Mount Ida Reserve circa 1785 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity located just outside the city of Charlottesville, Virginia, and within minutes of The University of Virginia.
The former estate of Bernard Arnault expands almost 2,500 acres and is located along Blenheim Road, a historic route in Southern Albemarle County – home to Monticello, Ashlawn Highland, Trump Winery, and Blenheim Vineyards.
The property has undergone an almost two-decade transformation by its current owners.
Surrounded by large country estates and wineries, Mount Ida Reserve stands out not only due to its sheer scale (more than twice the size of nearby Trump Winery & Estate) but also from its unique inventory of physical features, including miles of private river frontage, spectacular mountain views, rolling hills, fertile farmland, forests, and large privately owned lakes.
The current stewards have invested nearly $100M in developing the grandest of estates with virtually every amenity.
The entire property is connected with high-speed fiberoptic capability.
It offers two completely renovated historic manors, two eight-stall stables, two tennis courts, an inground pool, a two-lane go-kart track, 180′ water slide, several beaches, miles of fencing, and paved and unpaved trails for horses, ATVs, bicycling, or hiking.
The property also boasts several award-winning facilities, including a spectacular 12,000 sq. ft Lodge developed around a 100-year-old stable.
Designed with events in mind, the stone and cedar-clad Lodge has state-of-the-art amenities, including a full caterers’ kitchen, and two large event spaces – fully climate-controlled with spectacular outdoor spaces.
Yet another event facility, the newly constructed 10,000 sq. ft, Event Barn, offers a 25′ stone fireplace to complement its two beautifully appointed banquet rooms, all climate controlled with full catering facilities. To complement the event spaces, there is an awe-inspiring 12,000 sq. ft cedar and stone-clad tasting room complete with a full-service restaurant for 250. The facility includes an award-winning 15- barrel craft brewery which utilizes barley from the nearby seven-acre barley field. An oversized outdoor fireplace with waterfalls and stone walls, bluestone walkways, and an observation deck make Mount Ida the most popular of Virginia wineries and breweries.
An adjacent 20-acre vineyard (with an additional 150 acres prepared for vineyard expansion allowing for the largest vineyard in Virginia) creates an enchanting setting for guests.
A 20,000 sq. ft shop, multiple carriage houses, barns, and outbuildings all specifically designed and recently constructed, 15 miles of paved roads, 25 miles of board fencing, five diesel backup generators, 25 springs, and multiple automated wrought iron gated entrances help service and secure the property.
The owners have spared no expense investing in infrastructure covering the entire property, including miles of underground power, high-speed fiber optics, roads, bridges, and concrete dams for the 5 lakes on the property.
The income-producing estate is perfect for a family compound with its 10 single-family homes in total, or, a corporate retreat, flagship corporate campus, or long-term investment.
The property is uniquely positioned for further development around the existing facilities.
Alternatively, the property is a prime candidate for a conservation or stream impact easement offering significant tax benefits. This incomparable property includes a turnkey opportunity complete with well-trained and experienced staff.
Additionally, a hotel study has been prepared by HVS for 100 person hotel is available for review.
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