Paxton, also called Carheim, was constructed in about 1872 for Charles Paxton and his wife Rachel. Designed by New York architect Henry Dudley, the 32-room Second Empire building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 for its architectural and local significance.

Charles Paxton died in 1882. His wife continued to use Carlheim until her 1922 death.. Mrs. Paxton's will stipulated that the house and property be used as a home for children in remembrance of her daughter, Margaret. Over the years it has served that purpose as a home for convalescing children, a school, and a daycare center.

Currently the trustees of the Paxton estate are in final negotiation with the Aurora School for Children with Autism to lease the property to the school. LRPS has offered its services to assist the trustees and the Aurora School in applying for grants to rehabilitate the Carlheim mansion. It is envisioned that the house will be used for office space and as a resource center for parents of children with autism and professionals who work with those children.

LRPS contracted with Tidewater Preservation, a restoration contractor from Fredericksburg to conduct a complete architectural and engineering assessment of the mansion. A $10,000 grant from Centex Homes paid for approximately half of the cost of the assessment; LRPS will pay the reminder of the cost.

Tax deductable donations should be made out to LRPS and annotated or forwarded with a brief note making it clear that it is intended for the “Save Paxton” effort. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 351, Leesburg, VA 20178.

LRPS will host public tours at Carlheim on August 11 and 12.