![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
Albemarle County Holiday Rentals
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Featured Albemarle County Holiday Rentals
Rosé All Day: Wine Country Getaway! Walk to Dining
Crozet
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (18)
"The house was clean, fully stocked kitchen, comfortable beds, nice big full bathroom, and convenient location!"
Margaret W.
The price is HK$1,006
HK$2,493 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Charming Eastham Guesthouse
Charlottesville
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (4)
"Lovely spot near Charlottesville, great for families or small groups. Guesthouse was clean and has a nice kitchen. "
Nicholas K.
The price is HK$1,128
HK$1,726 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Mechum Hill Cottage: Central to Crozet & Cville
Charlottesville
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (17)
"Very quiet and peaceful. Large, secluded property. Good base from which to explore area wineries, local beer, food, and hike im the Shenandoah National Park."
Steven
The price is HK$1,004
HK$2,179 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Moonfire Farm Shenandoah region cozy getaway
Barboursville
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (29)
"Stew was a great surprise, pleasant and very hospitable "
Jeff H.
The price is HK$981
HK$1,592 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Dec - 19 Dec
Unique Cypress cottage, close to Charlottesville with mountain views.
Charlottesville
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (45)
"Lovely stay. Clean, comfortable, quaint, and roomy. Perfect location for our family!"
kim E.
The price is HK$1,144
HK$2,206 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Unit 3 - Luxury King Suite with Private Balcony
Charlottesville
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (21)
"Great property"
Chris J.
The price is HK$1,109
HK$1,445 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Studio | Free Daily Breakfast, Free Wi-fi
Hollymead
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
"Everything was great, very comfortable."
maria-ines T.
The price is HK$1,074
HK$1,365 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Jan - 7 Jan 2026
Ivy Rose Cottage nestled b/t Cville & Vineyards
Charlottesville
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (65)
"Loved staying here!"
Rebecca E.
The price is HK$1,394
HK$2,634 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
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
