River's Edge

Overview

Executive Summary

River's Edge encompasses 406± rolling acres of productive and scenic farmland in historic southern Albemarle County, just 25 minutes south of Charlottesville. At its center stands a remarkable late-eighteenth-century house, built circa 1785–1805 for Captain William Cannon. It was later saved from demolition when it was dismantled, board by board, at its original Buckingham County site and painstakingly reconstructed in 1997 at its present location on an elevated knoll above the Hardware River, reusing virtually all of its early fabric. Remodeled in 2010, the house now offers 10,000± square feet with seven bedrooms, six and one-half bathrooms, and thirteen fireplaces. It remains listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.

The surrounding land is as well composed as the house. Three-quarters of a mile of Hardware River frontage weaves along the western property edge, while 215± acres of pasture and open land are spread throughout the center of the farm. 180± acres of mature forest buffers the farm boundaries and the central spring, creating a balanced and private landscape. An approximate five-acre vineyard with Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Merlot was established on clay loam soils, while a stunning five and one-quarter-acre pond anchors the center of the farm. Paved internal roads connect all areas of the farm, and four-board fencing with cross-fencing and automatic waterers currently support a small cattle operation but could be converted for equestrian use. Whitetail deer, eastern wild turkey, black bear, and waterfowl are abundant and provide ample opportunity to create a productive hunting program.

The accompanying improvements are an ideal mix of function and fun. A 10,000± square-foot event barn was constructed in 2013 and supports an active events business, as does a gazebo and large hardscape pavilion overlooking the pond. Meanwhile, adjacent to the house, there is a one-bedroom guest cottage, a climate-controlled garage, and a tennis court, while beyond that, there is a paved one-tenth-of-a-mile go-kart track, complete with a viewing area, a kart garage, and overhead lights. River's Edge holds an active farm winery license and bed and breakfast permit, offering a new owner the choice of continuing an established business or turning the farm entirely to private use while taking advantage of the extensive and easily adaptable infrastructure.

River's Edge is not under a conservation easement and possesses meaningful by-right division rights, further adding to a future owner’s long-term options. Some of the most storied grounds in central Virginia surround the farm, including Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, James Monroe's Highland, and the Southern Albemarle Rural Historic District. Established farms that are thoroughly improved, scenic, private, and unencumbered come to market infrequently, making River’s Edge an outstanding opportunity for anyone looking for a full-time residence or working farm within easy driving distance of Charlottesville.

Just the Facts