One of America’s most historically significant private estates has officially entered the luxury real estate market. Historic Tuckahoe, the Virginia plantation where Thomas Jefferson spent part of his childhood, is now listed for $17 million, marking the property’s first public offering in nearly a century.
Located along the scenic James River just 30 minutes west of downtown Richmond, the extraordinary 557-acre estate combines Colonial architecture, preserved historic landmarks, and centuries of American history in a setting unlike any other.
Historic Tuckahoe Preserves More Than 300 Years of American Heritage
Built between 1733 and 1740 by Colonial planter and politician William Randolph III, the elegant H-shaped manor house remains the only surviving Randolph family residence still standing on its original site. Following the deaths of William Randolph III and his wife, Peter and Jane Jefferson—the parents of Thomas Jefferson—became guardians of the Randolph children. As a result, the future U.S. president lived at Tuckahoe from the age of two until about nine, an important period that shaped his early education and upbringing.
Although the Jefferson family never owned the plantation, historical records show that Jefferson continued to visit the estate later in life, reinforcing its lasting connection to one of America’s Founding Fathers.
A Remarkably Preserved Colonial Estate
The main residence offers approximately 6,500 square feet of living space with five bedrooms and six bathrooms, showcasing timeless Colonial architecture through original woodwork, handcrafted fireplaces, wide-plank flooring, and elegant period details. The home’s symmetrical design, white-painted clapboard exterior, shuttered windows, and welcoming portico reflect the craftsmanship of early 18th-century Virginia.
Beyond the manor house, Historic Tuckahoe remains one of the country’s most complete surviving Colonial estates. Original outbuildings—including the kitchen, smokehouse, barn, storehouse, overseer’s office, and the one-room schoolhouse where Thomas Jefferson received his earliest formal education—have all been carefully preserved. The estate also retains several historic structures associated with the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation, offering an important and honest reflection of its complex history.
Nearly a Century of Family Stewardship
The property has remained in the hands of the Thompson family, descendants of Isabelle and Nehemiah Addison Baker, who acquired the estate in 1935. For decades, the family has maintained Historic Tuckahoe as a private residence while allowing educational tours that share its architectural and historical significance with the public.
According to listing agent Murdoch Matheson of Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty, selling the estate was a deeply considered decision. He noted that after nearly 100 years of family ownership, the opportunity now exists for a new steward to preserve one of America’s most remarkable historic homes for future generations.
California Luxury Houses reviewed the property’s historical background and found that Historic Tuckahoe was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1969. Conservation easements and ongoing preservation efforts continue to protect the estate’s architectural integrity and cultural importance.
A Rare Opportunity in Virginia’s Luxury Real Estate Market
In addition to its historical significance, Historic Tuckahoe offers an exceptional lifestyle within Virginia’s scenic countryside. The expansive grounds feature mature gardens, open fields, woodlands, and riverfront landscapes while remaining conveniently located near Richmond’s renowned dining, cultural attractions, private schools, and executive transportation.
Luxury estates with documented ties to America’s Founding Fathers rarely become available, making Historic Tuckahoe one of the most distinctive real estate offerings of 2026. Combining more than three centuries of history with remarkable preservation and natural beauty, the estate presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for collectors, preservationists, and buyers seeking an irreplaceable piece of American heritage.