Forty years ago, the octagonal villa at Poplar Forest looked quite different than it does today. Since 1989, using Jefferson’s documents and letters as his guide, Travis McDonald, Poplar Forest’s director of architectural restoration, and his team have returned the villa to its Jefferson-era appearance. See the recently completed frieze in the parlor entablature, the restored fireplaces and the freshly repainted interior, and learn about the meticulous restoration of what Jefferson affectionately called the “Best dwelling house in the state…” on an hour-long tour guided by McDonald, the architect of the groundbreaking restoration process developed to save the historic structure. Tickets for the Architectural Restoration Behind-the-Scenes Talk and Tour are $25. Admission also includes self-guided exploration of exhibits in the lower level of the house, the Wing of Offices, the ornamental grounds and the Quarter Site. Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited.