With a reputation for having been the home of two early U.S. presidents, Charlottesville, Virginia, is steeped in history. Yet, only some things may be as old as they look. For example, a luxury 140-acre compound built in 2000 takes its style cues from historic estates while doubling down on modern-day luxuries.
Eaglecrest, as it’s called, is located amid formal lawns, tree-filled fields and ponds. The property contains an early American-style main house, guest house, log cabin, two barns, as well as a 40-by-60-foot outside swimming pool, tennis courts and a carriage house with room for 10 vehicles. It’s on the market for $11.5 million.
The estate has about 16,400 square feet of living space, including a seven-bedroom main house. Its brick facade with four white columns is an architectural nod to the past. “It definitely borrows from the Federal-style architecture of Monticello, and Neoclassical and Palladian style of Mount Vernon, among others,” says listing agent Fouad Talout of Long & Foster Real Estate.
Rooms with high ceilings and two-story windows give the home an expansive feel. Bespoke millwork and wood moldings add an elegant flair. For example, the reception area’s parallel grand staircases soar to the second level, meeting at an interior balcony.
Also on the main level is an octagonal-shaped living room with 20-foot ceilings and French doors that open to the outside and capitalize on natural light. More echoes of the past are found in the formal dining room, which features an early American-themed mural flanked by short columns. A chef’s kitchen with cherry wood cabinets and granite countertops and a pantry sit nearby.
Palladian-style curved hallways enclosed by glass lead to rooms in opposite wings of the house, each with its own conservatory and garage. The primary bedroom, also on the main floor, contains a sitting area, and an octagon-shaped bathroom with vanities, walk-in closets and separate shower and bath. Upstairs, an office area leads to an outdoor terrace with views of the estate. The house also includes a wine wall and bar, billiards area, library, game room, fitness area and sauna, and storage rooms.
For entertaining and overnight guests, there are living spaces scattered throughout the property. The stand-alone guesthouse has four bedrooms, and a log-cabin retreat made of pine logs and stone has a loft bedroom and bathroom. Even the carriage house/garage has a room for guests and an office suite above.
The grounds offer up some distinctive touches, such as a rustic wooden bridge, an elegant reflecting pool and a pavilion for potting plants or making flower arrangements. Five miles of paved roads and trails make this a good choice for horse lovers.
Eaglecrest is about 15 miles from two presidential homes, Thomas Jefferson’s beloved Monticello and James Monroe’s estate called Highland. Both are open to the public and both share the history of their owners as well as the land’s ties to slavery. The University of Virginia also is nearby. It was founded by Jefferson, and, with Monticello, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
The compound is located at 621 Woodlands Road; it’s a mile’s drive from the front gate to the main house.
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