Marquis de Chastellux - on Jefferson's Early Monticello (1782)

"The house, of which Mr. Jefferson was the architect, and often the builder, is constructed in an Italian style, and is quite tasteful, although not however without some faults; it consists of a large square pavilion, into which one enters through two porticoes ornamented with columns. the ground floor consists chiefly of a large and lofty salon, or drawing room, which is to be decorated entirely in the antique style."

"His house resembles none of the others seen in this country; so that it may be said that Mr. jefferson is the first American who has consulted the Fine Arts to know how he should shelter himself from the weather."