With sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Albemarle-Charlottesville tour showcases three very different properties in Free Union, located ten miles north of Charlottesville. This self-driving tour includes a property with beautifully structured gardens, paths, and an orchard, featured for the first time on Historic Garden Week. The second property is the Ballard-Maupin Cabin, a restored late 18th century farmhouse nestled against a tree-lined pond. Third is Waterperry Farm, a 19th century estate that has been transformed into an expansive botanical garden boasting several lush garden rooms with water features, sculpture, and a greenhouse. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes since properties are extensive and will require lots of walking.