The 18th-century Belmont estate was the home and studio of prominent portraitist and American Impressionist painter Gari Melchers (1860-1932) from 1916 until his death. The Georgian mansion, outbuildings, and formal gardens were modified and expanded to serve as an elegant country retreat for the artist and his wife, who left their European home at the outbreak of World War I.

Melchers was one of the most respected artists of his generation as a portraitist, muralist, and landscape painter. Upon Mrs. Melchers' death in 1955, the property and all its contents were deeded to the Commonwealth of Virginia, making Belmont one of the most complete and authentic artists' homes anywhere. Gari Melchers Home and Studio is also a member of the Historic Artists' Homes & Studios program.