Oak Lawn

Oak Lawn is notably one of the most historic homes in Charlottesville, designed and built by a Scots-Irishman, James Dinsmore, for Colonel Nimrod Bramham c.1822. This fine residence is a classic example of Jeffersonian Palladianism. Dinsmore, a master carpenter for Thomas Jefferson, worked on Monticello, the Rotunda and Pavilions III, V & VIII on the Lawn at the University of Virginia and Montpelier, the home of James Madison. The property was purchased by Reverend James Fife in 1847 and it is still owned by his descendants today. The historic home is privately situated in Fifeville on a knoll, boasting a very large 5.20 acre parcel of lawn and woodlands. Five fireplaces, original pine flooring, two adjacent, enclosed dog-leg staircases and a three bay, one-story front porch supported by four Tuscan columns are just a few of the interesting features. Cook’s house at the rear of house. The property is a Virginia Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is an opportunity for historic preservation, development or a combination of both.