Afton is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Albemarle and Nelson counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is newly listed as a CDP in the 2020 census with a population of 313.
Geography Afton is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately west of Charlottesville.
Economy Afton is home to Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery, Silverback Distillery, Veritas Vineyard and Winery, the Brewing Tree Beer Company, the Blue Mountain Brewery and Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery.
Demographics Afton first appeared as a census-designated place in the 2020 U.S. census.
Points of interest Scott Castle, also known as the Royal Orchard, is a 25,000-square foot Tudor Gothic-style mansion built in 1911 by Richmond, Virginia engineer Henry Baskervill and architect John Russell Pope. The Royal Orchard name originated in 1837, when Andrew Stephenson, the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, introduced a basketful of Newtown Pippin apples that he had grown in his orchard to Queen Victoria, and they quickly became a royal favorite.
In October 1968, the Scott family held a charity event at their castle by hosting an art auction to raise money for the local fire and rescue services. This was the only time that the home was open to the public. It was reported that an estimated 4,600 visitors and 1,000 automobiles appeared around the mansion, often blocking U. S. Route 250. After the event, the family closed the property to the public.
In 2009, home building company Alexander Nicholson partnered with John Milner Architects to restore the castle.
Notable people Rita Mae Brown, novelist, poet, screenwriter, activistRita Mae Brown says trust yourself first - Daily Press Retrieved 2018-05-08. Mary Chapin Carpenter, songwriter, musicianMary Chapin Carpenter's House in Afton, VA (Google Maps) Retrieved 2018-05-08. June Curry, benefactor to bicyclists on the Transamerica Trail Paul F. Gorman, former commander-in-chief of the United States Southern Command
See also Rockfish Gap
References