"This land has been our family's life for over 100 years. We hope it becomes part of yours too."
Belle Meade on the James is a working Virginia Century Farm that has been in the Goodwin family for over 100 years. Pam and George Goodwin have tended these 106 acres for decades, raising animals, maintaining the pastures, and welcoming guests from across the country who come to slow down and reconnect with the land.
The farm sits along the James River horseshoe bend at Scottsville, Virginia — land that was once part of the Jefferson family's holdings, with a history that stretches back to the colonial era. Today it's a VDACS-registered Virginia Century Farm, recognized for multi-generational family stewardship.
Host · Airbnb Superhost
Pam is the warm heart of Belle Meade. As the primary Airbnb host with a 5.0 rating and Superhost status, she brings genuine care to every guest stay — from welcome snacks to personalized local recommendations.
Farmer · Steward of the Land
George has farmed this land his entire life, carrying forward a family tradition that stretches over a century. He knows every acre — and is always happy to share the farm's history and introduce guests to the animals.
Co-Host · Property Manager
Charlie grew up on Belle Meade and manages the property alongside his parents. With a background in healthcare and a deep love of the farm, he brings a thoughtful, guest-centered approach to everything Belle Meade offers.
Belle Meade is a working farm, and the animals are a genuine part of daily life here — not a staged attraction. Cattle graze in the pastures, Sweetie the hound dog free-roams the property, and Abby and Lucy are never far behind.
Guests are welcome to enjoy the animals from a respectful distance. George is always happy to introduce you properly — just don't be surprised if Sweetie finds you first.
The land that is now Belle Meade traces back to the Jefferson family — the family of Thomas Jefferson, who shaped not only American history but the cultural landscape of central Virginia. This was their country, and this was their kind of land: rolling pastures, river access, and the Blue Ridge on the horizon.
The Goodwin family has stewarded these 106 acres for over a century, earning recognition as a VDACS Virginia Century Farm — one of Virginia's most meaningful agricultural honors, awarded to families who have farmed the same land for 100 or more consecutive years.
Six miles of the James River border the farm. Guests have access to our river frontage, a stocked fishing pond, a mile of farm trails, and a working cattle operation next door.
Private frontage on the James River. Launch a kayak, fish from the bank, or watch the river at sunset from your own stretch of Virginia's most storied waterway.
A private pond stocked with bass and bluegill. Catch-and-release fishing is available exclusively to Belle Meade guests — no crowds, no license required.
Over a mile of walking trails wind through pastures, along the river, and through hardwood forest. A quiet, unhurried way to see 106 acres of working Virginia farmland.
This is a real, active cattle operation. Guests often see the herd grazing in the pastures. The farm animals — Sweetie (hound dog), Abby (brown terrier), Lucy (white dog), cats, and cattle — are part of daily life here.
Designated by VDACS as a Virginia Century Farm — one of fewer than 1,000 in the state. Belle Meade has been continuously farmed by the Goodwin family for over 100 years.
The land traces its history to the Snowden Estate, connected to the Jefferson family of Albemarle County. The Smithsonian has conducted archaeological work on the property.
Belle Meade is not a resort — it is a real, working farm that welcomes guests into its daily rhythm. Dogs wander the driveway at sunrise. Cattle graze the hillside pastures. The river is minutes away on foot.
