A Look Inside The Gorgeous Mansion That's The Most Expensive Home In Virginia
A large estate in Scottsville, Virginia has hit the real estate market for $55 million, per Realtor. While this residence that's referred to as Mount Ida may seem a bit pricey, think again, as the property includes multiple venues, homes, and almost every amenity imaginable. The listing states that the current owners have spent a total of nearly $100 million over the years to make the estate as high end and high tech as possible. With multiple spaces for venue running, a brewery, stables, a vineyard, and a caterer's kitchen, the property is quite clearly an investment that makes the seemingly high price point more than reasonable.
If there aren't enough revenue generating features on the property for your taste, Daniel Hider, the listing agent, told Realtor that there are no restrictions on the property or land, meaning you can build it up to your heart's content. He also says the home and buildings are in top shape, saying nothing at Mount Ida is rusted or squeaky.
A look at the 3,000-acre estate
Formerly owned by the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton CEO — the world's third richest man, Bernard Arnault, according to Realtor – the estate is described as a southern dream by listing agent Daniel Heider. It actually only recently became a revenue generating property, opening its doors to venues, wine tastings, etc.
The Mount Ida Reserve website offers a few different services, including hosting weddings at four different locations on the estate, a wine tasting by the vineyards, or events at the tap house. Or, you can enjoy a nice evening at the restaurant, or a weekend getaway at the manor, cottage, lake house, or bungalow. You can even host corporate events like meetings, conferences, retreats, parties, and fundraising galas.
The property sits on almost 3,000 acres; the Realtor listing states that the estate includes two historic manors, two separate horse stables with eight stalls each along with paved and unpaved paths for horse riding, two tennis courts, a pool, a go-kart track, a water slide, multiple beaches, and room to hike, bike, or ride ATVs. Other buildings on the property include the 12,000-square-foot lodge with a caterer's kitchen and two event spaces, the 10,000-square-foot event barn with two banquet rooms, the 12,000-square-foot tasting room and restaurant that fits up to 250 people, the 15-barrel brewery, the 20-acre vineyard, 19 rental properties, a 20,000-square-foot shop, as well as other carriage houses, barns, etc.
Inside Mount Ida Reserve
The 12,000-square-foot manor is the main residence for the owners when staying at the estate. Realtor states that, despite the multiple venues, tasting rooms, restaurant, etc. the home has always been designed to house a single family — less of a commercial residence, and more of a family retreat and private compound.
The main manor, located on the water and behind the vineyard, is introduced by a large fountain, per Realtor. The home is accessed through the foyer, which immediately introduces both the history and modernity of the home. Listing agent Daniel Hider says the home is definitely historic, dating back to the age of the founding fathers, but renovated with modern amenities and comforts. There are stunning, wide-planked wood floors on the ground level in a deep, rich tone. The walls are painted white, creating more space and brightness. A staircase leads upstairs, and the foyer branches off to other rooms in the home.
More of the historic manor
There aren't many pictures of the inside of the main manor house on the Realtor listing, but from what's there, it appears that the master suite of the home includes an attached full living room with a fireplace. The same gorgeous wood floors continue throughout the home, as do the white walls. The estate also comes fully furnished, per Realtor, so the grand furnishings seen in staging photos are up for grabs.
The sitting room has gorgeous Colonial style furnishings mixed in with comfortable and homey pieces, antique red chairs paired with a plush white couch, and a sleek black metal coffee table paired with standing candelabras. There are two doors into the master bedroom, separated by a thick wall with engravings and a cozy fire in the center.
The bedroom is just as large and grand, with wood floors and soft beige walls. Large glass double doors lead out to a small rounded balcony overlooking the water, offering a gorgeous view in both the morning and evening. The room includes a four poster king bed, antique side tables, a beautiful wooden wardrobe, and two plush chairs.