Bon Aire

Bon Aire
Front of the house
Interactive map showing the location of Bon Aire
LocationE of Shipman on State Route 626, near Shipman, Virginia
Coordinates37°40′51″N 78°43′12″W / 37.68083°N 78.72000°W / 37.68083; -78.72000
Builtc. 1812
Architectural styleFederal
NRHP reference No.80004203
VLR No.062-0089
Significant dates
Added to NRHPJuly 30, 1980
Designated VLRApril 15, 1980

Bon Aire is a historic home located near Shipman, Nelson County, Virginia. It is a Federal-style brick dwelling dramatically sited on a hill overlooking the James River. It was built about 1812 in a three-part scheme; with a two-story center section flanked by 1+12-story, two-bay wings. In plan and detail Bon Aire is linked to a number of tripartite houses, such as Point of Honor in nearby Lynchburg, built for a cousin of Bon Aire's builder, Dr. George Cabell.

Bon Aire was designed by Dr. George Cabell Jr's friend, Thomas Jefferson. This assumption is quite conceivable given the close association between Jefferson and the Cabell family. UVA's music department is housed in Old Cabell Hall.