Sundays, May 5 & 12—Tours at 11 am & 2 pm each day

Explore the architectural design, history and restoration of Thomas Jefferson’s retreat on this hour-long, behind-the-scenes tour guided by Travis McDonald, Poplar Forest’s Director of Architectural Restoration. Discover how the restoration architects, architectural historians and craftsmen are meticulously restoring Jefferson’s vision for the “best dwelling house in the state…” Admission: $20 per person in advance, $25 at the door.

An Architectural Masterpiece

Poplar Forest is considered Jefferson’s most mature architectural masterpiece. Here, Jefferson fused elements from ancient Roman, Renaissance, Palladian and 18th-century French architecture, as well as British and Virginia design, into a harmonious whole. The 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio greatly influenced Jefferson’s plans for the revival of ancient Roman architectural principles and the integration of landscape design into his architectural plan. Designed and built by Jefferson as his private retreat, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is today viewed as one of his most extraordinary achievements.

Travis McDonald has overseen the restoration of Jefferson’s octagonal villa for 30 years, during which he has also led the annual summer field school in architectural restoration and consulted on many historic properties outside of Poplar Forest. Guests at Poplar Forest currently see the villa as it appeared in the early 1820s. The restoration, which is still in progress, has won many accolades including the National Trust for Historic Preservation Honor Award and tentative inclusion on the World Heritage List.