I wouldn't mind coming home to a front porch like that :)
Montpelier had many different owners after President Madison died and then was sold to the duPont family (yes - those duPonts!) in the early twentieth century who "enhanced" it with many additions, renovations, etc. Now The Montpelier Foundation has restored the house to what it looked like when the Madisons lived there in the 1820s. There is still some work to be done - curators are trying to track down furniture which belonged to the Madisons and which was sold after the president's death - but the tour is really interesting and gives you a first-hand look at the restoration process. The gardens have also been restored and are worth a quick stroll.
Hangin' with the Madisons :)
I really liked those lions in the garden :)
It's a little hard to tell in this picture, but there is a steeplechase race course and a flat race track in the distance. One of the duPonts was quite a horse breeder and hosted races on the estate.
I love this part of the country and can't wait to return soon! And I have a good excuse to return too since we didn't get to visit Barboursville Vineyards as planned while we were there :) Next time ...
