![Monticello was the primary plantation of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, who began designing and building Monticello at age 26 after inheriting land from his father. Located just outside Charlottesville, Virginia, in the Piedmont region, the plantation was originally 5,000 acres (20 km2), with Jefferson using slaves for extensive cultivation of tobacco and mixed crops, later shifting from tobacco cultivation to wheat in response to changing markets.
Jefferson designed the main house using neoclassical design principles described by Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, subsequently reworking the design through much of his presidency to include design elements popular in late 18th-century Europe and integrating numerous of his own design solutions. Situated on the summit of an 850-foot (260 m)-high peak in the Southwest Mountains south of the Rivanna Gap, the name Monticello derives from the Italian for "little mount". Along a prominent lane adjacent to the house, Mulberry Row, the plantation came to include numerous outbuildings for specialized functions, e.g., a nailery; quarters for domestic slaves; gardens for flowers, produce, and Jefferson's experiments in plant breeding — along with tobacco fields and mixed crops. Cabins for field slaves were located farther from the mansion.
At Jefferson's direction, he was buried on the grounds, in an area now designated as the Monticello Cemetery. The cemetery is owned by the Monticello Association, a society of his descendants through Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson.[4] After Jefferson's death, his daughter Martha Jefferson Randolph sold the property. In 1834 it was bought by Uriah P. Levy, a commodore in the U.S. Navy, who admired Jefferson and spent his own money to preserve the property. His nephew Jefferson Monroe Levy took over the property in 1879; he also invested considerable money to restore and preserve it. In 1923, Monroe Levy sold it to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation (TJF), which operates it as a house museum and educational institution. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark. In 1987 Monticello and the nearby University of Virginia, also designed by Jefferson, were together designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6082929/fc297070-6be5-4ba5-8b01-2648f1f046f8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1920&h=480&q=medium)
Book a holiday rental for your Albemarle County getaway
Learn about the unique charm of Albemarle County with a stay in a holiday home rental. This city has something for everyone. If you're looking for accommodation options with space to entertain friends and family, HomeAway has plenty of options to choose from. Many rental homes offer full kitchens and laundry facilities, perfect for big groups.
Activities and attractions in and around Albemarle County
Are you looking for attractions to see in the area? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable holiday rental, you'll want to check out everything that makes Albemarle County a one-of-a-kind holiday spot. These are some of the most popular attractions to see, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:
- Jefferson Vineyards (6.5 mi / 10.4 km)
- Trump Winery (6.6 mi / 10.6 km)
- Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards (7.2 mi / 11.5 km)
- King Family Vineyards (9.7 mi / 15.6 km)
- Glass House Winery (12.4 mi / 20 km)
- Keswick Vineyards and Winery (15 mi / 24.1 km)
Exploring the natural features in Albemarle County
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your holiday in Albemarle County. These are some of the area's most enchanting natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:
- Shenandoah National Park (19.8 mi / 31.8 km)
- Carter Mountain Orchard (5.1 mi / 8.2 km)
- Rockfish Gap Entrance Shenandoah (16.3 mi / 26.3 km)
- Blue Ridge Parkway North Entrance (16.4 mi / 26.4 km)
- Grand Caverns (22.2 mi / 35.7 km)
- Swift Run Gap Entrance Shenandoah (23.1 mi / 37.2 km)
Transport to and around Albemarle County
Fly into Charlottesville, VA (CHO-Charlottesville-Albemarle), the closest airport, located 10 mi (16.1 km) from the city centre.