Escape to Belle Meade Farm, a magnificent 106-acre estate overlooking the James River, once owned by Thomas Jefferson's family. Nestled in the serene countryside, the property is just a mile away from historic downtown Scottsville, a short 25-minute drive to Charlottesville, and near many wineries and breweries. Experience the ultimate outdoor adventure by indulging in a plethora of activities, including petting the cats and dogs, catch and release fishing at our pond, or tubing the river!
The space
The building where you will be staying is perched on the highest point of the farm and features an exclusive, private 1200 square ft second floor suite with breathtaking views of the James River and rolling hills. The suite boasts two spacious bedrooms with plush Casper queen mattresses, a full bathroom, a fully-equipped kitchen, an adjacent dining area with a bar sitting area, and a cozy living room with two couches, one of which converts to a comfortable queen bed. The living room also has an electric fireplace, a TV, and a game area for the kids, complete with board games. For your convenience, there is also a washing machine and steam dryer that are located in the kitchen area, and complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks are provided upon check-in.
Step outside to our dedicated backyard area with patio furniture and a fire pit, perfect for unwinding and soaking up the stunning views. There is also a large storage chest that contains corn-hole and other outdoor games.
Guest access
At Riverview at Belle Meade Farm, you'll have the opportunity to see many friendly animals, including our three dogs, cats, and other animals as well. Our friendly dogs, Abby, Lucy, and Sweetie, love attention from children and adults alike. The cats are always happy to greet guests, and the white cat named "Angel" is a favorite and loves to lounge around in the driveway. We kindly request that you don't bring your own pets, as we have plenty to keep you company.
Explore the property at your leisure and indulge in petting our cats and dogs, but please ensure that children are always supervised. Our personal house is just a couple of hundred feet away, and while we may be working around the farm, we'll respect your privacy. You'll have the entire second floor of the building to yourselves with a private entrance however, you will have to walk up a flight of stairs to access the main area. The first floor consists of an office/storage area and also our first floor suite short term rental that is available to reserve as well if you would like additional space or have a larger group.
Take a hike, bike ride, or a slow drive along our driveway and gravel trails throughout the property totaling over one mile combined, but please don't venture past the two barns as it's a private residence. Feel free to walk to our beautiful pond by following the walking trail. Please do not use any equipment including canoes or boats or kayaks that you may see but you are more than welcome to bring your own fishing rods and fishing equipment to enjoy catch and release fishing. Feel free to walk, bike, or drive down the half mile gravel road to our river entrance as well. About a half mile from your suite, The James River Batteau Co. which has been featured in Virginia Living Magazine, The Smithsonian Magazine, and The Washington Post, etc. will be having river cruises and sunset cruises as well as occasional riverside dinners at our river entrance. If you would like more information about their river cruises, dinners, or other events or dates just ask us or you can contact them by looking up the James River Batteau Co in Scottsville. If there is an event it will be about a half mile from your quarters along the river edge. We ask that you please respect them and their guests and their historic cruises and events that they provide. Also on rare occasion they may host a small private event such as a wedding down at the river entrance. Please respect and do not touch their equipment or props that may be set up nearby.
Other things to note
At Belle Meade Farm, we're committed to ecological sustainability and have honey bee hives on the property (at a safe distance from your living quarters) to support the health of our crops. Our property is located in the first bee city in the State of Virginia! Verizon, US Cellular, and Sprint/T-mobile have service in our area, but you may wish to check with your carrier to be sure of your coverage.
THINGS TO DO:
James River Batteau Company: 3 minutes/1 mile - This is our most recommended thing to do in Scottsville! Enjoy the charcuterie boards, beverages, and live acoustic music while listening to the stories of the by-gone era of the batteaumen while floating down the historic James River. They also offer farm to table dinner events also known as riverside gatherings that will be offered seasonally from July through October every other weekend
James River Reeling and Rafting: 3 minutes/1 mile -Tube, kayak and canoe
Van Clief Nature Area walking trails: 3 minutes
Scottsville Farmer's Market: 3 minutes (Saturday's only)
James River Runners: 10 to 15 minutes/7 miles - Tube, kayak and canoe
Carters Mountain Orchard: 25 minutes
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello: 25 minutes
Ash Lawn Highland: 25 minutes
Walton’s Mountain Museum: 20 minutes
University of Virginia (UVA): 25 minutes
Charlottesville: 25 minutes
Wintergreen Ski Resort: 50 minutes
Appomattox: 45 minutes
Farmville/Longwood University: 45 minutes
Shenandoah National Park: 1 hour
WINERIES and BREWERIES and Distilleries:
James River Brewery: 3 minutes
Hardware Hills Winery: 10 minutes
Mount Ida Reserve: 15 minutes
Michael Shaps Wineworks: 15 minutes
Eastwood Winery: 15 to 20 minutes
Eagle Zen Winery: 15-20 minutes
Dave Matthew’s Blenheim Winery: 20 minutes
Jefferson Winery: 20 minutes
Trump Winery: 20 minutes
Pippin Hill Winery: 25 minutes
Ragged Branch Distillery: 30 minutes
Delfosse Winery: 30-35 minutes
Bold Rock Cidery: 35 minutes
Pro Re Nata: 35 minutes
Devils Backbone Brewery: 38 minutes
Keswick Winery: 40 minutes
LOCAL RESTAURANTS IN SCOTTSVILLE: 1 mile away/3 minutes
Amici's: Italian food, pizza, sandwiches, plus much more
Baines Coffee Shop and Book Store : Homemade quiches, sandwiches, fresh ground coffees, teas, scones and various pastries. Bookstore as well.
Beijing Kitchen: Take-out Chinese food and a staple
Red Rose Pub: Gourmet dining. Evenings only as well as Saturday brunch. They intend to possibly expand hours soon so please look for updated schedule.
The Tavern: A large selection of steaks, seafood, sandwiches and more
Stores:
Scottsville Supply Company: specializes in local honeys, local and unique gifts and beekeeping supplies, as well as simply southern clothing, 5 minutes away in downtown Scottsville
Farmstead Ferments: Kombucha, wellness/hollistic store, 5 minutes away in downtown Scottsville
Food Lion: 5 minutes
Wegman's: 25 minutes
Dollar General: 5 minutes
ABC/liquor store: 5 minutes
