Monticello!

As promised, my blog will feature one of the many extended stay opportunities that are available in Charlottesville.

Let’s turn out attention to the wonderful historical site of Monticello –

The beloved mountain top home was first constructed in 1776 but was constantly rebuilt and redesigned to accommodate Jefferson’s growing taste of Roman neoclassical architecture that he fell in love with during his travels to France. By the time his masterpiece was completed in 1809 it had a total of 43 rooms, 13 skylights, and 8 fireplaces in 11,000 square feet of space! The property also includes a stable, carriage bays, cellars, gardens and plantation slave quarters.

The house was inherited by his daughter Martha Jefferson who then sold the home in order to pay off Jefferson’s debts. The home then passed through a series of different owners, including the confederate army, until it was sold in 1923 to the newly formed Thomas Jefferson Foundation which properly restored the home, gardens and plantation areas to what is seen today.

Do you want to know how the home was heated and cooled? Or how the house was illuminated or what the dome room was used for? You will need to come take part of the fantastic tours of the property. Region 2 NACADA participants have a unique opportunity for a private tour at Monticello. Only 25 people are needed to create a group that will be eligible for a private tour at the discounted price of $15! This will include a tour of the lower level of the house, plantations and gardens on the property. Possible tour times are available at 3:45 PM on April 6th prior to the conference and April 8th at 2PM after the conference concludes.

Please contact Melinda Anderson, mjande@wm.edu, for additional information and to sign up for this great opportunity. You will need to RSVP for this event by March 18th in order to take advantage of the discount and private tour!

My next blog will be dedicated to the wine lovers out there as there are over 20 different vineyards in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.