Oak Hill, with 1,240 acres of forestland, open fields, and extensive river frontage, is a gem of open space in suburban Northern Virginia. Located in Loudoun County, it serves as a gateway between the heavily developed regions of Northern Virginia and the rural west, known as Virginia’s Hunt Country. The estate holds immense cultural and historical significance, anchored by its well-preserved mansion completed in 1823 by President James Monroe.

Monroe acquired the land in 1794 and, following the burning of Washington, D.C., in 1814, turned his focus to building a peaceful retreat. Monroe’s most enduring legacy during his residence at Oak Hill was the Monroe Doctrine, delivered to Congress in 1823, which declared European non-interference in the Western Hemisphere and remains a cornerstone of American foreign policy. After two terms as president, Monroe retired to Oak Hill, where he farmed, wrote his autobiography, and hosted guests.

Beyond its architectural beauty and presidential legacy, Oak Hill holds valuable stories of enslaved African Americans and indigenous peoples who lived and worked on the land. It also contains geological artifacts and remnants of early mechanized agricultural systems. Though it passed out of the Monroe family in the late 19th century, it remains the only privately owned home of a Founding Father. Antiques from Monroe’s era sit alongside modern furnishings, preserving its deep history.

Today, Oak Hill is owned by the DeLashmutt family, and after seven decades of stewardship, the family is ready to part with Oak Hill, provided it is permanently conserved and open to the public. A privately owned property of this size is unheard of in Northern Virginia, and the once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure it for public access is remarkable. Currently, the land is vulnerable to development, with no restrictions on its future use.

To ensure its protection, the family partnered with The Conservation Fund. Together, we are working with the Commonwealth of Virginia to establish the state’s first park centered on a president’s home. Our goal is to preserve Oak Hill and its surrounding lands as a public space, honoring James Monroe’s legacy and serving as a living reminder of the historical, architectural, and cultural heritage that has shaped the United States.

Learn More

• Press Release: “The Conservation Fund Poised To Preserve U.S. President Monroe’s Oak Hill Home”