Solitude Farm is located in a narrow river plain bounded by the James River and the Jefferson National Forest/Blue Ridge Mountains. Written about by Thomas Jefferson, he frequently speaks of crossing the farm to use the ferry there as he traveled between his
two properties of Poplar Forest near Lynchburg and Natural Bridge, just 5 miles north of Solitude Farm. At the time in the very early 19th century, the farm was owned by Mr. James Skidmore, who ran a ferry off the farm, which carried folks back and forth across the James River. The farm was purchased in 1993 by Rebecca Denhoff and the last survey that had been done was in the 19th century and the farm was still documented as the Skidmore Tract. Early on the farm was part of the Kanawha canal system that used mules and barges to transport goods and people along the James River from Richmond and Tidewater, to the frontier of Virginia. In 1888, those same paths used by the mules to tow barges, saw the coming of the first railroads in this country. In doing research on the farm in the courthouse, the original deed was found that deeded a strip of the land by the river to the railroad in 1888.
In 1993, when Ms. Denhoff purchased the farm, it was overrun with brush and trees. All of the original buildings had long since been gone, although the remains of a settler's chimney is present. Much rehabilitation was needed. Since that time, fencing, livestock buildings, modern plumbing and utilities, roads and multipurpose buildings were erected. Sheep, cattle, and other livestock graze contentedly in the fields. Hay is cut each year, gardens have been planted and life continues merrily along in the round of the agricultural year, surrounded by the some of the most beautiful scenery in nature.
Ms. Denhoff has long been a champion of women's dreams, hopes and inspiration. Early on, an idea was conceived to provide other women with an opportunity to view nature and agriculture, and spend quiet contemplative time in a secure pastoral environment. The opportunity to befriend other women, to nurture and strenthen current friendships, and to contemplate and renew the being within.
