Historic Vinita Hill Farm in Goochland hits market for $6.95 million

A long-locked stretch of James River frontage across Route 288 from the Benedictine-Saint Gertrude campus has entered the market for $6.95 million, putting one of Goochland County’s most visible private holdings at the center of a possible land-use shift. Vinita Hill Farm, at 220 Vinita Circle in the 23238 ZIP code, has been in the Unger family since 1943 and is now being offered for the first time in roughly 80 years.

The 33.72-acre to 35-acre estate spans three parcels, with the largest held by the estate of Barbara Unger and the smaller house parcels owned by descendants Julie and Scott Byerly and Martin and Cidna Unger. Lee Kegley of National Land Realty said the family is likely to remain nearby, but decided it was time to sell. He said the property had already drawn strong interest after going on the market April 13, helped by its river frontage, its long visibility from River Road and Route 288, and its position directly off one of Goochland’s most recognizable corridors.

The offering includes a 2,800-square-foot historic home dating to the early 1920s with three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, along with a 4,700-square-foot ranch-style house on the grounds. National Land Realty says the land can be subdivided by right into as many as four additional home lots, subject to county approval, which gives the estate both family-compound appeal and development potential. That mix of preservation character and future building flexibility is exactly what makes the sale important beyond the asking price.

The listing also notes that Vinita Hill Farm was formerly serviced by a railroad stop called Vinita Station and sits less than a mile from multiple historic properties along the River Road Corridor. Benedictine Schools of Richmond says its campus is at 12829 River Road, just off Route 288, which helps explain why the farm has remained such a familiar landmark for commuters heading toward Short Pump, Midlothian and downtown Richmond.

For Goochland County, a sale like this carries practical stakes. A new owner could preserve the riverfront setting, create additional lots or pursue a hybrid plan that changes how this edge of the corridor looks and functions for decades. The county planning office encourages property owners and developers to contact staff early on subdivision and zoning matters, a reminder that the next steps here will shape more than one parcel. Nearby riverfront transactions have already shown how scarce James River land commands premium prices, including the $9 million sale of a 143-acre River Road tract in Henrico County in April 2025.