Montebello
Also known as: Vdhr # 104-0043
Why it's listed
Montebello is a brick house on a hill southwest of the original University of Virginia grounds in Charlottesville. John M. Perry, a carpenter who worked with Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, Poplar Forest and the university, built the two-story, three-bay central block in 1819-20. One-story wings, a Doric front porch and a later rear porch give the house a three-part Jeffersonian form. Inside, a central hall holds a paneled stair, and Federal mantels and continuous pedestal wainscot are typical of houses built by Jefferson-trained workmen. Perry sold the land for the university in 1817 and later worked on the Rotunda, pavilions, serpentine walls and dormitory rows. Later residents included university professors Charles Scott Venable and William M. Thornton. The University of Virginia bought the property in 1962-63 and has kept the house in excellent condition. Its significance rests on its Jeffersonian architecture and its builder's close link to the founding of the university.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues for local significance under Criterion C for architecture. The house is an example of Early Republican, Jeffersonian Classicism built by one of Thomas Jefferson's chief workmen, who also worked on Monticello and the University of Virginia. Its simple three-bay Doric porch may be the first of its type, and its interior woodwork resembles that in the university's early buildings.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 03001085, listed October 23, 2003. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 1700 Stadium Rd., Charlottesville (Independent City) |
|---|---|
| County | Charlottesville |
| Listed | October 23, 2003 |
| Reference number | 03001085 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1819-1953 |
| Architect / builder | Perry, John |
| Architectural style | EARLY REPUBLIC: Jeffersonian Classicism |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | The form describes the buildings as well kept by the University of Virginia and in excellent condition, with repairs done in a historically accurate manner. The house remains a single dwelling. |
| Acreage | 1.8 |
| Coordinates | 38.03064, -78.50970 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 03001085.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q15255695
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.