Photo: Jack Looney
The Dome Room of the Rotunda at UVA
The cherished gem of UVA, the Rotunda serves as the core of the University, a hub of academic activity. When you step into the Dome Room, which was restored to Jefferson’s original floorplans after it burned down in 1895, its overhead oculus and composite columns recall the University founder’s vision. Functioning as a library and study space for students as well as a venue for meetings and events, intimate, academic spaces balance the majesty and grandeur of this World Heritage Site.
“Not exactly off the beaten path, but hands down, this is the best room in America. It is open to the public, but rarely filled with more than a handful of tourists (who wander in for about a minute). Much better writers have written about this space at length. However, I am always inspired by the rustic wood floor as it contrasts the fine ornamentation which then gives way to the smooth dome that in turn fills the room with a soft sublime light. The grand central space is surrounded by small intimate ‘mini libraries’ and is a perfect place to read a book or contemplate the world as it spins by.”—Dan Zimmerman
Photo: Jason Lappa
Eloise
Owned by a mother-daughter pair, this chic dress shop on West Main marries urban high-fashion with Southern warmth and hospitality. Its renovation, begun in the fall of 2013 following its relocation to the Main Street Market Annex, furthers this fusion of opposites, providing an equally inspiring backdrop for resolute, same-day party dress searches or unhurried perusals through books and fragrances. Modern, clean lines mingle with exposed brick and reclaimed hardwood floors and a skylight overhead provides natural light throughout the space.
“Eloise is a boutique hot spot for all things fashion—ranging from Downtown chic to bohemian cool. The large open space holds a delicate balance of urban distress with streamlined design. The windows on two sides allow the curated collection to be highlighted….think art on hangers.”—Lynn Easton
Estouteville
Built in 1827, Estouteville’s story begins with James Dinsmore, a master carpenter and contractor who worked under Thomas Jefferson on the construction of Monticello and UVA. It ends (for now) with its current owners, artist Beatrix Ost and developer Ludwig Kuttner. Although the house itself, which is located in Albemarle and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, was constructed in the Neo-Romanesque style, the space exudes an aura that reflects the distinct personalities of its current owners. Beguiling sculptures, musical instruments, and sometimes even exotic animals greet you as you walk up to the grand entrance of the house, whose doors grant you passage into an even richer environment. With its charming interior filled with the owners’ global treasures, and the stately Jeffersonian exterior, Estouteville offers a space just outside of Charlottesville that is wholly other.
“A Virginia plantation with a beautiful prospect of the Virginia landscape. Beatrix, an artist and sculptor, has incorporated art, plantings, and a hedge maze into the classic Virginia landscape to create an interesting dialogue between the classic gardens and modern themes.”—Allison Ewing