KESWICK Lifestyles in Keswick and its environs - April 2019
LIFE
In this issue
Keswick!
Horse Showing As It Was Meant To Be
plus: going out, overheard, happenings, travel, life happens, bookworm and much more
Justin H. Wiley
Peter A. Wiley
434.981.5528 justin@wileyproperty.com
434.422.2090 peter@wileyproperty.com
132A East Main Street • Orange, VA 22960
503 Faulconer Drive, Suite 6 • Charlottesville, VA 22903
MLS# 558793 • $1,250,000
LAUREL RIDGE – English country manor home on 99+/- acres designed by renowned architect & built by highly respected contractor. Located amongst large, protected estates in the North Garden area of Albemarle Co. just 20 min. from town. Property also has a swimming pool, storage barn, kennel & workshop. House is in very good condition & the kitchen was recently redone. Completely private setting.
Justin H. Wiley – 434.981.5528
MLS# 496124 • $4,795,000
MLS# 558491 • $995,000
SCOTTSVILLE FARM – A beautiful, medium-sized horse farm or retreat 14 miles from town. The turn-of-thecentury farmhouse is well-sited in the center of 77 acres of fenced pasture and fields, with a beautiful stable, large pond and trails. The farm offers privacy and views and is adjacent to over 1500 acres of protected farmland. A 6-stall center aisle barn with power, hot and cold water, bathroom, tack room, wash stall and shavings storage is positioned near the large outdoor ring.
Peter A. Wiley – 434.422.2090
MLS# 586205 • $1,202,400
AIRSLIE – A landmark country estate located in the beautiful Keswick hunt area of Albemarle Co. House was completely renovated in the early 1990’s using only the finest materials & craftsmen. The surrounding 115 +/- acres further compliment the house and allows the property complete privacy.
MONTFORD ROAD – 133 acres of gently rolling, rich farmland in historic Somerset. An estate caliber property currently in 4 tax map parcels. Great views of the Blue Ridge and excellent soils. Across from the back entrance of Montpelier. Excellent candidate for conservation easement. Please do not drive on fields.
Justin H. Wiley – 434.981.5528
Peter A. Wiley – 434.422.2090
MLS# 566743 • $950,000
MLS# 582363 • $1,300,000
ELIJAH CRAIG – Beautiful 113 +/- acres of mostly open meadows with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views located in the heart of the Somerset area of Orange County. Surrounded by large estates, and protected by a conservation easement ensures that this parcel will keep its current view shed. Ideal for horses or livestock. Property also has a cottage suitable for tenant or guest.
WILDAIR FARM – A 52 acre horse farm nestled in the heart of one of Western Albemarle’s most beautiful pastoral enclaves. The rolling mix of productive fenced pasture, towering, mature hardwoods, a bold stream and two large ponds offers a diversity rarely found on a farm of this size. Horse facilities include stable, equipment buildings, manager’s apartment, run-ins and a 100 x 200 ring. 11 miles from Charlottesville. A rare offering.
Justin H. Wiley – 434.981.5528
Peter A. Wiley – 434.422.2090
W W W .W I L E Y P R O P E R T Y. C O M
RIDGEVIEW
15-acre Custom Country House
Milton Road, Charlottesville VA - 8 miles to DownTown Mall, Charlottesville Main House over 5,000sf features: 4 Bedrooms, 3 1/2 Baths, 2 Fireplaces, Open Floor Plan, Gourmet Kitchen, Large Master Suite with Marble Bathroom, Family, Dining & Living Areas, Game Room, Exercise Room, wood floors, high quality and energy efficient construction. Cottage with 1600sf for workshop, guest house or studio. Planned 8-stall Stable. 2-Bay Garage for oversized vehicles. Peaceful Country Setting.
Licensed in Virginia and North Carolina
Contact Duke & Sharon Merrick for more information:
Office: 434-951-5160 or Mobile: 434-962-5658 DukeandSharon@KeswickProperties.com www.KeswickProperties.com Ednam Hall • 1100 Dryden Lane Charlottesville, VA 22903
3
time on market
17 DAYS
number of showings
12 SHOWINGS sold for
FULL PRICE CONTRACT APRIL 2019
A Virgi nia C ou n try L ife
IN THIS ISSUE APRIL 2019
FAIRVIEW - c. 1856 brick Georgian manor home. 9,000 s.f. with 11’ ceilings and heart pine floors. Fireplaces, original moldings and woodwork. 5 bedrooms and guest cottage. Formal gardens and rose garden, Farm managers house, horse facilities and equipment barns. Incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Somerset, VA. MLS 585034. $2,975,000.
BLOOMINGDALE - c. 1840, Bloomingdale is a noteworthy Orange County, VA historic property located in the heart of Somerset. The Federal manor has a magnificent center hall with grand proportioned rooms (11 ft. ceilings on main floor) and fireplaces in every room (8 total). Geothermal heating and air, renovated sun porch saltwater pool, incredible Southwest and Blue Ridge Mt. views. MLS 567939. $1,275,000.
8 ON THE COVER Keswick!
Horse Showing as it was meant to be...
Every spring in May when all the country is beautiful, the Club holds its annual
Horse Show unique in point of originality and emblematic of the highest sport of sporting spirit there being no Club prizes and only laurels to the winners in the form of ribbons. Privat Cups, the gifts of individuals, are often presented, but these are not Club prizes. It is a gathering of the gentry from far and near to enter into friendly competition, their best carriage teams and best hunters as well as their saddle horses and children’s ponies. Read all about the show past and present and photos too, get all the details starting on page 8! Cover photo credit: Alden Corrigan Media.
BARTERBROOK FARM - c. 1900 3-bed renovated farm house with 3 fireplaces, terraces and porches, copper roof, open kitchen and floor plan, outdoor spa, beautiful woodwork. 33-acres. Workshop. Barn completely renovated as a second home with full kitchen and bathroom and two stories. This recreational guest house/retreat is a custom build and a must see. MLS 584756. $1,695,000.
Murdoch Matheson 434.981.7439 Murdoch.Matheson@Sothebysrealty.com 15 WHAT'S COOKING Sam Johnson loves this recipe for the Spring and Summer months. It's a filling salad murdoch-matheson.com
that can be served for garden parties or evening dinners on the deck overlooking the rolling hills of Keswick. Sam says, "I suggest this salad served with a nice chilled glass of Rosé, and Lime bar for dessert." Find the recipe on page 15.
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KESWICK LIFE
10 LIFE HAPPENS Bonnie latest piece, The Magical Venetian Chandelier, for
the Life Happens column takes us on a reflective journey of past, presernt and future. The article is about a chandelier she and her ex-husband bought in Italy. He was teaching watercolor painting to UVA students who had a fall semester in the Veneto. They studied there with Maria Valmarana who taught architecture at The University. He wanted to buy this very gaudy and big lighting fixture for their dining room. So they did it. The tale is about whimsy, how it got put together after it arrived in the USA, entertaining under its' luxurious glow, moving it from house to house, and the fact that chandelier is still in the family after all these years. Bonnie B. Matheson, born in Washington DC during the Second World War, has five grown children and seventeen grandchildren. Writing has always been a passion for her, but it was not until after the age of 50 that she began to write, in earnest. She is fascinated with the ideas, pleasures, and wisdom that come with the second half-century of life. Many men and women age much more slowly today than their grandparents did. Many are active and healthy into their 90s and above. Bonnie says that anyone can sparkle after 50, and they should. Her views are positive and upbeat. "Just do it!", she says. Attitude is everything when it comes to health. Good food, good exercise, and good relationships, including sexual ones, are necessary for good health, at any age. She has many ideas about how to make all that happen. She is living with her 100-year-old Mother, now. So her focus has shifted somewhat, to people who are caring for older parents. She insists they still need to find the same pleasures. She is working on a new book. This one is a memoir of her last four years, living in her old room, in her old house, with her mother. The story of how she went from being miserable, to loving her life in the space of 4 years. You can learn more about Bonnie and her work by visiting: http://bonniebmatheson.com and be sure to read her column, and write in and tell your thoughts to Keswick Life, it all starts on page 10.
A Virg i nia C ou ntry L i fe
STONE’S THROW Exceptional 42 acre country property with all the amenities. The 6-bedroom house completed in 2005 has every luxury you could hope for with an open f loor plan and first f loor master suite, exercise room and media, infinity pool and pavilion overlooking the gardens lawn and horse facilities (7-stall barn). Privacy and proximity to Charlottesville (12 min) with big views to the SW and unforgettable sunsets.
19 BOOK REVIEWS Suzanne Nash writes about her yearly jaunt to London. I thought I’d work on somebooks for April which have some connections to England. I love Sherlock Holmes mysteries and always feel connected to those tales while I am here read all about her reviews on her April books on page 19.
MLS 585648 $3,250,000
22 HAPPENINGS Big Pippin Hard Cider has just released two new blends to market: Ginger and All
Hopped Up. Riding the median between dry and sweet, Ginger combines freshpressed apples with ginger root and a kiss of oak to create an exhilarating and thirstquenching hard ciderTwenty wineries from the Monticello Wine Trail (MWT) competed in the 2019 Monticello Cup Wine Competition, a friendly competition among wineries in the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA). This year’s competition was coordinated by the Virginia Wine & Spirits Academy, and all entered wines contained a minimum of 85% fruit from the Monticello AVA and were produced by a member of the MWTincluded in the winners were Keswick Vineyards...read all about the winners on page 22.
Murdoch Matheson 434.981.7439 Murdoch.Matheson@Sothebysrealty.com
murdoch-matheson.com
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APRIL 2019
OVERHEARD
Here andOVERHEARD there... in Keswick
On and Off The Market New is 4969 Barn Field Drive, “Arcourt”, with 4 beds, 4.5 baths and 7114 sf on 22.4 acres at $2.345m. 3555 Keswick Road, “La Fourche”, with 6 beds, 5.5 baths and 6412 sf on 4 acres at $2.475m. 3908 Stony Point Road “Quilters Cottage”, with 3 beds, 2.5 baths and 3084 sf at $524.9k. 237 Campbell Road, “Blanford” with 3 beds, 2 baths and 1856 sf on 15.5 acres at $494.7k. 2645 High Fields Road with 2 beds, 1 bath and 1318 sf on 12.7 acres at $435k and on Louisa Road is 113 wooded acres for $615k. In Glenmore 3080 Darby Road with 5 beds, 4.5 baths and 4843 sf at$779k. 3506 Glasgow Lane with 4 beds, 4.5 baths and 3658 sf at$659k. 3221 Avebury Lane with 4 beds, 3.5 baths and 3405 sf at $599k. 3657 Worcester Lane with 3 beds, 2.5 baths and 2725 sf at $565.8k. 1998 Piper Way with 3 beds, 3 baths and 4047 sf on 1.25 acres at $1.249m and 1683 Paddington Circle with 4 beds, 4.5 baths and 4331 sf at $632.9k There is a “reduced fest” in Keswick Estates with 1118 Club Drive, a 4 bed, 4.5 bath, 4356 sf home on 2.3 acres down from $1.399m to $1.295m in 43 days. 4088 Fairway Drive with 4 beds, 3.5 baths and 4873 sf on 3 acres down from $1.495m to $1.395m in 239 days and 849 Club Drive with 5 beds, 4+ baths and 7382 sf on 2.4 acres down from $2.75m to $2.585m in 725 days. 100 Campbell Road with 4 beds, 3.5 baths and 3375 sf on 9.4 acres is down from $559.9k to $549.9k in 97 days and in Glenmore 1485 Kinross Lane with 7 beds, 6+ baths and 7508 sf down from $1.999m to $1.724m in 430 days. 3420 Cesford Grange with 5 beds, 5.5 baths and 7080 sf down from $890k to $769k in 365 days. 3211 Sandown Park Road with 5 beds, 4.5 baths and 5054 sf down from $659.5k to $569.9 k in 344 days and 1545 Elgin Court with t beds, 4.5 baths and 5031 sf down from $799.9k to $774.9k in 123 days.
Untamed
Wahoowa
The Wildlife Center of Virginia is excited to announce the upcoming television series, Untamed, which will premiere on May 2, 2019. Hosted by Ed Clark, Untamed looks at the wild and often perilous world of wildlife, as seen through the eyes of the patients of the Wildlife Center of Virginia. Each year, the Center provides state-of-the-art veterinary and rehabilitative care for 3,000 wild animals, ranging from playful Black Bear cubs and majestic Bald Eagles to hummingbirds, bats, and snakes. Each one of the Center’s patients provides a window on the environment and often unique insights into the challenges of life in the wild. Untamed will go behind the scenes at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, where diagnosing and treating the injuries of individual patients are just the beginning of the Center’s investigative and conservation work; the team also strives to identify and the address the threats and hazards that cause harm to wildlife in the first place— ranging from illegal human activities to environmental contamination to emerging wildlife diseaseThe 13-episode series will begin on May 2 and will air each Thursday at 8:00 p.m. on local PBS affiliate WVPT, and at 9:00 p.m. on WCVE (Richmond) and WHTJ (Charlottesville). Each episode will also appear on WVPT's YouTube channel at 9:30 p.m. after it airs on television.
Virginia men’s basketball Coach Tony Bennett is often recognized in the college basketball realm for his achievements. He’s a three-time National Coach of the Year and a four-time ACC Coach of the Year, as well as the first coach to lead the team to a National Championship. Bennett also earned recognition in a larger context as he was named to Fortune Magazine’s list of World’s Greatest Leaders April 18. “Our sixth annual leaders list is the home of the brave,” Fortune Magazine wrote. “These thinkers, speakers, and doers make bold choices and take big risks — and move others to do the same.”Bennett placed at No. 48 in the rankings, which also featured leaders like Bill and Melinda Gates, Michael J. Fox, Jordan Peele and many more. The story on Bennett focused on his ability to lead Virginia from last year ’s historic NCAA Tournament loss all the way to a National Championship the next season.
Bravo
Four people, two horses and two horse shows will be inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall Of Fame for 2019. .Carleton Brooks, William Ellis, Meredith McLaughlin, Marguerite Taylor, Classic Importer, Watership Down, the Devon Horse Show (Pennsylvania) and the Deeridge USHJA International Hunter Derby (Florida) will all be honored at the annual National Show Hunter Hall of Fame banquet at the Merion Cricket Club in Haverford, Pennsylvania, on May 28.Meredith McLaughlin showed many top horses in the amateur-owner division successfully. She’s best known for her great eye for picking out talented young prospects like Sandman, Sandsablaze and Barn Owl that went on to win with top professionals.
Keswickians back in the day
“That the Cavaliers ascended from humiliation to celebration is a testament to Bennett’s coaching skills,” the story reads. “Inheriting a program that attracts relatively few stars, Bennett built a contender by stressing passing and disciplined, stifling defense. And after last year’s defeat, Bennett gave his players leeway to talk openly about the frustration of losing, the better to motivate themselves and one another.”This award is another in a long list of praises Bennett has received over the years from his players and staff, who attest to the impact he’s made. “To be the team that gets Bennett to the Final Four, I think that’s what means the most,” junior guard Ty Jerome said after the Cavaliers’ Elite Eight win over Purdue. “He’s believed in every single one of us. He has our best interest at heart, on and off the court. And he’s a great person.”Assistant coach Brad Soderberg also had high remarks to make about Bennett at the end of the season.“If you make a list of the 10 things every coach has to have to some degree — [for example] they’ve got to be recruiters, they have to have an on-court disposition, they have to have great Xs and Os knowledge, they have to have a story to tell,” Soderberg said after the NCAA Tournament final. “Tony Bennett is A-plus, A-plus, A-plus, Aplus.”
Sold, all in Glenmore is 3490 Carroll Creek Road with 5 beds, 5.5 baths and 6472 sf listed and sold at $908.740k. 2092 Farrington Road with 4 beds, 3.5 baths and 2871 sf listed and sold at $884.945k, both new construction. 3270 Melrose Lane with 4 beds, 3.5 baths and 3150 sf listed at $649k, then $599k and sold for $575k in 150 days. 2318 Ferndown Lane with 5 beds, 4.5 baths and 4483 sf listed and sold for $668.9k. 2455 Pendower Lane with 5 beds, 4.5 baths and 4028 sf listed and sold for $674.9k in 15 days. Around the area 4763 Mechunk Road with 5 beds, 3.5 baths and 2793 sf listed at $415k, sold for $405k in 28 days. There were 8 new homes in Rivanna Ridge go under contract, 4 new ones in Glenmore. Also 3365 Braemar Court with 4 beds, 4.5 baths and 3927 sf is pending at $599k. 2396 Pendower Lane with 5 beds, 6.5 baths and 5852 sf at $699k. 2325 Ferndown Lane with 5 beds, 4.5 baths and 4164 sf at $599.9k. 1685 Wellesley Knolls with 4 beds, 3.5 baths and 3677 sf at $579k. 14346 Bremberton Lane with 4 beds, 2.5 baths and 3100 sf at $520k. 1555 Elgin Court with 5 beds, 4.5 baths and 5406 sf at $799k. 1463 Bremberton Lane with 2 beds, 2 baths and 1775 sf at $3.999k and 3402 Piperfife Court with 4 beds, 4 baths and 3810 sf at $549k. Around the area 29 Keswick Glen Drive with 3 beds, 3.5 baths and 2676 sf under contract at $335k and 1490 Running Deer Drive with 4 beds, 2.5 baths and 2490 sf at $549k
Pictured above Building the upper ring in 1957
Woody Inge on grader, Peggy Augustus, Alexander Rives, Darragh Alger, Donald Hostetter, Betty Canfield, Winn Canfield, Mary Jo Rives, Hebe Waters, and Gregory
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KESWICK LIFE
KESWICK LIFE
The
Going Out
Guide
What: Beyond the Gates Where: Keswick, Virginia When: June 8th
Mark your calendars! Save the date! Don’t be late! What: Roseland Polo Season Where: King Family Vineyards What: Wine Tasting When: May 26th Where: Richmond When : Saturday , May 18th - 2:00-6:00 Don’t miss your chance to join us for the inaugural Virginia Vines wine tasting event at Virginia House on Saturday, May 18, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Enjoy selections from some of Virginia’s best wineries and vineyards, live jazz, strolling through the gardens, and exploring the history of the wine industry in the Commonwealth. This event is open to the public, so bring your friends and enjoy a memorable afternoon on the grounds of our historic English manor house.We are also pleased to partner with Wegmans to offer cheese flights at the festival. Each flight serves 2 people and will include mild Cheddar, strong aged Gouda, medium Manchego, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and sugared figs. Flights can now be preordered for $20 each on our website. .General Admission – $30.00. Available May 6 – 18, while supplies last.Designated Driver – $10.00. Available April 1 – May 18. Virginia Historical Society 428 N Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220 804.340.1800
What: Hunt Country Stable Tour Where: Upperville, Virginia When : May 25th and 26th Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the grandeur of some of the finest equestrian facilities known to the world! The tour is widely known and hailed as a weekend not to be missed by all those who experience it. Spend your weekend traveling down winding country roads in a self-driven tour, with exclusive access to view the properties, horses, and stables of Virginia's Hunt Country. $30/ Ticket advance - $35 Ticket at the Gate - Children under 10 - Free
What: Virginia Hound Show Where: Morven Park, Leesburg, Virginia When: Sunday, May 26 The Virginia Foxhound Club 72nd Annual Show of Foxhounds under the Auspices of The Masters of Foxhounds Association of America. It’s said that the Virginia Foxhound Show at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia is the largest gathering of Foxhounds in the world.Hound shows have been part of the American sporting landscape for decades, and we’re privileged in Virginia to have one of the largest shows in the world. The Virginia Foxhound Club hosts the Virginia Foxhound Show every spring, barely 30 minutes drive from NSLM.The Virginia Hound Show was founded in 1934 by William Du Pont, Jr., president of the nowdefunct American Foxhound Club, by request of his sister, Marion Du Pont Scott.. 7.
The 2019 Roseland Polo Season Sunday, May 26th at 1:00pm Field and weather conditions permitting, matches are held each Sunday at 1:00 pm from Memorial Day Weekend through early October.
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On polo season Sundays, Tasting Room visitors are invited to join us fieldside to watch polo. Gates open at 10:00 am, matches are free, open to the public, and begin at 1:00 pm. Please visit this page, or our Facebook Page on Sunday mornings between Memorial Day Weekend, and mid- October after 9:00 am to confirm that we will be playing or call (434) 823-7800. Interested in learning to play polo? Contact Lou Lopez at info@vapolo.org.
What: Let’s Play Golf Where: Glenmore Country Club When: June 3rd Come out and enjoy a day of golf benefiting the Shelter on Monday, June 3rd at Glenmore Country Club. The Captain’s Choice tournament will begin with a 1:00pm Shotgun start. Register early online or on the day of the event beginning at 11:30am.
Please join us June 8 as we celebrate 10 years of charitable giving and present our 10th Anniversary Historic Farm Tour and Country Fair, “beyond the gates”. Come along with us as we go “beyond the gates”, past those rock walls and stroll with us down the tree lined paths to six of Keswick’s celebrated historic farms, the Keswick Hunt Club and Grace Church. The Country Fair has something fun for every member of the family. Let the kids get up close to the 4-H Livestock exhibits featuring over 50 entries during Albemarle County’s only sanctioned 4-H Livestock Show. Meet the llamas and learn about keeping bees and enjoy live music throughout the day as you visit farm to table vendors, talented artisans and taste some of the delicious food offerings from Grace Grill and food truck vendors. Take time to visit our Historic Grace Church and observe the restoration taking place as we prepare to welcome our new organ later this year. And if you have a green thumb and have questions about gardening in Virginia, there will be Master Gardeners and representatives from Southern States to answer your questions. Children’s pony rides available after 2:00 PM.Please visit www.gracefarmtour.org for additional details. Tickets can be purchased on line for $15.00 before the event, and for $20.00 the day of the event. Children are free
Save the dates!
A box lunch and complimentary beverages will be provided on the course. Following the tournament, guests are invited to stay for an awards ceremony, where dinner and drinks will be provided. Dinner only tickets are available for family and friends who wish to join you at the awards ceremony after the tournament. Glenmore Country Club dress code requires no blue jeans or t-shirts. The Captain’s Choice tournament will begin with a 1:00pm Shotgun start. Register early online or on the day of the event beginning at 11:30am. A box lunch and complimentary beverages will be provided on the course. Following the tournament, guests are invited to stay for an awards ceremony, where dinner and drinks will be provided. Dinner only tickets are available for family and friends who wish to join you at the awards ceremony after the tournament. Glenmore Country Club dress code requires no blue jeans or t-shirts. Prizes will be awarded for the Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and Best Team Score. Putting Contest: Come early and warm up while you putt for a chance to win a prize! Up to 3 putts per player. Starts at 11:30am, tie-breaker shoot-out! Hole-in-One: Make a Hole-in-One on the designated hole and drive away in a new car from Jim Price Automotive! 50/50 Raffle: $10 per ticket, no limit! The 50/50 raffle will be drawn at the end of the awards ceremony Wine Pull: At the dinner and awards ceremony, guests will have the option to purchase a numbered cork for $25. . Proceeds to benefit the Shelter for Help in Emergency. For further information please contact Sarah Ellis at (434) 963-4676.
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What: Open Late Where: Sporting Library, Middleburg, VA. When: May- August Join us on the NSLM's lawn as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of our Open Late Summer Concert Series! Concerts are free and open to the public, with the Museum open late and free of charge too.
2019 Line-Up May: Bryan Shepherd Country Band with partners
Blue Ridge Wildlife Foundation and Middleburg Humane Foundation
June: Cadillac Romeos Trio with partners George Mason Alumni Association, The Hill School, and Virginia Tech Alumni Association July: Silver Tones Swing Band with partner Mosby Heritage Area Association
August: Shenandoah Conservatory with partners A Place to Be, Loudoun County Equine Alliance, Shenandoah University Alumni Association, and Sky Meadow State Park
Concessions available, including food from Pirate Rooster Pizza and Blackwater Beef, beer from Powers Farm & Brewery, and wine. Free Parking; Picnics Welcome; No Rain Date; Pets Must Be Leashed; Cash Bar; No Glass Containers; No Outside Alcohol Permitted
APRIL 2019
COVER STORY Keswick! Horse Showing as it was meant to be... The Keswick Horse Show, the second oldest horse show in the United States, started and continues to be a community horse show that represents the best of Virginia horseman and our community. Started in 1904, the horse show has been chaired by members of the Keswick community and Keswick Hunt Club. The Horse Show happened even when hunting didn’t. In the years after World War I, hosting and running the annual show was about the only organized Hunt Club activity. First held Thursday, May 26, 1904, the show continues until this day. There have been many changes including types of classes and horses, but one constant has always been hard work by club members to make it possible. Every spring in May, when all the country is beautiful, the Club holds its annual Horse Show unique in point of originality and emblematic of the highest sport of sporting spirit there being no Club prizes and only laurels to the winners in the form of ribbons. Privat Cups, the gifts of individuals, are often presented, but these are not Club prizes. It is a gathering of the gentry from far and near to enter into friendly competition, their best carriage teams and best hunters as well as their saddle horses and children’s ponies. It is always a fete day and the psychological moment of enjoyment for the Southern beau and belle. Then the spirit of friendly rivalry where professionalism is eliminated, and our interest is keen because of our own and our friend’s exhibit, adds a personal zest to the show, a Grand Stand, a Judges Stand with Band Stand above,
BY KESWICK LIFE
and a splendid Show Ring are matters of local pride. - Dr. Thurman 1908 Virginia Country Homes There wasn’t much going on back then, and when the day of the show would come, everyone in the neighborhood would be there, everybody took a box in the grandstand and stayed there and watched the whole day. And then they had the bandstand in the center of the ring right over the judge’s stand, we’d get a rusty old band to come out from Charlottesville, they played the National Anthem and all sorts of marches and songs when they awarded ribbons, the band was lots of fun and kepy everyone amused. - Charlotte Rafferty Keswick is one of a handful of shows in the country that have traditions and identity distinct from the generic show. Jimmy notes Keswick has a beautiful landscape , good parties and southern hospitality. - Jimmy Lee From the tile of Julian Morris to today's Cismont Manor and Belcort Farm, Keswick has always been home to top show horses. Today, horses arrive at the Keswick showgrounds in gooseneck trailers, large vans, or larger tractor trailers. In earlier years horses and ponies had to use their own powere to get there. The late Ellie Wood Keith had a stable full of ponies at her home on Bollingwood Road near UVA for most of this century.In the late 20’s and
30’s she mounted children on ponies and rode with them across town, over Free Bridge and out to Keswick for the show. Her daughter, Elliwood, now Mrs. C. McGhee Baxter,remembers the ride took a few hours, and that was good for the ponies. Elliewood Keith continued teaching children to ride and taking them to shows through the 1970’s. Of the dozens of Keswick Horse Show trophies, the handsomest is the Waiting Home Perpetual Trophy for Champion Model Horse. On the trophy’s mahogany base stands a sculpture of KHC member Peggy Augustus on Waiting Home soaring over a rail fence. Peggy wears formal attire including shadbelly coat and top hat. The horse has his front legs folded and hind legs still stretched back.after taking off at speed. The sculpture is by Marilyn Newmark who took great pains to achieve accuracy. She took countless photographs of the horse jumping in the ring at Old Keswick, the Augustus home. He had to be braided so the sculpture would have the exact number of braids. She carried an old pair of his horseshoes to her studio. She even made Peggy crouch for hours in her living room in riding position while she made numerous sketches to be sure she had accurately sculpt the creases in her hunting breeches. The resulting sculpture is a beautiful memorial to a champion horse. The trophy resides now in the Keswick Hunt Club for all to view, and is awarded annually to the Model Champion.
WALK NEXT DOOR TO RIDE YOUR HORSE
23 ACRES IN THE HEART OF FREE UNION HUNT COUNTRY
2340 Homestead Farm Road • $1,745,000
2437 Chapel Spring Lane • $1,595,000
This 5 bed, 4.5 bath home on 5 acres in the Meriwether-Lewis district boasts Pearl Gold Certification thanks to Geothermal HVAC, solar panels, & other environmentally sensitive features. Wonderful Blue Ridge views can be enjoyed from the front porch, rear bluestone terrace, & wonderful screened porch. Noteworthy attributes incl’ 1st & 2nd flr master suites, 3-car garage w/ charging stations, raised bed vegetable garden & a recent addition by Alexander Nicholson. This farmhouse style home in the Burruss Branch neighborhood is just 15 mins west of Barracks Road conveniences. MLS# 587025
Set in absolute tranquility and privacy yet with panoramic Blue Ridge views, this dramatic Georgian has been updated and expanded brilliantly. Russell Skinner designed the stunning great room addition & Charles Stick, the arresting landscape design. The floor plan suits both casual living & entertaining, with kitchen, family room and great room all flowing gracefully out to the expansive, level rear lawn and views beyond. 2 large covered porches. Formal gardens, tennis court, fire pit, magical outdoor gathering areas & water views. 15 minutes west of town. MLS# 567008
434.466.2992 lwoodriff@loringwoodriff.com
401 Park Street Charlottesville, VA 22902 WWW.LORINGWOODRIFF.COM
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KESWICK LIFE
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APRIL 2019
KESWICK SCENE
The Magical Venetian Chandelier "Tell me about the parties you have given under it”
BY BONNIE B. MATHESON as Halloween, Christmas time, New Year’s Eve, Super bowl party, Valentine’s Day ‘singles party’ and many more lit by it. Luncheons, dinners, cocktail parties and book-signings to name a few. And it worked. I remained in sight. That wonderful candlelight shining upon my guests was a beacon of hope and festivities to come. It was a focal point of all my gatherings whether family or friends.
someone asked.
"I could NOT include all the parties given in the glow of this marvelous Venetian glass chandelier, so multicolored, and magical. There were just too many. But it kept me from being invisible." I said. “What do you mean?” Was it the Venetian chandelier we bought at a little walled town called Asolo a few miles outside of Venice? The multicolored Venetian light fixture that no sane person would buy in Venice and then have shipped to Virginia. The one with clear glass fluting and deep turquoise accents, flowers of blown glass in deep blues, bright pinks, yellows, and multi-colors. Deep green leaves stuck straight up from the infrastructure. It was spectacular! The one that arrived in a large unpainted wooden box full of tiny individual pieces of blown glass, wrapped in white tissue paper? Were there more than 100 of them? Because it arrived with no real directions. The few directions that were included were in Italian. We had a real problem. But I had an ace in the hole! I knew the perfect person; a man and his wife who used to work for my father. If they had not owned a chandelier store and known what to do to put that thing together, it would STILL be sitting in a box in a garage somewhere. But instead, when I called and asked if they knew what I should do to put it together, they kindly drove out to our farm, Heathfield. They knew it would take an expert (or 2) to put the thing together. It took them most of the day. At midday, with the chandelier only half finished, I fixed them spaghetti and meatballs. We all sat down together to eat it. This made me smile because I was cooking for people who knew what real spaghetti was supposed to taste like. They ate it all and I took this as a huge compliment, but maybe they were just starving! Franco Ercollano worked for my parents for years. He and his wife were married on my parents' property under the oak tree for which it was named. Franco and a partner soon opened a chandelier store in Washington DC. That gorgeous 200-year-old chandelier had never been electrified. It was lit by candles only. We left it that way, preferring not to wire it. It was so big and heavy it was hard to take down or rehang. And yet, since buying it, in 1996, we have hung it in several different houses. We learned to move it without taking it completely apart. Only the loose bits were removed for transport. The multicolored glass flowers and leaves were removable. The body of the chandelier was made like a basket, resting on the undercarriage with arms joining at the top like a large handle. We learned to move it wrapped in bubble wrap and resting in an extremely large rubber horse water-trough. And in every case, it made the room in which it was hung into a magical space.
When we sold Heathfield, I moved the chandelier to the stone house I rented on Wildcat Mountain. I lived in this very remote house with a spectacular view looking north east for only 2 and a half years. I entertained a lot, continuing with my 2 parties every month. It is sad to relate that after I moved to Charlottesville (with the chandelier) both Heathfield and the house on Wildcat Mountain were torn down to build “bigger” houses. There are still good vibrations emanating from that beautiful work of art. It was blown by Venetian glass blowers in the late 1700s. If that chandelier could speak, what a story it could tell. I wonder where else it was hung? Perhaps in the palazzo of a Duke, or a Papal residence, or maybe in the dining room of a fancy brothel, or maybe just some private home, long since dismantled. Venice was so full of stories about artists and lovers, royalty, bandits and thieves. One could only guess what adventures took place beneath this beauty. -We bought the chandelier in Italy when we spent a couple of months there each autumn for 3 years. My ex-husband Charley had marvelous taste and the eye of a collector. He was teaching watercolor painting to students from The University, who were staying in Italy for a fall semester in the Veneto. The head of the program was Architecture Professor, Mario Valmarana, whose family owned a house built for them by the famous architect Palladio. We saw that very elaborate lighting fixture with an eye to imitating something of the grandeur of Palladio for ourselves. Over my embarrassed protests that it would not be appropriate in Virginia, he had the chandelier shipped to us in The Plains, VA and it was there that Franco put it together for us over the course of a day. Of course, Charley knew what he was doing. It was spectacular. People were really taken aback when we hung that unbelievable chandelier for our Hunt Breakfasts and other celebrations at Heathfield. When people first saw it, they usually gasped. Then they showed their astonishment that we would have gone to so much trouble to bring this antique back to Virginia of all places. But they admired it. Then, when we divorced it came to me, since Charley thought it was too big for the cottage he moved into. It hung in my dining room for my post-divorce parties. I had two parties every single month for over two years. I did it because I knew that when a woman divorces, she may be "forgotten". I did not want to become invisible. Especially the female half is vulnerable, extra men are always welcome. Extra women are too plentiful already. I have had so many different parties to try to keep things interesting for my friends. Festive holiday parties such
By the time I moved to Charlottesville I had had enough of the 2-party concept. My son, Murdoch Matheson, found me a house I adored called Barrsden. That old white frame farmhouse was typical of Virginia. Everything about it pleased me. The double line of pine trees along the gravel driveway, the beautiful views of open fields and the giant boxwood bushes, and my wonderful swimming pool close to the house. It worked so well for entertaining partly because it had been modified and it had a fabulous ‘live in’ kitchen. There were large entertaining rooms including the dining room. The ceiling was high enough and there were windows on three sides. Lots of light filtered in to illuminate that gorgeous colorful fixture of blown glass. The entire ten years I lived in that house were magical. The town of Charlottesville welcomed me with friendly people and all the many attractions and easy access to my kids who lived in Keswick. Even the dreaded “traffic” was short lived compared to that in Washington DC. Everything about Charlottesville pleased me and made me grateful to be there. My chandelier witnessed many celebrations, Easters, Thanksgivings, every small dinner or impromptu cocktail party, parties for birthdays of my children and my many grandchildren and including my ex-husband and his wife. Then there were parties I threw just because I could. Because of my marvelous house and my lovely accessories my entertaining was spontaneous and delightful for me and my guests. When I moved to Washington DC to live with my mother, I gave away all of my possessions. And the chandelier, this very special part of our lives, I gave to my son Charles Matheson Jr. He and his wife, Andrea live in a large Italianate house with very high ceilings and the chandelier is perfect. I go to see it when I am in Charlottesville. Though of course I am really there to see my children and grandchildren, I also came to see my magical blown glass fantasy hanging majestically over the dining table. It makes me smile and brightens my visit. The sight of it brings back so many happy remembrances. You do not expect to see such an exotic thing in Earlysville. Such joyful play-fullness emanates from the fabulous Venetian chandelier. Such spectacular colors, shimmering in sunlight or candles glow, makes guests look up and smile. And they ask, “Where did you get that?”
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KESWICK LIFE
Virginia
Somerset Land
Open Gate Road Tucked back on a quiet country lane in beautiful Somerset, this parcel is completely surrounded by properties under conservation easement. The terrain gently rises 120’ from the road frontage, affording
the
opportunity
for
unsurpassed
panoramic views that are protected in perpetuity. The area is known for deep and fertile soils and excellent water. Ten minutes from the charming towns of Orange and Gordonsville, 30 minutes
Six Stall Barn at Chopping Bottom Farm
from Charlottesville, and under two hours from Washington. $350,000
Contact: Julia Parker Lyman Associate Broker 540-748-1497
Jos. T.
SAMUELS Over 100 Years of Virginia Real Estate Service www.jtsamuels.com u (434)295-8540
Six stall barn at Chopping Bottom Farm with indoor ring, tack room, water and electricity. Three good-sized paddocks with run in sheds can accommodate five horses. $1500/month. Call 434 825 4422.
11
APRIL 2019
TRAVEL
Russian Roulette BY CHARLES THACHER For many fishermen, the pursuit of Atlantic salmon represents the ultimate angling experience. Salmon are born in fresh water rivers, migrate downstream, sometimes for hundreds of miles to salt water after a year or two, live there for one to three years, then remarkably return up the same river to spawn in the pool where they were born. Perhaps as many as 75% of them die after they spawn, but the strongest survive to again reach the salt, and they can return upriver to spawn once, and occasionally, even twice more. When the fish enter the river to spawn, they are very strong and offer great sport to fly fisherman, which is odd because they never eat during their journey up the river. So why will they try to eat a fly? There are many theories, but in truth, no one knows.
between two and five AM, like clockwork”. Of course, while I was sleeping, far from the rivers. Our aquatic flies almost never hatch in the middle of the night, but then I guess that there is no middle of the night during mid-summer on the Kola.
The most traditional and prestigious Atlantic salmon fisheries are in the Maritime Provinces and Quebec in Canada, and in Scotland. But the fame (and expense) of these rivers often far surpasses their productivity, and even an accomplished angler can spend a week on one and catch no more than a fish or two. Certainly salmon populations have been reduced by netting, climate change and other threats, but often fish aren’t caught because they have not yet reached the pools where the angler is fishing, or they have already moved past. I had been fly-fishing for several decades before I first decided to pursue Atlantic salmon. Actually, I was enticed by a presentation on fishing for trout in rivers that flow through the tundra in the remote Kola Peninsula in Northern Russia. Lower sections of the same rivers, below impassable (for the fish) waterfalls, had recently been opened to anglers and were considered by many to be the best Atlantic salmon fisheries in the world. So, I signed up for a week of trout fishing to be followed by a week of salmon fishing at camps operated by the Kharlovka Company. My trip started in late June. To get to the camps, I flew to Stockholm, then a charter flight to Murmansk, Russia (the northernmost significant city in the world), then a 4-hour flight on a large helicopter due west to the salmon camp, and finally a one-hour flight on a small helicopter to our trout camp in the tundra, with three other American anglers. The camp was new and offered on a discounted “exploratory” basis, to evaluate the commercial viability of the trout fishing opportunities. The camp’s trout fishing program was unique in my experience. The tundra landscape was dotted with dozens of small lakes, and the rivers ran for short distances between them – typically the stretches were from 200 yards to half a mile long. The other three anglers came as a group, leaving me to fish by myself or occasionally with the camp manager. Each day I was assigned my own small helicopter to take me to a fishing location and then move me around to different spots throughout the day. When the helicopter left the camp in the morning it had to get over a hill, and if there was more than one passenger it could not clear the hill safely, so it took one passenger to the top, and returned to bring the second passenger, before going off for the day. The pilot would drop me at a section of river, go off to park some place, then return in 2-3 hours, to take me to another section. Helicopters, even in Russia, are very expensive to operate, and I couldn’t figure out how this venture could ever be profitable. Apparently, the owner
Map of the Kola Peninsula and adjacent seas. From the Dutch Novus Atlas (1635). Cartographer: Willem Janszoon Blaeu couldn’t either, because it was shut down the next year. The fishing was made more difficult for two unexpected reasons – the walking and the bugs. Traversing the porous river banks was like walking on sponges, and they were filled with treacherous holes that were sometimes hard to see. It would have been easy to cause some serious damage by stepping in one, so I had to walk very slowly. The bugs were tiny, biting no-see ums that regularly came in swarms. I’ve never worried much about bugs, but these got my attention, flying into my mouth and nose, and attacking any exposed skin - making it difficult to concentrate on the fishing. The flies that I really wanted to see – the ones that trout eat and that anglers try to replicate – never did show up. So, the fishing was challenging and I managed to catch only four or five fish a day, the biggest being about four pounds. There are bears and moose on the tundra, and I saw a few from the helicopter, but saw none while fishing. The Kola is well inside the Arctic Circle, and the sun never set – just circled the sky above the horizon. If I wanted to read at midnight, there was sufficient light coming through the tan walls of my tent to do so. Even though the fishing was spotty, I enjoyed the tundra experience for its uniqueness and remoteness. On the last day, we took a larger helicopter down to the salmon camp because we had to pick up four intrepid Swedish anglers who had been on a two-week self-guided expedition, traveling by kayaks on the lakes and rivers in the tundra to map it for the camp owner. One of them asked me how the fishing was and I groused that I was disappointed in the lack of fly hatches. He said they had great hatches, which produced excellent dry-fly fishing. I was bummed. When I inquired as to when they occurred, he said “every day
The Kharlovka Company operates upscale salmon fishing camps on two beautiful rivers – the Rynda and the Kharlovka. I was dropped off at the Rynda camp while all of the other people on the chopper flew on home, as I was the only one staying for a week of salmon fishing, which began the next day at the Kharlovka camp. A few hours after I arrived, Peter, a very wealthy Brit and the owner of the camps, had me summoned from my cabin to meet him. He had an enigmatic reputation for being pompous, arrogant and dismissive, but also for running a first-class operation and as a committed conservationist with respect to preserving a healthy salmon population in an area where local residents have, for many years, illegally harvested salmon to put food on their tables. When I met Peter, he could not have been more gracious, taking me to his impressive private residence on the Rynda, overlooking a lovely pool fed by a spectacular waterfall – as classic a salmon fishing setting as could exist. He lived there with his Russian girlfriend, probably 30 years his junior. The two of us shared drinks and conversation, he invited me to join him for dinner which was delightful, and I left thinking that perhaps his reputation was unwarranted, or that I had just impressed him and become a special friend. The following day the twenty or so other anglers who would be fishing at the two camps arrived. After they descended from the helicopter, he met them and invited the entire group to his home for drinks and lunch. Then he pulled me aside to say “Charles, you needn’t come, since you have already seen my house”, and turned dismissively away. So, this special friend was left – deflated and embarrassed by my naïveté - to have lunch alone. When we arrived later that day at the Kharlovka Camp, we had an introductory meeting with the Camp manager, Justin, an American who now lived in Bariloche, in the Argentine Andes, on his family’s cherry farm, and who managed a fishing camp in Venezuela in the winter and the Russian salmon camp in the summer. In my travels to fishing lodges and camps around the world, I have met many people living seemingly vagabond lives like Justin. There were eight British anglers at the camp who came as a group, and would fish together in pairs. Then there was myself and Anders, a big Swede who was exactly half my age, and who had fished at the camp many times. Being the odd men out, Anders and I were paired together for the week. I’ve never had better luck. After the housekeeping rules were covered, the Russian manager of the camp’s guides, a big and tough looking man, Volodya, addressed our group, explaining the guide system and the daily fishing program. He had a handgun on his hip. He introduced the other Russian guides (who said nothing) and then his dog - a large mongrel displaying no particular heritage. He said, “My dog is not dangerous unless you make eye contact with him. Don’t ever do that. When you are walking around the camp, if you see him coming, look away to the other side.” We were a bit stunned. One of the
12
KESWICK LIFE
Brits said “If we forget or don’t see him coming, and we make eye contact, what will he do?” Volodya responded, “He will attack your crotch, going for your balls. Please, don’t make that mistake, he cannot control himself.” I turned to Anders, and quietly asked “You have been here before. Is he that dangerous?” Anders whispered, “No one has tested him, but if he’s as nasty as Volodya, I wouldn’t want to try it”. But Anders clearly had something else on his mind. When Volodya finished, Anders asked me to join him to talk to Justin. As we approached Justin, Anders said to me “Our guide is not here”. Then he confronted Justin. “Where is Valentin?” “He came in very drunk this morning and he knows that Peter has no tolerance for that (I found out later that Peter was a reformed alcoholic), so Peter fired him.” “Well, do you have a replacement guide for us?’ “No, we will have to go to Murmansk and find someone. They will be here tomorrow or the following day.” Anders lost it. “You can’t do that! Valentin knows the river and his replacement won’t. And we aren’t going to not fish for a day or two. Valentin guides me every time I come, and I’ve never seen him drunk before. Get Peter on the phone so I can talk to him.” “I will do it, but it won’t help. This is the one rule that Peter won’t change his mind on, and every guide knows it.” Justin called Peter, and passed the phone to Anders. They had a heated conversation, and then Anders returned the phone to Justin, who listened to Peter, then delivered the message to Anders. “Peter said that because you have come here so often, that he will hire Valentin back to guide you. But he is still drunk, and he has to sober up, so he can’t guide you this evening. And if he ever does it again, he is finished.” The evening fishing was on the “home pool”, right next to the camp, so a guide wasn’t necessary. Anders and I went back to our cabins, put on our waders, and met to walk together to the pool. I liked him immediately, he was low key, personable, but obviously tough when it was needed. Because the fishing was often in front of a canyon wall, making a back cast impossible, fishing on the Kharlovka was strictly with two-handed spey rods, which I had never before done. My new rod was over fourteen feet long and the whole casting process was completely different and much more complicated than with conventional one-handed rods. I had watched a video to try and learn the technique but, frankly, was inept. When I saw Anders begin casting, I felt like a clown. His casts went several times farther than mine and every one was as straight and accurate as an arrow, which is critical for covering all of the water in a pool – the key to successful fishing for Atlantic salmon. We fished in the large pool about 50 meters apart for three hours, along with the Brits, all of whom were experienced salmon anglers and spey casters. Anders was steadily hooking fish. I caught a small one – my first ever – and felt pretty good. When we returned to the lodge for dinner, Justin took a fish count (every salmon camp meticulously keeps track of the numbers and sizes of fish caught), and a few of the Brits had none, a couple (and I) had one, one had two and Anders had eight, including two exceeding 20 pounds. I know that some of the Brits were dubious, but I had fished near Anders and thought he might have had more. The next morning Valentin showed up to guide us and
never said a word about what had happened. In fact, for the whole week he never said many words about anything, except to complain occasionally about the Russian government, and state how he missed the good old communist days. This was a guy who was earning well more than double what he could ever have made had the old Soviet Union continued. Both of his daughters were enrolled in engineering school in a fine university, with excellent prospects, but, strangely, he yearned for a simple and perhaps mythical past when life required no decisions (since there were no options) – at least that was the way I saw it. I couldn’t see why Anders preferred him, and when I asked, he said “I think he’s a good person who has had a tough life, and the other guides don’t seem to like him very much. Maybe I feel sorry for him.” I didn’t tell Anders that my opinion was colored by the fact that I had seen Valentin snatch and eat my Snickers bar every day - telling me that the cook had forgotten to include it with my lunch. Fishing with Anders was a joy. He was an exceptional angler, but not a consumed angler. His casting (and catching) was impressive, and mine was lousy, but he didn’t care in the least. During the course of each day we would intermittently take half an hour off from fishing to sit on the bank, observe the river, and talk. He knew very little about the U.S., but loved hearing about it. I learned a lot about Swedish politics, and the Country’s immigration challenges. Our age difference seemed irrelevant. Every day we traveled by helicopter to fish different sections of the Kharlovka. Once dropped off, we walked a mile or more along the river to access the best pools. Valentin would charge out ahead of us, sometimes getting several hundred yards in front where we couldn’t even see him. He never looked back to see where we were. Terrible behavior for a guide. One day we took a long helicopter ride to a tributary called the Litza, a beautiful river in a deep canyon with many cliffs and waterfalls. We were dropped off at the top of a steep hill, maybe 600 yards above the river. We walked down and had a fine day of fishing in a light rain. I caught three fish, but Anders hit the jackpot with 14, including some very large ones. Late in the day, Valentin got a call on his satellite phone saying that the cloud cover was too low and that the helicopter could not pick us up. What then? He said that we would have to walk upstream about three miles, then cross and sleep in a tent that was there for such a purpose. A man was stationed at the tent who would prepare dinner, and we would return to the main camp in the morning. We looked at the depth and strong current of the river and pointed out that crossing was not possible. Valentin said that it was not a problem, as the camp was next to a large pool and the man would bring a boat across to get us. So, we made the difficult walk back up to the top of the hill, then over rough terrain and back down to the river below the big pool where the tent was pitched. Valentin said “We cross here.” I said. “What? That’s not possible. We didn’t agree to that. Where is the boat?” “No boat. Cross here.” Russian guides are nothing, if not tough. Valentin walked five yards out into the deep, strong current. Then he came back. “It’s good. We cross together.” Anders (who is 6’5” and powerful) said “No way. Get the man to come with his boat.” “No boat. We go” Well, here we were with a Hobson’s Choice – cross dangerously to a tent or stay and sleep
13
on the ground. We went, with Valentin in the middle, and our arms locked together, in back and front. If one of us had slipped on a rock and fallen, we might have all gone under, but we didn’t. When we finally arrived at the tent with no clothes except those we were wearing, dinner was ready, consisting of a large raw salmon on the small table, and a basket containing four or five varieties of freshly picked wild mushrooms. Frankly, they were scarier than the wading. But I reminded myself that Russians are regarded to be the greatest mushroom hunters in the world, so when in Rome….. Actually, everything tasted pretty good, and we were back at the main camp in good shape early the next morning. During that day, I asked Anders if he could give me any advice to improve my casting. He immediately said “Before you start your cast, you should always have your fly in the water pointing in the direction that you want your cast to go. That’s very important.” I tried it a few times and it made a big difference. I then asked him why he hadn’t pointed that out earlier. He said simply “You seemed to be enjoying yourself, and didn’t ask me for advice. I didn’t think it was my place to offer it.” I felt like a jerk. On the last day in the camp another group of Swedes showed up who had been exploring the tundra for Peter’s mapping project. They were ripe from two weeks in the wilderness and were primed to live up to the Swedes’ great reputation for drinking prodigious amounts of vodka. After dinner, Anders and I, and all the new Swedes except one were sitting in one of the cabins, drinking vodka. Then the missing Swede entered in a panic. “Pers (who was in the room), Volodya found out that you tried to make love to his girlfriend, and he’s coming here for you with a gun. Did you do that?” “I guess so, yeh. But I didn’t know it was his girlfriend.” “Pers, you gotta get out of here. He’s crazy. He’ll kill you.” Pers left. The rest of us fled to our own cabins. The next morning Pers was at breakfast, looking very alive though a bit sheepish – and seriously hung over. There was no mention of Volodya. We left an hour later, returning home. The following January I got an email from Anders, asking if I could come fish with him at Kharlovka again in July. I was flattered and couldn’t resist. We had a great week. I spoke only briefly and curtly to Peter, didn’t make eye contact with Volodya’s dog, Valentin never got drunk nor did his personality improve, we had nary a mishap, I spey casted and fished better, while Anders and I solved many of the world’s political and economic problems. A fine week indeed.
Charles Thacher and wife Ann moved to Keswick in 2008 from New York, to be near their kids and (now) four grandchildren. He has been an avid fly fisher for over 35 years, traveling extensively, primarily in pursuit of wily trout. Along with two other anglers, Charlie was a founder of the Anglers Club of Charlottesville, which has about 65 august members. He is a member of the Anglers Club of New York and the Paris Fario Club, and writes regularly for the New York Club’s journal and Classic Angling, a British magazine. Also, he has compiled and published a bibliography of angling books.
APRIL 2019
I M M A C U L AT E E S TAT E O N 6 3 M A N I C U R E D A C R E S I N S O M E R S E T
AnnAndAle, c. 1804 9244 Dixie Drive The centerpiece of this stately c. 1804 Virginia estate of 63 manicured acres is a comprehensively, tastefully renovated and modernized federal manor home sited dramatically to overlook a 4 acre lake and the rolling hills of the Piedmont beyond. The Annandale residence features 12 foot ceilings, 4 fireplaces, and luxurious 1st floor master suite. Notable dependencies and improvements include a pool shaded by massive hardwoods, guest house, 3 bed farm manager’s house, covered dock / sitting area by the lake, and Sears dairy barn charmingly converted to stables. Acreage fenced and cross fenced for horses. 25 minutes to Charlottesville, 1 hour to Richmond, 2 hours to DC, moments to Gordonsville conveniences.
$1,895,000 | MLS# 589168 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Bunny French, REALTOR®
(434) 996-1029 | bunnyfre@gmail.com
WWW.LORINGWOODRIFF.COM
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KESWICK LIFE
WHAT'S COOKING Cajun Salmon Caesar Salad BY SAM JOHNSON, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CULLINARY | 1776
I love this recipeI for the spring and summer months. It's a filling salad that can be
served for garden parties or evening dinners on the deck overlooking the rolling hills of Keswick. I suggest this salad served with a nice chilled glass of Rosé, and Lime bar for dessert.
Ingredients
• 1 salmon fillet, skin on, boneless • 2 teaspoons cajun or creole seasonings • 2 teaspoons black pepper • 2 teaspoons garlic powder • 2 teaspoons onion powder • 1 teaspoon paprika • pinch of cayenne pepper • 1 lemon, zested, juiced • 1/4 cup Italian parsley, minced • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2/28/17 10:54 AM Page 1
Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 475 degrees • Mix seasoning blend together • Rinse salmon, pat dry • Place salmon on oven proof pan, coat both sides with olive oil • Season salmon with seasoning blend, rub into salmon on both sides • Place salmon skin side down, top with lemon juice and zest • Bake at 475 for 10-12 minutes • Remove from oven, top with parsley and serve with extra lemon • In separate bowl mix greens with a squeeze of lemon & olive oil • Toss with the caesar dressing and croutons place salad on plate and top with salmon
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Caesar Dressing: • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced and mashed into a paste • 2 anchovy filets, finely minced and mashed into a paste • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 3 tablespoons red wine or apple cider vinegar • 1/2 cup olive oil • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
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Read Keswick Life Lets you in on life in Keswick Matthew Jenkins • Ann Turner • George Kidder • George Payne, Jr. • Alan Culbertson • Kimberly Chiricos One Boar’s Head Pointe, Suite 101, Charlottesville, VA 22903 • anculbertson.com
15
APRIL 2019
776 CLUB DRIVE | Listed by: STEVE MCLEAN
Sold by: Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International | Murdoch Matheson
MERRIE MILL | Listed by: CHARLOTTE DAMMANN Sold by: Core Real Estate | Andrew Baldwin
FOX RIDGE
Listed by: C. DAMMANN Sold by: Haven Realty Group Nicole Lewis
2085 FARRINGTON RD
Sold by: JIM FAULCONER Listed by: Long & Foster - Glenmore Marina Ringstrom
6182 TURKEY SAG ROAD | Sold by: STEVE MCLEAN Listed by: Roy Wheeler Realty Company | Duke Merrick
5899 GORDONSVILLE ROAD Listed by: C. DAMMANN Sold by: Wiley Real Estate - Orange Justin Wiley
1349 QUEENSCROFT
Listed by: WILL FAULCONER Sold by: Long & Foster - Glenmore Patti Rowe
Sold in 2018 by McLean Faulconer
16
KESWICK LIFE
YOUR KESWICK REALTOR
ROUGEMONT | Listed by: STEVE MCLEAN
Sold By: Loring Woodriff Real Estate Associates | Loring Woodriff
2425 STRAWBERRY HILL | Sold by: PHILIP REED Listed by: Wiley Real Estate-Orange | Justin Wiley
2010 MILTON RD | Listed by: DAMMANN & MCLEAN Sold by: Loring Woodriff Real Estate Associates | Anne Izard
S2-15 WILTSHIRE CLOSE
Sold by: STEVE MCLEAN Listed by: Roy Wheeler Realty Michelle Pike
COTSWOLD KNOLL
Sold by: SHARON DONOVAN Listed by: Long & Foster - Glenmore Marina Ringstrom
UPFRONT
Listed by: C. DAMMANN Sold by: Nest Realty Group Bob Hughes
3370 COTSWOLD LANE
Listed by: JIM FAULCONER Sold by: Nest Realty Group Karen Ball
5512 GORDONSVILLE ROAD Listed by: JIM FAULCONER Sold by: Long & Foster - Glenmore Patti Rowe
17
APRIL 2019
ONLY IN KESWICK Waiting on the Wife BY TONY VANDERWARKER
It’s as much an absolute certainty as rain
coming with thunder or income taxes in April, when the wife says, “I’m coming,” you can be certain you’re in for a good long wait. Same thing with, “Just give me a minute,” or “I’ll be there in a jiffy.” The minute turns into twenty and “jiffy” gets stretched into an eternity. It’s cool your heels time. And I’ve found it makes no sense to time her because that’s an unspoken signal for her to take more time. And prodding her is even worse, a guarantee that she’ll stretch out your wait. The best way to deal with your exasperation is to rid your mind of the intended destination and read a long article in the New York Times. Pick a five-pager, something about the Supreme Court’s recent decisions, for instance. Or anything that can keep your mind from dwelling on the fact that she’s now kept you waiting for thirteen minutes and counting. Because exasperation can easily morph into anger and you find yourself yelling at the top of your lungs, “C’mon, goddamnit, you said you’d be there in an effing jiffy!” An outburst like that will extend your wait from thirteen minutes to thirty and now your heels are so cool they’re almost frozen. And you can rest assured that when she finally does show, you’ll get a retort like, “I was just putting a load in the dryer, you do want clean clothes don’t you?” Or, “I was just taking something out of the freezer, for our dinner.” It’s punishment for not behaving like a mushroom and patiently sitting in the driver’s seat, stifling your frustration. She can extend your sentence by saying, “Honestly, I don’t see why you get so upset over having to wait for a few minutes, that’s pretty childish, don’t you think? I mean you’re acting like a little boy.” And if you try to fight back with, “I don’t see why you have to make me wait all the time.” You can be sure she’ll hop out of the car, slamming the door and muttering, “You can go to Lowe’s by your goddamn self.” Now you’ve got a marital calamity on your hands and you’ve given yourself no choice but to go into your penitent mode because now you’re the bad guy. What seemed to be a perfectly reasonable reaction to having to wait for twenty minutes she’s now turned into your fault. So now you have to clamber out of the car and hustle after her saying, “Look, I’m sorry, you’re right. I shouldn’t have yelled at you.” I was at an engagement party recently and I was talking to the prospective groom. He was talking about how he was
looking forward to getting married and I had to resist the urge to tell him he had no idea of what he was getting into. If I had to add up all the time I’d spent waiting for the wife, I bet it would be a good three months total. Three months out of my life cooling my heels. After thinking of saying to the soon-to-be groom, “Delete three months from your life that you’ll spend waiting for you wife.” I decided that could only get me a puzzled look so I decided that learning to wait for the wife is something a husband needs to learn by himself. I recently discovered some retaliatory tactics that can help the wife realize how her tardiness in showing up skyrockets my blood pressure. Say she’s a good five minutes late to go out to a party. I hop on the Kubota and start mowing the lawn. When she finally shows, she’s standing there with her hands on her hips snorting, “What the hell are you mowing the lawn for, we’re supposed to be going to a party.” “I’ve just got a few more rows to mow, won’t take long,” I shout over the mower’s noise. “Just give me a few seconds more and I’ll be ready to go.”
to benefit Grace Episcopal Church Community Outreach Preview Party: Friday, June 7, 2019 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Show and Sale: Saturday, June 8, 2019 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on historic Route 231, Keswick, VA
“But you’re not even dressed!” She says, getting more and more irritated. “It’ll just take me a few minutes to get ready.” Now she’s good and steamed up. I finish mowing, change clothes and open the fridge. “I’m just going to grab a beer and I’ll be ready.” “What? How long’s that going to take?” “I’ll be finished in a jiffy,” I answer. Of course, I savor every sip like I haven’t had a beer in years and now steam is coming out of her ears. “Can you speed that up? Now I’ve got her where I want her. “You don’t want me to get indigestion, do you?” “I couldn’t care less and listen, if this is one of your stupid payback schemes for having to wait a couple minutes here and there, it isn’t going to work. Okay?” I never thought I’d grow up to be a waiter, but that’s exactly what I am and my new motto is: Later Than Sooner.
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KESWICK LIFE
Bookworm Reviews By Suzanne Nash
BOOKWORM
Springtime Reads Coming Our Way BY SUZANNE NASH
As I write this I am on my yearly jaunt to London, so I thought I’d work on some books for April which have some connections to England. I love Sherlock Holmes mysteries and always feel connected to those tales while I am here so here are a couple books based on that marvelous detective. Have a wonderful month and get ready for the warmer weather that is on the horizon!
Laurie R. King has written several books that are based around a young woman, Mary Russell, who marries Holmes and helps him solves crimes in his
later years. In Island of the Mad, Lady Vivian Beaconfield has disappeared from Bedlam while out on visitation. Mary Russell has a connection to Lady Vivian and so ends up journeying to Venice, chasing leads to locate her quarry. Sherlock accompanies her but he is on a different mission, which puts him in the company of Cole Porter who has rented a palace in Venice where he throws lavish parties in the midst of the rise of fascism in Italy. It is an exciting romp through the changing landscape of Venice during 1922 and explores how fascism changed the carefree lifestyle of the very wealthy who summered there.
.Following the theme of mystery,
Wildling Sisters will keep you guessing as
it jumps in time from 1959 when four sisters spent a summer in the Cotswolds at their uncle’s home, Applecote Manor. The book opens with the girls bloodied hands and clothes. Leap forward 50 years when Will and Jessie Tucker move into Applecote Manor with their two children. Bella, Jessie’s teenage step-daughter, is angst ridden and moody and refuses to connect with Jessie. She notices the strangeness at their new home. Jumping back and forth between the present and the past the reader begins to untangle the mysterious disappearance from 50 years prior. One of my favorite lines is “Houses are never just houses. We move away, but we live forever where we were most alive.”Many things have remained at Applecote Manor, holding on to the past and wishing to be understood.
The Wild Irish: A Novel of Elizabeth I and the Pirate O’Malley by Robin
My favorite historical novel this month is
The Whole Art of Detection: Last Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes
by Lyndsay Faye is a compilation of fifteen stories, some of which were previously published in The Strand Magazine. The stories are well written and presented from various perspectives: some from Watson’s view and others as Sherlock’s diary journal entries. They are broken down in four sections: Before Baker Street, The Early Years, The Return and The Later Years and it helps to have a previous knowledge of the Sherlock tales as references to the originals are sprinkled throughout. For anyone who loved the Arthur Conan Doyle stories this is a wonderful accompaniment to further round out the classics
Becoming Belle
by Nuala O’Conner is a historical fiction based on the real life of Isabel MaudePenrice Le-Poer-Trench (nee´ Bilton) who was born in 1887 to a very middle-class military family in a small British village. Small town life could not hold this spirited young woman who moves to London at age 19 and develops a double act with her younger sister under the name of Belle. She eventually falls in love with a young English aristocrat named William, Viscount Dunlo. Williams father was none too pleased when William, against his father’s wishes, marries this flamboyant actress. He sends his son to Africa and does everything he can do to separate them and actually takes Belle to court to try and put the marriage aside. O’Conner plays the story out and leads the reader through to how Belle becomes the Countess of Clancarty in Ireland.
The
Maxwell. This is the amazing story of Grace O’Mally who eventually sails up the Thames and has an audience with Queen Elizabeth herself and apparently impressed the Queen with her stories and courage. If you love stories of strong women, then this novel will enthrall you. Grace was born to an Irish Chieftain who couldn’t tame his wild daughter and he needed to be on the sea. She was given the chance to be on the boats with her father and she never gave up that life. She is the mother of the Irish Revolution and fought valiantly against the British rule for years, leading her band of pirates to create havoc on the Irish Sea. At one point she led over 200 boats with an all-male crew and she earned the respect of all the other Chieftains. She was savvy when it came to politics and married to gain power and then threw out her husband and according to Irish law divorced him because he was unsuitable. All of thisin the 16 th century when women weren’t given a great deal of rights. This is all based on history and the novel led me to read much more about this renegade Irish woman. The meeting between the two women actually took place and I can just imagine how the meeting between Queen Elizabeth and Grace must have been incredible. These two strong, intelligent women must have appreciated the skill each must possess to survive in the male dominated world they both existed in.
I hope you enjoy these few stories from over the pond and next month I will give you the summer reading list since the weather is getting warmer and pool loungers and sandy beaches are waiting!
19
APRIL 2019
OBITUARY
OBITUARY Jerry Bailey, formerly of Keswick, Va., died on
Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C. A memorial service was held Saturday, April 13,th at First Presbyterian Church in Waynesville. Jerry was born in Binghamton, N.Y. on March 9, 1955. He graduated from Oglethorpe University, majoring in Political Science and was self-employed most of his life as a computer software developer. He was especially proud to be part of the team that developed “WordBuild”, a unique vocabulary program, based on the principles of morphology, and used by thousands of students across the US and in several foreign countries. He was an Interim Director of Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville and served on several boards, including Hospice and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville, where he also served as Chairman. He sang in the choir, served as treasurer, and was a member of the Vestry at Grace Episcopal Church in Keswick, Va. He also sang in the choir at First Presbyterian and valued his friendships there. Jerry loved people and never met a stranger. He loved his family, Atlanta Braves baseball, and being a father and grandfather. His zest for life and passionate pursuit of the humor found in life’s simple moments endeared him to all. Jerry is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kate; his sister, Nancy; brothers, Dave and Andy; son, Ed; son, Charlie and his wife, Nikki; son, Ben and his wife, Whitney; and five beautiful, beloved grandchildren. Donations may be sent to the First Presbyterian Organ Fund, 305 N Main St, Waynesville, NC 28786, or Crabtree Iron Duff Vol. Fire Dept., 99 Susie Noland Rd., Clyde, NC 28721. The care of Mr. Bailey has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.
Evelyn Gibson Sipe, 87, of Keswick, died on Sunday, April 7, 2019, at her residence.
Born on March 29, 1932, in Cismont, Va., she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Virgie Gibson. She was a member of Preddy Creek Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Paul Short and Everette Lee Sipe; her son, Monte (Poncho) Short, and ten brothers and sisters. She is survived by one daughter, Brenda Short of Gordonsville; two sons, Steve Short (Sherry) of Stanardsville, and Rodney Sipe (Theresa) of Keswick; two brothers, Rogers and Gene Gibson; one sister, Joice Payne; eight grandchildren, Chris Lamb, Amy, Monte, Kendall, and Kelsie Short, Tony, Jeddiah and Tyler Sipe, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Pastors Buster Payne and Jane Cicione officiated. , A graveside interment was held at Preddy Creek Baptist Church in Barboursville, on Saturday, April 13, 2019.
William George Dickie, age 89, of Greenwood,
Virginia, died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 31, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Broxburn, West Lothian, Scotland, on May 13, 1929,Bill was the child of William and Jean Bishop Alexander Dickie, who preceded him in death in addition to his older brother Ian Gordon.
David Leslie King, age 64, of Crozet, Virginia,
passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer on May 2, 2019, while surrounded by his family. He was born on October 14, 1954, in Houston, Texas, the son of the late Max Caleb King and Diane Estes King.. He grew up in Abilene, Texas and after graduating from Abilene High School he played Division 1 tennis for Trinity University where he met his wife, Ellen Carrington, who he married in 1977 . In 1981 he obtained his law degree from the University of Houston Law School in Houston, Texas. The city was home to the King family until 1995 when they moved to Virginia and established Roseland Farm and then in 1998, established King Family Vineyards. An avid polo player, David was also a skilled pilot, and a proud Reserve Deputy with the Albemarle County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Division. He will be remembered for his contributions to the wine industry as the Chair of the Virginia Wine Board from 2007-2009 and 2013-2018. As Chair, he was often heard to say that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” expressing his passion to improve the industry for all. Additionally, David served as a Trustee for the Gray Carrington Memorial Scholarship Foundation at the University of Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Ellen; his sons and daughtersin-law, Carrington and Corie, Stuart and Ali, and James and Kelly; as well as his eight grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Diane; his brother, Robert and his wife, Vicki; his aunt and uncle, Esme and Allen Glenn; his uncle, Don Estes; his aunts, Wilma Ruth King and Barbara King, Rosy and Eric Heinsohn, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law and best friend, Edward Carrington Jr. The family would like to thank Dr. Frank Fossella of MD Anderson hospital in Houston, Texas and Dr. Richard Hall of the Emily Couric Cancer Center at the University of Virginia for their expert care and attention. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a contribution to the Focused Ultrasound Foundation in Charlottesville, Va., 1230 Cedars Court, Charlottesville, VA 22903,www.fusfoundation.com. The King family will be hosting a casual celebration of David’s life on Friday, June 14, 2019, at their family farm in Crozet
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let’s you in on life in keswick
Kenneth Brown Mitchell. In the comfort
of the home he built in Keswick, Va., surrounded by his devoted wife of 64 years and his loving children and grandchildren, Kenneth Brown Mitchell, 89, the youngest of four children born to the late Gordon L. Sr. and Cora L. Quarles Mitchell, peacefully went to join his Heavenly Father, his parents and three siblings on May 1, 2019. He was born on Feb. 25, 1930 in his parent’s home in Keswick, which still remains on his residential property, and is occupied by his youngest daughter and her family. His eldest daughter and her family live on the same property, and all of the grandchildren have been able to run the path to their grandparents’ house since they were toddlers. Love of God and family were, and always was, the central emphasis of Kenneth Mitchell’s life, and he instilled this in his family. After attending Keswick Elementary School, he graduated from Albemarle Training School in 1948. Raised with a strong Christian foundation, he was baptized in 1939 at Pleasant Plain Baptist Church in Gordonsville, where he remained a faithful member until his death. He joined the trustee board in 1954, helped to build the current edifice and was highly regarded for making his signature punch for the annual revival. In 1955, Kenneth married his high school sweetheart, Bernice Elizabeth Chapman. Two daughters, Colette and Carolyn, were born from this blessed union. At the age of 20, he was drafted into the United States Army. After completing basic training at Camp Breckinridge, Ky., he was deployed to Korea and served with the 430th Engineers Battalion where he attained the rank of corporal. Upon completion of his military service, he returned to Keswick and was employed for 10 years with Settle Tire Co. In 1963, he began his cab driving career with Courtesy Cab and later was employed with Yellow Cab Company as the first selfemployed, independent African American driver in Charlottesville. In addition to being a faithful member of Pleasant Plain, Kenneth was a charter member of East Rivanna Voluntary Fire Company, and a member of numerous religious, civic and social organizations. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, traveled extensively and still found time to design and build baskets and birdhouses. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Bernice; two daughters and sons-in-law, Colette and Cecil Thompson, Carolyn and Michael Dillard; four grandchildren, Ryan and Kimberly Thompson, and Alexandra and Kenneth Dillard; paternal niece and nephew, Olivia Elizabeth Mitchell Branch and Gordon L. Mitchell III; and a host of other relatives and friends. As per the pre-arranged funeral plans made by Kenneth, care has been entrusted to D. D. Watson Mortician Inc., 117 West St., Louisa. While limited seating is anticipated at the church, the family invites guests to view Kenneth on May 9 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. The Homegoing Celebration will be held at Pleasant Plain Baptist Church, 2564 Lindsay Rd., Gordonsville, on May 10. A viewing will be held at noon and the service is at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of his memory may be sent to Pleasant Plain Baptist Church, P.O. Box 484, Gordonsville, VA 22942. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.ddwatsonmortician.com.
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KESWICK LIFE
KESWICK LIFE
PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET
PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET
Mount Sharon
Cowherd Mtn. Farm
Airslie
La Fourche
in Brilliantly sited on the brow of the second highest point in Orange County lies one of Virginias most magnificent historic estates, Mount Sharon Farm. With panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Coastal Plain the property showcases an extraordinary, circa 1937 Georgian Revival-style residence surrounded by 10+ acres of worldrenowned gardens created by the current owners alongside highly respected landscape architect Charles J. Stick. Comprised of 560+ gently rolling acres, Mount Sharon Farm offers fertile cropland, lush pastures, farm improvements, and a wonderful assortment of dependencies, all in excellent condition. On Virginia and National Historic Registers.
In a private valley of the Madison-Barbour Rural Historic District near Somerset and James Madison's Montpelier, Cowherd Mtn Farm enjoys fertile soil and abundant water. Revolutionary War Vet Francis Cowherd purchased from James Madison and left his name on the mountain which serves as a shelter to the farm. Approximately 1/2 the farm is established pasture with the balance in mature forest. This is the Keswick Hunt and suitable for horses or other livestock. With morning sun, afternoon shade, & gentle slope, this is perfect for a vineyard. The farmhouse has 3 br's and 2 baths for a farm mgr or as a staging area while you build on a knoll overlooking the valley to the mountains. Not in conservation easement with potential tax benefits
For further information contact : Steve McLean 434.981.0076
For further information contact Joe Samuels 434.295.8540. t
For further information contact Charlotte Dammann, 434.981.1250In the
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Arcourt
Linden Ridge LINDEN RIDGE – A private 70 Located among other estates in the Keswick Hunt area of Albemarle Cty. The 1920’s home is situated on a knoll in the center of the manicured acreage, with dramatic views of the SW Mtns. Close to C’ville, this 4 BR home is insulated from road noise, and extremely private. The exterior includes a detached garage, formal gardens with irrigation, rear patio, and numerous large specimen trees. Also included: guest cottage, entertainment/art studio barn, stable, fencing, stream, gated entry. For further information contact Justin Wiley 434.981.5528 t
$1,995,000
20.
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$2,490.000
. For further information contact Justin H. Wiley 434-981-5528
$7,250,000
LD
Round Hill
Long after other homes have crumbled, the stone walls of ARCOURT will remaina testament to the quarried natural stone and superb quality construction used to create this one of a kind estate. Spacious (over 5800 finished sq. ft.) French-inspired custom residence on 22 private acres in Keswick Hunt Country, completely fenced for horses, 3-stall stable, guest quarters, with shop/garage underneath. Interior of residence features an open floor plan, with large rooms, high ceilings, tall windows, and heated stone floors. There is a main-level master suite, second bedroom or study on the first floor, two more bedrooms and two baths on the second level. For further information contact Jim Faulconer 434.981.007 t
Landmark country estate located in the beautiful Keswick hunt area of Albemarle Co. House was completely renovated in the early 1990's using only the finest materials & craftsmen. Surrounding 507+/- acres further compliments the house and allows the property complete privacy. The estate has many improvements including one of the oldest houses in the county "Findowrie", 4 tenant/guest cottages, stable complex & cattle barn.Property has numerous rolling pastures that are fenced w/board & wire
$2,475,000
$1,785,000
$ 18,500,000
La Fourche - Significant property in heart of Keswick with a lovingly restored & updated main house with attached tavern, two dependencies & party barn. The gracious home features an attractive floorplan highlighted by a spacious center hall leading to the first floor living, dining, kitchen & library/media room. The second & third floors have a lovely master suite along with five additional spacious bedrooms, five & half baths & home office. Just to the side of the house is a large patio with views of the historic Southwest Mtns for numerous outdoor activities & enjoyment. Live large on the four acres and yet only minutes to Charlottesville & University of Virginia.
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Misty Ridge Farm
One of the loveliest farms in Albemarle county, Round Hill Farm is perched on a hilltop on 21 acres in the heart of Keswick,featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths. Fireplaces throughout,, there is a magnificent great room with 22-foot cathedral ceilings framed by natural ash beams and an antique wine barrel chandelier. The home boasts a gourmet kitchen with a Wolf stove, farm sink, tile backsplash and skylight. There are 17 acres of horse-fenced pastures, a four-stall barn, with bathroom and kitchen. Nestled in this highly desirable area, and only 20 minutes to downtown Charlottesville. For further information contact Frank Hardy 434.296.0134 t
$3,495,000
21 24.
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Residential and Equestrian Property in sought after Keswick Location on over 20 acres . Spacious Living and Dining Rooms with Fireplaces andWood Floors Family Room with Fireplace and WetBar A Large First Floor Master Suite and Year-Round SunRoom overlooks Terrace and Swimming Pool. Kitchen with Breakfast Nook and Large Laundry Room . Finished Basement. Upper Level Home Office and Study. Guest Cottage with fireplace . 8-Stall Stable 3-Board Fenced Paddocks 5 miles into Gordonsville, 12 miles into Charlottesville For further information contact Duke and Sharon Merrick 434. 951.5160
$1,100,000 KESWICK LIFE
APRIL 2019
HAPPENINGS
Big Pippin Cider New Releases
Big Pippin Hard Cider has just released
STONEY CREEK WEST AT WINTERGREEN Ski in the morning, play golf in the afternoon! Our custom golf front 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home sits on the 9th fairway with views of the Blue Ridge and the Club House. We feature 3,352 sf of living space including hardwood floors, a master suite plus a mini-master suite on the main level, a spacious family room with a stone, gas fireplace, a living room and sun room and an attached garage with a workshop area. There are 2 large guest bedrooms with a guest bathroom on the upper level. The landscaped lot is an oasis of privacy with a circular driveway and mature plantings. We are down in the Valley and the Wintergreen ski slopes are minutes away at the famous All Season Resort. Check this feature list! Whole house fan, 9 foot ceilings, most rooms just painted, carpets cleaned, the ceramic tile painting was hand crafted by the owner. Floored pull down attic. New golf view Trex rear deck with the hot tub just serviced and repaired. Underground pet fence exists. 4 zone HVAC. Underground propane tank, just filled, is owned so choose your own Company! Master bath vanities have instant hot water. $429,900
two new blends to market: Ginger and All Hopped Up. Riding the median between dry and sweet, Ginger combines fresh-pressed apples with ginger root and a kiss of oak to create an exhilarating and thirst-quenching hard cider. All Hopped Up starts with the same recipe, adding the mellowing element of Citra, Centennial, and Idaho 7 hops to create a tropical bouquet finish. Both varietals are 6.9% alcohol by volume. Ginger and All Hopped Up join Elder Cherry Rosé and Prickly Pear & Orange Blossom, which debuted in the initial Big Pippin release in January 2019. All four flavors are currently sold in four packs of 12-ounce cans and kegs at retailers throughout Virginia and Washington D.C. “We are thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive market response to Big Pippin,” said Craig Moore, CEO and General Manager of Castle Hill and Big Pippin. He continued, “Our team is very excited about the release of Ginger and All Hopped Up; and looks forward to creating more unique
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Utilizing years of experience creating award-winning artisanal heritage ciders, this new invigorating and unique cider is crafted from the best regional apples available. The result: Fresh-pressed apple juice is carefully fermented with select nonGMO yeast, and blended with an array of fruits and botanicals to create new and delicious flavor combinations. About Big Pippin Hard Cider On the go? Big Pippin Cider is your go-to beverage to drink in the adventure of the day. Founded upon the motto, “Big Pippin. Big Adventure.” the line of canned cider is perfect for easy transport wherever life takes you. Look for Big Pippin wherever your favorite hard cider is sold. Connect with Big Pippin online at BigPippinCider. com or on social media @BigPippinCider. Big Pippin. Big Adventure.
The Winning Wines of the 28th Annual Monticello Cup Wine Competition The Monticello Cup Awards (MCA) was held on Monday, April 29, 2019 at Vault Virginia and celebrated the winning wines of the 28th Annual Monticello Cup Wine Competition. “As wines from the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA) are receiving acclaim worldwide, the Monticello Cup is a fun way to bring stellar wines from this area together and recognize the quality and consistency that can be found in our AVA,” noted MWT President George Hodson.
Bev Nash Inc.
flavors in the near future.” Big Pippin launched in January 2019 from the team behind the award-winning Castle Hill Cider.
Twenty wineries from the Monticello Wine Trail (MWT) competed in the 2019 Monticello Cup Wine Competition, a friendly competition among wineries in the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA). This year’s competition was coordinated by the Virginia Wine & Spirits Academy, and all entered wines contained a minimum of 85% fruit from the Monticello AVA and were produced by a member of the MWT.There were 12 gold (including the Top 3 Red, Top 3 White, and Monticello Cup winner), 32 silver and 11 bronze medals awarded. The Monticello Cup, for highest scoring wine overall, was presented to King Family Vineyards for their 2016 Mountain Plains.
“I’m proud to be a winemaker in the Monticello AVA and to have the opportunity to work among some of the most talented and passionate in the industry. Being able to accept the Monticello Cup for King Family Vineyards is an honor and I would like to give the credit to David and Ellen King who started the vineyard 20 years ago and made all of this possible,” Matthieu Finot, Winemaker King Family Vineyards. The other two reds in the Top 3 Red category were Keswick Vineyards’ 2016 Signature Series Cabernet Franc and Veritas Vineyard and Winery’s 2016 Vintners Reserve. The Top 3 Whites were King Family Vineyards’ Small Batch Series Viognier, Stinson Vineyards’ Petit Manseng, and Trump Winery’s 2010 Brut Reserve. The MWT, a subsidiary of the Jeffersonian Wine Grape Growers Society (JWGGS), is an association of 33 wineries surrounding Charlottesville, VA in the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Madison, Nelson and Orange. The mission of the JWGGS is to support their members and promote quality grapes and wine produced in the Monticello AVA.
2019 Monticello Cup Wine Competition Results **Monticello Cup Winner – Highest Overall Ranking Wine, Top 6 GOLD**- King Family Vineyards,2016, Mountain Plains GOLD*- Keswick Vineyards, 2016, Signature Series Cabernet Franc GOLD*-King Family Vineyards, 2017, Small Batch Series Viognier GOLD*Stinson Vineyards- 2017 ,Petit Manseng GOLD*Trump Winery-2010,Brut Reserve
22
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Nurseries &Landscaping
434.466.6939 www.sheilacampmotley.com
APRIL 2019
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LOCAL PRESENCE, GLOBAL REACH S O LD
THE HORSESHOE - This particular property was chosen in the 1800’s
by Charles P. Mancure for its rich nutrients, tillable acreage, frontage on the Rapidan & Robinson Rivers, and set in The Piedmont. The farm remains as one of Virginia’s most highly productive. With over 700 acres of fields, gently rolling hills, and vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, an exclusive opportunity awaits. Frank Hardy 434.981.0798
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SOCIAL HALL - Charlottesville’s premier Downtown residence. c. 1814. Complete renovation by Bushman Dreyfus. Private oasis, one block from Downtown Mall. Three floors of living space. Grand entertaining rooms, fanciful wall paper and draperies, and wood mantle fireplaces. Quartz counters, Wolf range, and flush paneled fridge. Large master suite. Spa like setting with pool, back deck, fire pit, and covered outdoor dining space. Guest House. Frank Hardy, Ann Hay Hardy, and Murdoch Matheson 434.296.0134
COBHAM CREEK FARM - 26 acre equestrian farm just 20 minutes from town. The main residence, once a barn, was restored and expanded.Formal living room, conservatory and sunroom opens to flagstone terrace with Koi pool. Stocked pond. MLS 587685. $1,995,000. Frank Hardy, Rob Nelson, and Katherine Leddginton 434.296.0134
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GLENDOWER - Country estate of 423 acres with an attractive brick and slate main residence of 8,500+ s.f, which was expanded by renowned architect, Floyd Johnson. 5 Bedrooms and 5 full baths, 2 half baths. Spacious formal and informal rooms in the residence provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation or entertaining. The brick guest cottage dates to 1776, there is a schoolhouse, pastures, woodland and a stream. Distant views. MLS 524883. $3,750,000. Katherine Leddginton 646.593.0333
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