Tour the 350-Acre Virginia Estate Thomas Jefferson Would Approve Of

With a Jeffersonian dovecote, formal gardens fit for Monticello, and a masterful restoration that fuses 18th-century architecture with modern country luxury, Rose Hill Estate channels Virginia’s founding-era grandeur with contemporary grace.

A painstaking restoration has transformed this 1799 estate into a living work of art that captures the spirit of the Commonwealth’s storied past while delivering the quiet indulgence of 21st-century country living.

Nestled amid the Blue Ridge foothills, Rose Hill Estate is the kind of property that rarely comes to market—once seen, never forgotten. Spanning 352 acres under conservation easement, this landmark estate embodies the best of Virginia’s gentry heritage, reimagined for modern life with exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design, according to listing agent Charlotte Rouse of Coldwell Banker Elite in Fredericksburg. She calls it "one of Virginia’s most distinguished country estates." 

Originally built in 1799, Rose Hill Estate underwent a complete restoration in 2011 under the direction of Tidewater Preservation, Inc., with interiors by acclaimed Charleston designer Amelia T. Handegan—whose work has graced the pages of Architectural Digest. The result: a home that seamlessly blends period authenticity with the sensibility of a private boutique retreat.

"Every inch of the property reflects craftsmanship that honors its past while offering an effortlessly elevated way of living," says Rouse. 

The 5,431-square-foot main residence retains its Federal-style grace, with intricate crown moldings, original hardwood floors, custom French wallpapers, and finely detailed millwork throughout. Gracious formal spaces—including a dining room with fireplace, living room with built-ins, and an octagonal music room with hand-painted geometric floors—reflect both sophistication and intimacy.

In the chef’s kitchen, rustic charm meets professional-grade performance with a marble-topped island, Wolf range, paneled appliances, and a wood-burning fireplace anchoring the space.

The primary suite serves as a sanctuary, with porch access, fireplace, and a marble-clad bath featuring a soaking tub and walk-in shower—all positioned to capture sweeping views of the estate’s gardens and hillsides.

Beyond the main residence, the guest cottage offers a private retreat with exposed beams and marble finishes, while a relocated Pennsylvania bank barn now houses a gym, office, and loft. Distinctive architectural follies—including a Thomas Jefferson–inspired dovecote and a romantic pondside pavilion—add layers of history and delight.

The grounds are every bit as extraordinary as the interiors: formal gardens once showcased by the Garden Club of Virginia, a tennis court with pavilion, croquet lawn, riding trails, and a stocked pond create a setting where leisure and legacy coexist. The mature hardwoods—many centuries old—frame a landscape that feels both cultivated and timeless.

This is Virginia at its most refined: a pastoral masterpiece where heritage, architecture, and artistry meet under one enduring name.

View the complete listing by Charlotte Rouse of Coldwell Banker Elite in Fredericksburg.