The home of President James Monroe is Ash-Lawn Highland located down the street from Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. This house has a very interesting history from its name to why the house is two different colors. You can take a guided tour of the house for a fee, and once again you're not allowed upstairs (I don't believe there was an option for a special tour, but you can can call and ask).
 |
| This photo is from here. |
Jefferson urged Monroe to settle near him in Ablemarle County since 1784 and he finally acquired land in 1789. Monroe referred to his home and land as Highland because this was higher then the other property he owned down where the University of Virginia now is (to the best of my knowledge that's what I remember the tour guide saying). The white part of the house is the original part of the house that Monroe lived in. The yellow part of the house is Victorian and was added on by Parson John Massey after a fire destroyed the front part of the house. After Monroe's death the house had many owners, Massey being the last, before it was given to the College of William and Mary.
The tour guide we had offered information on Monroe's life and about the design of the house. I wish I could remember some neat little facts he told us, but at this time my mind is drawing a blank. I'll remember eventually....
The tree to the left has been there since Monroe owned Highland. It's a massive tree, I can only imagine how it looks when the it's Spring.
While Monroe's home isn't as grand as Jefferson's it is still worth a stop. It is a nice modest home with a great view. In the spring and summer from what I've read and saw you can see baby lambs, peacocks, etc. We only saw cows and got pretty close to them. Walking through the garden is nice with tall bushes.
Also, did you know you could get married here? You can! The history nerd in me loves this, and the views around are beautiful on the mountain. Not sure if it would be my first choice, but definitely a contender if you want an outdoor wedding.
This is Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson--the author of the Declaration of Independence, founder of the University of Virginia and the third President of the United States of America. Jefferson designed the house and changed the plans many times. It was a functioning plantation starting with tobacco and moving to wheat.
Driving up the mountain to Jefferson's home is a nice drive along a winding road. Upon parking you walk up to the museum, gift shop and other buildings to get your first idea of what you are about to embark on. Pricing can be found on their website for the various tours they offer. We purchased the Monticello Day Pass which gives you a guided tour in a group of about 20-25 others. You take a bus ride up to the house, meet your tour guide and then it begins.
Inside you can't take any pictures :( which sucks but I understand why. You get to see all of the first floor, his furnishings, art and gadgets (the coolest being his clock and his dumbwaiter). His collection of old books intrigued me the most seeing Plutarch. It's also to see the yellow room and his bedroom and where he stored his clothes.
Once you make it outside your guided tour has come to an end, but you can explore the grounds and the cellar by yourself. You can also see Mulberry Row where his slaves lived. Archaeologist are excavating the area.
Another interesting thing to see is the Monticello Graveyard where Jefferson and his wife is are buried. Other lineal descendants with a few exceptions are buried there also.
I could of spent a lot more time there, but make sure you have at least 2 hours. You want enough time to take the tour, walk around outside and look around the gift shops. I would love to go in the Spring or Fall to see the leaves have trees. Next time, I also want to take a tour of the 3rd floor and see the Dome.
Knowing that Jefferson was there at one point in time and I was standing in a spot I'm sure he stood in is surreal.
