· The History of Rassawek

Rassawek is a property steeped in local lore where old buildings and materials from the region—otherwise slated for demolition—are salvaged from the wrecking ball and are relocated, repurposed and rebuilt.

In 2000, the land- a “blank slate” and stunning in its natural beauty–was acquired by a family passionate about preserving the past and motivated to create a retreat unlike any other.

They named the property “Rassawek,” in honor of the namesake village of the Monacan Indians, believed to be a series of camps that stretched out along the James River from the main hub at Point of Fork where the Rivanna and James Rivers converged nearby, and set to work planting a vineyard and reclaiming structures for the enjoyment of future generations.

The vineyard was planted in contour rows following the lay of the land. Ponds and roads were added to the property. It’s hard to say what came first- the serendipitous acquisition of materials or a master plan.

The property bears the signatures of the craftsmen, who contributed their skills to various projects, in the details. An arched stone bridge, crafted by a master mason, flanked by redbuds and dogwoods, invites visitors to follow the road which winds through rows of grapevines.

Perched on the top of the hill, a white gazebo, Rassawek’s most visible landmark, offers panoramic views of the river low grounds and three counties- Goochland, Fluvanna and Cumberland.

In 2003, the first building to find new life at Rassawek was the “Saylor” cabin, circa 1844. The two-story structure was moved one floor at a time and reconstructed with an eye for authenticity.

The “Cherokee” cabin, built in 1910, followed in 2008 and was reconstructed overlooking a pond at the north end of the property. Grapevines were then planted in a radial pattern with the Cherokee cabin as the hub.

Salvaged antique items fill the interior. The fireplace, built from native rocks and those original to the cabin, sports massive lintels that were hand-split on site. The floors and wavy pane glass are original to the cabin. A skylight and cupola provide ventilation and natural light.

Adjacent to the Cherokee Cabin is the greenhouse, originally from James Madison’s home, Montpelier. The spacious room, with its brick floor, fireplace and stunning glass, is not only an architectural gem but a perfect spot for gathering.

Rassawek continues to evolve, fueled by the family’s imagination, creativity, respect for the past and by the desire to teach future generations about an earlier time.

rassawek

Thank you to our incredible sponsors for helping make the 2025 Rassawek Autumn Festival such a success! 🍂

Your support allows us to continue celebrating community, craftsmanship, and tradition year after year.

We’re so grateful to every partner who played a part in bringing this special weekend to life, from the live music and trade demos to the rodeo and family fun. We couldn’t have done it without you! 🤎

@rexsullivan2018
@hometownrealtyva
@excel_truckgroup
@myinsurancedoctor
@atlanticunionbank
@jamesriverair
@luck_stone_
@castleequip
@olddominionmechanical
@jrtharpetrucking
@davis_offroad
@power.mechanical.inc
@auto_glass_plus
@massmutual
@rps_ins
@rcibuildersrva
@ctpurcellva
@worldkinect

#RassawekAutumnFestival #RassawekVA #RassawekVentures #CommunitySupport #ThankYouSponsors

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Thank you to our incredible sponsors for helping make the 2025 Rassawek Autumn Festival such a success! 🍂 Your support allows us to continue celebrating community, craftsmanship, and tradition year after year. We’re so grateful to every partner who played a part in bringing this special weekend to life, from the live music and trade demos to the rodeo and family fun. We couldn’t have done it without you! 🤎 @rexsullivan2018 @hometownrealtyva @excel_truckgroup @myinsurancedoctor @atlanticunionbank @jamesriverair @luck_stone_ @castleequip @olddominionmechanical @jrtharpetrucking @davis_offroad @power.mechanical.inc @auto_glass_plus @massmutual @rps_ins @rcibuildersrva @ctpurcellva @worldkinect #RassawekAutumnFestival #RassawekVA #RassawekVentures #CommunitySupport #ThankYouSponsors
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Fall Sawmill Music Concert at Rassawek! 🍂

Join us Saturday, November 8th for our first fall concert featuring The Drew Pace Band, plus performances by Landyn Llewellyn! Enjoy an afternoon of live music, local eats, and great vibes set against Rassawek’s scenic outdoors. 🎶

Bring your lawn chairs, grab a cold drink, play a round of cornhole, or relax by the bonfire, it’s the perfect way to spend a fall day with friends and family. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Guests can pre-order a hearty bowl of chili or a charcuterie board (limited quantities available, order by November 4th!).

🕐 Schedule:
12 PM – Gates open
12–2 PM – Landyn Llewellyn
2–4 PM – The Drew Pace Band
5 PM – Gates close

Don’t wait, buy your tickets today through the link in our bio!

#Rassawek #SawmillMusicSeries #DrewPaceBand #LiveMusic #VirginiaEvents #FamilyFun #FallFestivalVibes #BonfireNights

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Fall Sawmill Music Concert at Rassawek! 🍂 Join us Saturday, November 8th for our first fall concert featuring The Drew Pace Band, plus performances by Landyn Llewellyn! Enjoy an afternoon of live music, local eats, and great vibes set against Rassawek’s scenic outdoors. 🎶 Bring your lawn chairs, grab a cold drink, play a round of cornhole, or relax by the bonfire, it’s the perfect way to spend a fall day with friends and family. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Guests can pre-order a hearty bowl of chili or a charcuterie board (limited quantities available, order by November 4th!). 🕐 Schedule: 12 PM – Gates open 12–2 PM – Landyn Llewellyn 2–4 PM – The Drew Pace Band 5 PM – Gates close Don’t wait, buy your tickets today through the link in our bio! #Rassawek #SawmillMusicSeries #DrewPaceBand #LiveMusic #VirginiaEvents #FamilyFun #FallFestivalVibes #BonfireNights
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The 2025 Rassawek Autumn Festival was a wonderful success, a true celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and community. 🍂

From the energy of the rodeo to the artistry of local makers and trade demonstrations, every part of the weekend reflected our mission: to honor tradition, support vocational education, and bring people together.

Thank you to our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and guests who made this year’s event unforgettable. Your support helps preserve the trades and skills that keep Virginia’s spirit alive.

#RassawekAutumnFestival #RassawekVentures #VocationalEducation #SupportLocal #CommunityEvent #VirginiaFallFestival #FallEvents #SupportTrades #ColombiaVA #GoochlandVA

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The 2025 Rassawek Autumn Festival was a wonderful success, a true celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and community. 🍂 From the energy of the rodeo to the artistry of local makers and trade demonstrations, every part of the weekend reflected our mission: to honor tradition, support vocational education, and bring people together. Thank you to our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and guests who made this year’s event unforgettable. Your support helps preserve the trades and skills that keep Virginia’s spirit alive. #RassawekAutumnFestival #RassawekVentures #VocationalEducation #SupportLocal #CommunityEvent #VirginiaFallFestival #FallEvents #SupportTrades #ColombiaVA #GoochlandVA
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