Only five minutes down the road from the crowded Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland (or as Pres. Monroe called it, just Highland) is one of the homes of James Monroe. Certainly the house and grounds are not as grand as Monticello, and if you go here expecting that, you will be disappointed. But the tour is very interesting, the grounds are nice... more

This house is a big contrast to Monticello only 2.5 miles down the road. Monroe's house sits down in the valley and looks up at Jefferson's house atop the adjacent hill. Monroe moved to this site in part because of Jefferson but obviously was more careful with his money and did not have as much money to start off with... more

We went to this house during a recent trip (5-08) having been to Thomas Jefferson's house last year. It is much smaller and less grand but has beautiful grounds. The tour was too long - maybe too much information. Touring an old home to me doesn't mean hearing about every piece of furniture or dress displayed. Realizing that the smallness... more

I saw this home after visiting Monticello. I visited on October 8, 2007. I liked the house and the grounds. I would definitely recommend it. The property is not as nice as Monticello or Montpelier, however. The guide seemed very uptight in my opinion. This put a bad taste in my mouth for the experience. The home is only a... more

The house and grounds are well maintained. The staff gives guided tours of the house and they are very helpful. Monroe was Thomas Jefferson's neighbor so Monticello is right next door. more

Ash Lawn - Highland is right down the road from Jefferson's Monticello, the home of James Monroe, and one of three presidential homes in the central VA area. My fiance and I visit Highland, Monticello, and Madison's Montpelier in the same weekend. Of the three Highland is easily the least grand and opulant. The grounds are considerably smaller than either... more