At the base of Monticello Mountain, and within the bounds of the Southern Albemarle Rural Historic District, Sunnyfields is the core of a 522-acre plantation established in the 1830s by William B. Phillips, a prominent master mason. The house was presumably designed and built by Phillips for his own residence. In 1818, Phillips was selected by Thomas Jefferson to serve as a principal builder for the University of Virginia, the largest state building project of its time. Phillips was the brickmason for the Rotunda, the anatomical theater, Pavilion X, Hotel C, many of the dormitories, and the serpentine garden walls. After the university, Phillips continued his career by building several county courthouses, including Madison (1830), Page (1833), Greene (1838) and possibly Caroline (ca. 1830). These buildings, including Sunnyfields, incorporate the fine brickwork and academically correct classical detailing for which Phillips was known. On the grounds is a long servants’ quarter and the remains of a large terraced garden.