A walk down history lane in Farmington
One of Charlottesville’s premier neighborhoods for over 87 years, Farmington, is located just west of Charlottesville. A quick 5-minute drive back to UVA has made this a convenient place to live for those who want the access to the city and its amenities, and yet live in a beautiful location with access to a world-class golf course, historic country club and amazing Blue Ridge Mountain views.
Located just across from Ednam and the Boar’s Head Country Club, the Farmington Country Club boasts a long history and direct association with Thomas Jefferson.
The community of houses were built after the club opened in 1929 and a variety of architectural styles and eras can be seen as you drive through the tree-lined, manicured streets. Each house is within a short drive of the club, making it the true center of the community.
The club’s sport facilities include 27 holes of golf, 15 outdoor tennis courts, three indoor tennis courts, three paddle tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and swimming pools. It also offers casual and formal dining in the Farmington Grill, the Terrace Room, the main dining room, and the ballroom.
The only minor distraction is the railroad that runs along the front entrance and sometimes creates traffic backups as residents and visitors wait patiently to turn in.
Storied history
According to the club’s website, “The estate of Farmington was patented in 1734, and was first built upon at some period prior to 1780. At the time of the American Revolution, the Commonwealth of Virginia confiscated the property from owner Francis Jerdone, who was a Tory, because of his political principles. Mr. Jerdone was able to regain the estate and then sold it to George Divers in 1785.
“It was under Mr. Diver’s ownership that, in 1803, Thomas Jefferson drew plans for an addition to the house, an octagonal addition with two rooms. A subsequent owner, General Bernard Peyton, divided the Jefferson Room into two stories and four rooms.
In 1927, local businessmen decided to develop a country club and residential community of a quality that “would do justice to the historic atmosphere of Albemarle County.” Located on nearly a thousand acres, Farmington was perfectly suited.
“On June 1, 1927, the Warner Wood Estate granted an option for the property known as Farmington, and onAugust 27, the State Corporation Commission issued a Certificate of Incorporation. The first organizational meeting of the original sixteen subscribers was held September 3, 1927.”
Work on the roadways, bridle paths and a steeplechase course commenced, and renowned golf course architect Fred Findlay began work on the design and preparation of the course. The plantation renovations were completed in May 1929, and the Club and grounds were formally opened on May 15, 1929, at which time Farmington Country Club became a reality.
And here is where history met the opening of the Farmington Country Club head on as Black Friday 1929 followed just a few months later.
“Fortunately, the University of Virginia possessed Mr. Jefferson’s original plans for the octagonal room, making it possible to restore the interior, which had suffered considerable alteration. Partition walls that had divided Mr. Jefferson’s principal room into four were removed, and the house now reflects the vision of its great builder. Since that time it has been known as the Jefferson Room. In 1976, the Jefferson Room was completely refurbished to portray the perceived intentions and vision of Mr. Jefferson. This work was performed under the direction of Dr. Frederick D. Nichols, Professor of Jeffersonian Architecture at the University of Virginia.”
Although listings rarely come up for sale in this neighborhood, when they do there is considerable interest. Right now there are several active listings ranging in price from $995K to over $4 million.
