Birdwood

Birdwood is a two-story brick mansion in Charlottesville with several outbuildings arranged on the grounds. The complex includes an office building with a basement icehouse, a smokehouse, and a formal garden area that support the main residence.

William Garth built the mansion between 1819 and 1830, incorporating architectural styles that matched the University of Virginia's design principles. The Rinehart family later undertook substantial renovations that reshaped the property's character and appearance.

The property reflects how plantation estates transformed over time and their connection to the region's economy. Today the grounds serve the university community as a recreational space, showing how historic sites find new purposes.

The property sits on the grounds of a university golf course and is visible from the perimeter. Visitors should note that it is private property and access may be limited depending on current university activities.

The grounds feature an unusual water tower designed to resemble a lighthouse, a rare example of Colonial Revival style experimentation in the area. This quirky structure was added during the Rinehart family's renovation work and remains a curious focal point on the property.