Cloverlea Farmhouse and Memorial Gardens
A Historic Retreat with Mountain Views
Once the original estate of the Claytors, Cloverlea Farmhouse overlooks the Peaks of Otter and Blue Ridge Mountains. The six-bedroom home hosts overnight stays, weddings, and retreats. Visitors can explore its scenic grounds and nearby trails during regular hours, though access may be limited during private events.
History
The original farmhouse dates back to the late 1780s, with the earliest notable structure dating to 1790. It was a small building with a staircase and fireplaces. During the Civil War, enslaved people worked the land. In the 1850s, a dairy farm funded the “buttermilk house,” which was connected to the main building in the early 1900s, resulting in a two-story house with a back porch.
The Claytors built the east wing in the early 1950s, which now houses the kitchen, dining room, reflection room, and two bedrooms. The kitchen was remodeled in the 2000s after Claytor’s gift to the University in 1998.
The Claytor Nature Center and the University of Lynchburg collaborate to explore the land’s history and its past owners, including Indigenous peoples. Artifacts from the farmhouse attic support their research.
Interior
The house’s layout has evolved over the years, with some rooms now used differently since Claytor’s death in 2009. It features antique furniture and art donated by collectors. The oldest part, the great room, features ample seating, French doors that open to a porch with mountain views, and a collection curated by artist and ardent conservationist Katharina Bergdoll.
The foyer connects the entrance, stairs, and both floors. The east wing connects to the great room, which in turn leads to the reflection room with garden views. Below is a dining room featuring portraits of Boyd and Virginia Claytor.
The kitchen opens to the front porch with Adirondack chairs. There are six bedrooms: two downstairs and four upstairs — some with full, queen, or king-size beds and twin beds. The upper house includes a south-facing bedroom and a master with seating. Hallways connect three bathrooms and a nearby powder room.
Grounds & Gardens
As you approach the house from Cloverlea Lane, young American elm trees greet you, planted in early 2021 for their disease resistance. These replace the ash trees removed in 2020 due to the emerald ash borer. In time, the elms will provide a lovely canopy over the farmhouse.
In the roundabout driveway, a large gum tree is surrounded by boxwoods, which are also scattered throughout the property. Next to the farmhouse stands one of the commonwealth’s largest green ash trees, over 90 feet tall, with a swing hanging from one of its branches. The previous owners created the gardens, brick driveway, and rose garden.
The Virginia Claytor Memorial Gardens, established in memory of Claytor’s late wife, feature five distinct areas of plants and flowers. At the center is a reflecting pool with lilies, offering a scenic view of the mountains and providing a habitat for frogs during the spring and summer.
Weddings & Special Events
We offer special event packages for couples who wish to celebrate their wedding at Cloverlea. We can host up to 170 guests. There are several lovely outdoor spots for ceremonies, as well as an outdoor reception area adjacent to the gardens.
During peak seasons (April to June and September to early November), a tent can be set up. Cloverlea is also a beautiful venue for family reunions or gatherings.
For pricing and scheduling information, please contact the Office of Conferences, Events, and Support Services.
