Belle Meade
on the James
Stay overnight, experience events by the river, and enjoy 106 acres of Virginia farm history.
Scottsville, VirginiaWelcome to Belle Meade
Belle Meade Farm has been in the Goodwin family for over a hundred years. A working Virginia Century Farm — one of only 7 in Buckingham County — where you can stay overnight in two private guest suites, gather for farm-to-batteau dinners by the James River, and enjoy 106 acres of rolling pastures and cattle, a stocked fishing pond, river access, and the warm hospitality of a central Virginia agritourism destination that truly welcomes guests.
Belle Meade sits on land historically part of the Snowden Estate, with ties to Virginia's early colonial history and the Jeffersons of Albemarle County. Archaeologists have surveyed the property searching for the Snowden plantation site — its precise location has not yet been confirmed, making it one of the more intriguing mysteries of the land.
Belle Meade welcomes every kind of visitor — couples celebrating something special, families needing open space, honeymooners wanting farm quiet, and anyone who simply needs a few days away.
One mile south of historic Scottsville. Twenty-five minutes south of Charlottesville, Monticello, and UVA. Minutes from Mount Ida Reserve, 40+ wineries, and craft breweries — your base camp for Virginia wine country, the Blue Ridge Mountains, James River adventures, and agritourism experiences unlike anything else in central Virginia.
Where You'll Stay
Riverview Suite
Our original second-floor suite with sweeping James River views. Two queen bedrooms plus a queen sleeper sofa in the living room. Private entrance and patio.
Meadowview Suite
Opening late May / early June 2026 — a brand-new ground-floor suite. One bedroom with queen bed, plus a queen sleeper sofa in the living room. Private entrance, walk-in shower, and a dedicated patio steps from the pastures. Reservation inquiries welcome now.
Reservations now open — secure your dates.
River & Meadow
Book both suites together for your group — 10 guests, 3 bedrooms plus 2 queen sleeper sofas across two private suites on a 106-acre Virginia Century Farm on the James River.
Dinners, Events & Weddings at the River Landing
Belle Meade is home to Riverside Gatherings, Farm-to-Batteau Dinners, private celebrations, and weddings — hosted by the James River Batteau Company, experts in crafting unforgettable river experiences on the James.
Sailcloth tent, tobacco barrels, string lights at dusk, acoustic music, and the James River as your backdrop. We provide the land — 106 acres of Virginia Century Farm on the James River. They bring the hospitality, the storytelling, and the magic. Together, one of the most unique event settings in central Virginia.
Video by James River Batteau Co.
Get in Touch
Questions about the farm, dates, or availability? Send us a note, or call or text us directly.
Opening late May / early June · Inquire to reserve
Dinners, Events & Weddings
Events at Belle Meade's river landing are hosted by the James River Batteau Company — Riverside Gatherings, Farm-to-Batteau Dinners, private celebrations, and weddings.
For all event inquiries, reach out to the James River Batteau Company directly:
Who Stays at Belle Meade
Belle Meade draws guests from all over — families, couples, wedding parties, academics, and anyone who simply wants a quiet, beautiful place in central Virginia.
Romantic Getaways · Honeymoons · Anniversaries
A fireplace, private entrance, river access at sunset, and farm quiet that genuinely restores — made for couples and anyone celebrating something. 25 min from Charlottesville wine country.
Visiting UVA & Charlottesville
Twenty-five minutes south of UVA — the quiet alternative to Charlottesville hotels. Popular for Parents Weekend, prospective student visits, UVA Medical Center, and anyone who wants easy access to Charlottesville without staying downtown.
Near Monticello & Wine Country
A short drive from Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, Mount Ida Reserve, and 40+ wineries across central Virginia wine country. A natural home base for history and wine country itineraries.
James River Adventures
Three outfitters minutes away for tubing, kayaking, and rafting. River access directly from the farm. This stretch of the James at the Scottsville horseshoe bend is one of the most scenic and accessible in all of central Virginia.
Meet the Goodwins
The Goodwin family has farmed this land for over a hundred years. Pam and George have worked these 106 acres for decades — raising cattle, tending the pastures, and keeping the farm. Their son Charlie grew up here and now manages guest operations. When you stay at Belle Meade, you're a guest of a real working family — not a hospitality company.