University of Virginia Library

Historical
Homes

Almost certain to become a
museum, it is the only still
privately-owned Tuscan villa in the
nation. The original drawings and
plans for the building are now
housed in the Metropolitan
Museum of Art in New York City.

James Maury Morris built
"Grassdale," a large, brick,
Italianate country house. There is a
magnificent view from its
bracketed porch, which faces east.

"Boswell's Tavern" was a
frequent meeting place for such
political figures as Thomas
Jefferson, Patrick Henry and James
Madison. Lafayette camped at the
Tavern in June of 1781 while on his
way to intercept Cornwallis in
Albemarle County. Portions of the
Tavern are in their original state,
and it also is a Virginia State
Landmark.

A Virginia State Landmark,
"West end" still has six of its
outbuildings and is particularly
noted for its originally matching
orangeries which flank a central
columned portion.

The Virginia Historic Landmarks
Commission has stated, in reference
to these buildings, that "The
preservation of such areas should be
a prime concern of all Virginians
interested in the quality of their
environment if future generations
are to have any understanding of
their past heritage."