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The Clifton in Charlottesville is one of those properties that is hard to compare to alternatives in the area. Steeped in history, it’s more like arriving at a country estate, as an invited guest. The Clifton was built in 1799 by Thomas Mann Randolf and his wife, Martha Jefferson, the eldest daughter of Thomas Jefferson. In case you’re not familiar with US history, Thomas Jefferson is the fellow who authored the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 to found the United States of America.
He and his family have deep roots in the Virginia area, and staying at the Clifton is your chance to walk in the history of that time, on a beautiful rural property where his daughter resided. The Clifton offers luxury accommodations and a first rate chefs dining experience. It’s close enough to Charlottesville, but seems miles away, secluded on an estate, which includes its own lake.
The lake on the property, accessible along one of the walking paths while staying at The Clifton.
I had the pleasure of staying at the Clifton for several nights in June 2026 while touring in the area.
History of The Clifton in Charlottesville
The properties original land grant was owned by William Randolf in 1735. But the first structures were built under the direction of his descendant Thomas Mann Randolf. The five room homestead and other buildings have a legacy of over 200 years. Thomas Mann Randolf was an early statesman of the US, member of the Virginia General Assembly, and Representative in the US Congress. He ultimately became Governor of Virginia from 1819-1822.
Ties to Thomas Jefferson
Thomas developed the land that became The Clifton with his wife, Martha Jefferson, the eldest daughter of Thomas Jefferson. The original manor house was completed in 1799. The estate was built to be the start of a community formed around potential commerce along the Rivanna River. Although North Milton was established in 1800, the grand plans for the new community were abandoned when commerce shifted to the James River and favored Charlottesville for development.
The Clifton remains the only evidence of ambitious plans for growth in the area. Call it a failed real estate play of the day. In 1832 the house was sold by Thomas Jefferson Randolf (the son of Randolf and Martha Jefferson). The Clifton passed through several owners and at the end of the 19th century, Colonel Richard W. Wyatt bought it in 1851 and gave it the name, “The Clifton.”
The Clifton today
In 1983 The Clifton was opened to the public for the first time as a B&B, and later evolved into a more sophisticated and well-appointed hotel which you see today. The manor house is now home to the “1799” restaurant, open to both guests and visitors. The property offers rooms and suites, a fitness center, outdoor infinity pool, jacuzzi, private lake and trails, plus garden and orchard. In addition to the manor house accommodations and restaurant, the property has a large open covered area by the pool, suitable for events and receptions.
Entry to The Clifton
The entry hall, upstairs to suites
The front door to the estate. 1799 noting the name of the restaurant, and the year the estate was built.
Suite rooms
Living room area
Bedroom
Bathroom
The property
There is a chefs garden on the property, used to provide fresh produce used at the 1799 restaurant.
Pool and jacuzzi
Infinity pool overlooking property
1799 Restaurant
Dining at The Clifton is recommended during your stay. You can choose between the private study inside, the covered patio, or outside dining areas. I dined in the private study, savoring the welcome air conditioning inside on a hot humid evening. Service is attentive while respecting privacy. 1799 features wines from the area, as well as international selections.
Covered patio, and doors to open patio to the right. The private study is seen below.
Wine & cocktails
The 1799 serves numerous specialty cocktails and wines by the bottle and glass. I went with a local white wine suggested by my server, the Afton Mountain Albarino. Complex for a white, with a clean finish, it was the perfect pairing for the meal that followed.
Appetizers
For appetizers you’ll find Chesapeake oysters, chef’s garden salad, burrata salad, chilled corn soup and scallop St Jacques on the menu. I had the chilled corn soup and it was excellent.
Entrees
Entrees include a selection from Parisian gnocchi, Virginia rockfish, Crusted Halibut, roasted chicken, Iberico pork chop, beef tenderloin or wagyu beef supplement. It was a hard choice between the rockfish and halibut for me, but the crusted halibut proved a winner.
Desert
I scarcely had room for desert, but I wanted to sample one of the offerings from pot de crème, shortcake or sticky toffee. I went with the sticky toffee upon my server’s suggestion, and it was amazing. The portion had been downsized recently because it was so rich, but I still found it could have been a desert easily shared.
Book your stay directly, or make dinner reservations at The Clifton here: https://www.the-clifton.com/ Dinner guests are welcome, and encouraged, even if not staying at the property!
The Clifton in Charlottesville & other accommodation options
There are numerous other accommodation options in Charlottesville if The Clifton is booked out. Use this map for reference, but then be sure to check out the property when dining at the restaurant!
Things to see and do while in the Charlottesville area
Monticello
Visiting Thomas Jefferson’s Moticello plantation on the hill just out of Charlottesville is highly recommended. Read about it here: https://carryonqueen.com/is-monticello-worth-visiting/
Shenandoah National Park
Hiking and exploring Shenandoah National Park is a great way to spend a day – or several days. Link here to read about the park, and two recommended summit and waterfalls hikes you can do in a day: https://carryonqueen.com/one-day-in-shenandoah-national-park/