A Living History

Situated less than 20 miles southeast of the City of Charlottesville on US-29 is the village of Covesville, a historic piece of central Virginia surrounded nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is the centerpiece of the Covesville Historic District, a 2,308-acre district that encompasses the village and the surrounding farmland. The District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 and contains 104 unique Covesville Homes and sites that have been identified as historically significant.

Among the many historical sites in Covesville is Edgemont, a private estate whose design is attributed to Thomas Jefferson. Bearing the hallmarks of Palladian architecture that were Jefferson’s dominant stylistic reference point, the estate is the only private residence (besides his own Monticello) designed by the former president. Edgemont was restored by the renowned architect Milton Grigg in 1948.

The village is rich with orchards and, along with the proximity to the railroad, the sale of apples and apple products helped the community to thrive during the early part of the 20th century. Covesville remains at the center of the growth and sale of apple products in the Commonwealth while at the same having evolved into a hub for the ever-growing Virginia wine industry.

Elegant Design, Unbeatable Views

Covesville gets its name from lying in a cove surrounded by mountains in every direction, and the homes for sale in Covesville, while architecturally diverse, all feature panoramic views of the Blue Ridge on all sides of the properties. The properties are also rich in scenic, rolling pastures with lots that span several acres. The architectural styles include various strands of Revivalism, with many homes dating back to the 18th century. Most Covesville homes have undergone extensive renovations to add modern convenience while preserving the original elegance of the design, resulting in a community that boasts a preindustrial charm without sacrificing contemporary amenities.

Continued Growth

The roots of the apple industry in Coveville stretch back to 1866 when Dr. William Boaz established the first commercial orchard in the village, specializing in the growth of the Albemarle Pippin variety. Sales of the pippin led to the establishment of the businesses and buildings that form the heart of today’s village.

Covesville remains at the heart of the apple industry in central Virginia and is the home of Crown Orchard Company, a prolific fruit grower that operates seven major orchards over a fifteen-mile radius. Covesville is home to their state-of-the-art packing plant which employs a year-round staff. Additionally, multiple nearby orchards and farms support the community and contribute to the local food hub.

For recreation, residents have access to several nearby wineries, all within a five-mile radius of the village, including Brent Manor Vineyards, DelFosse Vineyards and Winery, and the Loving Cup Vineyard and Winery.