hile living at Highland, President and Mrs. Monroe set the standard for fine dining and entertainment in the Albemarle County area. Today Ash Lawn-Highland maintains this tradition of hospitality, offering a variety of lunch, dinner and conference accommodations.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ash Lawn-Highland has maintained the quiet dignity so cherished by America's fifth Presidential family, the Monroes. As James and Elizabeth Monroeinvited their friends- the Madisons, the Jeffersons, and the Adamses- to affairs both elaborate and modest, Ash Lawn-Highland invites you to indulge in the serenity enjoyed by our founding fathers. Step out of the city and back in time; hold your next special event at Ash Lawn-Highland.

For smaller affairs, our Conference Room is ideal in any weather. Located below Monroe's reconstructed slave quarters, the Conference Room, with its partitioned kitchen, fireplace and bathroom facilities, accommodates up to sixty guests.

Our picturesque gardens are always groomed. Adjacent to theMonroe house, the Johns Garden is adorned with flower beds, brickwalkways and a sundial. One-hundred-year-old white ash trees shade the Peacock Yard, a grassy glade superb for spring and summer occasions. The Statue Yard features superb views to the north and east. In the event of inclement weather, tents are available.

 

"As the company was too large to be accommodated within doors, there was an arrangement made in the garden for the purpose. The tables were spread under a canopy formed by the tops of the marquis [tents] extended from one end to another of a beautiful mall of trees - this was decorated by some one of taste with wreaths of Roses and other flowers, a most sumptuous dinner was served to about 200 persons. . . ."

  
--T.H. Perkins recalling a July 4 hosted by the Monroes in Paris, 1795.

Nestled between the Johns Garden and the boxwood paths, ournew Garden Pavilion offers a panoramic view of the Blue RidgeMountains. Designed for larger affairs or conferences, the 50' x 80' concrete-floor Pavilion comfortably holds 50 to 400 guests.If more space is needed, tents may be erected adjacent to thePavilion. Clear side-curtains and area heaters are alsoavailable, ensuring warmth and comfort year-round, while overheadfans assist summer breezes.

With over twenty-five years of hosting experience, AshLawn-Highland prides itself in providing a variety of special-event settings. Offering a wide choice of caterers, beverages, and music, we welcome guests to plan creatively.

 
"The repast was handsomely adapted to the characterof the place, and the seats provided for his excellency and themost distinguished citizens, were shaded in arches ofevergreen."
 
-- James Monroe commenting on a rural banquetheld in his honor, 1818.


As an historic house museum, Ash Lawn-Highland makes a concerted effort to provide our guests with food and entertainment ideas related to the Monroe era. Upon request, your next event could be adorned with such late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century fineries as:

* Period Music
*Specialized Menus
* Living History Re-enactments
* Carriage Rides
* Early American Arts and Crafts Workshops
* Lecture by Curator
* Visit by James Monroe Re-enactor

 

You may also wish to have your event catered