An unusual, quite early exercise in cut limestone is the Duncan McNee house, 4 miles south of Mechanicsville. Heavy layered masonry cornices project into a low-pitched central gable; below, the central entrance is given an arched opening. This two-story house has the flavor of the Federal style, with some suggestions of the Greek Revival. The structure conveys a highly abstract quality through its sparse fenestration and masonry walls. The house was constructed in 1847 by a local builder, William Rate.