Welcome to The Dinsmore
In 2003, The Dinsmore opened its doors and for the last 16 years we’ve had the pleasure of hosting guests from all 50 states and around the world. In 2016, The Dinsmore closed temporarily to remodel the inn and add Farm Bell Kitchen, our acclaimed on-site, farm-to-table restaurant, which opened its doors to the public in 2018. The Dinsmore has undergone a lot of changes over the years, transitioning from “mom and pop” colonial B&B, to full-service, boutique inn. But what never changed is our commitment to the guest experience and true Southern hospitality.
The “new” Dinsmore improves the guest experience, with decadent bedding and linens, delicious food and an expanded offering of packages and amenities. Since opening in 2003, we received recommendations from dozens of media outlets, including:
- Piedmont Virginia Magazine (read the article)
- Getaway Mavens (read the article)
- Wine & Country Living (read the article)
- Travel & Leisure Magazine
- CNN
- The Chicago Sun Times
- NBC’s Today Show
- The New York Times
A Piece of History
“James Dinsmore, a more faithful, honest and respectable man I have never known.” -Thomas Jefferson
The Dinsmore Inn takes its name from the home’s architect and builder, James Dinsmore. In 1822, Dinsmore purchased the land from Mr. Jefferson on which the inn is built. Perhaps no person other than Dinsmore had as much of a hand in shaping the famous presidential homes of Virginia, and the University of Virginia. The inn is a standing testament to his craftsmanship and legacy.
Born in Northern Ireland in 1771, Dinsmore became a naturalized citizen in Philadelphia in June of 1798. His tools, purchased in Philadelphia at Thomas Jefferson’s expense, were sent to Monticello where Dinsmore worked as a master carpenter. In 1809, Dinsmore left Monticello to build Montpelier, the home of then U.S. President James Madison.
In subsequent years Dinsmore resided in Charlottesville, living on Main Street and speculating in property along that thoroughfare. From 1817 to 1825 he subdivided thirteen contiguous lots between Tenth and Fourteenth streets.
During his time at the University of Virginia Dinsmore was the principal master carpenter for Pavilions III, V, and VIII; fourteen dormitories; and together with John Neilson, the Rotunda and Anatomical Theatre. The same bricks and mortar that were used to construct the Rotunda were used to build the circa 1835 townhouse at The Dinsmore Inn.
