Jefferson owned several plantations but built elaborate houses for his personal use at only two of them -- Monticello and Poplar Forest. In 1806, Jefferson began the construction of his octagonal brick house at Poplar Forest -- the centerpiece of his intricate villa design.

The concept of a country villa was an idea as old as Roman times and was well known to Jefferson from his extensive reading of classical literature. After attempting unsuccessfully to create various retreats in his younger years, Jefferson finally achieved the construction of his own villa retreat for his retirement. His isolated Bedford County land was perfectly suited as the place to create this final masterpiece. 

At Poplar Forest, Jefferson utilized many of the architectural ideas he had collected throughout his years of study and his travels abroad. The 16th century Italian architect, Andrea Palladio, greatly influenced Jefferson's plan for Poplar Forest. He utilized Palladio's rules of design and the idea of blending landscape with architecture. Jefferson also incorporated many French design ideas and conveniences he had observed in Paris, such as floor-to-ceiling windows, alcove beds, a skylight, and an indoor privy. From his earliest use of architectural handbooks, Jefferson became fascinated with octagons. Although he included them in many designs, the house at Poplar Forest is the only octagonal structure Jefferson designed that was actually constructed.

Jefferson's perfect retreat was altered after the fire of 1845. Research by the Poplar Forest restoration staff yielded a wealth of information about the original design and construction of the house. Jefferson was involved in every aspect of the building of this home and wrote numerous letters from the White House to his workers detailing his designs. This information, as well as the extensive investigation of the existing structure, has helped the restoration team determine the intricate specifics of restoring this home to its original splendor.  Restoration of the exterior was completed in the summer of 1998.

Writing in 1812, Jefferson revealed his pleasure in the quality of the design of his retreat, "When finished, it will be the best dwelling house in the state, except that of Monticello; perhaps preferable to that, as more proportioned to the faculties of a private citizen."