Washington carefully planned the grounds, placing the work building and yards along a lane which runs north and south from the circle in front of the Mansion. this kept the constant work of the plantationg from intruding on the beautiful leisure grounds that he laid out to the east and west, yet put the work in the yards next to them, slaves spun wool and flax fibers grown on mount vernon inte cloth, washed and ironed the family's laundry, stored and mixed paints, and cured meats. the outbuilding have beem restored and are open to the public