Monticello Inn & Cottage

Monticello Inn & Cottage: Slate Hill Baptist Church Historic Renovation

Project Overview

This renovation focused on preserving the former Slate Hill Baptist Church, a historically significant building dating back to the 1830s, while integrating modern sustainability practices. Listed with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) and the National Park Service (NPS) as part of the Southern Albemarle Rural Historic District, the structure was at risk of deterioration. Our goal was to restore its architectural integrity, adapt it for new use, and manage the surrounding land responsibly for long-term benefit.

Purpose & Vision

The project balanced two core goals: historic preservation and sustainable development. As a developer with a track record in adaptive reuse projects ranging from single-family homes to 20,000 sq/ft apartments, this initiative marked a shift to larger-scale sustainable land management. The work was guided by the question: “What am I leaving behind for the next generation?”

Key sustainability features include:

• Rainwater harvesting systems
• Native plantings
• Swales and berms for water management
• Plans for a rain retention pond
• Solar panel installation (separate from the historic structure)

Challenges & Solutions

Historic rehabilitation presents unique construction challenges. Renovating a structure with nearly 200 years of history required thoughtful coordination between architects, engineers, and historic consultants.

• Structural Reinforcement: Termite damage, dry rot, and insufficient cinder block supports from the 1950s required new structural piers for stabilization.
• Mechanical Systems: With limited crawl space, the design included one central duct above the rafters to preserve interior visibility while ensuring modern HVAC function.
• Roof & Insulation: Insulation was placed outside the decking so the original roof decking remains visible inside the sanctuary.
• Preservation of Materials: Much of the original floor joist system was retained, while compromised sections were carefully replaced.

Historic Discoveries

During the restoration process, several significant discoveries were made that deepened the understanding of the building’s past:

• Beadboard Walls: Original beadboard was uncovered, spanning floor to ceiling.
• Layered Hardwood Floors: Two distinct layers of finished hardwood flooring revealed changes over time.
• Pulpit History: The rounded pulpit was determined to be a later addition. The original 1830s lectern stand was preserved, refinished, and returned to the sanctuary.
• Historic Context: Originally part of Morven Plantation, the building began as a community meeting house in the 1830s. In 1868, one acre of land and the meeting house were deeded to Slate Hill Baptist Church for shared use as a church and neighborhood cemetery.

The Slate Hill Baptist Church renovation exemplifies the Commonwealth Contractors mission: to preserve the past while planning for the future. By combining careful historic rehabilitation with forward-thinking sustainability practices, the project not only safeguards a piece of Virginia’s architectural heritage but also ensures responsible land use for generations to come.