Middleburg Life for December 2013

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PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID BURKE, VA PERMIT NO. 44

Postal Customer

Volume 34 Issue 6 • December 2013 www.middleburglife.net

INSIDE this issue:

How to Stuff a Turkey, Cotillion Continues & The Signs of Christmas

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The Buchanans of Buchanan Hall

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Holidays

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Home for the

First row: William Buchanan Harrell, Peter Buchanan Hood; second row: Isobel Buchanan Ridge Anderson, Donalda Buchanan Ridge, Molly Clayton Harrell, Sheila Wiley Harrell; third row: Charles MacEachern Ridge, Virginia Buchanan Howard, Helen Buchanan Calvert Wiley, Elizabeth Buchanan Wiley PHOTO BY JANET HITCHEN

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Oh How I Love A Parade

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Following the Petite Bande, as described

by Princess Michael of Kent in “The Serpent and the Moon,” “were several thousand nobles glittering in their finery, doffing feathered hats, their horses richly caparisoned with ornate aignettes bobbing on their foreheads.” Nine days later, after all the wedding negotiations and arrangements were finalized, it was Catherine de’ Medici’s parade when she was introduced to France.

Apropos of the Christmas season and its time of gifts (and, sometimes, re-gifting) another interesting event took place during Catherine de’ Medici’s French début. As was the custom, many gifts were being exchanged by the king, the Pope and others. The king was in possession of a lion previously given him by the Admiral of the Turkish Navy, who was also the pirate Redbeard.

The lion was a bother for the king, who gave it to Ippolito de’ Medici, another of Catherine’s cousins. Ippolito loved it and had his portrait painted with it.

Parade floats were first introduced in the Middle Ages, when churches used pageant wagons as movable scenery for passion plays.

When royalty adopted the idea, the floats could become incredibly elaborate and frequently portrayed themes similar to the stationary pageants: a king might be portrayed as Hercules, for instance.

Some were designed as highly decorated sailing vessels full of stately passengers and pulled by equally highly decorated horses. The floats, also referred to as machines on wheels, could be very sophisticated in design. A parade in Bologna in 1628 employed a float designed as a turtle, perhaps 30 feet long and billowing smoke, with a landscape on its back that featured a small grove of trees and about a dozen people enacting another mythical scene.

Hundreds of parades, processions, festive ceremonies, fireworks, feasts, tournaments and equestrian ballets are described in texts and engravings in a genre of works known as fête books. Queen Victoria’s coronation parade in 1838 is commemorated in one that is a folding, hand-colored panorama of the entire cast of participants. The event was criticized by some at the time for not being elaborate enough, but the panorama, although only about four inches tall, unfolds to more than 60 feet long!

So enjoy the Middleburg Christmas Parade Saturday Dec. 7. In its own way, it’s the continuation of a long procession of history.

www.middleburglife.net

By Richard Hooper For Middleburg Life From the 1500s through the 1700s, parades and processions, demonstrating power, politics and wealth presented as a magnificent spectacle, reached a plateau of opulence. Royalty dressed in cloth of gold or silver, nobility splendidly attired, horses regally harnessed and luxuriously caparisoned all contributed to the display of grandeur.

The occasions were coronations, royal weddings and births, peace treaties, the formal entry of a monarch into a city (King Henri II of France made some 30 entries within two years) and other noteworthy events.

Parades often were followed by feasting, dancing and days of tournaments and jousting.

There could even be a magnificent procession leading to the tournament. In 1662 Louis XIV staged a very large and extravagant tournament of sorts. Engravings of the event depict a lavish parade to the site. In one of these engravings, several horses are shown performing haute école movements. Or, they might have been out of control rearing and kicking. History is open to interpretation.

In 1533, Anne Bolyn’s coronation procession was estimated to be half a mile in length.

It stopped at intervals, as did many parades, for staged pageants presented for the benefit of the honoree. These theatrical productions with fantastic stage settings could range from children welcoming a new queen to scenes from Greek and Roman mythology.

When Catherine de’ Medici, aged 14, came to France to wed Henri d’Orléans, also 14 and the future King Henri II, she arrived at Marseilles where buildings were torn down to make the parade route wider and the roads were covered with crushed rock for better footing for the horses.

Pope Clement VII, Catherine’s cousin, had arranged the marriage. He was in Marseilles for the festivities and, in fact, the Pope’s parade was the first. The day after, it was the procession for King François I, Henri’s father. The roads were now covered with rosemary and lavender releasing their scent when crushed by the hooves of the horses.

Among the King’s parade retinue were a coterie of 27 beautiful women, sometimes referred to as his Petite Bande, selected, at least in part, for their skilled horsemanship. They were always dressed in the finest clothing and furs at the king’s expense.

Courtesy of private collector

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Pam Mickley Albers Dulcy Hooper Betsy Burke Parker Leonard Shapiro Emily Tyler Marcia Woolman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Doug Gehlsen Janet Hitchen Victoria Ingenito Douglas Lees Tracy Meyer Karen Monroe

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December 2013

Middleburg’s Oldest and most respected newspaper.

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It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas All Year Long

VICKY MOON

Editor and Advertising Director (540) 687-6059 vickyannmoon@aol.com

112 W. Washington St. P.O. Box 1770 Middleburg,VA 20118 (540) 687-6325

www.middleburglife.net All editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All unsolicited manuscripts and photos must be accompanied by return postage; the publisher assumes no responsibility. Middleburg Life reserves the right to reject any advertising. Distributed in Middleburg, Upperville, Aldie, Millwood, The Plains, Rectortown, Delaplane, Paris, Boyce, Leesburg, Marshall and Warrenton.

Get Off To A Good Start With Middleburg’s Oldest And Most Respected Newspaper Space reservations due by: MONDAY, DEC. 30 Copy due on: THURSDAY, JAN. 2 Pub date is: MONDAY, JAN. 6

By Dulcy Hooper For Middleburg Life

The Christopher Radko Company started more than 30 years ago with a crash, literally— the falling of the Radko family’s 12-foot tall Christmas tree. More than a thousand vintage glass ornaments were destroyed and Radko’s unforgiving grandmother told him he had ruined Christmas forever by causing the tree to fall.

Radko was in his early 20s and working in the mailroom at a talent agency in New York City. When he tried to replace the ornaments, he discovered that most ornaments made in the U.S. were composed of synthetic materials, such as plastic and Styrofoam. He traveled to Poland, where many of the original family treasures had come from. Unfortunately, he found nothing that compared with what had been lost and also discovered that most of the shops in Poland had closed.

For Radko, “Home base was always under the Christmas tree. I loved the magic fantasy of it, the blinking lights and the shiny ornaments.

PLEASE CALL 540.687.6325 It seeded in me this love for color and décor.”

Armed with only the memories of his family’s ornaments, Radko embarked on a quest to track down craftspeople to create the lost ornaments. He eventually hired his own glassblower to shape the designs he had sketched from memory. Together, they went to work, and in 1985, 60 unique designs debuted.

He sold $25,000 worth of the ornaments to his co-workers at the talent agency and in his second year, he tripled his sales.

These days, one of the largest and most spectacular collections of Christopher Radko Christmas baubles has been put together by Middleburg’s own Margaret Gardner, who became fascinated by the beauty and intricacy of Radko’s early designs, particularly the designs spanning the years 1986-1990.

She now has more than 2,500 ornaments displayed year-round in temperature-controlled glass cases in a restored old stable that once included brood mare foaling stalls. The setting is most appropriate, given that Gardner was the long-time master of the Middleburg Hunt. Year round, friends and family enjoy her stunning collection.

The original Radko ornaments took seven days to produce. Some of the designs were made from antique molds, and many others from a mold of either plaster or clay created by a carver working from original designs.

The process began with the glassblower using a critically important type of tempered glass. The ornament was then lined with liquid sterling, giving it a glistening substance. On the third and fourth days, two coats of matte liquor lacquer were applied by hand. The distinct parts (eyes, buttons, etc.) were painted on by hand on the fifth day. And on the sixth day, the sparkling touches such as glitter and diamond dust were applied. Finally, on the seventh day, the cap was placed on the top and the orna-

ments were packed for shipping.

Who could not delight in the splendid sterling-lined Christmas baubles? Several years ago, Christopher Radko Christmas ornaments came to capture the imagination and obsession of Christmas-crazed collectors around the country.

The designs of butterflies, tigers, pigs, lambs, bears, ducks and clowns glisten and glow. There are shimmering Santas in various poses—at the workshop, going down the chimney, or playing the drums. Tree toppers, garlands and many ravishing variations of the classic Christmas ball shimmer in vivid hues.

After designing Christmas ornaments for more than 20 years, Radko sold his business and has moved on to other interests.

“The legacy that I created continues forward,” he said in an interview in Smashing Interviews Magazine. “They have many of the same artists whom I trained over the years, and they work with many of the same glass blowers and painters, so they’re still able to do many wonderful things using the designs I created years ago.”

at Morgan Oil Corp. wish you a Merry Christmas

December 2013

Happy New Year.

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and a

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All your friends

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Special Holiday Events!

Book Signing by Author/Artist Tom Neel with Coffee Pour

by Commonwealth Joe

Friday, Dec. 6, 5 - 8:00 PM Now available by the bag at the Gallery!

Beads, Buttons and Fiber Jewelry by Mary Kenesson

Buchanan Hall Supporters Building Endowment Fund

By Leonard Shapiro For Middleburg Life What do the Harlem Globetrotters and Upperville’s Buchanan Hall have in common?

How about “Sweet Georgia Brown.”

The 1920s jazz classic long ago became the trickster basketball team’s signature theme music. And starting in the 1930s, for many years at Buchanan Hall it also was always the first song played by Warrenton musician Chauncey Brown whenever he brought his popular band over to the facility for a night of singing, dancing and good times had by all.

He played it in tribute to his wife, Georgia White Brown, who operated the Buchanan Hall cloakroom. Brown often passed the hat around when revelers asked him to keep performing into the wee hours of the morning long after his original contracted time had expired.

Join us for our holiday open house and meet local fiber artist Mary Kenesson. Mary creates one-of-a-kind jewelry from special vintage buttons, beads and wonderful fibers.

Live An Artful Life® Gallery 6474 Main Street, The Plains, VA 20198 540-253-9797 ~ LiveAnArtfulLife.com/events

Julien’s Café

Restaurant • Café • Market JOYEUX NOEL HAPPY HOLIDAYS And THANK YOU TO ALL OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS

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December 2013

December 14, 3 - 6:00 PM

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3 West Washington Street Middleburg, VA 20118

540 687-3123 juliens@verizon.net • Closed Thursdays

Chauncey Brown circa 1961.

Photo by Howard Allen

ment director Chris Patusky said he remains optimistic the remaining $10,000 will be raised by the deadline.

The Mellon grant prompted the board to call it the “Buchanan Hall Sea Hero Endowment Fund.” The Mellon family has been involved with Buchanan Hall virtually from the start, and Sea Hero, owned by Paul Mellon, was

Buchanan Hall originally was named for General James A. Buchanan, who purchased the nearby 850-acre Ayrshire farm in 1909

the upset winner of the 1993 Kentucky Derby.

“The estate has two main goals,” Patusky said. “It wants the building to survive as a firstrate facility and secondly, they wanted to see the community enjoy the hall.”

The community clearly has always enjoyed the hall. An advertisement in the Fauquier Times Democrat in 1937 ballyhooed an Oct. 16 dance sponsored by the county’s Young Democratic Club and the Trinity Church Guild, that began at 10 p.m. and was scheduled to end at 2 a.m., with Chauncey Brown’s band, refreshments and chaperones, all for $2 per person “after the horse show.”

Buchanan Hall originally was named for General James A. Buchanan, who purchased the nearby 850-acre Ayrshire farm in 1909.

Buchanan served as the first U.S. military governor of Puerto Rico following the SpanishAmerican war and there are still a number of Buchanan descendants in the Upperville/ Middleburg area. In our cover photo, first cousins Donalda Buchanan Ridge, Helen Buchanan

Built in the 1920s, Buchanan Hall has been a popular gathering place ever since.

Brown’s good friend, Duke Ellington, often came out to play at various big band society dances, and country music icon Patsy Cline also put in several appearances over the years.

“Oh, we had a lot of great times at Buchanan Hall, especially the Halloween parties,” said long-time Upperville resident Ann MacLeod, who lived next door at her Dunvegan Farm.

MacLeod also recalled the night she and a friend heard about a bachelor party in the facility and decided to sneak a peak at the raucous proceedings from a well-hidden car out in the parking lot.

The good times continue these days in a building renovated at a cost of $900,000 in 2000. In addition to weddings and private parties, Buchanan Hall also serves as a widely used venue for lectures, plays and concerts, family reunions, garden club meetings, art shows, dance recitals and even the occasional Super A vintage advertisement for an event at Buchanan Hall.

Bowl party.

At the moment, the board overseeing its Calvert Wiley and Virginia Buchanan not-for-profit corporation is working to estab- Howard are the great great-granddaughters of lish an initial $100,000 endowment fund, with Gen. Buchanan The others shown in the photo the interest used to maintain the building and represent their children, grandchildren and grounds and help subsidize community events. cousins.

The estate of the late Paul Mellon pledged In 1940, a major renovation also was a $25,000 matching grant if another $25,000 completed. The Times Democrat wrote that could be raised. That’s already been mission “the grounds of the building were improved by accomplished. Recently, Ben Gale, another the Upperville Flower Club with Mrs. Henry long-time Uppervillian, offered a potential Oxnard as chairman, and Mrs. Paul Mellon had $25,000 gift that must be matched by Dec. the stone entrance rebuilt.

31. So far, $15,000 has been contributed, and Churches, charitable organizations, the Buchanan Hall vice president and develop- Red Cross and the Boy Scouts will use the

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Buchanan Hall today.

MODEL SHOWN IN DUBARRY

This old photo shows what Buchanan Hall looked like before renovations.

Photo by Janet Hitchen

Get a head start on all your holiday shopping in one place! Fashionable looks that fit your style. Riding and sporting apparel. Quality feeds, pet supplies, tack and unique gifts. Shop Tri-County today and say, “I got it at the feed store.”

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7408 John Marshall Hwy > Marshall, VA 20115 540.364.1891

December 2013

[For those wanting to make a donation to the Buchanan Hall Sea Hero Endowment Fund: Check payable to: Buchanan Hall Sea Hero Fund, Buchanan Hall, Attn: Michele Hobson, P.O. Box 450, Upperville, VA 20185. Buchanan Hall phone number: (540) 592-3455.

Email: buchananhall@gmail.com.]

IT’S MUCH MORE THAN A FEED STORE

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building for free. Dances and private parties will be charged a nominal fee.

“Also, in the event that Washington is evacuated, the hall will be needed for hospital use or canteen service.”

In a letter, long-time Middleburg resident Herbert Bryant once wrote about “the fun days when everyone associated with everyone else, no matter what his or her social status. Certainly Buchanan Hall was one of the better-known venues on the circuit and a place where all knew they would hear the best music of the day, played by the best music men of the era.”

In addition to “Sweet Georgia Brown” at the start of his first set, Chauncey Brown, who died in 1974, always ended his appearances by playing “Good Night Ladies.” Bryant wrote, “That was a song nobody wanted to hear.”

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Preserving The Hall

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December 2013

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By Leonard Shapiro For Middleburg Life For the late Jon D. Williams, a love affair with dancing, and a particularly delightful dancer, began back in the 1940s. And now, his legacy lives on all across America, not to mention in Middleburg and its 22nd annual Cotillion scheduled to begin Jan. 12 at the Community Center.

Williams’ daughter, Gail Wofford, lives in Upperville and has served as chairwoman for the local Cotillion from the start. And her dapper, debonair dad was a fixture here for many years as a wildly popular instructor until his death in 2006 at age 93, eyes twinkling and dancing until the very end.

These days, the children of those early Cotillion participants are now enrolled in the very same Middleburg program, learning how to dance, and perhaps even more important, absorbing so many other critical social skills they’ll be able to use the rest of their lives.

Williams grew up in Scranton, Pa., and was enthralled by the big band sound The late Jon Williams with of the 1930s. He learned to dance one of his pupils. by taking lessons through the Arthur Murray School, then eventually gave up medical school to become a full-time dance teacher himself. Along the way he met and married the vivacious Vivian, a talented dancer in her own right.

Fred Astaire, arguably the most famous dancer of his time, also has a pay-it-forward connection to the Middleburg Cotillion.

By the late 1940s, Jon Williams was working in his father-in-law’s New York advertising agency. One day, he was sent out to secure the ad account for a new Manhattan dance studio Astaire was planning to open. He closed the deal, but also accepted a job offer to help Astaire train instructors and set up studios around the country.

Vivian Williams would go on to become Astaire’s dance partner and collaborator, together inventing a new dance—the swing trot.

In the late 1940s, during a nationwide polio scare, the Williams’ decided to move their family from New York to Colorado, the better to breathe healthy mountain air. Williams conducted his first Cotillion at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs in 1949. According to Wofford, “people heard about it through word of mouth, and pretty soon he had expanded it to Denver, and then to other states.”

Fast forward to 2013 and the still Denverbased Jon D. Williams Cotillions have spread across the country, with 10,000 students a year and a widely diverse client list. Gail’s brother, Jon D. Williams III, also a fine dancer himself, joined the business in 1974, and now runs the company, clearly bringing it into the 21st century by introducing the popular social education program.

“The company teaches adults, football teams, the cadets at the Air Force Academy,” Gail said. “My brother deserves a lot of credit.

He’s done a wonderful job taking this to the next level…My father and my brother always really connected with kids and had a great attitude with them. My father could hold a room of 200 kids totally enthralled. Children knew they were respected, and liked.”

In Middleburg, there will be five 90-minute sessions from mid-January to early March. More than 150 fourth- to seventh-graders will take part, and some might even be on scholarship in a program that prides itself on enabling children

Vivian Williams and Fred Astaire.

from all socio-economic strata to participate.

On this year’s schedule, fourth- and fifthgraders will learn “the power of social skills and first impressions; conversation; courtesy and respect; dining etiquette and manners, teamwork and leadership.” There is more of the same for the sixth- and seventh-graders, including “high-tech etiquette codes of conduct.”

“We encourage the parents to come and watch,” said Gail, whose now adult daughters, Hillary and Jennifer, participated in the early Middleburg cotillions. “Hopefully we’re not teaching new things. You’d like to think that parents have told them all of this. We’re just trying to re-enforce…Over the years, we’ve had

children who initially didn’t want to come who would write and say ‘boy am I glad I did this.’”

Gail likes to quote a frequent Cotillion theme that “moms know manners matter.” She also knows the importance of a firm handshake, looking someone in the eye when they speak and young men standing up when a woman enters the room.

“We say to the girls, you’re going to own a company one day, and we also teach them how to curtsey because some day they might have to go to the Court of St. James,” she said. “The boys can ask the girls to dance and the girls can ask the boys to dance. And if asked, the answer is always ‘absolutely.’”

Philip Dudley had two children in cotillion last year and Susan Young in a 1980s photo.

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Start New Traditions: First Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony December 3 | 6pm Teddy Bear Tea with Santa December 14, 15, 21, 22 | 2 – 4pm Harrimans Christmas Eve Dinner & Christmas Day Brunch New Year’s Eve at Gold Cup Wine Bar

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The Wolver Beagles Celebrate 100 Years

12 South Pendleton Street Middleburg 540-687-5949.

Photo by Barbara Riggs

By Barbara Riggs For Middleburg Life Second of two parts The Institute Farm has been a key venue for beaglers since 1915 and remains the only site in the U.S. States where the 30 recognized beagle packs convene to participate in spring and fall pack field trials.

Elizabeth Iselin, the wife of Wolver Beagles pack founder Captain C. Oliver Iselin Jr., was one of the best known sportswomen in the country. She was an active participant in three hunts, serving as a lifelong governor of the Middleburg Hunt, and as a member of the Piedmont and Orange County hunts.

In 1959, she won the 100-mile endurance ride at Hot Springs and won the 50-mile ride in 1961. In 1925, she was one of a small group that founded the Hill School, which first held classes in the old bank building, now the Home Farm Store in Middleburg. She remained a lifetime trustee of the Foxcroft School, from which three later generations of Iselin daughters and granddaughters also graduated.

Elizabeth and the captain’s son, C. Oliver Iselin III, now lives at Wolver Hill. Although he grew up following his father’s beagles, he was unable to succeed his father as Master/ Huntsman because of career obligations in the Foreign Service that stationed him overseas.

While reminiscing about his father’s hunting days and the Wolver Beagles, he described

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On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Wolver Beagles: C Oliver Iselin III with his daughter Julie Iselin Diehl. Photo by Barbara Riggs

him as “soft spoken” but a “great hound man who had extensive knowledge of the bloodlines and hunting ability of each of his hounds.” Capt.

Iselin had an easy, shy manner that was appreciated by all who came into contact with him.

The first major transition for the Wolver Beagles occurred in the early 1970s when Fred Stone began hunting the beagles for the Captain when he went to South Carolina for the winter.

Stone had come to Middleburg to teach science at Foxcroft School, but like the Captain, he maintained a passion for beagling.

Stone had gained extensive experience in the field with the Sandanona Beagles in Millbrook, N.Y., and he received nine more years of tutelage and mentorship under Captain Iselin.

Stone recalled the first hunt of 1972 when Captain Iselin handed him his horn and asked him

to hunt the beagles.

The Captain’s simple advice: “don’t press the hounds” and “let them run and hunt.”

Stone later recalled the Captain never criticized his handling of the beagles and he viewed each hunt as a means of encouraging his personal growth as huntsman. Captain Iselin often followed the hunt in a hound van. When he was no longer able to follow, he would invite Stone to the house to discuss individual hounds and their hunting efforts. Until his death in 1979, Captain Iselin retained a keen interest in all aspects of his Wolver Beagle pack.

Stone became Master of the Wolver Beagles in 1979. Since that time, both he and his wife, Susan Mills Stone, have devoted themselves to maintaining the quality pack the Captain developed for more than 70 years.

Their priority has been to breed and develop hounds with hunting drive. Their efforts have been validated over the past 25 years by significant field trial victories. When asked about competitive successes, Susan Mills Stone is reluctant to talk about specific victories, preferring instead to describe the Wolver Beagles as a “consistent, hard-driving, biddable pack.” She recalled that Captain Iselin was always humble about his accomplishments with the Wolver pack, and she wants to honor that history.

The challenge for many hunting organizations today is preserving the countryside for field sports. Susan Mills Stone, who succeeded her husband in 2000 as Master and huntsman, is currently president of the Institute Corporation, the entity that administers the Institute Farm for the benefit and use of the National Beagle Club.

The Wolver Beagles is one of the oldest continuously hunted packs in the U.S. Since its recognition in 1913, the pack has had only three Master/Huntsmen—Captain Iselin, Frederick Stone and Susan Mills Stone, a fact Sandanona Master/Huntsman Betsy Park finds extraordinary.

Park, who has hunted foxhounds, bassets and beagles for 47 years in Millbrook, said, “private packs come and go because continuity is in short supply. It takes tremendous commitment, dedication, and passion to keep a pack going.

To maintain a pack for over 100 years requires long-range planning, vision, energy and funds.”

Susan Mills Stone quickly points to kennel man Clayton Ryan as one of the key individuals committed to providing for the welfare of the pack. Clayton, who has lived his entire life at Wolver Hill, cares for the Wolver beagles daily, a responsibility he assumed from his father, who had served as Captain Iselin’s kennel man at Wolver Hill.

Susan Mills Stone had one additional honor to bestow on their founder during this centennial year opening hunt. At the hunt breakfast, she announced the appointment of Julie Iselin Diehl, the Captain’s granddaughter and lifelong Middleburg resident, as Joint Master.

The Iselin tradition continues as the Wolver Beagles begin another century of hunting.

View From A Tree Stand ayt p t ’ on rance ye

D r auto insu you

the woods, as a method to intrigue your children or spouse to come along and share the wonder of secretly watching this natural world that surrounds us. If you want to encourage the conservationists of the next generation, buy a two-person tree stand and take them on a real adventure. We cannot protect what we do not know and love. Plant the seed and hope it grows, because without naturalists and hunters the ethic of land and water preservation will be lost.

[Marcia Woolman is a member of the Goose Creek Board and Trout Unlimited Virginia State Council. She is also an avid trout fisherman and deer hunter.]

M i d d l e b u r g L i f e

By Marcia Woolman For Middleburg Life

It’s not all about hunting!

A tree stand provides a bird’s eye view of all the woodland creatures.

They have no idea they are being watched, and admired. It’s like viewing a Walt Disney movie without paying, the epitome of “the best things in life are free.” Well, not quite. You still have to buy or build the tree stand.

Every day you spend up there is like a chapter in a nature book. A few of the special views I have been treated to include a morning with a palliated woodpecker who was just 20 yards away harvesting insects from a nearby tree for hours. The ratta-tat-tat of his bill was like a jackhammer. It’s a sound you never forget.

Another morning I was treated to watching a fox as he trotted by the base of the tree I was in, and he stopped immediately when he came to my track on the ground. The same thing happened recently when a young buck came down by the tree stand and intercepted my hour-old track on the ground and halted, stomped his foot, looked around with tail twitching and followed my exact path back toward the car for more than 40 feet. It is amazing to see how their sense of smell provides one more key to self-defense.

The biggest treat I had this year was watching two yearling spike bucks as they decided to test their manliness by doing some headbutting. They do not butt like rams but rather put their horns or heads together and start pushing to see who is the strongest. I would speculate that this behavior goes on a lot, and probably when the “rut” or breeding season begins for them next year they will already know who will be the dominant buck.

Clearly, this is a place we ought to be taking our adolescent children.

If they want to actually hunt and provide game for the dinner table, that’s all well and good. But today’s society is putting a lot of pressure on treating wildlife in the same way we care for our household pets. It needs to be kept in perspective. Wild game is the original organic. It can also serve the purpose of educating all of us to the marvels in our own backyard.

Spending time in a tree stand gives you a new appreciation for the complexity and integration of nature as a whole. When you can see firsthand that the forest is barren of undergrowth because too many deer are browsing on the young trees, then you start to see that we have a role in all of this. If we don’t control the herds, the coyotes will. Or worse, a hard winter will cause their demise in a most unpleasant way.

Give some thought to using a tree stand, or a tree house built in

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breakfast at Huntland

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he Piedmont Fox Hounds met in mid-November for a traditional “Stirrup Cup” in front of the Huntland Kennels, built in 1911 by Joseph B. Thomas, former M.F.H. and a past owner of Huntland.

Later that evening, Betsee Parker, the current owner of Huntland, hosted a traditional formal hunt breakfast (black tie, scarlet if convenient) for the board of directors, subscribing members, masters, hunt staff and friends.

The brick-columned manor house was aglow with candlelight and festooned with floral accents. Guests gathered in the ballroom just before dinner was served as soprano Lauren Stroman sang three arias from Handel, Giovanni Legrenzi and the French romanticist composer Jacques Offenbach. A student at Shenandoah University’s Conservatory of Music, Stroman was accompanied on the piano by Rose Lauck, also from Shenandoah. Then Bobby Dreyer blew the horn for a call, “Get a New Brougham,” and dinner was served.

Julie and Paul Diehl

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Kate Robbins

Bobby Dreyer and Lauren Stroman

Milton Sender and Andrew Sender

Jennifer Strickland, Grant Chungo, Lindsay Kelley, Elizabeth Billings and Malcolm Dilley

Anne Clancy and Jean Perin

April, 2013

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Betsee Parker hostess of Huntland

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Tucked away on Stewart Street in The Plains is a gem of a butcher shop. Owners Derek and Amanda Luhowiak run their shop based on the philosophy of whole animal butchery and they offer all parts from nose to tail. Derek has an extensive background in the culinary arts. After graduating from culinary school in Pittsburg he worked in many restaurants in that area. He then went on to work in the kitchen of L’Auberge Provencale in White Post, then onto become the executive chef at Ayrshire. He and Amanda created a food cart called Local 647, which received national attention when they placed second in Good Morning America’s Best Food Cart Challenge. All of this education and experience is so evident to their shop. Their meats come from a long list of small local farms, where animals are humanely raised and slaughtered. They love special requests. Derek shared a story of a customer who longed for the polish sausage of her youth—after a few attempts to recreate this memory for her, he got it right and now she buys it from him in bulk. That is passion.

The Luhowiak’s hold private small group dinners above the shop. The menu is not revealed prior to dinner so you are “at the mercy of the chef,” but I can guarantee it will be a delicious adventure.

They have a lovely selection of small production wines, which they offer with each course.

So whether you are feeling adventurous and want to dabble in sweetbreads or duck sausage or just want to grill a perfect steak or burger, pay a visit to The Whole Ox—they are worth the drive.

After trying many recipes of beef stew, it became clear, the quality of the beef matters greatly. To achieve that tender cut-with-yourfork quality the beef must have that perfect ratio of fat to meat. Many of the cuts sold as stew beef are far too lean and no matter how long you cook they will never get tender. This beef stew showcases beautifully marbled boneless short ribs—the perfect choice.

Dijon and Cognac Beef Stew

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• Heat a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium high heat, then add the salt pork and cook until the fat is rendered and it is golden brown.

• Add the shallots and sauté until they are soft but not brown, take out of the pan and set aside in a large bowl •In a rimmed plate, put the potato starch and pepper (hold the salt, the salt pork and mustard are salty enough) and dust the short ribs, shaking off the excess • Add some of the butter to the pan and brown the beef well in two batches if necessary transferring them to the bowl with the onions • Add the cognac to the empty pan to deglaze and scrape all of the browned bits from the bottom • Add the red wine, water and both mustards and bring to a boil • Add the beef and onions back to the pan and cover pan partway and simmer on low for about 1 ½ hours or until the meat is very tender • Sauté the mushrooms in some of the remaining butter until golden brown and set aside • In a sauce pan add the carrots, and about ¼-inch of water and bring to a simmer and cover.

Stirring occasionally and cook until the carrots are just tender – about 5 minutes. Drain any water that is left in the pan • When the stew is done fold in the carrots and mushrooms • Serve with sour cream and chopped parsley

See why our Customers say “This is the BEST shop I have ever been in”

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Serves 4-6 ¼ pound salt pork, remove the rind (skin) diced 4 large shallots, peeled and chopped 2 to 4 tablespoons of butter, as needed 2 tablespoons potato starch seasoned with pepper 2 pounds boneless beef short ribs, each rib cut into 4 pieces ½ cup cognac 2 cups water ¼ cup red wine ½ cup Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons Pommery mustard (whole grain) 3 large carrots peeled and cut into circle slices 1 pound mushrooms, cleaned and sliced Sour cream and chopped flat leaf parsley for serving

Experience the “Magic” of The Fun Shop

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In the Kitchen With Emily Tyler &

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Holiday Treats Salamander Style As Salamander Resort & Spa approaches its first holiday period in operation, the culinary offerings from the kitchen at the impressive property continue to evolve and develop.

Featuring the talents of Culinary Director Todd Gray, Executive Chef Sean McKee, Chef de Cuisine Chris Edwards and Pastry Chef Jason Reaves, the Salamander team has made seasonal updates to the menus at both Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill and the Gold Cup Wine Bar. Several new plates have been added, while many of the past favorites have been retained.

Some of the fresh entrees at Harrimans include: Pan Seared Barnegat Light Sea Scallops, Buttermilk Brined Breast of Chicken and Rosemary Roasted Saddle of Venison.

At the Wine Bar, which serves meals from 11 a.m. onward, the new additions include a Bruschetta Chicken Sandwich, served with Fontina Cheese, Arugula Pesto and Roasted Peppers on Ciabatta.

Both new menus can be found on the resort’s website: SalamanderResort.com, along with the list of holiday activities and cooking classes.

Chef Edwards also shared one particularly scrumptious home cook-friendly recipe for readers to try—the new Pumpkin Cappucino Soup from Harrimans.

Pumpkin Cappucino

Yields 6 portions

First, roast a pumpkin. Preferably, use a Long Island Cheese Squash, a meaty pumpkin available in most farmers’ markets at this time of year. They can also be found at some grocers. Cut the pumpkin into four quarters and then split each quarter horizontally. Scrape out any seeds, place on a baking sheet, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 1 to 2 hours, until it is completely cooked and tender. Let the pumpkin cool off at room temperature then scrape the meat out of the skin using a spoon. Reserve any pumpkin juice that has collected on your pan. Note: you will have more pumpkin than you will need for this recipe, but there are many other uses for it, or it can be frozen.

• 2 tablespoons of diced onions • 1 tablespoon of butter • 2 large sage leaves • 2 tablespoons of Madeira wine • 2 cups of pumpkin meat, from above • 1 cup of pumpkin juice, from above, or water if no juice was collected • Salt to taste

In a small sauce pot, over medium heat, begin to melt the butter, add the onion and sage leaves and cook for about 15 minutes. Stir frequently to keep onions from coloring. When the onion is translucent, add the Madeira wine and reduce by half. Add the pumpkin and the pumpkin juice to the pot and stir well to incorporate, then season with salt to taste. Transfer the soup base to a blender, and, with the lid slightly ajar to avoid any hot liquid explosion, start to blend the soup into a smooth puree. Make two or three separate batches, strain through a fine sieve and keep warm until ready to use. Or, cool it down quickly if you plan to use it the next day.

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream • White truffle oil to taste • Salt to taste

In a small sauce pot over medium heat, warm the cream, add the truffle oil (a small amount will suffice, even just a teaspoon). Season the cream with salt to taste, and transfer to a whipped cream canister, which is available at stores like Sur La Table or Williams Sonoma. Attach the top to the canister and charge with nitrous-oxide gas, shake the canister vigorously and set aside in a warm location until ready to use.

Use a spice grinder to turn the dried porcini mushrooms into a powder, and set aside until ready to garnish the soup to serve. Pour the pumpkin soup base in a coffee cup and fill about threequarters full. Top each soup with the truffle whipped cream and sprinkle with porcini dust. Serve immediately.

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A view of the stone chapel at Farmer’s Delight.

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Photos by Janet Hitchen & Middleburg Photo

t has gone from the name Frostfields to its most recent moniker, Farmer’s Delight, an 89.5-acre Middleburg estate that includes a stately Georgia U-shaped three-story brick house.

Off Mountville Road, it now will be preserved in perpetuity as a true community treasure.

The property had been the hunt country home of the late Texas-born diplomat, Ambassador George McGhee, who died in 2005 at age 93. He had established the McGhee Foun-

Farmer’s Delight was recently purchased privately by Middleburg philanthropist Betsee Parker, owner of nearby Huntland. Sandy Danielson, director of community relations for the McGhee Foundation, said the organization “will continue and remain at Farmer’s Delight in the near term. We are in the process of redefining our mission and role within the community.”

Parker plans to use Farmer’s Delight as a continuation of her rural community conservation and preservation projects. Combined

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Construction of the house at Farmer’s Delight was begun in 1771.

dation which, according to the foundation’s website, was set up “to assure the full use of the plantation buildings and grounds in meaningful, historical, educational and scholarly pursuits, with a view to opening the facilities for gen- The U-shape of the main house is best seen from the rear. The threeeral enjoyment of the story brick structure was restored by Dora and Harry Frost in 1915 public.” when it was known as Frostfields.

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the three-story home that attests to its origin—“present house begun in 1771 completed 1783—by James Lane, Esquire, who settled here in 1740.” The house was restored in 1915 by Harry Frost (hence, Frostfields), and his wife, the former Dora Henry, considered to be one of the finest foxhunters of her era.

The McGhees purchased the property in 1948 after the Frosts’ death and almost immediately began a major restoration project on the house, the grounds and gardens. According to the late Kitty Slater’s book, “Hunt Country of America,” (Cornwall Books, 1967) at Farmer’s Delight, “the garden is the favored spot for entertaining. The ‘U’ of the house forms a big patio, where magnolias are espaliered against the mellow old brick walls. Beds of old-fashioned perennials lend color and harmony to this upper terrace, which is centered by a lily pond and an unusual fountain.

Many from far and near have found Farmer’s Delight a delight and a respite.”

Thanks to Betsee Parker, that apparently won’t change any time soon.

“I’m excited to have acquired this magnificent 18th century manor house and buildings,” she said. “I see it to be a strategically placed farm to hold the rural character of our area.”

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with Huntland, Farmer’s Delight will form an approximately 700-acre rural land conservancy where all the acreage will be placed in conservation easement in order to retain a rural feel to the entire area from Snake Hill Road to Leith Lane.

“I’ve taken these measures to ensure that our neighborhood remains safe and secure from development,” Parker told Middleburg Life.

“The best memories of my life have occurred here in Northern Virginia on rural lands. We all must do our part to ensure its rural character for future generations. This is something I could do for the Middleburg community.”

The land once again will be open to foxhunting and will also be made available to school children to learn about 18th century life on a Virginia farm. There will be a public garden, stable and art tours, as well as meetings of local green and conservation groups, but no weddings or large events.

Huntland already has been admitted to the National Historic Register, and Parker said she also would pursue a similar designation for Farmer’s Delight.

It certainly seems to qualify based on its long and storied history.

There is a plaque on the cornerstone of

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Your Guide through

Every Step

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Design & Construction

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Renovations & Additions

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Purchase Consultations

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Cavalry (known as “Mosby’s Raiders”) learned that he had been promoted by captain by none other than Gen. Robert E. Lee. The property represents an exceptional opportunity, and is well worthy of consideration.

Articles are prepared by Middleburg Life’s real estate advertising department on behalf of clients.

For information on the home, contact the listing agent. For information on having a house reviewed, contact the Middleburg Life real estate advertising department at (540) 687-6059.

Facts for buyers

Address: 7064 Young Road, The Plains (20198).

Listed at: $9,000,000 by Jim Thompson, Washington Fine Properties (540) 687-2224.

December 2013

The gracious courtyard stable features 11 stalls with rubber mats; an additional four stalls are located in the back wing.

There is easy access to eight fields of various sizes, and complementing the barn is a new, 150-by-250 riding ring with stateof-the-art eurofelt footing.

As part of the outbuilding complex, there are three storage/machine buildings, a large hay barn and a brick smokehouse, all with electricity.

Attached to the barn is a duplex cinderblock tenant facility comprised of two units (one three bedrooms/one bath, the other three bedrooms/two baths). The barn and tenant house have their own driveway, assuring privacy for the main residence.

Having begun our discussion of the property with a tale of the exploits of John Singleton Mosby, we will close with another. It is recorded that it was here, at Old Denton, that the leader of the 43rd

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dleburg and The Plains, located along highly sought-after Young Road, just off of Zulla Road.

Situated in prestigious Orange County Hunt territory, all of the home’s previous owners have figured prominently in Hunt circles. The rideout from the property is accurately described as without parallel.

The main home has undergone a recent, full renovation, in keeping with the historic provenance but leaving the next owner a property that is forward-thinking. Not one appliance, floor, wall, ceiling or moulding was left untouched in the masterful renovation effort.

The result is a home that offers delightful proportions and its own sense of style, making it perfect for entertaining throughout the year, as well as for daily family living. Rooms sizes are ample, and you’ll enjoy all the amenities of 21stcentury living wrapped in the patina of history.

www.middleburglife.net

History records that, in June 1863, John Singleton Mosby – the acclaimed Grey Ghost of the Confederacy – escaped capture by Union troops by climbing into a walnut tree from a second-floor window of the Old Denton estate, successfully remaining surreptitiously hidden until soldiers abandoned their search.

It’s just one of the many stories that can be told about this month’s featured property, which dates to the early 1860s and offers classic proportions amid 58 acres of rolling fields, board fencing, stone walls, an orchard and a pond.

The property continues to pay homage to its roots – not only via the main house, but through the 1830s-era, brick-andstucco original residence, which today serves as a completely renovated guest house. And yet it also looks to the future, as equestrians and horse enthusiasts will celebrate the gracious, 11-stall courtyard stable and tenant complex.

The property currently is on the market, listed at $9,000,000 by Jim Thompson of Washington Fine Properties.

The estate is just minutes from Mid-

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Showcasing 1800s-Era Elegance and Style

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Exquisite details throughout this incredible 12 bedroom Georgian Revival manor home built in 1936. Situated on over 191 acres. This lovely home boasts a Reception Hall and a white Carrara marble Flying Staircase accessing 3 levels. Over 1/2 mile of Rappahannock River frontage, spectacular views, springs, ponds and rolling pasture $9,750,000

Comparable to exquisite Kentucky Horse Farms, the gently rolling fields are lined with white board fencing. Features include a gracious 6 bedroom manor home, pool with house, 8 barns, large machine shop, 2 ponds, 9 tenant homes and at one of the entrances, the owner’s handsome office inclusive of conference and impressive trophy room. $7,500,000

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199 acres in the heart of the Orange County Hunt Territory s 5 Bedroom Georgian Manor sFormal living and dining rooms s Solarium s Pools c.1801 Patent house, 2 tenant houses Horse facilities include an indoor arena with 13 stalls, paddocks and fields with run-ins. & apartment and pond. In VOF Conservation Easement. $4,900,000

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Magnificent 32 stall, 12,000 sq. ft. Foaling Barn, built in 2001, has witnessed the birth of many stakes winners and was recognized as having one of the world’s finest thoroughbred breeding and racing programs. A stand alone farm of 588 acres or with the adjacent 607 acres of the Melrose Farm land.

Meticulously maintained. $4,800,000

Active Horse training center on 148+ Acres. The facilities include 11 barns with a total of 220 stalls. Each barn has access to 2 paddocks for a total of 22 paddocks. Within the premises are tack rooms, grooms quarters, office, a vet office and 3 bay machine shop. There is a 7/8’s mile race track with a 4 stall starting gate. 3 wells service the property. Convenient to Route 50 and Washington Dulles International Airport. $3,900,000

Magnificent country retreat with incredible privacy & beautiful views. The c.1850 manor home has been graciously expanded into a 7 bedroom home with separate entertaining venue & two-story office w/T-1 capability. Pool, tennis court, gardens, greenhouse, 5 car garage. Two parcels. $3,850,000

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Circa 1878 sExquisite 6000 square ft. brick Victorian on 52 open acres near Middleburg sElegant Dining Room sFormal Living Room s12' Ceilings s4 Levels sGreat Mountain Views sBeautiful 6 stall Center-Aisle Brick Stable with 1 Bedroom Apartment and a must see Tack Room and Lounges Round Pen and riding arena with all weather footingsRun-In ShedssOut Buildings and more. $3,750,000

Private 65 Acre Estate near historic Middleburg. 3 porches add to the charm of this restored Farm House, c.1830 w/ pool and shared pond. Other features include 4 stall barn w/ guest suite, 4 bay open equipment barn and 2 bay garage.

Beautiful land w/ views, creek, meadows and board fenced pastures w/ spring fed waterers. VOF and PEC Easements do allow for two additional dwellings. $2,600,000

The 26 acre estate sits in magnificent horse country approx. one mile west of Middleburg just off the much desired Zulla Road, this estate includes the 1½ story white brick manor home w/2 car attached garage, 4 car detached garage, heated pool, 3 stall barn with run-in shed, 2 large paddocks and offers tremendous ride out potential. $2,450,000

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218+ acres just outside of Marshall with wonderful views of the mountains, privacy and easy access to 66. Great potential.

Property is in a VOF conservation easement. $2,449,000

Historic circa 1845 home on 32 acres in Orange County Hunt s1st floor Master sDen sDramatic Grand Salon sEnglish Kitchen slarge Dining Rooms Billiard Room sSmall 2nd Kitchen/Bar leads to Patio, Pool & charming Guest Cottage s7 Stall barn adjoins 3 bedroom, 2 bath Managers house. $1,650,000

Expanded through the years, Takaro has wonderful entertaining areas both inside and out, many overlooking the pool. Two separate suites are wonderful for guests or home office. A dramatic main level apt. is attached to the handsome 7 stall barn. This 14.73 acre property offers a carriage barn, air conditioned dog house, paddocks and pond. $1,550,000

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LOGANS MILL - Extraordinary, private estate area on 179+ acres with frontage on Little River, Open Space Easement, rolling fields with mature hardwood forest, Orange County Hunt Territory, great ride out, very private, less than 10 minutes from Middleburg, views in all directions. $3,500,000

MELROSE: 12 parcels (none in easement), comprise the 591 acres, some of the finest managed land in the country. Part of the 2400 Acre estate of Spring Hill Farm. One can purchase additional property from the 2400 Acre estate of Spring Hill. Currently on the property are 2 tenant homes and 3 barns. Part of this land also backs to a game preserve. $3,750,000 RECTORTOWN: 107.76 acres Spectacular views from this highly desirable estate location within the Orange County Hunt Territory. Board fenced with frontage on Atoka Road and Rectortown Road. Stocked, approx. 4 acre, pond w/island, spring fed from tributary of Goose Creek. Open Space Easement allows for building of main dwelling, garage or barn with apt. and appropriate farm structures. Zoned RA. $1,250,000

SPRINGS ROAD - Sought after Springs Road location.

Spectacular, verdant 182 acres with Rappahannock River frontage and pond. Beautifully protected views of the mountains, charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath cottage with living room, library/study, kitchen and breakfast room.

Access road to be shared. $3,640,000

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90 acres w/approx. 45 fenced acres and 45 acres in woods with trails. 3 bedroom manor home, Indoor and Outdoor Arenas ,2 barns open into the indoor arena, Main barn has 20 stalls, Show Barn- 5 oversized stalls, 3 tack rooms, office, 2 wash stalls, 2 bathrooms, laundry room, 14 paddocks. Manager’s cottage.

2 add’l DUR’s and is in land use. $1,900,000

From a quiet lane, just west of historic Middleburg, this lovely home with 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths was built in 2008, on 18 acres. The welcoming front porch overlooks the riding ring whereas, the wide covered deck, on the back of the home, offers a private retreat overlooking the heated pool and pond with its boat house. $1,290,000

Stunning and recent restoration by owner/designer of c.1825 Church and Meeting Hall, now leased to an Antique Shoppe and Design Center. Zoned "Commercial Village" and "Village" in the heart of Virginia's wine and horse country. Both buildings sit within the front half of the .84 Acre parcel w/the remainder in lawn w/mature trees & lovely mountain views. $998,000

POTTS MILL - on 137+ acres with frontage on Little River, Open Space Easement, rolling fields with mature hardwood forest, Orange County Hunt Territory, great ride out, very private, within 5 miles of the village of Middleburg, views in all directions. $2,800,000

www.Thomas-Talbot.com Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice.

Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

BLUEMONT LAND - 2 parcels in Piedmont Hunt Territory ~ Mostly open, rolling and fully fenced land and accessed from 3 roads. 1 home of clapboard enhance this beautiful property.

50+acres:$588,000 /71+acres: $995,000

Main house, c. 1790 with later additions, is stucco over log and frame, has heart of pine floors, beamed ceilings, 5 Fireplaces, 6 Bedrooms, 5 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths, gardens. Stone guest cottage, c. 1770, is 3 floors with 1 Bedroom, 1Full Bath. Poolhouse has flagstone floors, pickled walls, 2 Fireplaces, 1 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath. 2-car garage, barns, sheds, 12.5 acres. $1,485,000

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The 83.55 Acre estate offers a stately Victorian Manor Home of approx. 3800 sq. ft., sited beautifully to offer privacy and views. Comprised of two parcels in VOF Easement, each parcel is allowed 1 dwelling with dependencies and farm improvements.This property is a part of the adjacent 865 Acres of Spring Hill Farm. $1,335,000

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Beautifully remodeled and absolutely charming home in move-in condition, minutes west of Middleburg. One level living with kitchen, living room, dining room and 3 bedrooms, 2 baths on upper level. Walk out lower level with stunning family room with fireplace, full bath, office and mudroom. 4.33 Acres including fenced paddock and small barn, ready for your horse. $665,000

Very nice 30 acre parcel in Broad Run near The Plains.

Easy access to I-66, Gainesville and beyond. $349,000

ThoMAs AnD TAlBoT ReAl esTATe A STAUNCH ADVOCATE OF LAND EASEMENTS LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967 (540) 687-6500 Middleburg, Virginia 20118

December 2013

www.middleburglife.net

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Overlooking a serene pond, this magnificent European style manor home is on 115 acres surrounded by thousands of protected acres and the Bull Run Mountains.

Custom built in 2001 using Olde World craftsmanship and materials this stunning home offers five bedrooms, 6 baths, 10’ ceilings, wide plank flooring, pool and geo thermal heating and cooling. $2,750,000

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c.1845 listed on National Register of Historic Places.

Surrounded by beautiful gardens on 98 acres sGrand entrance s Pool with 2 Bedroom Pool Houses 2 Bedroom Guest Cottage s 10 stall, 4 stall, and 3 stall barn with tack rooms, several run in sheds and a large machine shed.

Attached to the 10 stall barn are two separate living quarters for farm managers.Magnificent views. $2,900,000

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Extrordinary estate on over 180 acres sIdeal for horses s 7 Bedrooms sNew Gourmet State of the Art Kitchen & Baths s gorgeous full wall windows, overlooking 10 acre lake s10 stall stable sPaddocks with run-in sheds sPool and poolhouse with fireplace, spa and new tennis courts. $3,750,000

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JSC Construction, Inc. Jerry S. Coxsey

M i d d l e b u r g

General Contractor

By Leonard Shapiro For Middleburg Life

Around the world, there are the 12 days of Christmas. Around Middleburg, there are the 26 wooden Christmas signs masterfully designed by the late Emily Sharp, a beloved Hill School art teacher. These colorful signs have been displayed all around the village during the holiday season over the past three decades.

“Along Washington and Madison Streets they swing in December breezes,” read a Middle-

In House: Stone Masons Carpentry Custom Homes & Renovations No Job Too Small, or Too Large

Fax: 540-341-2829 Class A License & Insured

P.O. Box 1969 Middleburg, VA 20118

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540-341-7560 540-229-2285

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Gorgeous 66 Acre Fort Valley setting for this exquisite farm with views, privacy, year round stream and National Forest nearby. This property is horse ready with 4stall barn, hay storage & heated tack room. 2 large run-in sheds w/automatic freeze protected waterers, 4 fenced pastures, full size round pen & paddock. Also incl 40x60 equip bldg w/att 40x15 indoor/outdoor “Mason” kennel set up w/9 dog runs, heat & ac. Also 20x40 storage/ ag building. Nice balance of open pasture/hay fields and woodland, miles of horse trails nearby. Cedar-sided 3 bedroom, 3 bath home built with southeast exposure for passive winter solar panels if desired. Natural stone, ceramic tiles and hardwoods throughout the home, full finished basement with 16’x32’ sun room. Screened porch, detached 3 car garage....and so much more! MLS # SH8230678 Shown by appointment. $990,000

Em’s Very Merry Signs Of Christmas with is back there [in the mind] I suppose,” she said. “I suppose children’s books are the key in a job like this, though you have a lot in your head to draw from.”

Sharp’s original signs, with the occasional touch-up, have been used for years. But the ravages of winter weather and the simple aging process of laminated plywood had many in a state of some disrepair before the Alumni Association decided to come to their rescue.

“We decided to do it because we felt the connection between the signs and the school and the community was very special,” said Alumni Association president Charles Ellison. “Many alumni and members of the community have enjoyed the signs for years and we wanted that to continue for many years to come.”

The renovation was done with meticulously tender care by John Ralph, another Hill alumnus, at Quail Run Signs. They were re-painted and re-finished and one badly damaged sign was reproduced from scratch. To protect them all for future use, Middleburg seamstress Alice Wood made up 26 flannel sleeves that will be fitted around the signs when they’re stored after the holidays.

Former Hill Head of School Tom Northrup and alumni relations coordinator Haley Walsh said the renovation has been a labor of love for all concerned, including Marvin Simms, Photo by Vicky Moon the Town of Middleburg’s maintenance Em Sharp supervisor who oversees the placement burg Life article written by the late Worthy Caulk of the signs all around. in 1983. “Good old Pooh bear with his honey pot, “Em was very creative, a wonderful person,” a cheerful toy engine, a lively jointed puppet ... Northrup said. “And she was a character, always each as colorful and delightful as the next.” with a twinkle in her eye.”

Thousands of visitors coming to view the “I only met her once, when she was parade and other festivities for Christmas in 80-something,” Walsh said. “And yes, she defiMiddleburg Dec. 7 would be wise to look just nitely did have that twinkle.” above so many gaily decorated shop windows Worthy Caulk must have seen it as well when they arrive. They’ll delight in seeing Em when she asked Em Sharp back in 1983 to pick Sharp’s whimsical creations, just recently reno- her favorite sign. vated thanks to a generous financial gift from the “Maybe I like the old man with the goose Hill School Alumni Association. in front of the (Middleburg) bank,” Sharp said.

“By night, a myriad of tiny white lights and “’Christmas is coming…the geese are getting brightly-lit shop windows radiate undeniable fat…please put a penny in an old man’s hat.’ I holiday charm,” Caulk, a fellow Hill teacher, enjoy looking at them. I enjoy doing them. It wrote of her friend’s wonderful work 30 years keeps me from doing housework.” ago. “Now spotlighted, the characters created by Em’s fantasy, moving from Dickensian carolers to the newest Raggedy Ann, cause shoppers to gaze upward with joy, day or night.

“The old world flavor which seems a natural part of the area is deliciously enhanced by the great boar’s head being served on a wreathed platter, the scullery wench with a bowl of nog and the cheerfully plump cook bearing a plum pudding. The spirit of Christmas past comes alive in the high-hatted figure of Tiny Tim, a pull-horse on wheels, a sleigh full of toys and St. Nicholas, too.”

Sharp was born and raised in Georgetown, the daughter of a surgeon, and honed her creative skills at the Potomac School and Corcoran Art School. She taught at Hill from 1961 to 1971, then came back for another five years starting in 1978. She began thinking about making the decorations in the early 1980s, and often was seen doodling ideas for potential Christmas signs during faculty meetings and in between classes.

She was a serial sketcher, according to “Maybe I like the old man with the Caulk, a woman “never without a scrap of paper goose in front of the (Middleburg) bank,” and pencil in the needlepoint work basket constantly by her side. She sketches everything and Sharp said. “Christmas is coming…the everybody in light, quick strokes that give life to geese are getting fat…please put a penny any subject.” in an old man’s hat.’ I enjoy looking at

Sharp was asked at the time where she drew them. I enjoy doing them. It keeps me the inspiration for her Christmas project.

“Everything you’ve ever been in contact from doing housework.”

Photo by Debbie McLaughlin

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Delaplane - Mount Independence is truly a part of American history! Sited at hilltop on 50 acres, this home has witnessed 250+ years of changes in landscape and lifestyle. Fully renovated in the 1990’s and continually updated with quality amenities, the home features 5 BRs, 4.5 BAs, a tenant house, 6 stall barn plus an enormous warehouse-type barn. $2,970,000 Joyce Gates 540.771.7544

$1,625,000

Upperville - Price Reduced. Excellent opportunity Middleburg - NEW HOME. Main level living! In and great location, just west of Middleburg. Won- town Craftsman Style home with 4 bedrooms, 4 derful 7.5 acre property with pond and pool. Perfect full upscale bathrooms. Beautifully appointed. for small horse operation or various hobbies. Mod- Hardwood floors on main level and both stairern 4-5 stall barn with tack room/office, detached 3-4 car garage building with workshop, fenced pad- cases. Fireplace with mantel, Chef’s Kitchen docks, & more. Large spacious home features 5 BR with Viking appliances, Granite. Side load 2 car with main level master BR and 4 full BA, but needs garage. Lower level excellent for storage or fusome updating inside. ture finishing. Must see details.

Al Schulze 301.639.2732 $749,000 Carole Stadfield 703.899.8468 703.862.7044 $799,000

Michael Gorman

Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc. is an Official Sponsor and Drop-Off Point for New, Unwrapped Toys Going to…

Paeonian Springs - Reduced $100K! Traditional home in Historic District recently updated, including new kitchen and baths in 2005. Old pine floors, 3 WBFPs, built ins. In-Law suite or office with bath. Mature landscaping on almost 2 private acres in 2 parcels. Minutes to Leesburg, less than 30 minutes to Dulles Airport.

Andy Stevens

703.568.0721

540.771.7544

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703.568.0721 $297,000

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Susan Hensley

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Purcellville - Gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom home in Village Case. Move-in ready, close to shops and schools. Open floor plan with tall ceilings. Tons of upgrades to include: hardwood floors, plantation shutters, granite countertops, stainless appliances, walk-in pantry, built-in cabinets, flanking gas fireplace, crown molding, back porch and large slate patio with professionally landscaped yard, plus a detached two 2 car garage.

703.732.5867 $445,000

Marci A. Welsh

All Properties Offered Internationally Worldwide Connections

703.906.5802 $585,000

Alexandria Spacious 4-level, END UNIT townhouse located in the Townes at Cameron Parke!

Recently updated bathrooms and kitchen with upgraded materials and appliances. A 4th story loft space with closets. First floor entry adjacent to a two car garage.

A suburban feel just minutes from the big city!

Ryan M. Van Sickel

540.454.9005

December 2013

Michele Stevens

Call for more information.

Joyce Gates 540.771.7544

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$195,000

540.771.7544

acres prime recreational land perfect for hiking and hunting offers beautiful mountain views at highest elevation. $299,000 Middleburg - 2.21 acres with abandoned cottage next to a large horse farm offers private setting, 2 entrances & can be subdivided. -$125,000

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Middleburg - Middleburg Downs - 3.25 acres with barn and garage (could be remodeled into a residence). Blue Ridge views, 1 mile from town.

Susan Hensley Buyer Representative. Listed by John Coles, Thomas & Talbot. Call Susan to see other available lots to build your dream country retreat.

Joyce Gates

Land For Sale - Paris Near Upperville - 45

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Purcellville - Land! Hard to find 10 acre lot now available to build your dream home or a barn for your horses. Was once a hayfield now needs selective clearing. On a gravel road off Shelburne Glebe Rd in Purcellville. North Fork to right on Shelburne Glebe to left just past 20378 on left.

Other Loudoun County lots to be listed soon.

$560,000

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www.middleburglife.net

Joyce Gates

R T DERAC N U NT CO

Aldie - Woodlot sited on 12 wooded acres with stocked pond is a custom-built “stick home” of cedar exterior featuring 3+ BRs, 2 BAs, vaulted ceilings with skylights, beautiful wood cabinets and built-ins and granite surfaces. Outdoors enhanced by the screened porch and spacious rear deck.

Drop off new, unwrapped toys at Middleburg or Purcellville office 11 am - 4 pm every day between now and mid December

Middleburg - New Price - Small horse or hobby farm also perfect for a weekender! Totally restored circa 1800 farmhouse features owners’ suite, 2 new bathrooms, country kitchen, wood floors, wood stove, 5 stall barn, 3 paddocks & 2 run-in sheds. Very private setting adjacent to large farms. Motivated Seller. $429,900

100 Purcellville Gateway Drive Suite 100B Purcellville, VA 20132 540.687.8530

Middleburg - Auspice Hill is a unique Craftsman home with high performance, energy efficient and eco-friendly features. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms on 8.5 private acres with frontage on Little River w/ trail access offering stunning architectural features and a modern floor plan for casual living. Located off Route 50 east of Middleburg. Convenient to major commuter routes.

YOUR TOY WILL BRING JOY TO A NEEDY TOT!

$639,000

PURCELLVILLE OFFICE

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6 & 8 North Madison Street Middleburg, VA 20117 540.687.8530 www.MiddleburgSales.com

M i d d l e b u r g L i f e

LONG & FOSTER

MIDDLEBURG OFFICE

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Q&A: The Tree Farmer

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How labor intensive is tree-farming?

Much of the digging and planting is mechanized, but a good deal of hand work is still involved.

We use skid-steer mounted spades to dig the trees up from which they are placed in a burlap-lined wire basket. The bigger trees are loaded and unloaded using a forklift and the planting holes are opened up with a large auger. However, that still leaves the pruning, staking, mulching and nursery maintenance to do by hand.

What’s a typical day like at the tree farm?

Much of the routine is seasonally dependent so there is no typical day. During the digging/planting seasons (spring and fall) we might be out on a planting job or preparing an order. In late winter, we are planting new stock and pruning the more mature trees. In the late summer we are putting on tree wraps to prevent deer damage. We also provide tree watering services to our clients at this time of year.

What is your customer base—local residents, nurseries, developers?

Due to our scale, most of our sales are retail to local residents but we are actively pursuing commercial sales.

Michael Calley is the manager of the Wagenberg Farm just outside Middleburg. He’s been in the tree business for 27 years since graduating from Old Dominion University with a bachelor of science degree in biology. He also is a certified arborist who says he “just loves working outdoors.”

The farm, with more than 200 acres, produces field grown, climactically adapted, native shade trees for conservation landscaping and habitat restoration. They grow species selected from historical lists for their adaptability, hardiness and transplant survivability, with larger trees available in some species. The farm also raises registered Black Angus cattle and sells horse-quality orchard grass/timothy hay, either in round or square bales.

To get to the farm from Gilberts Corner, take Rt. 50 west toward Middleburg. Less than three miles past the town of Aldie, you’ll pass a winery on the left. Then turn left onto Parsons Road, Rt. 627. After less than a half mile, the farm is on the left. From the east, head out of Middleburg, turn right on Parsons Road, etc.

What sort of trees do you specialize in?

We specialize in native shade trees of the Eastern Temperate forest. Mostly oaks, maples, poplars, dogwoods, redbuds, etc. and some evergreens such as Southern Magnolias and Eastern Red Cedars.

How does one get the tree from your farm to where the purchaser wants it planted?

One of several ways: You can dig and transport the tree yourself. We can dig the tree and you transport it or we deliver it. We dig the tree, transport and plant it.

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And least expensive?

We sell potted samples of our field grown trees for $65 or less at the garden shows we attend each year or here at the farm from our newly installed greenhouse. I find people wonder what the difference is between what we do—a regionally adapted, in-ground nursery—versus a nursery selling trees in containers. Our trees are growing in the field, in the native soil. After the first year, they are getting whatever moisture falls from the sky and they are dealing with the local insects without a lot of interference or inputs. All of our trees are unique individuals that have to be seen to be appreciated. So we invite the customer to come out and select the trees that they like. From there, we will dig them up and move them to their property. We believe our production system grows a better-adapted, healthier tree ready for the conditions of our region.

What trees flourish the best in Middleburg and surrounding areas?

As a member of the Virginia Native Plant Society, I am especially proud of our disease-resistant American Elm “Valley Forge.” This variety is resistant to Dutch Elm disease which has decimated the native elms. This stately street tree, planted in most cities and towns across America, need not be lost to the landscape. Our elm and other similar varieties can help prevent that from happening.

To paraphrase Barbara Walters: if you could be a tree, which variety would you be?

I love the White Oak for its longevity, stately appearance and importance to our local economy and ecosystem.

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Mon. -Thurs. 6 am to 8 pm • Fri. 6 am to 10 pm Sat. 8 am to 10 pm • Sun. 8 am to 6 pm

Mon. -Thurs.Street 6 am to 8 pm • •Fri. 6•am pm • VA 114 W. W. Washington •Street Middleburg VAto• 10 540.687.7065 114 Washington Middleburg Sat. 8 am to 10 pm • Sun. 8 am to 6 pm

114 W. Washington Street • Middleburg 24/7 Emergency & • VA

Critical Care for Your Pets

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December 2013

What’s the most expensive tree for sale on the property?

Our 12- to 15-foot high Southern Magnolia can be planted on a Middleburg property for around $600.

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Progressive veterinary surgical referral practice. Our patient’s happiness and health are the center of all that we do.

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Fully equipped and staffed to provide pets with emergency, critical and specialty care during their time of need.

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Compassionate individualized cancer care for patients as well as support and availability for their owners.

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Ask your pet’s veterinarian for more information.

210 Costello Drive, Winchester, Virginia 22602

Photos by VICKY MOON and JENNIFER MOORE

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M i d d l e b u r g L i f e

Chrysanthemum Jubilee

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onald and Mia Glickman recently hosted the Mosby Heritage Area Association Chrysanthemum Jubilee at their Rockburn Farm, complete with the legendary rascal John Mosby in character. The Shenandoah Valley Civil War Era Dancers sashayed around the ballroom for a demonstration of period dances, including the Virginia Reel and the Quadrille.

It’s been said that Mosby once hid out in an outbuilding at Rockburn, parts of which date to 1828 and maybe earlier.

We just wish he could have enjoyed the specialty “Mosby Mule” drink offered up courtesy of Catoctin Creek Distillery…ginger beer, moonshine and lime juice.

A snort of that would leave anyone reeling in Virginia.

Donald and Mia Glickman

Childs Burden

Chuck and Anita Ledsinger

Bob Eliot, Tom DeLashmutt, and Tim Glidden hit the dance floor

Shenandoah Valley Civil War Era Dancers

www.middleburglife.net

Adam Brand and Sarah Horton

• DA ep cr iel m , b2 e0r1 32 0 1 3

Jeannette Petite, Elaine Burden and Michael Petite

Howard and Gloria Armfield

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THIS JUST IN:

L i f e

The Art Of Education

M i d d l e b u r g

What Day Is This?

I say What Day Is This?

It’s One Day Closer to Christmas And for that unique gift it as to be at the

Wisdom Gallery 540-687-3909

10 South Madison Street, Middleburg, Virginia

Hill School faculty member and Art Chair Linda Conti has been elected vice president of the Virginia Art Education Association. She will begin her two-year term Jan. 1. Conti will help to advance the visual arts in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Members of the VAEA advocate for art education in the state through their mission, which is to ”promote, support and advance visual arts education through professional development, leadership, research and service.”

W. Scott Russell, the president of VAEA, said, “Linda has demonstrated great leadership by actively participating in the growth and development of her profession. She is gaining insight into actions and legislation occurring in Virginia while helping to provide a strong voice for the profession on a state and national level.”

Conti has been involved with VAEA since 2006, and said she feels honored to be involved with a group of creative thinkers who share their knowledge and passions with each other.

She said professional development is essential to becoming a better teacher—“by seeking new knowledge and experiences in our field, we bring fresh ideas to our students, as well as the courage to risk being a student ourselves. Staying open to growth as a teacher is vital to what we do in the classroom.”

Through VAEA conferences, Conti has been able to bring information from the Smithsonian Institution, National Gallery of Art, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Chrysler Museum and the Taubman Museum to Hill School.

Projects shared by art teachers throughout the Commonwealth have added to students’ education, such as the Japanese brush painting which Hill students experienced during their Culture Study program. Together, members

Teresa Duke Fine Art

Aurora Services, Inc.

◆ Print Signings ◆ ◆

Middleburg Common Grounds ◆ Dec 7, Sat, 9 am–4 pm ◆

Tri-County Feeds, Marshall ◆ Dec 19, Thur, 5–8 pm

December 2013

Middleburg Hunt Starts the Parade

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Great things are done when men and mountains meet….

Great things are done when William Blake men and mountains meet...

Providing the Following Services: William Burke Professional Gate Consultation & Design Service

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engage, teach and support developing young artists.

Photo courtesy of Highland School

William Woodward at work.

In Warrenton, a number of events to mark the 10th anniversary of the Center for the Arts at Highland School are planned, concluding with a gala May 31. There have been several other events recently, including local artist and educator William Woodward presenting a lecture in the Rice Theater at the Center for the Arts.

“If there is too much emphasis on the gymnastic aspects of education, then a warlike society is created,” Woodward said. “But when the gymnastic aspects are tempered with aesthetics, you help to create a balanced child.”

That is one reason Woodward said it was vital that the arts are included in a school’s curriculum. He spoke about the role art has played in his own life and told many stories, both profound and humorous, of his life as a developing and established artist.

Woodward’s passion for art began with representing the things of the world that he loves best. In college, he turned briefly to abstract art, “flinging paint at the canvas just like Jackson Pollock.”

However, he soon returned to figurative painting and his interest in narrative art eventually opened the door to commissions for what is now an astonishing body of narrative murals.

One mural, “The Great Odyssey of Medicine,” is at Fairfax Inova Hospital.

Woodward said he loves painting murals not only for their inherent drama, but also because he learns so much in the research and planning stages for these large scale visual histories. In addition, he has the distinction of creating the largest single painting by one artist in the 20th century—his renowned mural of circus life, “The Greatest Show on Earth,” formerly at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey corporate headquarters in Vienna, and now in Sarasota, FL. As an art educator, some of the skills he teaches his students sound remarkably like skills needed for navigating everyday life: having patience, creating without fear and believing in yourself, taking yourself seriously. Ultimately, Woodward said art “helps people to develop their own uniqueness, their own individuality.

They become who they can be.”

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SM.ML.12/13

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Langhorne Farm

Oakfield

Providence Farm

Upperville, Virginia • $9,000,000

Upperville, Virginia • $4,900,000

Bluemont, Virginia • $2,650,000

450 acres in Piedmont Hunt • Improvements include 4 tenant houses plus many farm structures • VOF easements with 100 acre restrictions • Property is to be sold in its entirety

Stone manor house in spectacular setting • 86.81 acres • Highly protected area in prime Piedmont Hunt • Gourmet kitchen • Wonderful detail throughout • 5 BR • 5 BA • 3 half BA • 3 fireplaces, classic pine paneled library • Tenant house • Stable • Riding ring • Heated saltwater pool • Pergola • Full house generator

42 acre equestrian property in Piedmont Hunt • Lovely 5,000 sf home w/ 1st floor master suite • Horse facilities include indoor (150' x 75') and outdoor (200' x 100') arenas • 10 stall stable w/ large apartment • 8 more stalls in shed row • 6 paddocks • Cross country course & 9,800 sf heated Morton Building

Paul MacMahon

Helen MacMahon

Ann MacMahon Paul MacMahon

(540) 687-5588 (703) 609-1905

(703) 609-1905

(540) 454-1930

Marley Grange

Liberty Hill

Lions Lane

Millwood, Virginia • $2,600,000

Boyce, Virginia • $2,200,000

Boyce, Virginia • $1,395,000

Understated elegance • Finely appointed 5600+ sq. ft. home built in 1997 on 75 acres in a private and secluded setting • 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 half baths • 10 stall barn • 224 ft. x 128 ft. blue stone ring • Excellent horse facility and ride-out

Mountain top retreat with 60 mile panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley • 215 acres • 1/3 pasture • Main house circa 1787 • 3 BR, 1 BA • 2 fireplaces • Random width pine floors • 2 BR, 1 BA guest cottage • Stone & frame barn circa 1787 • Remnants of formal garden • Old cemetery • Spring fed pond • Gazebo

109 mountain top acres • Unbelievable western views • Hunters’ paradise • 3 bedrooms • 2 fireplaces • Gourmet kitchen • 3 car garage • Energy efficient

Tom Cammack

Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

(540) 247-5408

Paul MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Turkey Roost

Middleburg, Virginia • $1,379,000

Boyce, Virginia • $1,325,000

Middleburg, Virginia • $1,179,000

Custom home on 10 well maintained acres • Beautifully decorated • Hardwood floors, high ceilings, 4 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen • Large screened porch • In-ground pool and spa surrounded by brilliant garden • 4 stall barn/3 paddocks • Full house generator • Irrigation system for garden

Classic 1880's Virginia farmhouse • Lovely setting • Private 1st floor master suite • 2 bedrooms on 2nd floor • 2 additional rental houses • Large stable & storage building • Fencing for horses & cattle • Property is protected by VOF conservation easement • Tear down the small cottage & build a new main house • Lots of options with 110 acres

Large 4/5 BR home • Generous room sizes that accommodate extended family & entertaining • Lovely updated kitchen with granite+marble countertops • Notable sun-filled family room with exposed timber frame and 2 sided fireplace • Hardwood floors • 3 fireplaces • Finished LL w/ in law suite • 2-car garage w/1 BR Apt • 4-stall Barn w/paddocks

Paul MacMahon

Helen MacMahon

Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905 Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Locust Street

Lord Fairfax Highway

Middleburg, Virginia • $399,000

Middleburg, Virginia • $255,000

Boyce, Virginia • $199,999

Immaculate end unit town home feels like a private cottage • Completely renovated • New kitchen & baths • New roof • Elegant living room with wood burning FP • Built in book shelves • Private terrace & landscaped garden • Perfectly turn key • No maintenance

Charming stucco cottage • Heart of Town of Middleburg • Hardwood floors throughout • Two bedrooms, 1 bath, living room, dining room & galley kitchen • Great potential

Circa 1790 home with 1890 and 1940 additions • 3 bedrooms • Recently updated • 1+ acre • Potential for home/business use • Fenced yard

Alix Coolidge

Joseph Keusch

Helen MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

(540) 454-1930

(703) 625-1724

(540) 454-0591

(540) 454-1930

info@sheridanmacmahon.com www.sheridanmacmahon.com

110 East Washington Street P.O. Box 1380 Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687-5588

December 2013

Meadowbrook Court

•

Pagebrook

www.middleburglife.net

Westfields

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M i d d l e b u r g

L i f e

mCgoWan aSSoCiateS (540) 687-5523

mary ann mgowan

mountville

bolinvar

Foxmount Farm de

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Magnificent Estate on 100 acres in a spectacular setting. The stone house boasts 22 elegant rooms, 9 fireplaces, high ceilings, all superbly detailed and beautifully appointed.

Brilliant gardents surround the heated pool.

Fabulous 11 stall stone stable with 2 staff apartments. Riding ring, green house all in pristine condition. additional 227 acres are available. $10,000,000

Fabulous 227 acre parcel with magnificent land bordering Goose Creek. A charming and spacious one level residence, beautifully updated, a 2 bedroom tenant house house, and a 22 stall stable are included. Board fenced paddocks, ponds, rolling fields and stone walls complete this idyllic farm. $5,675,000

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Janney Farm

Extraordinary equestrian estate approximately 186 acres sContemporary residence and extensive dependenciessPark-like setting, fabulous mountain views sMinutes to Middleburg sGorgeous stone and frame 12 Stall Stable s3 Tenant Houses s2 Stone Guest Cottages sStable Apartment sIndoor Schooling Ring sRiding Ring sHuge Equipment building and Workshop. $4,445,000

282 acres of fabulous rolling countryside and lush woodlands, is available for the first time in many years. It includes 11 deeded parcels,borders on Goose Creek and enjoys spectacular views of Blue Ridge Mountains.

Ideally located off Telegraph Springs Road, the property is convenient to the village of Lincoln with easy access to Rte 7. Great Potential for Conservation Tax Credits. $4,089,000

the villa

Charming 4 Bedroom 3.5 Bath, stone & stucco residence on 12+ acres, completely remodeled with the finest craftmanship, in a secluded storybook setting. Surrounded by hundreds of acres in esement, with towering trees and gorgeous landscaping, Dependencies include a beautiful guest house, a carriage house with studio apartment above, a green house, spa, and run in shed in lush paddocks. $2,650,000

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www.middleburglife.net

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Warmest wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season tuCkahoe

SouthWoodS

Elegant English Manor House beautifully sited on approximately 40 acres of magnificent woodlands sSpectacular views and total privacy sBuilt with superior quality and craftsmanship, superbly detailed FireplacessGleamingWood moldingss5 Floors sMahogany paneled Library and French doors opening to the flagstone verandah sWine Cellar s14’ ceilingssDetached 3 Bay Carriage House. $2,555,000

atoka ChaSe

elton Farm

ice

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Spectacular 17 room custom brick Colonial boasting over 9,500 Sq Ft. of living space on a private lane s 25 gorgeous acres sPalladian windows s Wood floors sGrandly scaled rooms with high ceilingssExtordinary quality throughout sFabulous pool surrounded by flagstone terraces s Brilliant gardens sBoard fenced paddocks sIdeal for horses. Minutes to Middleburg. $2,400,000

Exquisite “Williamsburg” colonial on approximately 20 park-like acres in the Piedmont Hunt Territory sAlmost 9,000 square feet of spectacular living space, beautiful historic detail, gorgeous décor and pristine condition sBrilliant gardens and flagstone terraces surround the pool sBreathtaking mountain views and spring fed pond add to this idyllic setting. $2,250,000

dC’S Wine trail

berry hill

•

December 2013

Fox lair

This charming historic residence, built in 1815, extensively updated in 2004 and 2013, is in a private country setting in the heart of horse country. It has a pond surrounded by horse pastures, a tree-lined driveway, and mature gardens. The house, tastefully decorated in neutral tones, blends the warmth and charm of an antique home with every modern amenity. $1,295,000

A historic 10 acre farm circa 1787,beautifully sited in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along dC’s Wine trail sGracious Manor House, recently updated 3 finished levels, 5 Bedrooms sCharming 2 bedroom Guest House sLog Cabin s3 Bay Garage with wonderful Recreation Room and Storage Building sAdditional acreage available sStocked Pond and Magnificent Views. $1,235,000

Stunning 5 Bedroom Cape on 10 gorgeous acres. Wonderful floorplan, sun filled rooms, high ceilings & hardwood floors. Living & dining rooms open to fabulous gardens, pool & terrace.

Master suite with sitting room, gourmet country kitchen opens to breakfast & family rooms. 2nd level has 3 bedrooms and 2 Baths; Separate Office/Guest Suite over 3 car garage. $2,295,000

Charming historic Colonial, circa 1870 sBeautifully updated and in pristine condition s21+ rolling acres sTowering trees, lush board fenced pastures and views of the Blue Ridge sNew gourmet Kitchen, 3.5 modern baths, 6 fireplaces, antique wood floors sIdeal for horses stable & run-ins. * Coming Soon

glen devon

Extraordinary all brick colonial on 10+ acres sFabulous stable, Riding Ring and Board Fenced Paddocks, all in a gorgeous setting at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains sProperty is Pristine with Brilliant Gardens sBrick-walled terrace sTowering trees offering total privacy s3 finished levels in the residence are impeccable sCompletely updated with newer gourmet kitchen and baths. * Coming Soon

Foggy bottom

Fabulous 3 level brick colonial on 24+ gorgeous acres of lush pastures and woods with incredible mountain views. Completely updated in 2011 with a new addition of a Great Room with vaulted ceilings and brick walled fireplace. Features Hardwood floors, formal Living Room and Dining Room, Office, finished walk up lower level, 3 stall barn, 2 run-in sheds, board fenced paddocks with automatic waterers, 2 stocked ponds $998,000 and great ride-out.

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE A STAUNCH ADVOCATE OF LAND EASEMENTS LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967

brian mgowan

middleburg, virginia 20118 (540) 687-6500 www.thomaS-talbot.com

Jim mcgowan

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mEadoWgrovE

WhirlWind

kEnSlEE hill

graSSland

Extrordinary estate on over 180 acres sIdeal for horses s 7 Bedrooms sNew Gourmet State of the Art Kitchen & Baths s Gorgeous full wall windows, overlooking 10 acre lake s10 stall stable sPaddocks with run-in sheds sPool and poolhouse with fireplace, spa and new tennis court. $3,750,000

Exquisite country French manor with over 9,000 sq. ft. of spectacular living space on over 55 gorgeous acres just minutes from Middleburg. Grandly scaled rooms. Extraordinary detail and the finest quality. Beautifully decorated. Impeccably maintained. Includes fabulous pool surrounded by terraces and brilliant gardens. Fabulous apartment over three bay carriage house. Ideal for horses. $3,500,000

Spectacular land with over 100+ acres of rolling pasture and magnificent woodlands, including approximately ½ mile of frontage of the most beautiful area of the Potomac river. Breathtaking views of Sugarloaf Mountain & the Potomac River Valley. Land not in easement, ideal for tax credits, horse/cattle farm, winery or private estate. Additional land with dependencies available. $3,495,000

100+ gorgeous acres, sited at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains s2 center aisle Stables, 2 Tenant Houses and several Storage Buildings s Circa 1840 Historic Main Residence with several modern additions built in the years after sPaneled Library sFormal Dining Room sNew Kitchen sTennis court and several ponds sLand in Easement. also available for rent. $3,400,000

hamilton

locuSt grovE le

Sa

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L or

Fabulous 250 acre farm sBeautiful stone Main Residence meticulously updated and restored sCharming Log Guest Cabin and separate Studio or Office sNewer 4 Stall Barn with Storage area sSeparate Apartment sAll in pristine condition sGorgeous views in a very protected area sIn Conservation Easement. Easy access to I-66 sMay be divided into two parcels.s Sale or rent $2,500,000

- and a Healthy, Happy New Year!

catoctin crEEkS

chEStnut oakS

Stunning Williamsburg brick colonial on 52+ acres with lush woodlands, verdant pastures & spectacular mountain views. Constructed with extraordinary quality & beautiful detailing,this charming 3 level residence boasts high ceilings, gleaming wood floors, 5 fireplaces & a gorgeous gourmet kitchen. The rear brick covered terrace is surrounded by brilliant gardens. Ideal for horses in Piedmont Hunt Territory. $1,750,000

Stunning 18 room brick colonial beautifully sited on 13+ acres overlooking a spring fed pond and rolling countryside sOver 9,000 square feet of spectacular living space with high ceilings, gleaming wood floors, and 3 Fireplaces sHome Theatre sMirrored Fitness Room sGorgeous Paneled Library sGourmet Country Kitchen sFabulous Master Suite sRecreation Room with bar sAbsolutely every amenity in this exquisite residence! $1,650,000

mt. harmony

Charming historic property, circa 1750, on approx. 7 acres with brilliant gardens, charming guest house, & fabulous 5 stall stable with office, kitchen, exercise room, crafts room & pine floored loft, ideal for Hunt Breakfasts & entertaining. Main residence was renovated with meticulous care & boasts a gourmet kitchen, premier appliances, 3 fireplaces, gracious rooms & an idyllic setting. $1,550,000

Buck SPring

Beautiful custom Colonial, built with handsome Flemish bond style brick, encompasses over 11.5 acres just 10 minutes from historic Miiddleburg. Ideally located in the Piedmont Hunt Territory, this home boasts over 4,500 sq.ft. of spectacular living space with hardwood floors, 4 fireplaces, 10" ceilings, library with custom bookshelves. Attached 3 bay garage. Land is perfect for horses or pool. $1,395,000

BluEmont~land

8 E FEdEral St w

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Stunning land includes 20 gorgeous acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mtns. Lush fields bordered by mature trees & offering spectacular views. Located in the heart of the prestigious Piedmont Hunt Territioy, this is a perfect setting for a beautiful country estate. Accessed by a picturesque country road, yet with easy access to Route 7 or Route 50.

Approved perc site, land in easement. $480,000

Professional office building in the heart of downtown Middleburg sTotally renovated and tastefully decorated with 4 spacious rooms plus Waiting Area, Powder Room, Storage Room and Small Kitchen sLarge Storage Shed s2 parking spaces plus additional parking in adjacent public parking lot sEnclosed private Garden s2nd entrance from front porch sVery charming Convenient sMotivated Seller $345,000

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE A STAUNCH ADVOCATE OF LAND EASEMENTS LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967

middleburg, virginia 20118 (540) 687-5523 www.thomaS-talBot.com

December 2013

Beautiful parcel of almost 16 acres of rolling land in a private setting on sought after Zulla Road. Includes open pasture & flowering trees, plus a 3 stall barn and paddock. A modular office has been improved & features a bedroom, bath, kitchen & great room overlooking a rear terrace & pergola. Ideal as office, studio or temporary quarters while building. * Occupancy permit pending. $565,000

•

Charming 9 room Cape Cod on a gorgeous 10 acre parcel with privacy and seclusion in an idyllic setting. Hardwood floors, main floor Master with vaulted ceilings, fabulous Family/Sun room with walls of windows overlooking the pool and decks, 2 fireplaces, gazebo, pool house and brilliant gardens.

Library with custom bookcases, formal living and dining rooms, ideal for gracious entertaining! $995,000

ice

Pr

www.middleburglife.net

zulla road

PanthErSkin

Extraordinary country estate on over 17 acres of manicured grounds, with over 7,000 square feet of spectacular living space. Stone & stucco manor has been exquisitely updated & features soaring ceilings, 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, elegant rooms & heated floors. Gourmet kitchen & sun room overlook the brillant gardens. Heated free form pool, 2 spacious Guest houses, 8 stall center-aisle stable.

Private & secluded in a storybook setting. $2,490,000

M i d d l e b u r g L i f e

The McGowans wish to thank all who made 2013 a successful year.

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McEnearney Associates, Inc. Realtors® 540.687.5490

7 W. Washington Street • Middleburg, VA 20117

Happy Holidays from the Middleburg and Leesburg Offices of McEnearney Associates! $849,000

MIDDLEBURG

$3,499,000

LEESBURG

$2,599,000

LOVETTSVILLE

$1,175,000

C Pe on nd tra in ct g

BLUEMONT

Architectural Gem

Historic Beaver Dam Farm

Stonegate Moor

Fox Trot Estate

Situated on 10 private acres with breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and Shenandoah River. State-of-the-art windows & skylights.

Wonderful year-round residence or unique weekend retreat. Easy commute corridors.

Built in 1816 on 138 rolling acres in the heart of the Piedmont Hunt. Home to prizewinning Angus cattle and thoroughbred race horses. 5 stall barn, 2 tenant houses, machine shed & pool.

Estate property with 20+ private acres, with magnificent distant views. Modernized to perfection, 1-bedroom guest house, 1-bedroom carriage house with 3-bay garage, pool & tennis court.

Stunning 10 acre retreat. Stone, 6 car garage, partially cleared. Multiple patios and deck. 6500 sq ft designed for entertaining and comfortable living. Close to MARC

Gilda Montel

Bob Vantrease 540-514-9295

Cecelia Mahan

Jackie Hagenston

540-454-1022 www.GildaMontel.com MLS ID# CL8082538

Linden Ryan 703-408-4696

703-675-8008 www.CeceliaMahan.com MLS # LO8053039

540-454-1452 www.FoxTrotEstate.com MLS # LO8190678

$2,350,000

ROUND HILL

$850,000

BLUEMONT

$499,900

PARIS

$200,000

P ED RIC U E C ED

LEESBURG

www.LindenandBob.com MLS #LO8178335

R

M i d d l e b u r g

L i f e

Middleburg Office

Historic Oatlands Hamlet (c. 1880)

Round Hill

Breathtaking Views, Park-like Setting

In The Heart of Paris

Contiguous to Oatlands Plantation(a National Trust Property), is located on 54 private acres. Gourmet kitchen, 6 bedrooms 5 1/2 baths, wood floors, 2 ponds, pool, stone guest house, tenant house.

Cecelia Mahan

Spacious 3-bedroom, 4.5 bath home. Large main level master suite, pool, koi pond, beautiful lawn and outdoor space. Offered on 5.9 acres for $650,000 or 39 acres for $850,000.

Bob Vantrease 540-514-9295

for totally renovated home on 10 acres.

Living room with new fireplace and bay window to contemplate views/nature. Stone walls, paved circular driveway, stone patio.

This 1910 Farmhouse is ready and waiting for you! The Family/Sun room is delightful and recently painted. Enjoy the gentle breeze when relaxing on the front porch.

Gilda Montel

Geri Deane

703-675-8008 www.CeceliaMahan.com MLS # LO8092029

Linden Ryan 703-408-4696

540-454-1022 www.GildaMontel.com MLS # LO8116918

703-615-4126 www.GeriDeane.com MLS ID # FQ8126288

www.LindenandBob.com MLS # LO8178363

Public Arts in Leesburg First Friday Enjoy an evening of art, music & refreshments in our Leesburg Office!

Friday, December 6th • 6:00 pm–9:00 pm 107 N King Street, Leesburg, VA 20176 Local artists' works will be on display Live music by October Skies Raffle tickets for prizes!

www.middleburglife.net

•

December 2013

Please join us for TWO exciting community celebrations!

30

The event is FREE.

Donations will be accepted to support the Friends of Leesburg Public Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Leesburg public art.

Preferred Lender

Christ mas in Middleburg

The Holiday Season starts with wonderful events for the entire family including the Middleburg hunt & hounds review, the garden club greens sale, a craft fair, hayrides, wine tastings, and of course a parade with floats and Santa.

Stop by our office for refreshments & good cheer.

Saturday, December 7th 10:30 am–2:30 pm 7 W Washington Street Middleburg, VA 20117 ®

McEnearneyMiddleburg.com

®

Established 1980 • Alexandria • Arlington • Leesburg • McLean • Middleburg • Washington, DC • Maryland

The Lost Art Of Taxidermy

Stephen Lee, left, and his father Lewis carefully white-tailed deer for tanning at their taxidermy The Plains.

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Holiday Open House

December 7 & 8, 2013 10am-3pm Current Inventory Available at: www.greersconservation.com

n 37627 Allder School Road Purcellville, VA 20132 540.338.6607 greersant@aol.com Regular hours are by appointment only

December 2013

taxidermy, but I discuss it with them, help them decide on what direction, what look we’re going for.”

From start to finish—including tanning (which can take months) and mounting (which takes dozens of feet of waxed thread and thousands of hand-stitches)—taxidermy takes six months to a year per item. Cost ranges from $95 for an antler mount—by far the most popular—to $5,500 for the African crocodile. Bears are priced by the foot—$450—and can be posed many ways: standing up on hind legs or down on all fours.

“They’re real creative,” said Jeff Dillon, hoisting a 10-point buck he’d downed near Marshall. “I was 16 when I brought Lee’s my first deer. I’ve got a whole room full, now. And this makes one more.” He added that he may even have to “build a new room” to fit his trophies.

Taxidermy is “addictive,” added Junior Bowers. “I’ve got 11 or 12 deer mounts already.

My wife’s gonna’ kill me.” He grins, pushing an eight-point rack across Lee’s counter. “That’s okay.”

For more information go to www.LeesTaxidermy.com or call 540-253-5271.

Incredible Hand Crafted

Greer’s Antiques

•

The only thing that cues the onlooker that this mountain lion isn’t alive is the large-mouth bass mounted underneath it. Otherwise, the realistic pose—down to the ferocious eyes—lets the animal come to life on this specimen.

Attention to detail is key to a perfect mount.

Here, every single feather of a big wild turkey rooster is carefully marked and spread to a realistic angle.

Shenandoah Fine Chocolates

www.middleburglife.net

corralled in genial captivity at Fauquier County’s oldest and best-known taxidermist.

Three generations of Lees have plied the specialized trade for 62 years. From a tiny ermine in his winter whites to a full-sized leopard taken on the African savanna, Lee’s does it all.

Francis Lee started from a hobby in 1950.

“He was an avid hunter and fisherman,” son Lewis Lee said. A chance meeting with a taxidermist in Austria while in the army during World War II “kindled [Francis’] interest. He started doing a little taxidermy for friends, then he expanded it to what we have today.”

Lewis worked first with his dad, then for him. His son Stephen, a 1983 Fauquier High grad, began here after college at George Mason and Northern Virginia. “Granddad had started out in the basement of the house,” Stephen said, pointing next door to the 1700s house that is one of Fauquier’s oldest. Stephen Lee lives there now.

“He moved to a shed behind the house when he outgrew the basement, then built this shop.”

Stephen handles small game—foxes, bobcats, fish and game birds. Lewis does the large—

from simple antlers on a plaque, to an entire albino deer, and the unusual—like a 14-foot African river crocodile. Other exotics include full-mounts of a male lion, a leopard, and a real bearskin rug made out of a big black bear.

Stringent rules regulate taxidermy: Lee’s cannot legally stuff raptors, nor songbirds.

“Not even a pretty cardinal that flew into this Leesburg lady’s window one day,” Stephen said. “She put it in her freezer and called me.

I referred her to the national game office in Boston, where she had to get ‘permission’ to mount a songbird. They’re protected.

“Well, she called. They put her in touch with a regional office in Baltimore. She told the game officer who answered the phone her story. He asked her address. He showed up at her door a little later and read her the riot act, telling her it was illegal for her to ‘have’ that songbird. She asked him what, exactly, she was supposed to do with his dead body. Legally? He told her she had to leave it where it died.

To decompose. I don’t even bother to refer people to the proper chain anymore. I just say I can’t do it.”

Stephen calls taxidermy a lost art.

“My dad studied museum taxidermy in Iowa,” he said. But Stephen learned on the job, with guidance from his grandfather and father. Stephen likens the architectural building design he learned at college with prepare a artistic representation of a wild shop near animal in model form.

“I let the animal guide me,” allowing interpretation of pose and expression come from within. “Customers usually have an idea what they want—most of them have other

M i d d l e b u r g L i f e

By Betsy Burke Parker For Middleburg Life

Late autumn brings change to the Piedmont. People wind down, pump the brakes on outdoor activities, turn the clock back an hour and settle in for cold weather, long nights, peace and quiet.

Over near Wildcat Mountain, the Lee family braces for their busiest time of year. It’s hunting season. And that means it’s time for taxidermy.

Step into Lewis and Stephen Lee’s domain on Merry Oaks Road near The Plains and enter a world where big game, sport fish, game birds and dozens of white-tailed deer reside in harmony,

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Actress and horse lover Bo Derek, still very much The Perfect 10, came to Middleburg the weekend before Thanksgiving, staying overnight at the Goodstone Inn, and may be coming back for many more visits, as well.

Forrest Allen and Caroline Elgin, neighbors in The Plains, recently graduated with new service dogs Toliver and Shelly from the non-profit Canine Companions for Independence, which enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs.

Photo by Katherine Elgin Photography

Sally Riggs celebrated her 90th birthday Nov. 9, by hosting the Piedmont Fox Hounds.

Photo by William Van Wie

Bo Derek was in Middleburg recently to discuss future projects and of course found time to admire some horses.

Photo by Vicky Moon

She’s involved in an effort to get the state of Virginia to provide significant tax credits for production companies that shoot their television shows and motion pictures within the Commonwealth. She’s already been selected to play one of the main leads in a new TV series—Drivers—based on the competition back in the 1950s between Henry Ford and the Ferrari company. Middleburg resident Bill Hasselberger and Hollywood producer Mark Sennet, also in town with Derek, are hoping to soon lobby governor-elect Terry McAulliffe on the issue. We’ll go into more detail in future editions, so stay tuned.

Congratulations are in order for Larry Davis over in Marshall, who recently proposed marriage while on a trip to Dubai with his long time lady friend, Teresa Mandarini, of Peabody, Mass. Wedding details to follow.

Best wishes to Alexandra “Lexey” Powell Hall and Michael Zukerman, who were married on Nov. 10 at Duckwalk Vineyards on Long Island. The bride is the daughter of Tina Thuermer and Frederick Hall and the groom is the son of Gayle Geller and the late Edward Zukerman. The couple met on the horse show circuit, where he is a trainer and she is a pho-

wealth University. Conti was recently elected vice president of the Virginia Art Education Association.

Just before Thanksgiving break, the Student Council at Middleburg Academy once again hosted its annual “A Taste of World Hunger” Oxfam Banquet. The all-school lunchtime event helps raise awareness about poverty and world hunger. Students, faculty and staff were randomly assigned to participate in one of three categories reflecting the world population. The majority sat on the floor and ate, without utensils, plain rice and water. That represents about 50 percent of the world’s population that struggles daily to find basic needs of food, water and shelter.

Those in the middle-income group sat on

Family photo

Forrest Allen and Caroline Elgin, neighbors in The Plains, recently graduated with new service dogs from Canine Companions for Independence. Forrest sustained a catastrophic brain

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injury in a snowboarding accident in January 2011 and was matched with Toliver, whose volunteer puppy raiser was long-time friend and former Middleburg resident, Colleen Roberts.

Elgin, who has cerebral palsy, was partnered with Shelly.

Canine Companions for Independence held a “Tea Cups for Pups” event at the Middleburg Community Center recently. The nonprofit organization enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs.

Tyrrell Flawn, wife of Project HOPE CEO John P. Howe III, M.D., hosted an afternoon party recently at Carter Hall, the 18th Century home that is part of Project HOPE’s headquarters in Millwood. The gathering was held to

Happy Birthday Edith Brown.

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tographer. And most important of all… Lexey is the beloved granddaughter of the late Alice and Angus Thuermer of Middleburg. Following a honeymoon in Costa Rica, they got right back to the horses.

Sally Riggs celebrated her 90th birthday Nov. 9 by hosting the Piedmont Fox Hounds, followed by a hunt breakfast for the field, friends and neighbors at Huntover Farm.

Congratulations to Edith Brown of Berryville, who celebrated her 102nd birthday Oct. 16.

Best wishes to Alexandra “Lexey” Powell Hall and Michael Zukerman.

Amanda Picone. Photography

A recent reception at Project HOPE at Carter Hall “American HOPE, American Song,” included a medley of American folk songs performed by the Mayfield Singers.

Photo by Janet Hitchen for Project HOPE

celebrate the launch of Project HOPE’s new initiative to develop health programs in the U.S. The event, “American HOPE, American Song,” included a medley of American folk songs performed by the Mayfield Singers.

Guests also listened to a presentation by Project HOPE’s new U.S. director, Stefan Lawson, who outlined some of the pressing health problems in needy communities within America, particularly in the areas of diabetes, hypertension and obesity, and how Project HOPE proposes to help.

Michele Stevens, manager of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.’s, Middleburg office has sent word of their drive to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots campaign. Toys may be dropped off before Dec. 16, seven days a week between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. in Middleburg, or at their new Purcellville Gateway Drive Suite locations.

Hill School art teacher Linda Conti debuted her fabric installation called “Tryptich,” with “Reflecting on the Ordinary.” The exhibition is part of her Master of Interdisciplinary Studies degree from Virginia Common-

chairs to eat a bowl of rice with beans, similar to the 30 percent of the world’s population who live on the edge of poverty. The high-income group, representing roughly 20% of the world’s population, enjoyed a sumptuous candle-lit

Sophia Sirranni and Emma Walsh at the recent art showing at The Hill School.

Photo by Karen Monroe of Middleburg Photo

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Middleburg Life correspondent Dulcy Hooper has sent this news from Paris… David Dunlap has joined the Ashby Inn & Restaurant as its new chef and will be working with sommelier and co-owner Neal Wavra.

“Their wine list was what brought me there in the first place,” said one patron. “And then when we arrived and met the amazing sommelier, we knew we were in for a treat.” Wavra is not only the Inn’s sommelier, but also co-owner and innkeeper, along with his wife, Star.

For Wavra, Ashby’s innkeeper along with his wife, Star, the world of wine serves as a lens through which all facets of life may be viewed.

“Politics, geography, geology, history, chemistry and, of course, gastronomy are all inherently part of the dining experience when a fermented beverage is included,” Wavra said. His multi-disciplinary approach is in keeping with the circuitous route he took to become a sommelier.

From international studies, commercial diplomacy and conflict resolution, and a stint at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, Wavra realized that his true passion was in fine food. He enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America and following the completion of his degree he traveled, tasted and dined at the great wine-producing regions of the U.S. and Europe.

Through these experiences, Wavra developed an appreciation for the synergy that exists when wines of place are paired with an equally thoughtful cuisine. He holds a certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the recipient of the Commanderie de Bordeaux Wine Scholarship and the Kopf Foundation Wine Excellent Scholarship.

Wavra describes Virginia wines as “distinctive and delicious,” with a fruit expression similar to California’s but with more moderate alcohol levels and brighter acidity. Wavra is proud to have more than 100 Virginia selections included on the Ashby Inn’s sprawling wine list.

In October, the Virginia Wine Board held its second annual Wine Summit at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond and most appropriately, Wavra was included as a member of the panel.

Thanksgiving menu prepared by the Parents Association. Tutti Perricone and her Back Street Catering staff donated and cooked all the rice and beans.

In other news from Middleburg Academy, Middleburg Life has learned that senior lacrosse player Daniel Koorbusch has signed a letter of intent with Jacksonville University and teammate Michael McDonnell has committed to Michigan, both Division 1 programs.

Middleburg Lions Club members have

In the village, Middleburg Lions Club members Tom Kiernan and Paul Eden sell citrus for a fundraiser.

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

athletic program. Over 75 percent of the upper school students participate on competitive athletic teams.

Chris Ohrstrom’s historic Bugatti Aerolithe has won the Car of the Year at the 2013 International Historic Motoring Awards recently in London. David Grainger of the Guild of Automotive Restorers collaborated on the project.

A tip of the hat to our neighbor Wayne Gibbens, who served as co-chairman along with Tom Johnson, former publisher of the L.A. Times, for “A Conversation with A Living Legend James A. Baker, III.” Held at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater, it was a nonpartisan fundraiser for the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. More than $4.5 million was raised.

Happy New Year.

www.middleburglife.net

John-Gustin Birkiit, chef and proprietor at The French Hound, prepares to pour the Beaujolais Nouveau for the Middleburg Lions Club fundraiser.

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

Chris Ohrstrom, owner of the historic Bugatti Aerolithe and collaborator David Grainger of the Guild of Automotive Restorers, won car of the year honors at the International Historic Motoring Awards in London.

been roaring in the village recently with two fundraisers. First, the annual sale of citrus, and next at their fourth annual Beaujolais Nouveau Night held at the French Hound.

Kudos to Josie Ziluca of Upperville who has just been picked to represent the U.S. on the Atlantis Women’s Rugby Sevens Select Team to compete at the Las Vegas Invitational Sevens Tournament in January. A graduate of Loudoun Valley High and Longwood University (2012), where she played lacrosse and tennis at the Division 1 level. She also currently plays for the NOVA Women’s Rugby Club in Alexandria.

Kelvy’s Golf Tournament is held in memory of Wakefield School’s former athletic director, McKelvy Costin, and this year took place at the Piedmont Golf Club in Haymarket. Costin had a passion for both golf and sportsmanship and loved the Wakefield community. All proceeds went to Wakefield School’s

• December 2013

=Golfers Richard Danker, Calder Withers and Tucker Withers participated in the Kelvy Golf Tournament for Wakefield School.

Photo courtesy of Wakefield School

Rob Elgin, Bob Dale, Bill Turnure, Andrew Stifler at the Wakefield golf tournament.

Photo courtesy of Wakefield School

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arol Holden and Sam Huff, the Middleburg-based cofounders of the West Virginia Breeders Classic, are still beaming over the 27th edition of the event, which opened in fine style at the Clarion Hotel in Shepherdstown for the Classics Gala Dinner Dance. The black tie affair featured dancing to the Gene Donati Orchestra with music by McCusker and Barrick.

Then it was up early the next morning as football and horse racing fans gathered in the Skyline Ballroom at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Race Track for the Sports Breakfast of Champions to benefit the Charles Town Races Chaplaincy & Eastern Panhandle Free Clinic.

Guests were able to meet and greet Football Hall of Famer and racing enthusiast Sam Huff. The former Redskin had many of his football friends on hand to speak, including Sonny Jurgensen, Bobby Mitchell and Mark Moseley to name just a few. The keynote speaker was Racing Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg, who talked about his biography “Jack: From Grit to Glory.”

A fabulous evening of racing featured the $500,000 West Virginia Breeders Classic, with a Thoroughbred named Fred High, with jockey Wesley Ho, coming home first for owner/breeder Edward R. Krishack and trainer John Robb.

weekend at West Virginia Classic Photos by Tim Jacobsen

Former Redskins and Hall of Famers Bobby Mitchell and Sonny Jurgensen

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In the $500,000 The West Virginia Breeders Classic Fred High with jockey Wesley Ho came across the finish line first for owner/breeder Edward R. Krishack and trainer John Robb

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Racing Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg

Mary Armbruster, Sam Huff and Robert Huff

Sharyn Corry and artist Loretta Bailey

Dennis Capes and Brenda Derr Carol Holden and Sam Huff

Tiffany Lawrence and Steve Morris

Laura and Keith Berkeley

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Putting Nature In Perspective

MIDDLEBURG HUMANE FOUNDATION (540) 364-3272

Cotton is an attractive 3 yr. old 13.2h gelding Cremello pony who is a quick learner: lunges, walk, trot...he is a very nice mover. Cotton has good ground manners: stands for the farrier, current on vaccines, healthy & 100% sound. He needs an experienced trainer & handler as he has tons of potential for a big future!

the Mosby Heritage Area Association Rockburn THANK YOU TO Marshall, Va. OUR SPONSORS FOR SUCH A WONDERFUL EVENT! November 16, 6-8 pm

The Aldie Peddler Catoctin Creek Distilling Company A Party in the Old Style Karen Harper Fuog, Catering Northern Virginia Media Services/ A traditional Virginia evening, with Middleburg Life time-honored libations

by Catoctin Reikis Studio (Florists) Creek Distilling delicious Shenandoah ValleyCompany, Civil WaraEra Dancers feast, and the Virginia Reel

Mr. and Mrs. Rick Boardman Ms Jean Brown 540-687-6681 for tickets Mr. and Mrs. Childs Burden Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Dees www.mosbyheritagearea.org Mr. and Mrs. Thomas DeLashmutt Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Gibbens Mr. and Mrs. Donald Glickman Mr. Kimball Hart Mr. and Mrs. John T. Hazel Mr. and Mrs. James Hildbold Lt. Col. and Mrs. Arthur House Ms Virginia Jenkins Mr. and Mrs. Marc Leepson Dr. Paul Massimiano Mr. and Mrs. Michael Morency Ms Alyce Rideout and Mr. Jim Bleakley Ms Amy V. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Fraser Wallace Mrs. Janet Whitehouse The “Mum Ball” Committee: Elaine Burden, Gayle DeLashmutt, Donald and Mia Glickman, Janna Leepson, and Susan Wallace Considering an End of Year Contribution? 540/687-6681 or www.mosbyheritagearea.org

December 2013

Cotton

www.middleburghumane.com

November 16th, 2013 Hosted by Rockburn

•

Visit our website for available animals & to fill out an application.

Chrysanthemum Jubilee THE

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Gerald Adelmann, president and CEO of Openlands in Chicago and chairman of the Center for Humans and Nature, began the program by directing the audience’s attention to the challenging questions concerning nature and our place in it.

“How do we understand in a richer way how we are part of nature?” he asked. “How can we create a successful economy without continuous economic growth? Can democracy in crisis deal with the climate crisis? What does the earth ask of us?”

Art historian Eleanor Jones Harvey, senior curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, spoke on the subject of “Landscape as Metaphor in the Civil War.” Harvey is an award-winning author of several works on 19th century art, including “The Civil War and American Art.” She focused on the ways in which various artists portrayed the war and its impact, demonstrating that “geographical and meteorological metaphors were a common language for comprehending the violence of the war and its uncertainty.”

Scientist and conservationist Thomas Lovejoy, credited with having coined the term “biological diversity” and founder of “Nature,” the popular television series, spoke about the 19th century tradition of effective public and private partnerships that continue today.

The morning session also included artist, writer, naturalist and conservationist James Prosek, who made his debut in 1996 at age 19 with the book “Trout: An Illustrated History.”

Currently, Prosek serves as curatorial affiliate at the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale and is a member of the Board of the Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies.

Selected watercolors painted by Prosek for the latest edition of his book, “Trout of the World,” were on display along with rare books

selected by Prosek from the NSLM collection.

The afternoon presentations focused on “Teaming with Nature” within our own lives and communities. Presenters included Lisa Roberts, a museum and community education consultant, and Perry Mathewes, a horticultural specialist. Symposium participants were invited to view the art of contemporary artistnaturalists Robin Hill and Meg Page.

Those two artists also will be highlighted at the museum through Feb. 23 in the exhibition “Contemporary Artist-Naturalists: Robin Hill & Meg Page.” They are both deeply connected to the natural world and continue in the spirit of the likes of Dürer, Catesby, Wilson and Audubon rendering fauna and flora from near and far.

The selection of naturalist paintings

by Hill and Page of animals composed with native plant-life often against minimalist backgrounds are masterful and distinct interpretations distinguishing them from their peers and raising them to the level of their forerunners. Unlike their predecessors, however, who oftentimes found themselves cataloguing new species in a lush, abundant and untouched environment, Hill and Page face the modern issue of documenting and preserving wildlife in a diminishing habitat.

Hill’s career as an internationally recognized artist, naturalist and author spans over five decades. His involvement in conservation efforts began in Australia in the 1960s, and since then he has observed and painted a wide variety of avian species in Africa, Australia, Great Britain and Europe as well as America.

While he also paints mammals and portraits, this exhibition will feature the bird paintings for which he is best known.

Maryland-native Page, a fine art graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, too, has strong ties to conservation, and in her career spanning more than 30 years, she has continually found inspiration in the countryside. She says of her diverse domestic and wild animal subjects, “Art dedicated to the preservation of the natural landscape, wild species and heritage breeds was the foundation of my working career and a life-long passion.”

Both Hill and Page display acute powers of observation and a focus on the aesthetic aspects of nature with a meticulous sense of detail.

While their styles are quite diverse, their work celebrates the intrinsic beauty of the natural world and echoes the past while lending a fresh perspective. It is this painterly balance between reality and sensitivity that defines them, and the classic and timeless efforts of the artist-naturist.

The NSLM is committed to sharing information through exhibitions, lectures, seminars, publications and special events, and is open to researchers and the general public.

M i d d l e b u r g L i f e

By Dulcy Hooper For Middleburg Life

The National Sporting Library & Museum recently welcomed more than 70 attendees to a symposium entitled “Perspectives on Teaming with Nature.”

Participants included a number of acclaimed leaders who have teamed with nature in art history, conservation, science, historic preservation and the visual arts.

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All’s Well Farm: A Study in Equine Design ing capabilities, tack room and office with guest space above the tack room.

Exterior Dutch doors and a continuous vented ridge skylight, along with vented eaves and a 10:12 roof slope, would allow the barn to breathe by pulling air coming in low and venting out high.

Sited perpendicular to the prevailing southwest summer breeze, the barn also was constructed parallel to the entry road. In this respect, when driving onto the property, the arena is purposely not visible, dropping several feet down the hill behind the barn and per–John Blackburn pendicular to it. This helped conceal the arena because of its length. This arrangement works

In creating All’s Well Farm for Jackie and perfectly for a dressage arena where the obserEric Stromquist and their young daughter in vation area is typically located along its narrow the Middleburg area, among the objectives was end—the first judge’s position in competition. to incorporate design elements of their New On the main road, to ensure additional privacy, England roots along with their new home in the barn itself isn’t even visible, with passersby aware only of a slight rise and fall of the land.

Virginia.

Located on 88 acres amid gently rolling In meeting the client’s desire to meld hills and charming country roads, the project something of the wife’s deep New England roots took shape on a largely empty parcel of land. with Virginia horse country vernacular, the Interestingly, things came full circle when Keith connecting link between barn and arena is done LeBlanc Landscape Architecture of Boston con- in wood cedar shingles. The rest of the barn and nected Blackburn Architects with the client. arena are designed with horizontal Hardiplank I had worked with LeBlanc in the early 1980s siding. Actually, the decision to use both styles on Heronwood Farm in Upperville—our very worked well aesthetically; using one or the first project—when he was part of Morgan other all the way through would have resulted Wheelock’s firm. For All’s Well Farm, LeBlanc in a monotonous exterior. focused on the residence and gardens and our In the arena, control-operated roll-up doors facilitate the indoor/outdoor space easily work was on siting and barn design.

Except for an older residence whose reno- transitioning from winter to summer and framvation fell largely to a Boston-area interior ing the countryside view in milder months. A design firm, Cebula Design, the site represented 5-foot rail allows the rider to see out but keeps a clean canvas. Designed for a dressage-focused the horse’s proverbial nose to the grindstone. At owner, the eight-stall barn was to include two All’s Well Farm, there is also an arena skylight larger foaling stalls, an approximately 65-by- for maximum light during colder seasons when 200-foot indoor/outdoor arena plus a separate the structure doors are closed, though doors are Septarena, Middleburg Life Ad_Layout 1 8/28/13 10:44made PM Page 1 to catch year-round natural light. of glass open observation room with entertain-

“The health of the horse can be affected by every aspect of the farm from the layout of the roads and paddocks down to the selection and placement of the buckets in the stall.”

OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award: 100 Best Restaurants USA 2012 & 2011 Condé Nast Johansens: Most Excellent Inn USA 2013 & 2012 Finalist Wine Enthusiast Magazine: America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants 2013 & 2012

Embrace the quiet, elegance and privacy of the Goodstone estate!

Goodstone Inn & Restaurant offers the perfect escape from everyday hustle and bustle. Our luxurious 265-acre estate features 18 elegant guest rooms and suites in six private guest residences. Enjoy fine dining in our award-winning French restaurant. Breathe in the natural beauty of the Goodstone estate!

CORPORATE MEETINGS • WEDDINGS • SPECIAL EVENTS

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A 2 0 1 3 L O U D O U N D E S T I N AT I O N R E S TA U R A N T

To cultivate and further develop Eric Stromquist’s interest in astronomy, an observatory was built on the property for a highly sophisticated telescope that had been presented as a retirement gift.

The mandate was for a specially designed foundation to help eliminate vibrations Photo courtesy of Blackburn Architects

Working with Cebula Design, which selected the interior finishes, the double-height observation room was done in reclaimed river-dredged yellow pine with Douglas fir posts. The roof was designed to utilize solar panels for selfsufficient energy and to collect rainwater for recycling when the client is ready for additional installation.

Large dormers appear at the cross-aisle and the connecting link, the latter providing a view into the loft. Another dormer channels light into the observation area.

Though Jackie and her and daughter did most of the riding, Eric also was learning to ride. To help cultivate and further develop his interest in astronomy, we also were asked

to build an observatory on the property for a highly sophisticated telescope that had been presented as a retirement gift. Our mandate was for a specially designed foundation to help eliminate vibrations. Located out in the country, the telescope and its housing provided an unobstructed view of the night sky free of light pollution.

The barn at All’s Well Farm is the ideal structure for Jackie Stromquist and her daughter who love to ride and also for Eric Stromquist, a determined student. It evokes elements of their former New England environs and their adopted Virginia home.

This article is an excerpt from the book, ”Healthy Stables By Design,” by John Blackburn with Beth Herman.

2013/2014 Season

Danú Christmas in Ireland: An Nollaig in Éirinn Friday, December 6 at 8 p.m.

It’s a Celtic Christmas celebration straight from the Emerald Isle!

Hailing from County Waterford, Danú performs traditional Irish music of the season in a very special holiday treat for young and old alike. Bring the entire family out for a high-spirited concert featuring traditional Irish songs and Christmas carols. “Danú stirs the blood and lifts the heart.” (Irish Music Magazine) $34, $42, $50 family friendly

family friendly

= Performances we recommend as most suitable for families with children to enjoy together

American Festival Pops Orchestra Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season Friday, December 13 at 8 p.m.

Capture the sheer joy of the Christmas season when this talented pops orchestra comes home for the holidays with a jubilant concert of Christmas carols, holiday tunes, guest soloists, and the traditional sing-along. Highlights include a narrated ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Come for a festive evening of Christmas cheer! $34, $42, $50

Teresa Duke, of The Plains will be signing limited edition prints of her painting,“Middleburg Hunt Starts the Parade” at Common Grounds Coffee Shop in Middleburg 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.

family friendly

Vienna Boys Choir Christmas in Vienna

Live An Artful Life Gallery in The Plains will feature a show titled “Beads, Buttons and Fibers, Jewelry” by Mary Kenesson.

For over half a millennium, this celebrated choir has won the hearts of the world with their purity of tone, pleasing harmonies, expansive repertoire, and cherubic presence.

Many great composers have collaborated with the choir throughout the centuries. Franz Schubert himself was a chorister! This musically spectacular concert is a heartwarming evening for the entire family to enjoy. $34, $42, $50

TICKETS HyltonCenter.org / 888-945-2468 Hylton Center Ticket Office

family friendly

On George Mason University’s Prince William campus, 4 miles south of I66 via exit 44

Because of Professionals like Terri, Middleburg Mortgage was voted Best Mortgage Company in Loudoun County

Call today!

Terri O’Dowd

Senior Loan Ofcer , NMLS 207304

540-687-4832 direct 703-431-8496 cell todowd@middleburgbank.com

www.MiddleburgMortgage.com Southern Trust Mortgage, LLC, dba Middleburg Mortgage, is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Lender - NMLS 2921.

December 2013

3-5 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. December 10-12, a holiday silent auction is scheduled from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in the Alumni Room. And on Dec. 14, the Hill Holiday Marketplace will go from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., also at the Performing Arts Center. On Dec. 17, the school will host an information session for prospective parents starting at 9 a.m. in the Alumni Room.

Raymond E. Vickery Jr., a former member of the Clinton administration, will launch his second book of poetry, “Farm Poems: Tales from the Four Suns,” at Cobbler Mountain Cellars in Delaplane Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. The public is invited to the event, but the winery requests an RSVP to shop@cobblercellars.com or call 540-364-2802.

Sunday, December 15 at 4 p.m.

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“The Orchestra,” 34”x56”, paint on paper by Suzita will be in the show at Youngblood Art Studio in The Plains.

rides11:30 a.m.-1:50 p.m. starting at The Pink Box. And at 2 p.m., the grand finale of the day— the always anticipated Middleburg Christmas Parade—will kick off, featuring fabulous floats, cool cars, bellowing bagpipes, darling dogs big and small and free candy thrown toward the sidewalk.

At Common Grounds across the street from the Middleburg Post Office, local artist Teresa Duke of The Plains will be signing copies of her limited edition print, “Middleburg Hunt Starts The Parade,” with a portion of the proceeds going to the Piedmont Environmental Council. For more information, email teresa. duke7@gmail.com.

Over in The Plains, the Youngblood Art Studio will be exhibiting works by Lilla Ohrstrom and Nol Putnam starting Dec. 6 and running through Christmas, with an opening night Dec. 6 reception 5-8 p.m. Also Dec. 6, the Stuart Street Studio will feature paintings by Martha Chapman and Lynn Donovan.

The Live an Artful Life gallery in The Plains will host a book-signing and coffee tasting Dec. 6 featuring local artist/author Tom Neel signing copies of his book, “The Land Beneath My Feet.”

Back in Middleburg, The Hill School has a number of Christmas events. There will be a book fair in the Performing Arts Center Dec.

www.middleburglife.net

It’s going to be a merrier Christmas season for anyone driving to Middleburg through Dec. 31.

The Town of Middleburg is offering complimentary parking in its two municipal lots, located on South Pendleton Street and South Liberty Street. Both are just a short walk from the town’s restaurants and shops.

In addition to shopping, the town will host a number of holiday events, including a tree lighting ceremony Dec. 6 at The Pink Box starting at 6:15 p.m., followed by a recital at A Place to Be. The town’s annual Christmas in Middleburg celebration will take place Dec. 7. Event parking for that extravaganza will be available for $5 per vehicle in a lot one mile east of town, with free shuttle service provided.

The festivities get under way that first Saturday of the month at the Middleburg Elementary School with its annual “Breakfast With Santa” fund-raiser. It goes from 8-10:30 a.m. at the school, with general seating ($10 per adult, $5 for children over 12) and reserved seating $15 per adult, $5 for 12 and older).

A silent auction will be held, as well as professional photos with Santa at $10 per print, $5 per digital image. There are gluten-free and vegetarian options for breakfast, and no advance payment is required. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted. For more information, call 540-751-2490.

Starting at 9 a.m., the Community Center will host a crafts fair until 4 p.m. The Middleburg Garden Club will have its annual greens and flower sale at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church parish hall 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

At 11 a.m., the not-to-be-missed hounds and hunt review will take place down Washington Street, with hot chocolate available at the Middleburg Methodist Church. The same church also will serve a lunch of ham biscuits and soup, at $10 per adult, $6 for children 12 and under.

Children are invited to take part in hay-

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OF NOTE

HyltonCenter.org

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ML Brush

Stokes: His Art Is A Good Walk Unspoiled

By Leonard Shapiro For Middleburg Life

Like many Middleburg residents, Todd Phillips often can be seen walking the scenic trail all around the Hill School grounds. Not only does he get his heart pumping, it’s also the perfect exercise for the soul of an artist who takes much of his inspiration from what he observes along the way.

While he walks, Phillips carries a small sketch pad in his hands, or 3 x 5 cards in his pocket. If he sees something that strikes his eye, he’ll make a quick pencil sketch that later might

be transferred in oil on to the large canvas paintings he creates in his home studio on the back edge of the town.

Phillips’ work recently was on display at the Duvall Gallery in Millwood and he’s now in the preliminary stages of setting up another local gallery show this spring. Growing up in the Midwest with a mother who also was an artist, Phillips, now 69, has been painting all his life, even as he pursued a globe-trotting career as an architect specializing in courthouse design.

He still is involved as a consultant, recently jetting back and forth to Kuwait to work on a

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Phillips’ work was recently displayed in Millwood at the Duvall Gallery.

taunting me. It’s saying ‘fix me, fix me.’ Whatever emerges will probably not resemble closely what’s there now.�

Phillips has a newspaper copy editor’s nitpicking mindset when it comes to his own work, including a get-me-rewrite streak, as well. “Sometimes I’ll actually paint over what I’ve already done,� he said. “I start out with a preconceived idea and sketches, many made while walking around the Middleburg countryside. I try to stay loose and to paint with my arm more than my wrist to not get hung up on too much fussiness. I do go back in late in the game, often to add a few ‘punctuation’ notes to areas that are otherwise established very broadly.�

Phillips’ paintings can dominate a room

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Todd Phillips

major court complex. He’s currently on another project involving Judiciary Square in downtown Washington, but has lived in Middleburg since 1996 mostly because “I enjoy noodling around in the country.�

Phillips’ academic rÊsumÊ does not exactly offer hints of his long-time passion for art. He’s always fancied history, as well. After earning his undergraduate degree at George Washington, he spent four years at the University of Wisconsin getting a doctorate in history, then headed to Cal-Berkeley for a master’s in architecture.

All the while, he never stopped painting, or appreciating the three years he spent working at the famed Phillips Collection in Washington to help finance his studies at GW. “What a blessing that was, and a parallel education,â€? he said. “My experience at the Phillips was vibrant and so compelling, and the art program at GW was uninteresting to me‌Back then, Duncan and Marjorie Phillips (no relation to Todd Phillips) were still alive and coming to the gallery in their chauffeured car every week.

Some of the work in the Phillips was particularly influential and continues to have a lasting effect. Matisse, Diebenkorn, Kokoschka, Marin, to name a few.�

Phillips now describes his artwork back then as “testosterone driven‌sort of angst-ridden man and woman melodrama early on‌ In more recent years, I’ve tended to move away from the figurative in favor of more or less abstracted landscape imagery. It’s a comparatively subdued palette‌.There’s an awful lot of painting out or painting over often as the surface of the picture starts talking in its own voice and pushing back at me. It takes on a life of its own, and takes me for a ride. Sometimes over the cliff.â€?

Indeed, Phillips said, he has a painting he started three years ago leaning against a wall in his studio “that’s just bugged me from Day One. I can’t figure out how to make it work. It’s

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simply because of their size—some of them are five feet high and six feet wide. These are not typical hunt country horse and hound works and, he said, “it’s often outside the expectations of a lot of people who come out here and look at art on the weekends.�

Still, at this point, it all works for him and many others who clearly appreciate his fascinating style and substance. “I’m not trying to replicate what’s out there,� he said. “I jokingly say that objective reality is really just a point of departure for me.

I’ll get ideas from landscape images and just use them as a take off point.�

All the while walking the Middleburg walk that inspires him every day.

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