Frascati C.1823 Somerset, Virginia

Frascati, c. 1823. Here is an exceedingly rare opportunity to acquire a national landmark perfectly located on 62.74 acres in the Somerset estate area of Orange County. Frascati was built for Philip Barbour, Associate Justice for the Supreme Court by John Perry, known for his work for Thomas Jefferson in building the University of Virginia and Monticello. Frascati is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Virginia Historic Landmark. James Madison’s home, Montpelier and Governor Barbour’s Jefferson designed residence are both within 5 miles of Frascati. Jefferson’s Monticello, and James Monroe’s Ashlawn are both a mere 20 miles from Frascati. All of these important statesmen were close colleagues and regular visitors to each other’s homes. For a full history and architectural details about Frascati please see the Wikipedia listing in the documents section. In addition to the manor home the restored summer kitchen now serves as a charming guest cottage, the original formal gardens still exist with magnificent 200 year old boxwoods and extraordinary specimen trees. A lovely gunnite swimming pool is tucked away in a “secret garden” The 62 acres with Frascati is mostly open in high quality pasture and is suitable for any agricultural pursuit. There are several useful barns and sheds. The gently rolling land boasts superb views of the Blue Ridge mountains and is surrounded by large farms. Frascati is protected with a conservation easement with the VOF and The Virginia Board of Historic Resources.  Frascati was a large plantation and Phillip Barbour was certainly a slave owner though no buildings exist other than the manor home and summer kitchen from that period. The history of enslaved people in Virginia is well documented and presented at nearby Montpelier which is owned and managed by The National Historic Trust. We recommend a visit and tour of Montpelier should you visit Frascati to help you better understand this period in American history.