About Martha Jefferson House

The Martha Jefferson House was built in 1921 and was originally a residence owned by the Wheat family. The house incorporated many features that added to its elegance, including the mantels selected for the two fireplaces in the home, the wallpaper that adorned the walls, and an elevator - which in 1921 was a luxury feature found in very few private residences. The home became known as the “Ackley” house and the street sign of Ackley Lane is still found on the street leading to the circular drive at the entrance of the Martha Jefferson House.

 

In 1956, the Wheat family sold the home to Hunter Carlyle Perry, a local philanthropist with a vision to establish a retirement home in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Ackley house became the centerpiece of the retirement community with the addition of Hunter’s Way and The Carlyle taking place around 1957. The home was named the Martha Jefferson House to reflect its association with Martha Jefferson Hospital, until becoming independent from the hospital in 2000. The Martha Jefferson House is now an independent non-profit 501(c)3 organization that is operated by our Executive Director and overseen by the Martha Jefferson House Board of Directors.

 

In 2008, we added on to the Martha Jefferson House with the addition of the Perry Wing. This wing of the home provides more modern and updated one and two-bedroom apartments available with Independent Living and Assisted Living accommodations. The Martha Jefferson House has been providing quality senior living care for over 60 years and still sits tucked away on Ackley Lane right off of Gordon Avenue.