![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
Holiday Rentals in Albemarle County
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Apartment in Crozet
Guesthouse10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (68)
"Great stay and lovely property. Very kind and welcoming host!"
brooke m.
The price is €175
includes taxes & fees
20 Jan - 21 Jan 2026
Apartment in Charlottesville
Charming Historic Carriage House Studio Apartment10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (11)
"Great location that was peaceful and made us feel right at home! Highly recommend to anyone in the area. Also loved the proximity to walking/running trails. "
Rachel T.
The price is €173
includes taxes & fees
21 Dec - 22 Dec
Apartment in Hollymead
Studio | Free Daily Breakfast, Free Wi-fi10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
"Everything was great, very comfortable."
maria-ines T.
Condo in Charlottesville
Unit 5 - Cozy Lower Level Studio Suite10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (28)
"Studio 5 was just as described. Everything we needed and immaculately clean. It is convenient to Charlottesville and minutes from Monticello. Our children live nearby so we will surely return. "
Kate B.
The price is €112
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026
Cottage in Charlottesville
Mechum Hill Cottage: Central to Crozet & Cville9.6 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
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (40)
"It was a lovely place to stay and the hosts were so kind. "
Cooper C.
Apartment in Barboursville
Moonfire Farm Shenandoah region cozy getaway10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (30)
"Stew was a great surprise, pleasant and very hospitable "
Jeff H.
Condo in Hollymead
1 Bedroom | Free Daily Breakfast + Indoor Pool10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
"The room was very clean. The bed was comfortable. My only suggestion would be to have a couple more towels and washcloths in the room."
Maura
The price is €122
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 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
Massanutten Resort
10/10 Excellent
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