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Really enjoyed my time on the grounds of a another founding father. Plenty of history here. Though not as elevated as Monticello, Monroe's Highland is beautiful in its own right. If you like hiking, there are a few trails around the estate to enjoy. The history of the grounds was fascinating as it tells of a very diverse life of one of American history's statesman. This guy did everything, and his uncle set him up in a good position to succeed in life The guest house, not the original home on the property, shows off items that belonged to the Monroes. Hats off to Roy White who gave a marvelous introduction to the grounds, its history and use. The staff were super friendly. One of the curators gave me a great rundown of the future excavation and the re-unveiling of the foundation of the original Monroe residence. A few folks were checking out the grounds for a wedding location, their host was also nice. During the summer they honor the Blue Star Program so access to the grounds is free. Recommended summer stop.
A wonderful place to learn about James Monroe and his grounds The James Monroe House, also known as Highland, is a historic site located near Charlottesville, Virginia. It was the home of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, from 1799 to 1823. Monroe was a key figure in American history, known for the Monroe Doctrine and his efforts to establish the United States. Highland offers visitors a glimpse into the life and times of Monroe through unguided and guided tours of the property. The house itself is modest compared to other presidential homes, reflecting Monroe's preference for simplicity. The original structure burned down in the mid-1800s, but the current house includes parts of the replacement structure, with some original outbuildings still standing. If you take the tour they will show you where the excavations have (and are) occurring on a periodic basis. The estate is set on a beautiful, rolling landscape, and visitors can explore the grounds, gardens, and a museum that showcases Monroe's contributions to the nation. Exhibits include personal artifacts, period furnishings, and documents related to his presidency. There were docents in (I think) every structure and most rooms that were very knowledgeable about the places, history, and effects that were on display. I found the entire experience wonderful and informative. The tour costs a modest $18/person and is well worth it. Highland provides a unique perspective on Monroe's life, emphasizing his commitment to public service and his efforts to shape the early republic. I recommend it to all interested in our country's founding fathers and want to learn more about their history and background.
We visited on a snowy January day and had a wonderful time. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. I can only imagine that when the leaves are on the trees and everything is in bloom it is breathtaking. Not a huge property so it's easy to get around. I learned a lot about Monroe!
I'm a history buff - the nerdy kind who visits archives and loves to dive into footnotes - that said, Highland is my kind of place: the staff is knowledgeable in search of historical accuracy. If you are searching for history as entertainment goes to Monticello instead. I particularly appreciate the integration of the enslaved persons into the story of Highlands as opposed to being presented as an aside. The trails are a real treat offering easy hikes where you can observe saplings planted to protect the creek.
Beautiful estate of President Monroe. Although the original house burned, the guest house and outer buildings survived and were built upon. Elegant and gives a beautiful taste of 19th century presidential home life. I loved the walnut writing desk and the gardens were stunning. The docents were quite knowledgeable and I enjoyed speaking with them. I learned a lot about the first lady Mrs. Monroe who probably had some illnesses. This was such a gentle sweet and restful place to visit. Such a contrast with Monticello; it was nice to do them both just days apart. It was wonderful to read the thoughts and reflections on the wall about what people said about Jefferson and Monroe and how thoughtful Monroe was I really don't know much about him as one of our presidents but visiting Ashlawn Highland made me want to learn so much more about President Monroe. Definitely a spot not to be missed.
Just returned from Virginia, where I did a week of presidential history. Highland was one of our first stops. Overall, glad I went but I'm not overly impressed. The price point is little too high for what I experienced. Tour was a little long and drawn out considering what you see... Just FYI; some of the featured photos are NOT HIGHLAND. I've reported these photos and hope they are taken down. When you go to Highland, your really paying for entrance into the guest house (the original house is no more) which does have some impressive artifacts, including the desk where Monroe drafted the Monroe Doctrine. That alone game me goosebumps. So, yeah, that's worth it.... I do know there is some type of augmented reality tour...maybe that would have made it few worth the money. Or, maybe I should have taken a "specialty tour"... Anyway, it was interesting to learn about all the archeological excavations, which continue, helping uncover Highland's history. Happy there are such dedicated historians. We need them. (Recently learned George Washington's Ferry Farm was almost a WALMART). Overall, walked away somewhat disappointed; I felt meeting "Felix", the resident cat, very well may have been the best part of our visit. Impressive gift shop.
A short visit, as there isn't much there. It is cheaper than Monticello and Montpelier, perhaps, because the house is not the original dwelling of President Monroe, rather it is a guesthouse that still stood after a fire demolished the original house. We did not know that, so felt a little gypped because it was never disclosed when buying the tickets.
Highland is the home of the fifth President of the United States located in Charlottesville Virginia. The 535 acres has several buildings but the original home burned and was rebuilt but the other buildings are original. The huge tree and beautiful gardens and statues are very nice to stroll through. There are walking trails and a gift shop but no restaurant. The estate is just so lovely.
James Monroe is lucky he lived near Thomas Jefferson--as that's probably how he gets all his traffic to his house. Which is a shame, but the original house was torn down, a newer (19th century house) was build in the area, that was made a national architecture landmark so it can't be torn down, and you can visit the original guest house. Guest house? I don't know if they WANT to entirely rebuild his house, if they have permission to, and if they would possibly have the blue prints to even start to conceive of that, but as is, you aren't going to visit his actual house. That's kind of a bummer. The guest house does have a lot of his original furniture or recreations, and it was interesting to hear about what he did have. Then they have some recreation slave quarters and there and in the basement area there were some recreators doing tradework explaining their process. I think the house tries to be fulfilling, but for a dude who was so popular he ran with no opponent, the experience feels lackluster. Hey this isn't like we are going to William Henry Harrison's house! This feels like it should be more impressive like Jefferson's or Madison's estates. I got a Groupon for this, so check and they may still be available. It's worth coming to if you are into history, but maybe do this first then do Jefferson's or it may feel underwhelming.
This place is NOT Monticello. I don't mean that as an insult but the size, scope, scale, everything is like comparing Yankee Stadium to a minor league ballpark. Monticello is huge and this place is pretty small. It's nice scenery ten minutes from Monticello but there isn't a whole lot here. The big yellow house isn't related to Monroe and was built after he sold the place. There is what they thought was Monroe's house connected to that house but turns out as of a month ago the found out the white portion of the house was actually Monroe's guesthouse and his actual house was a few hundred feet away before it burned down about 150 years ago. That being said, the staff here is GREAT and gives an amazing tour. The tour is more personal and less rushed/corporate than at Monticello. They do have a good number of Monroe items and you learn a lot about Monroe and his time in office. They also have sheep and peacocks (ask about them, it's a funny story) as well as reproductions of slave quarters. This place is worth seeing but don't plan to spend all day, you can see it all in a couple of hours.
James Monroe, the 5th President of the U.S. serving from 1817 to 1825, has his home up the road from Jefferson. Though his home is not as impressive as Thomas Jefferson's, it is very quaint and simple. It's a light yellow home with 2 stories with slave quarters in the back. Admission is $10 for an adult, $9 if you're a student. We had a great tour guide who knew the ins and outs of the Monroe home. After our tour, we spent some time in the gift shop where the sales associate made some small talk, convincing us to buy this one particular postcard of man sitting down at his desk to write. It turned that the man in the postcard was actually the sales associate! He said that we could take this back to CA and show it to our friends to brag that we knew him. Sure, Mmmmhmmm.....
True Story --I'm'updating my review to include I was fortunate enough, being in the Northern VA wine region, to meet a direct descendant of late President Monroe, at a wine tastings. I shared with him that I had just recently visited the Ash Lawn and this gentleman ( he looked like the former Prez, even his stature and jaw line and bushy eyebrows) told he lives not far from Ashland Highland in Charlottesville. Huh? small world and thank God for social gatherings as wine tastings...you'll never know who's next to you at the tasting table... It was a dreadful stormy day when we took a drive in to check out James Monroe's former abode so fitting perhaps that the place looked as dreadful as the weather was this day. We checked in just about 12:25p, paid for 3 tickets and waited for 35 min for the tour to start. As we wait, the lady on the counter in this shabby store for memorabilias of the place, chatted me up asked where I was from. She was pleasant at the outset and friendly, I thought so cool. 1pm came and the lady I was talking to gathered the 3 of us and a couple who had just checked in then she ushered us just around the corner of the store into the side of the house. She was pleasant enough but seemed unsure of what she was telling us of the history of the place. She kept saying and I quote "I think..." and that's how mostly she started each sentence she uttered as if she was uncertain of what she was saying so uncertain that it was as if she had no conviction of the story she was there to tell to us. I vaguely remember the tour of the house and its details, which was concentrated mainly on the daughter who had befriended this French girl who was Napoleon's step daughter. Perhaps I was distracted at how unsure it seemed our curator was...BUT I remembered that James Monroe did a lot of international negotiations on behalf of the US and was Thomas Jefferson and James Madison's friend and all three had settled their properties in within a 50-mile radius of each other. The place is not as neatly kept James Madison's mansion in the neighboring town about 20 miles from this place. Now, that was a site and deserve a review next!
I felt more at ease here than at Monticello, the tour was by far more personable. Very interesting history here and apparently more being uncovered all the time! There were a lot of interesting ties to other presidents and other European royalties here as well with pictures and jewelry. After the tour was over you were allowed to walk around the grounds for as long as you would like. The location was very convenient to other nearby attractions including Monticello.
8 days ago
Man, I wanted to like this as I am a self-proclaimed Presidential History nerd. However, it is just land that Monroe once owned because his buddy Tommy Jefferson told him to buy it, sold because he was broke, then the house burnt down years after he left, then someone else built a house here. That's the house you see. Now they do have an outline of the foundation of the house that was once here. So, there is that. Then the new(er) house is full of exhibits on Monroe. Honestly, I am glad I went but if you are pressed for time, it's one you can skip. read more
2 months ago
Really enjoyed my time on the grounds of a another founding father. Plenty of history here. Though not as elevated as Monticello, Monroe's Highland is beautiful in its own right. If you like hiking, there are a few trails around the estate to enjoy. The history of the grounds was fascinating as it tells of a very diverse life of one of American history's statesman. This guy did everything, and his uncle set him up in a good position to succeed in life The guest house, not the original home on the property, shows off items that belonged to the Monroes. Hats off to Roy White who gave a marvelous introduction to the grounds, its history and use. The staff were super friendly. One of the curators gave me a great rundown of the future excavation and the re-unveiling of the foundation of the original Monroe residence. A few folks were checking out the grounds for a wedding location, their host was also nice. During the summer they honor the Blue Star Program so access to the grounds is free. Recommended summer stop. read more
5 months ago
2 years ago
A wonderful place to learn about James Monroe and his grounds The James Monroe House, also known as Highland, is a historic site located near Charlottesville, Virginia. It was the home of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, from 1799 to 1823. Monroe was a key figure in American history, known for the Monroe Doctrine and his efforts to establish the United States. Highland offers visitors a glimpse into the life and times of Monroe through unguided and guided tours of the property. The house itself is modest compared to other presidential homes, reflecting Monroe's preference for simplicity. The original structure burned down in the mid-1800s, but the current house includes parts of the replacement structure, with some original outbuildings still standing. If you take the tour they will show you where the excavations have (and are) occurring on a periodic basis. The estate is set on a beautiful, rolling landscape, and visitors can explore the grounds, gardens, and a museum that showcases Monroe's contributions to the nation. Exhibits include personal artifacts, period furnishings, and documents related to his presidency. There were docents in (I think) every structure and most rooms that were very knowledgeable about the places, history, and effects that were on display. I found the entire experience wonderful and informative. The tour costs a modest $18/person and is well worth it. Highland provides a unique perspective on Monroe's life, emphasizing his commitment to public service and his efforts to shape the early republic. I recommend it to all interested in our country's founding fathers and want to learn more about their history and background. read more
We visited on a snowy January day and had a wonderful time. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. I can only imagine that when the leaves are on the trees and everything is in bloom it is breathtaking. Not a huge property so it's easy to get around. I learned a lot about Monroe! read more
I'm a history buff - the nerdy kind who visits archives and loves to dive into footnotes - that said, Highland is my kind of place: the staff is knowledgeable in search of historical accuracy. If you are searching for history as entertainment goes to Monticello instead. I particularly appreciate the integration of the enslaved persons into the story of Highlands as opposed to being presented as an aside. The trails are a real treat offering easy hikes where you can observe saplings planted to protect the creek. read more
Beautiful estate of President Monroe. Although the original house burned, the guest house and outer buildings survived and were built upon. Elegant and gives a beautiful taste of 19th century presidential home life. I loved the walnut writing desk and the gardens were stunning. The docents were quite knowledgeable and I enjoyed speaking with them. I learned a lot about the first lady Mrs. Monroe who probably had some illnesses. This was such a gentle sweet and restful place to visit. Such a contrast with Monticello; it was nice to do them both just days apart. It was wonderful to read the thoughts and reflections on the wall about what people said about Jefferson and Monroe and how thoughtful Monroe was I really don't know much about him as one of our presidents but visiting Ashlawn Highland made me want to learn so much more about President Monroe. Definitely a spot not to be missed. read more
Just returned from Virginia, where I did a week of presidential history. Highland was one of our first stops. Overall, glad I went but I'm not overly impressed. The price point is little too high for what I experienced. Tour was a little long and drawn out considering what you see... Just FYI; some of the featured photos are NOT HIGHLAND. I've reported these photos and hope they are taken down. When you go to Highland, your really paying for entrance into the guest house (the original house is no more) which does have some impressive artifacts, including the desk where Monroe drafted the Monroe Doctrine. That alone game me goosebumps. So, yeah, that's worth it.... I do know there is some type of augmented reality tour...maybe that would have made it few worth the money. Or, maybe I should have taken a "specialty tour"... Anyway, it was interesting to learn about all the archeological excavations, which continue, helping uncover Highland's history. Happy there are such dedicated historians. We need them. (Recently learned George Washington's Ferry Farm was almost a WALMART). Overall, walked away somewhat disappointed; I felt meeting "Felix", the resident cat, very well may have been the best part of our visit. Impressive gift shop. read more
A short visit, as there isn't much there. It is cheaper than Monticello and Montpelier, perhaps, because the house is not the original dwelling of President Monroe, rather it is a guesthouse that still stood after a fire demolished the original house. We did not know that, so felt a little gypped because it was never disclosed when buying the tickets. read more
Highland is the home of the fifth President of the United States located in Charlottesville Virginia. The 535 acres has several buildings but the original home burned and was rebuilt but the other buildings are original. The huge tree and beautiful gardens and statues are very nice to stroll through. There are walking trails and a gift shop but no restaurant. The estate is just so lovely. read more
9 years ago
James Monroe is lucky he lived near Thomas Jefferson--as that's probably how he gets all his traffic to his house. Which is a shame, but the original house was torn down, a newer (19th century house) was build in the area, that was made a national architecture landmark so it can't be torn down, and you can visit the original guest house. Guest house? I don't know if they WANT to entirely rebuild his house, if they have permission to, and if they would possibly have the blue prints to even start to conceive of that, but as is, you aren't going to visit his actual house. That's kind of a bummer. The guest house does have a lot of his original furniture or recreations, and it was interesting to hear about what he did have. Then they have some recreation slave quarters and there and in the basement area there were some recreators doing tradework explaining their process. I think the house tries to be fulfilling, but for a dude who was so popular he ran with no opponent, the experience feels lackluster. Hey this isn't like we are going to William Henry Harrison's house! This feels like it should be more impressive like Jefferson's or Madison's estates. I got a Groupon for this, so check and they may still be available. It's worth coming to if you are into history, but maybe do this first then do Jefferson's or it may feel underwhelming. read more
This place is NOT Monticello. I don't mean that as an insult but the size, scope, scale, everything is like comparing Yankee Stadium to a minor league ballpark. Monticello is huge and this place is pretty small. It's nice scenery ten minutes from Monticello but there isn't a whole lot here. The big yellow house isn't related to Monroe and was built after he sold the place. There is what they thought was Monroe's house connected to that house but turns out as of a month ago the found out the white portion of the house was actually Monroe's guesthouse and his actual house was a few hundred feet away before it burned down about 150 years ago. That being said, the staff here is GREAT and gives an amazing tour. The tour is more personal and less rushed/corporate than at Monticello. They do have a good number of Monroe items and you learn a lot about Monroe and his time in office. They also have sheep and peacocks (ask about them, it's a funny story) as well as reproductions of slave quarters. This place is worth seeing but don't plan to spend all day, you can see it all in a couple of hours. read more
James Monroe, the 5th President of the U.S. serving from 1817 to 1825, has his home up the road from Jefferson. Though his home is not as impressive as Thomas Jefferson's, it is very quaint and simple. It's a light yellow home with 2 stories with slave quarters in the back. Admission is $10 for an adult, $9 if you're a student. We had a great tour guide who knew the ins and outs of the Monroe home. After our tour, we spent some time in the gift shop where the sales associate made some small talk, convincing us to buy this one particular postcard of man sitting down at his desk to write. It turned that the man in the postcard was actually the sales associate! He said that we could take this back to CA and show it to our friends to brag that we knew him. Sure, Mmmmhmmm..... read more
True Story --I'm'updating my review to include I was fortunate enough, being in the Northern VA wine region, to meet a direct descendant of late President Monroe, at a wine tastings. I shared with him that I had just recently visited the Ash Lawn and this gentleman ( he looked like the former Prez, even his stature and jaw line and bushy eyebrows) told he lives not far from Ashland Highland in Charlottesville. Huh? small world and thank God for social gatherings as wine tastings...you'll never know who's next to you at the tasting table... It was a dreadful stormy day when we took a drive in to check out James Monroe's former abode so fitting perhaps that the place looked as dreadful as the weather was this day. We checked in just about 12:25p, paid for 3 tickets and waited for 35 min for the tour to start. As we wait, the lady on the counter in this shabby store for memorabilias of the place, chatted me up asked where I was from. She was pleasant at the outset and friendly, I thought so cool. 1pm came and the lady I was talking to gathered the 3 of us and a couple who had just checked in then she ushered us just around the corner of the store into the side of the house. She was pleasant enough but seemed unsure of what she was telling us of the history of the place. She kept saying and I quote "I think..." and that's how mostly she started each sentence she uttered as if she was uncertain of what she was saying so uncertain that it was as if she had no conviction of the story she was there to tell to us. I vaguely remember the tour of the house and its details, which was concentrated mainly on the daughter who had befriended this French girl who was Napoleon's step daughter. Perhaps I was distracted at how unsure it seemed our curator was...BUT I remembered that James Monroe did a lot of international negotiations on behalf of the US and was Thomas Jefferson and James Madison's friend and all three had settled their properties in within a 50-mile radius of each other. The place is not as neatly kept James Madison's mansion in the neighboring town about 20 miles from this place. Now, that was a site and deserve a review next! read more
I felt more at ease here than at Monticello, the tour was by far more personable. Very interesting history here and apparently more being uncovered all the time! There were a lot of interesting ties to other presidents and other European royalties here as well with pictures and jewelry. After the tour was over you were allowed to walk around the grounds for as long as you would like. The location was very convenient to other nearby attractions including Monticello. read more
This tour was the least impressive of the three Presidential homes for have visited in the Charlottesville area. In part, it is the least restored property of the three and relies on restoration and portrayal rather than original structures to tell the story. It also seems as though Monroe spent relatively little time at this plantation. Ironically, I found our guide to be the best of the three properties. It is worth a visit but I wouldn't dedicate a whole day to it. I suggest pairing it with a visit to Monticello. read more
I had a great experience visiting Ash Lawn-Highland. I went on a Monday morning at 10am. I was the only one there for the tour. It was great! The docent was incredibly knowledgeable of the property and all its history. I was able to ask several questions and have a great discussion. It was well worth the trip! read more
14 years ago
Great place. LOVELY ROOMS. Very intimate tours which I love. I went on 2 separate tours...Just to get a different perspective. One tour guide was much older and she was very funny and kind of adlib her way through. The next tour guide was younger and very serious but had her facts down to a T and did not forget a single detail. So it was nice to get ALL the details in the second tour! The rooms in this home are really done well. That is another reason I went back through. The bright colors used in the home are beautiful. The linens and canopy are quite lovely. Too bad you cant take photos... The designers did a wonderful job researching and planning this home. It is gorgeous. It is smaller, but my goodness, it is done soo well..ESPECIALLY the bedrooms & the expensive beautiful hunt scene wallpaper (custom handscreen). The landscaping, gardens and garden houses are all very pretty. I took many photos outside. LOVE the big trees. SO picturesque. No wonder people book their wedding here. Very pretty. read more
10 years ago
Monroe's original house, built in 1799, burnt down in the 1820s. The house that you now tour was a dwelling which they believe Monroe used as a guest house. It's a small house with each room dressed with Monroe memorabilia and/or period pieces. Our guide was fantastic - definitely wait for a guided tour. He explained the state of the nation throughout Monroe's life, situating the former President within the socioeconomic/political landscape, explaining how he became the man who became President. It was utterly fascinating and even more interesting to get a feeling of his relationship with Jefferson, who lived only 20 minutes away. The site has an events facility (an open air stage) and the property is undergoing some archaeological excavations - very interesting. I highly recommend visiting this house; although not specifically historic, it's a great dovetail to Jefferson's Monticello. read more
5 years ago
A small intimate residence that is easily (and unfairly) overshadowed by two other Presidents' much more regal homes. It's unfair to compare Ash Lawn-Highland to its much more famous neighbors Monticello and Mount Montpelier - Monroe was a much simpler man that wasn't as flashy as his counterparts. That is very much reflected in his home, which has a simple unadorned exterior. My girlfriend and I took advantage of a two for $16 Groupon coupon (otherwise prices are $14 per person with discounts for locals, students, seniors, children, etc,) and went on the tour of his house, which lasted approximately 45 minutes, but may be shorter if your group isn't peppering the tour guide with questions. The inside of the house is a bit flashier than the outside and deceivingly large inside (sort of like a TARDIS, it's bigger on the inside). Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about Monroe and was very patient with some of the members of our tour (turns out there are some die-hard Monroe fans out there). At the conclusion of the tour you are allowed to wander the grounds, which have slave quarters, a statue and bust of Monroe, and peacocks if you come in the warmer weather (we unfortunately missed out on them). You can also purchase Monroe swag at the gift shop, which has kitschy touristy American president merchandise and handmade goods like candles and quilts. I was pleasantly surprised by Ash Lawn-Highland. Although it is by far smallest Presidential house I've ever been to, the quality of the tour at the reasonable prices make it a wonderful alternative to the often crowded Monticello next door. read more
5 years ago
12 years ago
This is definitely worth the trip if you're into Presidential history and would like to know more about one of more accomplished but less well known Presidents, James Monroe. I won't give a lesson here about Monroe since that's the point of the tour, but if you're interested in him I found the staff to be extremely knowledgeable and the gentleman who guided us through the house had answers for all my questions. The price is fairly low and while people tend to compare the place to Jeffersons Monticello next door it's an unfair comparison. Monroe was a mean of limited means compared to Jefferson and his estate reflects that. Not being one of the rock star Presidents, the staff here has a harder job to do with upkeep and maintenance. If you're making a trip to Monticello do yourself and any children with you a favor by including this slice of history. One thing to note, the house has a Yellow and a White side. The yellow part of the house was an addition by a Minister who owned the house after the Monroes and has no connection to them. That's why there's the Ash Lawn part of the title, it was just called Highland by Monroe. Some of the pictures on Yelp focus on the yellow part of the house but don't explain the separation. read more
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Ask the Community - James Monroe's Highland
How much are the tickets?
Hi there! Tickets are $8 per person and kids under six are free. You may purchase tickets online at highland.org. We look forward to tour visit!
