Albemarle County Working Farms for Sale

Albemarle County is a landscape defined by fertile soils, gently rolling pastures, and a long tradition of agricultural excellence. From productive hayfields and cattle farms to equestrian facilities and mixed-use acreage, Albemarle’s working farms bring together the rhythm of country life with the elegance and heritage of Central Virginia. These are properties where the land becomes both a livelihood and a lifestyle.

• Productive farmland with pasture, crop potential, or hay production
• Equestrian farms with barns, paddocks, and riding spaces
• Cattle farms with strong fencing, water sources, and rotational grazing
• Mixed-use agricultural properties tailored to diverse rural lifestyles

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Experience Matters. Let’s Put It to Work for You.

Bridget Archer

McLean Faulconer, Inc.

Listing & Selling Luxury Country Homes, Storied Farms, Timeless Estates & Everything In Between

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What Makes an Albemarle County Farm a “Working Farm”?

In Albemarle, a working farm is defined not only by acreage, but by its functionality. These properties include the infrastructure, soils, and systems needed to support agricultural operations—from hay and livestock to specialty crops, horses, orchards, or vineyard expansion.

• Acreage that supports agricultural production or livestock
• Functional barns, run-ins, or equipment buildings
• Reliable water sources, both natural and improved
• Productive soils suitable for hay, grazing, or cropping
• Operational fencing for livestock or equestrian use

Types of Working Farms in Albemarle County

Albemarle’s diverse terrain supports a wide range of agricultural operations, from equestrian estates near Charlottesville to large farmland tracts throughout the county’s rural areas.

• Hay and cattle farms with rotational grazing systems
• Equestrian farms with barns, arenas, paddocks, and trail access
• Row-crop and mixed-agriculture farms with productive soil profiles
• Specialty farms for vineyards, orchards, or horticultural operations
• Large rural estates blending residential living with agricultural use

Agricultural Features & Farm Infrastructure

A successful working farm relies on well-planned infrastructure. Albemarle farms often include outbuildings, high-quality fencing, water systems, and operational facilities designed for livestock, crops, or equestrian use.

• Center-aisle barns, run-in sheds, and enclosed equipment storage
• High-tensile, board, or woven fencing for livestock and horses
• Automatic waterers, streams, ponds, or wells for reliable water access
• Hay storage and feed facilities
• Machine sheds, workshops, and implement storage
• Driveways capable of supporting farm equipment and trailers

Soils, Land & Agricultural Capability in Albemarle

Albemarle County is known for strong agricultural soils, especially in areas with established farming traditions. Soil types often support hay production, grazing, orchards, vineyards, and mixed agriculture.

• Prime soils for hay and pasture management
• Rolling topography ideal for grazing livestock
• Well-draining land suitable for equestrian use
• Vineyard and orchard potential in southern and western Albemarle
• Creek bottoms offering fertile, tillable acreage

Zoning, Land Use & Agricultural Tax Benefits

Albemarle’s rural zoning supports agricultural uses, offering opportunities for land-use taxation and favorable assessment for qualifying farms.

• Land Use taxation for agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or open space
• Supportive rural zoning for livestock, equestrian, and crop operations
• Reduced tax assessments for qualifying working farms
• Potential eligibility for agricultural buildings to be tax-exempt

The Albemarle County Working Farm Market Insights

Albemarle’s working farm market remains competitive due to limited inventory and high demand from both agricultural and lifestyle buyers. Farms offering strong soils, water access, or equestrian amenities are especially sought after.

• Low turnover of high-quality working farms
• Strong demand from local and out-of-state buyers
• Premium pricing for equestrian-ready or turn-key agricultural farms
• Increased interest in mixed-use rural properties with multiple income streams

What to Consider When Buying a Working Farm in Albemarle

Evaluating a working farm goes beyond house features. Land, soils, systems, and equipment capacity all play a role in long-term success.

• Water access: wells, springs, ponds, streams, or irrigation systems
• Barn condition, layout, and suitability for intended agricultural use
• Pasture quality, fencing condition, and grazing rotation
• Driveway & equipment access for trailers or heavy machinery
• Zoning allowances for future expansion or diversification

Where Working Farms Are Found in Albemarle County

Working farms are distributed throughout Albemarle, with clusters in established agricultural corridors and areas known for fertile land.

• North Garden: Hayfields, pasture, and vineyard-friendly soils
• Earlysville: Equestrian farms and mixed-use acreage
• Free Union & Boonesville: Private farms with mountain views
• Keene & Scottsville: Large farms with grazing and crop potential
• Greenwood & Crozet outskirts: Farmland near established estates

Your Albemarle County Working Farm Specialists

With extensive experience in equestrian, agricultural, and rural land properties, Bridget Archer and Pam Dent of McLean Faulconer provide expert insight into evaluating soils, infrastructure, acreage, and farm operations.

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Selling a Working Farm in Albemarle County

Selling a working farm requires farm-specific expertise—evaluating land, infrastructure, agricultural value, and potential income streams. Bridget and Pam bring clarity, strategy, and deep rural market knowledge to the process.

• Farm-specific valuation and competitive positioning
• Professional photography, mapping, and aerial imaging
• Marketing targeted to agricultural, equestrian, and rural buyers
• Representation that ensures undivided loyalty—never dual agency

Explore Working Farms in Albemarle County

Whether you envision a cattle operation, equestrian facility, or mixed-agricultural property, Albemarle offers exceptional opportunities for those who value both productivity and beauty.

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Frequently Asked Questions