![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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Cabin in Charlottesville
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (66)
"Loved staying here!"
Rebecca E.
The price is HK$1,394
HK$2,635 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Cabin in Stanardsville
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (54)
"Everything is wonderful and comfortable!"
Yasmine
The price is HK$771
HK$1,226 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Aparthotel in Louisa
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (60)
"Awesome stay, quiet and peaceful stay"
Priya Kiran
The price is HK$948
HK$1,065 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Dec - 16 Dec
Holiday Home in McGaheysville
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (337)
"Nice peaceful stay! Check-in was fast and smooth! Room was clean and inviting ! "
Nikesha
Holiday Home in McGaheysville
7.8 out of 10, Good, (158)
"Spacious facility, quiet/peaceful atmosphere "
Lisa
Holiday Home in McGaheysville
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (67)
"Beautiful resort, clean & spacious condo. Lots of activities for the family to enjoy. I recommend staying away from the timeshare presentation they offer guest. "
Shaunte'
Holiday Home in McGaheysville
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (220)
"Nice and quiet place to stay over the weekend and food was great "
Pablo
Cabin in Massanutten
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (5)
"We had a wonderful stay in this beautifully decorated yurt! The home was clean and included all the comforts of home in a great location to resort amenities and highway access. Would definitely stay again!"
Courtney C.
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
Comfort Inn & Suites Harrisonburg
10/10 Excellent
