 1995 graduate
of the Culinary Institute of America. He credits his current cooking style with the influences he received from his culinary experiences at French based C&O Restaurant and the Italian based L’Avventura. Both are located in downtown Charlottesville. Hayward lives in nearby Orange.