May 25

May 25 Thomas Jefferson’s Palladian Residence is One of America’s Architectural Gems

Country Living, Estate, For Sale, Historic, Notable, Journal

This property is listed for $19,000,000 by Stephen McLean of McLean Faulconer Inc.

This Founding Fathers’ Palladian residence is one of America’s architectural gems, surrounded by 572 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Designed with symmetry and classical proportions by Thomas Jefferson, Edgemont is based on the Villa Capra (La Rotonda) in Vicenza, Italy and features classic Palladian features, seen in the hipped roof and pedimented porticos on all four sides. It’s said that Jefferson also anonymously submitted a design based on the Villa Capra for the White House that was ultimately rejected.

Considered one of America’s architectural gems, Edgemont was inspired by the work of 16th century Italian architect, Andrea Palladio, whose classical style emphasized symmetry, proportion, and the use of columns. Palladio’s Four Books of Architecture became Jefferson’s architectural bible and would come to define the Jeffersonian style, often referred to as an American form of Neo-Classicism and Neo-Palladianism.

Inspired by the ancient Roman precedent, which forms the foundation of classical architecture, Jefferson rejected colonial and Federal architecture, which he considered “second-rate, provincial work”. He is often noted as one of the founders of American architecture - in addition to his role as one of the Founding Fathers. He spurred on the Classical Revival movement, driven by his concern “for the architectural image of the nation he helped create”. (Classic Commonwealth: Virginia Architecture from the Colonial Era through 1940)

Jefferson’s architectural legacy includes the State Capitol in Richmond and, after his retirement, the University of Virginia, where he designed “ a distinctive, U-shaped design of connected pavilions and a domed Rotunda circling a long, narrow green space.” He is best known for his private residences, and most notably for Monticello, a plantation in Albemarle County. (You can tour the house and gardens of Monticello today)

Click here to read about another Palladian gem, Villa Cornaro, which inspired Jefferson’s Monticello residence [Francis York Journal]

The 8-bedroom, 7.5 bathroom home is gorgeously appointed with molded cornices, wainscotting, mantels, timbered ceilings, and many other original details - including a hidden staircase, one of Jefferson’s favorite design features. The entire walls of the reception hall feature an intricate painted mural of a hunting scene by Zuber & Cie. Edgemont is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as the Virginia Landmarks Register.

Edgemont is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Virginia Landmarks Register, and is part of the Southern Albemarle National Register Rural Historic District.

All photos belong to the listing agency.