The newly protected property known as “the Cottage” is in an area that Goochland County has designated as Rural Enhancement Area in its comprehensive plan and land use map. Therefore, preserving the land’s rural character and maintaining agricultural uses and scenic views from Millers Lane is important to how the community envisions itself in the future. The property is mostly surrounded by land protected by either conservation easements or by deed restrictions and covenants recorded as part of the Sabot Hill Owners Association. In addition, the property contains the historic Manse for the nearby Hebron Presbyterian Church that was established in 1845.
Approximately 85% of the property contains Prime Farmland or Soils of Statewide Importance. It has the highest agricultural value as determined by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR)’s Virginia Heritage Data Explorer (NHDE), which also notes the entire property is most vulnerable to the threat of development. To preserve the land for agricultural uses and to preserve scenic views from Millers Lane, all existing and future buildings larger than 500 square feet, must be located within a 1-acre area.
District 5 Supervisor, Jonathan Lyle celebrated the conservation easement saying “Goochland County commends the Robertsons as community leaders who took action to save this land for future generations. By others following their example, we are striving to keep Goochland County rural.”
