Albemarle County, Virginia
Client: Private Client
Acreage: 1,038
Completed: 1990 & 1998

Berry Farm is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwestern reaches of Albemarle County, Virginia. With its lowest point along the scenic Doyle's River the property extends to the top of Fox Mountain and consists of over 200 acres – 50% mature woodland and 50% pasture and early successional forest. The owners plan to keep the open pasture land available for a small-scale equestrian facility while creating several home sites on selected clearings in the woodland.

One of the more significant site elements will be a three quarter mile long entry drive that leads to the equestrian facility and home sites. What could otherwise be considered a mundane road has been elevated to a thoughtful procession in the spirit of Frederick Law Olmsted's entry road to the Biltmore Estate and, to a lesser extent, the Blue Ridge Parkway. Staying true to our overall design philosophy of laying lightly upon the land, we have achieved minimal cut and fill sections on this highly topographic terrain. Precise horizontal and vertical curve alignment, coupled with selective clearing and a planting design using native species, makes the entrance drive an example of meticulous engineering and environmentally conscientious and beautiful land design.