Period
1806-1826
Poplar Forest
HISTORICAL LEGACY
Built in 1806, Poplar Forest served as Thomas Jefferson’s summer retreat, located just outside Lynchburg, Virginia. The octagonal form and distinctive columns reflect Jefferson’s design influence and the architectural ideals of the Enlightenment era.
In 1845, 20 years after Jefferson’s death, a fire severely damaged the home, leaving only the brick shell. For decades, the structure remained in a state of disrepair. In 1990, MCWB was commissioned to restore Poplar Forest to its original condition, as it appeared during Jefferson’s lifetime. Through careful research and attention to detail, the restoration preserved the historic integrity of the site while reestablishing its architectural significance.
Thomas Jefferson
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The restoration of Poplar Forest began with an extensive Historic Structure Report to thoroughly document the property and produce updated drawings of both the interior and exterior spaces. This research phase provided a critical foundation for understanding the building’s original design and condition. Following this, restoration efforts focused on the interior and exterior of the main house, as well as the east wing, ensuring the property was faithfully returned to its historical form.
EXTERIOR RESTORATION
Building on the findings of the Historic Structure Report, major stabilization work addressed both structural and long-standing issues. A new concrete foundation was added, and the arcade at the south portico was underpinned with new foundations installed under each pier. To resolve a persistent dampness problem that had plagued the building since Jefferson’s time, a comprehensive subsurface perimeter drainage system was installed.
The post-fire portions of the exterior masonry walls were dismantled and reconstructed to align with Jefferson’s original design. This included:
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Preparing detailed drawings for all exterior woodwork, including doors, windows, shutters, entablature, pediments, roof balustrade, central skylight, and Chinese railing.
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Re-positioning thirty-eight door and window openings.
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Reconstructing the timber roof structure using tin-plated sheet metal and wood cladding.
INTERIOR RESTORATION
Following the exterior restoration, MCWB began the interior restoration phase of the project. Each piece of this phase was done in accordance with the instructions Jefferson gave to his carpenters – ensuring exact historical authenticity
Work included:
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New herring-bone oak floors in the dining room
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Heart pine flooring laid throughout the house
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Plastering and lathing
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Mockups & designs of finished trim work on doors, windows and cornices
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With exterior and interior work completed on the main house, Poplar Forest is now once again appreciated as Jefferson’s most accomplished piece of domestic architecture.
EAST WING RESTORATION
The east wing of Poplar Forest branches off from the main house and consists of offices, which were demolished in 1830. MCWB worked to restore this section of the house over a 9-year period. This work involved stabilizing the surviving portions of masonry and reconstructing the missing walls, piers, and Jefferson’s uniquely designed serrated roof with its terrace deck. Additionally, the kitchen fireplace, oven, set kettle and the original 3 burner stove were reconstructed.
