Drover’s Rest

Drover’s Rest — Protecting an architectural gem with layers of historic and contemporary history.

Drover’s Rest, on Old Georgetown Road in McLean, VA, was built between 1757-1780 as a tavern. Thomas Lovejoy, a globally prominent biologist and conservationist, lived and worked at Drover’s rest for almost 50 years. The history now includes his work in the development of the field of conservation biology and carbon capture, two of the major concepts and practices that were developed at Drover’s Rest and in the Amazon.

In an area that has seen an explosion of new housing and development, the Lovejoy family chose to honor their father’s legacy by protecting the historic house and sensitive open space adjacent to a trail network. Red Bridge facilitated a National Register nomination, a conservation easement, and preservation restriction for the property.