Ivy Va Homes For Sale

Ivy VA Homes For Sale

Nestled in the heart of Albemarle County, Virginia, is the historic village of Ivy. Ivy is a place where time seems to stand still, and the echoes of the past reverberate through its picturesque landscapes with roots dating back to the 18th century. Ivy has evolved from a colonial settlement into a vibrant luxury Charlottesville neighborhood that seamlessly blends history with modernity.

Recently Sold Ivy VA Real Estate

Discovering Luxury Living: Homes for Sale in Ivy VA

Nestled in the rolling hills of Albemarle County, just west of Charlottesville, Ivy VA real estate represents some of Central Virginia’s most prestigious and sought-after properties. This historically rich community, known for its elegant estates and pristine landscapes, continues to attract discerning buyers seeking the perfect blend of rural charm and sophisticated living.

A Glimpse into Ivy’s History

Before exploring the current homes for sale Ivy VA offers, it’s worth understanding the area’s rich heritage. Established in the late 18th century, Ivy derived its name from the ivy-covered trees along the original railroad depot. The community grew around the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway line, which transported agricultural products from local farms to larger markets. Several historic properties from this era still stand today, carefully preserved and updated while maintaining their original character.

The area gained prominence in the early 20th century when wealthy families from the Northeast began establishing country estates here, drawn by the mild climate and spectacular Blue Ridge Mountain views. Many of these estates remain among the most prestigious homes for sale Ivy Charlottesville VA has to offer. Scroll down for a complete history of Ivy VA.

Ivy VA Real Estate

Ivy, VA, is a picturesque and highly desirable community nestled in Albemarle County, just a short drive west of Charlottesville. Known for its serene landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local culture, Ivy offers a perfect blend of rural charm and modern amenities. Ivy VA homes for sale are among the most sought-after properties in the region, attracting families, professionals, and retirees alike. The area’s unique appeal stems from its stunning natural beauty, excellent schools, and proximity to Charlottesville’s cultural and economic hubs. With keywords such as Ivy VA Zillow, Ivy VA real estate, Ivy Virginia homes for sale, Ivy homes for sale, homes for sale Ivy Charlottesville VA, homes for sale in Ivy VA, homes for sale near Ivy VA, Ivy Virginia real estate, and Zillow Ivy Virginia, it’s easy to see why this area captures the attention of prospective buyers.

One of Ivy’s defining features is its rich history. Established in the early 18th century, Ivy grew as a small farming community, with many of its early settlers drawn to the area’s fertile land and scenic surroundings. The community retains its historical charm, with landmarks like the Ivy Depot and historic farmhouses dotting the landscape. Many of the homes for sale in Ivy VA reflect this heritage, offering a mix of lovingly restored older homes and new constructions designed to complement the area’s traditional aesthetic.

For those exploring Ivy VA real estate, one of the most appealing aspects is the availability of properties with acreage. Ivy Virginia homes for sale often include expansive lots, perfect for families seeking privacy or those with an interest in gardening, farming, or equestrian activities. Local farms such as Bundoran Farm and Meriwether Springs Vineyard provide a glimpse into the area’s agricultural roots while showcasing its modern-day allure. These properties not only offer picturesque views but also embody the community’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and rural character.

Nearby vineyards further enhance Ivy’s charm, placing the community firmly on Virginia’s wine trail. King Family Vineyards and Grace Estate Winery are just a short drive away, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy world-class wines amidst breathtaking scenery. These vineyards host a variety of events throughout the year, from polo matches to wine tastings, adding to the vibrant social life in and around Ivy. For food enthusiasts, Duner’s Restaurant in Ivy is a local treasure. Known for its ever-changing menu and dedication to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Duner’s has earned a reputation as one of the best dining establishments in the Charlottesville area.

Another reason Ivy VA homes for sale are so popular is the area’s outstanding educational options. Ivy is served by some of the best schools in Albemarle County, including Murray Elementary, Henley Middle School, and Western Albemarle High School. Families are drawn to Ivy Virginia real estate because of the strong emphasis on academic excellence and community involvement that these schools promote. Additionally, the University of Virginia, located just a short drive away in Charlottesville, adds to the educational and cultural richness of the region.

The weather in Ivy VA is another major draw for residents. Like much of central Virginia, Ivy enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are particularly stunning, with blooming dogwoods and vibrant autumn foliage creating postcard-perfect landscapes. Summers are warm but not overly humid, making outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding a pleasure. Winters are relatively mild, with occasional snowfall that adds to the area’s charm without significantly disrupting daily life. This favorable climate enhances the appeal of homes for sale Ivy Charlottesville VA, as residents can enjoy outdoor pursuits year-round.

People love Ivy VA real estate for many reasons, but one of the most significant is the sense of community that permeates the area. Despite its growth and increasing popularity, Ivy retains a small-town feel where neighbors know one another and local businesses are an integral part of daily life. The Ivy Community Association organizes events and initiatives that bring residents together, fostering a strong sense of belonging. Whether it’s a community picnic, a charity event, or a local farmers’ market, there’s always something happening that highlights the warm and welcoming spirit of Ivy.

In terms of market trends, homes for sale in Ivy VA range from charming cottages to sprawling estates. Zillow Ivy Virginia listings often highlight properties with features such as hardwood floors, gourmet kitchens, and expansive outdoor spaces. Buyers can choose from a variety of architectural styles, including Colonial, Craftsman, and contemporary designs. Many homes are equipped with modern amenities while still retaining the character and charm that define Ivy VA real estate.

Recent sales data shows that Ivy VA homes for sale tend to move quickly, reflecting the high demand for properties in this coveted area. Buyers are particularly drawn to homes with easy access to major thoroughfares such as Route 250 and Interstate 64, which provide convenient connections to Charlottesville and beyond. Additionally, properties near natural landmarks like Ragged Mountain Reservoir and the Blue Ridge Mountains command premium prices due to their stunning views and recreational opportunities.

For those seeking homes for sale near Ivy VA, the surrounding areas offer additional options that combine rural charm with modern conveniences. Nearby neighborhoods like Crozet and Greenwood provide a similar blend of small-town ambiance and high-quality housing options. However, Ivy’s unique combination of history, location, and community makes it a standout choice for buyers.

In conclusion, Ivy VA is a hidden gem in Albemarle County, offering a lifestyle that perfectly balances tranquility and sophistication. Whether you’re drawn to its historical charm, its proximity to Charlottesville, or its array of amenities, Ivy has something for everyone. From picturesque farms and vineyards to top-notch schools and a strong sense of community, the area’s appeal is undeniable. If you’re exploring Ivy VA Zillow listings or considering purchasing Ivy VA real estate, now is the perfect time to discover all that this remarkable community has to offer. With homes for sale Ivy Charlottesville VA, homes for sale in Ivy VA, and homes for sale near Ivy VA, there’s no shortage of options for finding your dream property in this idyllic corner of Virginia.

Note – Ivy to UVA is 5.8 miles or 8 mins.

Note – Distance Ivy VA to Charlottesville is 9 miles or 15mins.

Ivy VA Post Office Hours: 434-296-4864 Hours: Mon – Fri 8-12. Then a 1-hour lunch break and 1-4. Sat 8-12.

Ivy VA Weather: Usually 2 yearly snowfalls and four full seasons.

Ivy Premier Neighborhoods and Estates

When exploring homes for sale in Ivy VA, buyers will discover several distinctive neighborhoods:

Ivy Area Estates

The heart of Ivy features expansive estate properties, many with 10+ acres of manicured grounds. These homes often include:

* Custom-built mansions with sophisticated architectural details

* Historic homes meticulously restored with modern amenities

* Private drives lined with centuries-old trees

* Equestrian facilities and premium landscaping

Farmington

While technically straddling both Ivy and Charlottesville, Farmington represents one of the area’s most prestigious addresses. The neighborhood features:

* Proximity to the historic Farmington Country Club

* Homes designed by renowned architects

* Carefully planned landscapes

* Strong community associations

Meriwether Lewis Estates

Named after the famous explorer who was born nearby, this neighborhood offers:

* Large lots with mature landscaping

* Custom-built homes from the mid-20th century to present

* Excellent school district

* Close-knit community atmosphere

Current Market Trends

The Ivy VA real estate market maintains its reputation for stability and value appreciation. Current trends in homes for sale Ivy VA include:

Property Types

* Historic estates with modern updates

* Contemporary luxury builds

* Gentleman farms and equestrian properties

* Building lots for custom homes

Price Points

While Ivy is known for luxury properties, the market offers various entry points:

* Estate homes typically ranging from $1.5 million to $5 million+

* Mid-sized family homes from $750,000 to $1.5 million

* Land parcels for custom building starting at $300,000

Lifestyle and Amenities

Residents choosing homes for sale in Ivy VA enjoy an enviable lifestyle combining privacy with convenience:

Location Benefits

* Just 15 minutes from downtown Charlottesville

* Easy access to the University of Virginia

* Proximity to top-rated schools

* Quick drive to Shenandoah National Park

Local Attractions

* Historic Ivy Creek Natural Area

* Meriwether Lewis Elementary School

* Ivy Corner Shopping Center

* Multiple award-winning wineries

Educational Excellence

Education plays a crucial role in Ivy VA real estate values. The area is served by:

* Ivy Elementary School (consistently rated among Virginia’s best)

* Henley Middle School

* Western Albemarle High School

Architectural Styles

Homes for sale Ivy Charlottesville VA showcase various architectural styles:

* Georgian Revival

* Federal

* Contemporary

* Modern Farmhouse

* French Country

* Colonial Revival

Investment Potential

Several factors make Ivy VA real estate particularly attractive for investment:

Strong Value Retention

* Limited inventory preserves property values

* Strict zoning maintains neighborhood character

* Continued demand from luxury buyers

* Proximity to growing Charlottesville market

Development Controls

* Conservation easements protect views and open spaces

* Architectural review processes maintain standards

* Historical preservation guidelines

* Environmental protection measures

Living in Ivy

The Ivy lifestyle offers unique advantages:

Natural Beauty

* Protected viewsheds of the Blue Ridge Mountains

* Ancient hardwood forests

* Pristine streams and natural areas

* Four distinct seasons with mild winters

Community Character

* Strong sense of history and place

* Active community organizations

* Cultural events and activities

* Privacy and security

Tips for Buyers

For those considering homes for sale in Ivy VA:

Working with Specialists

* Partner with realtors experienced in luxury properties

* Engage local attorneys familiar with historic properties

* Consult with conservation experts when applicable

* Work with inspectors experienced in historic homes

Timing Considerations

* Spring and fall typically see the most inventory

* Historic properties require thorough due diligence

* Custom building often involves longer timelines

* Conservation easements may affect plans

Conclusion

The market for homes for sale in Ivy VA represents a unique opportunity to join one of Virginia’s most prestigious communities. Whether seeking a historic estate, modern luxury home, or the perfect plot for a custom build, Ivy offers exceptional properties in an unmatched setting. The combination of natural beauty, historic significance, and modern amenities continues to make Ivy VA real estate some of the most desirable in Central Virginia.

Ivy homes can be found in Colthurst, Greencroft, Ivy Ridge, Spring Hill, Rosemont, The Rocks, Ragged Mountain Farm, Turner Mountain Wood, Villa Deste, and Wind River.

All of these are in the Western Albemarle School District of Ivy Elementary (previously named Meriwether Lewis Elementary), Virginia Murray Elementary, Henley Middle, and Western Albemarle High.

Ivy is one of Albemarle County’s best values and it recently seems a lot of people would like to buy Ivy VA real estate. Prices are quickly rising as people from all over the United States come to live next to Meriwether Lewis’s homestead and the wonderful public schools that western Albemarle offers.

My favorite Ivy Va homes for sale are located in: Beau Mont Farm, Ivy Fields, Ragged Mountain Farm, Rosemont Farm, and The Rocks.

Ivy Virginia History

No one is quite sure of the exact dates of settlers moved into the area about 7 miles west of Charlottesville. But records indicate there were farms in the early 1700s. Residents seem equally doubtful about where the community’s name came from. At one time, the area was known as Harden’s Tavern, because of a popular drinking establishment there.

The community gradually became known as Ivy Depot when the C & O Railroad came through at the turn of the century. Eventually this was dropped to just Ivy. According to residents, Ivy may have been dubbed because of the poison ivy vines once believed prevalent around the creeks but no longer a problem. Ivy is home to the fabulous Ivy Nursery.

Meriwether Lewis, the noted explorer and leader of the Lewis and Clark expedition, was born in Ivy in 1774. A historic marker denotes the site of the building.

Meriwether Lewis Locust Grove commemmorative marker

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Ivy VA, founded originally in 1838 at Mechum’s River, was moved to its present Ivy location in 1868. Its congregation has traditionally been an active one. From vestry minutes we learn there was a consistent problem with some members. A group of men regularly slipped out the back door and sneaked over to imbibe at Harden’s tavern. More than one member feared the strictness of regulations was driving many to neglect their church. The situation evidently improved, as St. Paul’s has one of the largest congregations in this area for a church this size.

The Ivy Store (now the Ivy Corner Garden Center) opened in 1883.

The foremost commercial operation, the store had also been the leading social center through the years. Toddsberry’s (now closed) is across the street is now what the Ivy Store originally was.

Toddsbury’s Before It Closed in 2021

A number of long-time Ivy residents’ miss bygone activities.

In the 1930s field hockey was a major activity at Chris Greene’s orchard for many of the local English people. Nearby residents would gather each weekend for the fun. They recruited Dr. David Wilson as a player primarily to take charge should any accidents occur. He ended up breaking his own leg.

One of the oldest swimming pools in the state was built in Ivy in the early 1900s. The pool was for Warner Wood’s private boy’s school now known as Bloomfield.

The pool is now known as The Blue Ridge Swim Club.

A more somber event occurred in October 1959. A tornado touched down in Ivy, and among the fatalities were six people in one family in the Peacock Hill area. The tornado ripped the roofs off many Ivy homes and damaged automobiles and other belongings.

Ivy has experienced considerable residential growth in the last 15 years. Subdivisions have sprung up at every chance but the houses are not atypical of the houses you would expect in a subdivision.

It’s still a wonderful place to live and raise a family and hey, I live here too!

My log home is known as The Shadows on Tilman Rd; and was built in 1753, 1840 and 1940 respectively.

Settlement To Society (1607-1750)and Colony To Nation (1750-1789)

The Ivy area was one of the first to be settled in Albemarle County. The Scotch-Irish settler Michael Woods crossed over the Blue Ridge Mountains to Albemarle County from the Shenandoah Valley by way of Wood’s Gap (now more commonly known as Jarman’s Gap) in the 1730’s. His sons-in-law, Andrew and William Wallace, accompanied him.

The Wallace brothers purchased 2,000 acres on the headwaters of Ivy Creek shortly thereafter. Charles Hudson had patented this land in the early 1730’s, although Hudson probably never lived on his land. In 1737 Michael Woods patented 1,300 acres along Meechum’s River and Lickinghole Creek; he also bought the former Hudson lands from his Wallace sons-in-law. Woods is generally acknowledged to be the first settler in Albemarle County.

Andrew Wallace remained on part of the property acquired from Hudson. This farm is now known as Spring Hill Farm and is located at the southern end of the present village of Ivy.

William Wallace built a house near Piedmont, his family farm near Greenwood, at the eastern foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Lewis family was another early prominent family in the Ivy area. Robert Lewis, owner of Belmont Plantation near Keswick, patented 6,500 acres in the Ivy area in 1740. At the time, Lewis was one of the largest landowners in Albemarle County.

His son, William Lewis, married Lucy Meriwether and lived at a house on this property known as Locust Hill. It was located just north of the present village of Ivy.

Their son, Meriwether Lewis, was born in 1774 at Locust Hill. He achieved lasting fame as president Thomas Jefferson’s private secretary and leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Lewis house at Locust Hill burned around 1838. The present house on the property is of a later date.

Other families lived on mostly medium-sized farms, growing tobacco in the rich Piedmont soil. By the end of the eighteenth century, wheat and other cereal grains had become the dominant crops in Albemarle County.

Population growth in many parts of Albemarle County was tied to the existing road system. One of the most important colonial-era roads was the Three Notched (or Three Notch’d) Road, which generally followed the route of present U.S. 250 or Route 240 between Richmond and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The road passed through the Ivy area and encouraged the established of several taverns and way stations.

Probably the best known was the so-called D.S. Tavern, located to the east of Ivy.

Although the Anglican faith was the official religion in Virginia during the colonial era, there were sufficient numbers of Presbyterians living in the Ivy area that they issued a call to the Rev. Samuel Black of Pennsylvania to be minister of a Presbyterian meetinghouse near Ivy, a charge he shared with Mountains Plains Presbyterian Church.

Early National Period (1789-1830)

William Lewis of Locust Hill died in 1780. His wife Lucy remarried and moved to Georgia in 1787. After her second husband’s death, she returned to Locust Hill where she died in 1836.

One of her sons, Reuben Lewis, was trained in medicine. He lived on part of the Locust Hill property now known as Valley Point Farm. The two story brick Federal style house on this farm is significant as one of the earliest houses still standing in Ivy. Dating from the early 1800’s, it is located north of Route 250 about a half mile east of the railroad crossing.

Another house from the early 1800’s is Home Tract (sold for $880,000 in 2023) is a brick Federal style dwelling.

In 1805, Benjamin Hardin, son of Isaac Hardin of Greenwood Farm in western Albemarle County, bought a brick house about a mile west of Ivy. This house, renamed Hardendale, was the only house built in the abortive community of Morgantown. Hardin operated a tavern at Hardendale known as the Albemarle Hotel until 1826.

Morgantown is a a two-lane country road that runs parallel with Rt 29. It became an African American community as the land was more or less unfarmable and next to the railroad tracks. The two major plantations were Hardendale and Grassmere now a neighborhood.

As of 2024, the few homes that come on the market are snapped up by investors since Virginia Murray Elementary is here and it’s an excellent elementary school.

Charles Harper, a farmer from Culpeper, located an hour north by car, bought 800 hundred acres of the Spring Hill tract south of Ivy village from Thomas Wells in 1814.

Harper eventually owned 1,200 acres. In 1817, he sold 300 acres and a half interest in a mill on Ivy Creek to his son Joseph. Joseph Harper in turn sold a fifty-acre tract in 1826 to Benjamin Wood.

Spring Hill Farm is a luxury neighborhood today when the farm was subdivided.

Wood, or his nephew John Wood Jr. built a store just south of the present railroad tracts. The community that grew up around this store became known as Woodville. The oldest section of a two-part brick store located south of the railroad tracts near Home Tract in Ivy may have also belonged to the Wood family. Architectural evidence, including its brick bond and mouse tooth cornice, indicates an 1810-1825 date of construction.

Antebellum Period (1830-1860)

The Three Notch’d Road was an important transportation route during the antebellum period for goods and passengers traveling between Richmond and Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

Wood’s Store was an important stop along this route and was the commercial heart of the surrounding community.

By the 1850s the railroad had arrived in Albemarle County. It spurred further commercial development in several communities including Woodville.

The Virginia Central Railroad (until 1850 known as the Louisa railroad) line ran west from Charlottesville and reached Woodville by 1851-1852.

The Blue Ridge Railroad Company built a series of tunnels and cuts near Greenwood that extended rail service through the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Shenandoah Valley. The Virginia Central completed its track beyond Woodville as far as Mechum’s River by October 1852. There it joined the route of the Blue Ridge Railroad.

Two years later, temporary tracks were laid around the tunnel construction, which allowed Virginia Central trains to cross the Blue Ridge Mountains. The provision of dependable east-west rail service through western Albemarle County greatly stimulated the area’s economic development in the pre-war period.

The rail stop and post office at Woodville were known as Woodville Depot in postal directories between 1853 and 1857. In 1859 the name of the post office was changed to Ivy Depot, probably after Ivy Creek. In 1859, Woodville/Ivy Depot was one of twenty election precincts in Albemarle County.

The Old Ivy Depot (Now a residence)

Ivy VA During The Civil War

Relatively little military action occurred in Albemarle County during the Civil War. Nonetheless, Ivy Depot’s location along an important rail line made it a natural target for Union forces when they passed through the area in 1865. Union forces under General Philip Sheridan stopped at Ivy Depot on their way to Charlottesville from the Shenandoah Valley on March 2-3, 1865. General Sheridan ordered destruction of “government property and subsistence” at Ivy Depot. The original railroad station was burned by the troops. A second railroad station, built of brick, was built soon after. This station stood until demolished by the C & O Railroad in 1977.

Reconstruction and Growth

Ivy Depot is clearly indicated on both the Hotchkiss map and the 1875 Peyton map of Albemarle County. Among the businesses shown on the map is Ivy Mills. It was located near the bend of Ivy Creek where it is crossed by present 637 just southeast of the village. This mill was once part of the Spring Hill estate owned by the Harper family in 1810. By 1875 the mill was owned by J. Wood. The mill building dated from the early 1800s and stood until demolished in 1979.

Ivy Mill’s Ruins

There were also a number of churches standing in Ivy by this time. The Peyton map showed St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, built in the 1850s, at its present location north of Rt. 250.

Its present appearance is the result of numerous remodeling carried out in the twentieth century. An unnamed church is marked on the 1875 map on the south side of the present Rt. 738. It is likely the forerunner to Calvary Baptist Church.

The present church was built for a black Baptist congregation in the 1880s. With its ornate steeple, decorated with a jig-sawn carving of a man’s head in profile, it is one of the most unusual churches from its period in Albemarle County.

Shiloh Church was located on the north side just to the west. It is no longer standing today.

Shiloh Cemetery

Estates and landowners marked on the Peyton map in the immediate vicinity of the village in 1875 included Dr. Anderson at Locust Hill; the Greaves family; J. W. Woods; Dr. Taylor; and J. Woods at Spring Hill. About fourteen buildings are shown clustered along the intersection of today’s Rt. 738 and 637 with the railroad.

In the 1870s, the village also had a sassafras oil works, which produced oil for perfumes and medicines. A Dr. Taylor manufactured and packaged horse powders that were ” a sure cure for bots in horses.” Ivy Depot was also a major shipping point for tanbark and farm products. For a brief time, general merchants White and Via produced their own newspaper, primarily to advertise their goods.

In the late 1880s, a one-room post office was built on the corner of Rt. 637 near the Home Tract property. It served the village until the late 1930s when the post office moved to its present location. The one room building was then demolished, although the letterboxes were salvaged and used in the new one.

A one-story frame community center known as Ivy Hall, was constructed in the 1880s and hosted dances, theatrical events, and social gatherings in the village until the late 1930s when it burned. It stood on the site now known as Ivy Corner Nursery and the post office, just east of the train trestle on the south side of Rt. 250. The nursery occupies a building constructed to house the Ivy Store. The forerunner of this store was located closer to the depot and was founded in 1883.

St. Paul’s Ivy

In 1888, a British clergyman, the Rev. Frederick William Neve, was appointed rector of both St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Ivy and Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Greenwood. He held both of these positions for many years. When Neve first arrived in Ivy, he boarded with the Alexander Small family, who lived at Locust Hill. Neve conducted missionary work in the remote mountain areas of Albemarle and Greene Counties.

In 1904, he was appointed to the newly created post of Archdeacon of The Blue Ridge. This raised his work to an official position within Episcopal Church government and allowed him to cross diocesan boundaries.

About 1896, Neve built is home Kirklea, adjacent to St. Paul’s in Ivy. The house is a fine example of the Queen Anne style and includes a detached kitchen as well.

Kirklea

By 1890, the white graded school at Ivy had two teachers, as did the black school at Ivy Creek. Both schools were rather unusual for their time, as most other schools were still one-room buildings.

Anna Barringer, daughter of Paul B. Barringer, the late chairman of the faculty at the University of Virginia, described one segment of Ivy society at the turn of the century in her memoirs:

“The Ivy community, while basically Southern, had been filled for years with English ‘younger sons and remittance men’ who liked horses and the outdoors. The stable crops were training hunters and raising apples or peaches as the land decided. That took up the morning; afternoons were given to tea, tennis, croquet or hockey. Of course a foxhunt took precedence over everything.

St. Paul’s Church, Ivy, was assiduously attended, and followed the Anglican rather than the Virginia low-church ritual.”

In 1911, Ivy Depot had an estimated population of one hundred. Most residential buildings standing in Ivy today date from the period between 1890 and 1915, indicative of the area’s economic prosperity.

Houses are concentrated along Rt. 637 (Dick Woods Road) and Rt. 738 (Morgantown Road). They are typically two-story, three-bay gable-roofed frame buildings. One of the best preserved from this period is the Velimirovic House.

World War I to World War II (1914-1945)

Around 1918, Ivy Depot was considered briefly as the site for Meriwether Lewis College for Women as a companion institution to the all-male University of Virginia.

The Rev. Neve was one of the chief proponents of the short-lived idea. In 1920, Meriwether Lewis School was built near Ivy.

By 1928, as public schools began to consolidate and more advanced courses were offered, the school at Ivy was one of seven accredited high schools in the county. Lynchburg architect Stanhope Johnson prepared plans for the school, although his designs were not used.

In 1923, Rev. Neve resigned as rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church after 35 years of service. Thereafter, he devoted his full attention to his mission work in the mountains until his death in 1945.

The construction of modern automobile highways in the 1920s and 1930s changed the character of many communities in Albemarle County, including Ivy Depot. During the first half of the 1930s the present U.S. Rt. 250 was laid out running north of Rt. 738. The economic and transportation focus of the Ivy Depot community shifted away from the old railway depot and Rt. 738 and towards Rt. 250.

Rail passenger traffic declined steeply during the interwar period and ceased in the 1940s. In 1939 the Ivy Store moved to the building it occupied adjacent to the post office until it closed in 1992.

The Old Ivy Store now Ivy Corner Nursery

Ivy Corner Nursery now occupies the building. In recognition of the fact that it was no longer an important rail stop, the name of the community was changed for postal purposes from Ivy Depot to Ivy in 1951.

Another important result of the new highways in Albemarle County was the construction of several tourist hotels in the 1920s and 1930s. The Sunset Lodge, Albemarle County’s first motel, opened about a mile west of Ivy in 1938.

Another motel, called the Siesta Motor Lodge, opened between 1951 and 1953 on Rt. 250 at Ivy. Its buildings have been adaptively reused today to house the Ivy Commons Shops and Duner’s Restaurant.

Duners Restaurant (once the check-in for the Siesta Motor Lodge)

Siesta Motor Lodge (now shops and businesses)

In the post World War II period, Ivy lost numerous historic buildings to fire and demolition. The former Ivy Depot, Woods Store, Ivy Hall and the Ivy Mill are no longer existent, depriving Ivy of much of its historically commercial character. Newer commercial and service buildings have been built along U.S. Rt. 250, completing the shift of economic center from the railroad and Rt. 738 to the highway.

Architectural Description of Ivy

Ivy is a dispersed settlement consisting of several farms, commercial and religious buildings, and a large collection of single-family residences. Buildings range in date from late eighteenth to the mid-twentieth centuries and represent a wide variety of building types, materials and styles.

The predominant building type is the two-story frame residence dating from the turn of the century. The two church buildings are significant as examples of rural religious architecture of the late nineteenth century.

The historic buildings in Ivy reflect the village’s different periods of prosperity and expansion as the community evolved from a crossroads hamlet to a rail stop and commercial center.

Greencroft Country Club

The oldest buildings in Ivy date from the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries when Ivy was a primarily agricultural area.

Homes of historic and architectural interest include: Valley Point farm, Spring Hill, Woodstock Hall, Malvern, Verulum, Cherry Hill Farm, Orchard Hill, Locust Hill and Bloomfield.