Poplar Forest

July 6th, 2010
Monticello was not the only home Thomas Jefferson owned and designed. About a year after he married, his father-in-law died leaving his plantation, Poplar Forest to his daughter and her husband. Jefferson redesigned this home as well. It was about 100 miles from Monticello and is the place he and his family escaped to when they wanted peace and quiet. At Monticello they entertained almost nightly, so things were much more laid back at Poplar Forest. It is still in the process of being restored, so going through partially restored rooms was very interesting as we were able to see the different stages of construction that would take place during the original building of the home. They are still doing archeological digs on the site, so it would be interesting to go back in a few years to see what else they discover about the place.
Jefferson even did a fine job of designing the most spectacular outhouses we’ve ever seen. They are octagon and bricked, just like the house. There is even a child’s throne.