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Stroll Through a Virginia Horse-Country Estate

Mount Fair—a property that dates back to 1747—is one of the best-preserved antebellum farms in Albemarle County, Virginia. The architect Mark P. Finlay recently completed a renovation and expansion of the primary home, built in 1848, and its outbuildings. “We do not put our fingerprints on an antique home; rather, we magnify the imprint of its originators,” writes Finlay in his new book, Country Houses: The Architecture of Mark P. Finlay. Here, he swings open the gates to Mount Fair. Click through to take a tour.


Mount Fair encompasses approximately 1,600 rolling acres in Albemarle County, Virginia.

Photo: Eric Piasecki 

To differentiate additions from the historic, hip-roofed main residence that was built in 1848, the new construction is topped in gable roofs.

Photo: Eric Piasecki 

The home’s old and new sections connected by a breezeway.

Photo: Eric Piasecki 

Finlay reconfigured the second floor for larger bedrooms.

Photo: Eric Piasecki 

The living room entrance frames a view of the unusual vase-turned poplar newel post that anchors the historic stairway.

Photo: Eric Piasecki 

A balustraded belvedere has topped the main residence of Mount Fair since its completion in 1848.

Photo: Eric Piasecki 

From beneath a pergola on the side of the main residence, guests face a preserved smokehouse that overlooks the north lawn.

Photo: Eric Piasecki 

The hunting room’s rustic interior finishes reflect its connection to the outdoors.

Photo: Eric Piasecki 

A new 12-stall horse barn is located a short walk from the main residence. The structure is T-shaped in plan, and finished in tongue-and-groove siding.

Photo: Eric Piasecki 

The barn’s interior pays homage to the post-and-beam construction of historic farm buildings.

Photo: Eric Piasecki 

Awards for equestrian skills.

Photo: Eric Piasecki 

The main residence includes the original Greek Revival–style house and a new addition that more than doubles its square footage.

Photo: Eric Piasecki 

Country Houses: The Architecture of Mark P. Finlay (Images Publishing) by Mark P. Finlay.


CJ Lotz Diego is a Garden & Gun deputy editor. A staffer since 2013, she wrote G&G’s bestselling Bless Your Heart trivia game, edits the Due South travel section, and covers gardens, books, and art. Originally from Eureka, Missouri, she graduated from Indiana University and now lives in Charleston, South Carolina, where she tends a downtown pocket garden with her florist husband, Max.