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002-0498

Blue Ridge Farm

VLR Listing Date

02/20/1990

NRHP Listing Date

01/25/1991

NRHP Reference Number

90002163

The central portion of the grand country house at Blue Ridge Farm was built ca. 1870 for William B. Smith, on a western Albemarle County property owned in the 18th century by the Epperson family. Between 1923 and 1927, well-known architect William Lawrence Bottomley was retained by Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Ortman to make additions and refinements. Bottomley skillfully transformed the dwelling into a masterpiece of the Georgian Revival style. Several of his trademark features here are the high-quality brickwork and woodwork, the open staircase, and a progression from light to dark interior spaces. Especially noteworthy is the elegant detailing of the Georgian-style trim in the principal rooms. Richmond landscape architect Charles F. Gillette was responsible for the park-like grounds and English-style gardens that take advantage of sweeping views of the countryside. The combination of Bottomley’s and Gillette’s talents resulted in one of Virginia’s most beautiful country estates.  Blue Ridge Farm contributes to the listed Greenwood-Afton Rural Historic District.

Last Updated: February 15, 2024

Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.

Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark

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