![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=1200&h=500&q=medium)
Photo by Vin Lane-Kieltyka
Resorts in Albemarle County
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Top Cities in Albemarle County
Scottsville
Crozet
Featured Resorts in Albemarle County
Iris Inn and Cabins
Waynesboro
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (7)
"Incredible Mountain View at Sunset.
Extremely comfortable bed. Delicious breakfast."
Dale
The price is HK$2,344
HK$2,608 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Dec - 8 Dec
2BR 2BA Luxury Woodstone w Hot Tub at Massanutten
Massanutten
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3)
"This place is perfect! So cozy and has everything you need!! Owner was super with communication! We would definitely stay here again!!!"
Leigh Anne B.
Montfair Resort Farm
Crozet
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (89)
"Great cabin!"
Minhong
The price is HK$1,071
HK$1,224 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
3 Acre 5BR Resort: private pool, hot tub boat dock
Louisa
Shenandoah Crossing Resort with acres of wilderness
Gordonsville
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (7)
"We had a great vacation at Shenandoah Crossing even though it rained every day. With the indoor pool, hot tub, movie theater and an abundance of arts and crafts we were all able to find something fun to do. It was a great place to enjoy family time. I know we’ll be back next year! It’s a great place to vacation."
Karen P.
Shenandoah Crossing Resort with acres of wilderness
Gordonsville
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (14)
"My family and I had a great time! The cabin was great and their were plenty of activities for the kids."
Elizabeth R.
2BR Yurt Shenandoah Xing Resort w/Amenities
Gordonsville
The price is HK$2,172
HK$4,240 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Dec - 1 Jan 2026
Lower Unit in the Summit Massanutten Resort July 1 to July 8 2022
Massanutten
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Top Albemarle County Hotel Reviews
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlottesville by IHG
10/10 Excellent
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Albemarle County Resorts information
Number of reviews | 86 |
|---|---|
Accommodation | 33 Resorts |
Lowest Price | HK$1,224 |
Highest Price | HK$4,240 |