MIddleburg Life January 2012

Middleburg Life January 2012

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

1

Postal Customer

Volume 33 Issue 10 January 2012 www.middleburglife.net

2

January 2012 Middleburg Life

Middleburg real estate

®

Please Consider Us For All Your Real Estate Needs 10 E Washington Street • Post Office Box 485 Middleburg, Virginia 20118 office 540-687-6321 fax 540-687-3966 • www.middleburgrealestate.com

dresden FarM – Middleburg - renowned dresden fArM now AvAilAble. White oak FarM - - Middleburg -

beAutifully MAintAined 125 Acre horse fArM includes A circA 1785 5 bedrooM MAin house, A 12 stAll belMont bArn with 8 PAddocks, heAted wAterers, A new generAtor And A sePArAte tAck rooM. there Are 4 AdditionAl dwellings (including newly renovAted MAnAger’s house And guest house),extensive greenhouses, gArdens, A Pool, And A 5 Acre Pond.

ProPerty with PotentiAl eAseMent restrictions.

this

Peter PejaCseviCh 540-270-3835

now AvAilAble. 60 outstAnding Middleburg. turnkey horse fArM with A beAutifully restored 1890’s 4 bedrooM, MAnor house. originAl hArdwood floors, wine cellAr,7 stAll courtyArd stAble with An iMPressive PArty/hunt breAkfAst rooM,7 PAddocks with new fencing. 2 AdditionAl dwellings.

Acres in the exclusive

foxcroft

AreA just

10

Minutes froM

$5,900,000 Peter PejaCseviCh 540-270-3835

FoxCross FarM – Middleburg - AMAzing 148+/- Acre fox cross estAte

& streAM just 2 Miles froM Middleburg. huge 7 bed, 7 bAth All brick exPAnsive deck overlooks the wooded & oPen AcreAge with fenced PAstures, 2 bArns And two guest houses. sub-dividAble lAnd not in eAseMent. with gAted entrAnce

MAnor hoMe w/MAssive rooM sizes And three finished levels.

Pool And PAtio.

$4,450,000 Peter PejaCseviCh 540-270-3835

$4,450,000

D

E UC

D

RE

keyser rd, huMe - well locAted in beAutiful huMe less thAn 1 hr froM

dc; sPectAculAr views. exPertly renovAted with high-end finishes And crAftsMAnshiP. MAin residence, Pool w/ Poolhouse, fieldstone hArdscAPing, gourMet kitchen, cAtering kitchen, greAt flow. 2 br 2 bA guest house, center Aisle 8 stAll horse stAble, riding ring, virtuAlly unliMited ride out. 78.58 Ac in 2 PArcels; Addl 50.3 Ac PArcel AvAilAble.

george roll 703-606-6358

White goose lane - Purcellville/Middleburg AreA- 15+ Acres. eng- CreeksPring Ct - PurCellville /Middleburg area - sensAtionlish country hoMe w/lAke And Pool. MAster MAin w/luxurious bAthrooM. kitchen/fAMily rooM w/greAt firePlAce & viking APPliAnces. tiled Mud rooM w/sePArAte lAundry rooM & wc. lArge rec. rooM & sPorts bAr w/ firePlAce & wAll of french doors to PAtio. gyM & PlAyrooM. lo7405727

gourMet

$3,445,000 Wendy andreWs 703-408-0719

Al

coloniAl w/10,000 sq ft on 3+ Acres bAcking to coMMunity lAke! three totAlly finished levels grAnd two story foyer with duAl stAircAses,beAutiful

lAvished with incredible feAtures throughout!

Moldings And built-ins! AMAzing fully finished wAlk-out lower level is A sPorts fAn’s dreAM! extensive lAndscAPing,deck,PAtio,heAted swiMMing Pool And chArMing gArdeners cottAge! this hoMe hAs it All!

$1,450,000 Marqui siMMons 703-774-6109

$1,199,000

D

E UC

D

RE

1285 rokeby road - Fabulous loCation in PiedMont ColChester road, PhiloMont/PurCellville - beAutiful, PrivAte 110 Madison st n, Middleburg - 3 bedrooM/1 bAth rAnch. down winding drivewAy on 3+ Acres-welcoMe to lilyridge! extensive uPgrAded Moldings, kitchen/dining, living rooM w/dining. lArge unfinished bAseMent. fAntAstic locAtion in town hunt Country - five bedrooMs And four bAths, full bAseMent And “in-lAw” wing. All hoMe built-ins, PlAntAtion shutters, hArdwood floors,9 ft+ ceilings, wood stove, MAster bedrooM of Middleburg; short wAlk to shoPPing & Across street froM eleMentAry school. beAutiful And situAted on

8 Acres fenced with fAbulous 5 stAll bArn And schooling AreA. Pool, three cAr gAgreAt rideout,

rAge, lovely Pond And MAture lAndscAPing Add chArActer to this suPer ProPerty.

with huge sitting rooM,480 sq ft fAMily rooM Addition.

anne MCintosh 703-509-4499

rePlAced.

close to Polo grounds And uPPerville show grounds. Priced below APPrAised vAlue.

$995,000

covered PAtio, fenced yArd.

uPdAted kitchen with ss APPliAnces ,reAr hvAc, tAnkless wAter heAter, exterior triM, hArdiPlAnk All newly

Marqui siMMons 703-774-6109

$695,000

wide views onto oPen lAnd w/MAture trees.

sold As-is. wonderful PotentiAl. greAt investMent

ProPerty or stArter hoMe. owner Must sell. MAke An offer. lo7713120

Wendy andreWs 703-408-0719

$198,500

Marcy Cantatore, Associate Broker 540-955-3782

www.MarcyC.com • email: MarcyC@ MarcyC.com

Selling Homes, Farms & Barns

Licensed in Virginia & West Virginia

blueMont, va - sit on the covered front Porch of this cus- PurCellville, va

log And stone hoMe And enjoy the view of the your Pond. detAched 3 cAr gArAge with PotentiAl APArtMent Above.

11+ wooded Acres with More AvAilAble. stone wAlls And PAtios. 3 stone firePlAces. very PrivAte. —this is A Must see!! toM built

609 E Main Street Purcellville, Virginia 20132

540-338-7770

- exquisitely finished hoMe with 4 bed+ bonus rooM. inviting front Porch. deck. stone firePlAce in the fAMily rooM. finish the full wAlkout bAseMent to your own tAste. the best of All worlds on 3+ Acres-- PrivAte but close with eAsy Access to rt 7. rooMs

round hill, va - sit on the front Porch of this 1700s log & stone hoMe And enjoy the views!! 13+ Picturesque Acres with A Pond!! originAl wood floors And stone firePlAce in the kitchen. bAnk bArn. stone wAlls. this is A gorgeous Piece of ProPerty. hoMe hAs loAds of PotentiAl—All of the hArd work hAs been done for you—its just wAiting for you to finish it!! ®

www.atokaproperties.com

REALTOR ®

REALTOR ®

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

3

Middleburg Life January 2012

Cherry Blossom Foundation Awards $100K In Grants

By Margaret Morton Staff Writer The Middleburg-based Cherry Blossom Breast Cancer Foundation over the past few years has been one of the area’s most successful fundraising organizations. Established by Middleburg area resident James Atkins and three friends in honor and memory of Atkins’ wife Cheryl Clayton Atkins, who died from the disease, the foundation in four years has disbursed more than $260,000 to help more than 400 women afflicted with the disease.

Atkins announced grants of $101,500 in the foundation’s most recent round of funding, awarded to nine organizations involved in various aspects of treating breast cancer and helping those suffering from it.

It was Cheryl Atkins who asked her husband to strive to eliminate breast cancer. He began to fulfill his wife’s dying wish when he and three of her best friends joined forces in January 2007 to form the foundation. The naming of it was easy, Atkins said.

“Cheryl was given the nickname ‘Cherry Blossom’ by her parents when she was a young girl,” Atkins said. The couple also named their farms, both in California and Middleburg, Cherry Blossom, so when he was thinking of what to name the foundation, “Cherry Blossom was a natural,” he recalled.

The foundation’s mission is to detect, treat, educate and eliminate breast cancer; to raise and award funds for breast cancer detection, treatment and education on the importance of early and regular screenings; and to support research to further the goal of eliminating the disease.

Approximately 90 percent of the foundation’s grants so far have been to charitable and nonprofit groups in Loudoun and Fauquier counties. The remaining 10 percent has been awarded for regional research at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

After three years operating as a fund under the auspices of the Piedmont Community Foundation, the Cherry Blossom Foundation decided to go out on its own. Fundraising initially was concentrated in Middleburg, with the annual Nanette’s Walk, a two-mile walk honoring Nanette Hewitt White, a much loved community leader who ultimately lost a 10-year battle against breast cancer. Grants from the walk proceeds were made to organizations helping fight the disease in Leesburg, Warrenton and Georgetown.

In late 2009, the foundation expanded its fundraising efforts beyond Middleburg— to Leesburg and to Fauquier’s county seat,

Warrenton. Accomplishing that growth would be better in a stand-alone nonprofit foundation, the board decided. In November of that year, the Cherry Blossom Breast Cancer Foundation was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia and received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status from the IRS. Today, the foundation’s ultimate goal is to raise and grant $200,000 each year. Fundraising will be concentrated on two annual events, one in the spring and one in the fall.

The Cherry Blossom Golf Tournament will be held in April at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Creighton Farms on Rt. 15 near Aldie, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. “That’s the first spring event,” Atkins said, hoping to raise significant funds through the tournament.

In October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cherry Blossom walks/5K runs for breast cancer are held simultaneously in Leesburg, Warrenton and Middleburg. The October 2011 walks raised a gross of $110,000.

“Altogether [last] year we’ve raised $160,000,” Atkins said, out of which the foundation made the recent $101,500 distribution.

The foundation is retaining between $50,000 and $60,000 for unforeseen needs and expects to be able to grant more in February.

The grants committee recommends to the board how the monies will be disbursed.

It consists of chairwoman Mary Jo Jackson, who has lived with breast cancer for the past 12 years, Sandi Atkins and Lizanne Driscoll, daughter of Nanette White.

The nine recent grants went to: • 3B’s Foundation: supplies for gift baskets for women coming out of breast cancer surgeries at Loudoun and Fauquier hospitals: $3,000 • Blue Ridge Hospice for end of life care: $7,500 • Casting for the Cure—Breast Cancer Program to fund survivors’ participation in a therapeutic fly fishing expedition: $1,000 per person up to two people: $2,000 • Fauquier Hospital to fund the salary of the Cancer Navigator staff position: $10,000 • Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center for the Circulating Tumor Cell research project; first payment of two-year grant: $20,000 • Inova Loudoun Hospital as a second payment of a three-year grant for the hospital’s first stereotactic biopsy machine: $25,000 • Loudoun Breast Health Network to provide assistance to breast cancer patients through the Pink Assistance Fund, with more possible: Continued On Page 22

Moore, Clemens & Co Middleburg

Leesburg

Savings & Solutions with 100 years of Insurance Service C. Fred Kohler 540 687 6316

Our insureds don’t cross fingers

4

January 2012 Middleburg Life

Proposed To Child Labor Laws Changes Raise Concerns

Out of the Attic: At the 1981 Piedmont Pair Race Jackie Onassis and James L. Young.

In 1982 Young would become master of the Orange County Hunt for 25 years.

Photo By Douglas Lees

On The Cover:

Piedmont Huntsman Spencer Allen at a den in Upperville during a Dec. 15 hunt from Peace and Plenty Farm.

Photo By Douglas Lees

Aurora Services, Inc. The monthly newspaper of Hunt Country people, lifestyles and trends.

112 W. Washington St. P.O. Box 1770 Middleburg, VA 20118 Fax (703) 771-8833

www.middleburglife.net

Great things are whenmeet….

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

middleburglife@leesburgtoday.com

Contact Us: Editorial: Norman K. Styer (571) 333-1530 Advertising: Tom Flint (571) 333-6273

Staff writers: Margaret Morton, Contributing writer: Lauren R. Giannini Columnists: Susan Byrne, Kay F. Colgan, Marcia Woolman, Kim Trapper, Judy Sheenhan.

Photography: Douglas Lees

William Burke Services: Providing the Following ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Professional Gate Consultation & Design Service

Providing the Following Services: Automatic Gate Operating System Design Installation, Service & Repair Emergency Attendance Professional Consultation Proficiency withGate All Major Equipment& Manufacturers

Design Service

(540) 937-2400, (888) 5 Aurora www.auroraservicesinc.com

Automatic Gate Operating System Design Installation, Service & Repair Aurora Services is proudly invested in installations, service and repair Emergency Attendance For more than fifteen years in the metropolitan Washington DC area.

Proficiency with All Major Equipment Class A Electrical Contractor – VA & MD Manufacturers

Copyright 2012 American Community Newspapers II Inc.

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.

(540) 937-2400, (888) 5 Aurora www.auroraservicesinc.com Aurora Services is proudly invested in installations, service and repair For more than fifteen years in the metropolitan DC area.

Class A Electrical Contractor - VA & MD

By Lauren R. Giannini For Middleburg Life

The American Horse Council is raising concern about a potential rule change regarding child labor laws proposed by the Department of Labor. If adopted, the regulation could impact the fabric of family life on farms and ranches, the organization warns.

Essentially, it calls for limitations to be set on the ability of young people to be paid for work on farms or ranches that are not owned solely by their parents. The limitations would bar workers under 16 from working in most capacities in agriculture, especially around livestock, such as horses.

The good news, according to AHC Legislative Director Ben Pendergrass, is that young people must be hired as paid employees for the rule to apply. It does not apply to “chores” or “recreational activities,” so 4-H kids who raise poultry for eggs or lamb or beef to sell would not be affected.

“Working with horses in some situations would not be considered agricultural, for instance, working as a groom at a race track or horse show, fox hunting or working at a boarding facility that is not a working farm, but these jobs would be governed by other child labor laws that pertain to non-agricultural employment,” Pendergrass said. “Work on horse breeding farms or ranches that use horses would be agricultural. When horses are involved, it can get confusing.”

If you run a horse or dairy or beef cattle business, farm or ranch, and your offspring get paid, even as part-time in the summer, you want to keep informed about any changes to child labor laws.

The comment period has closed and the DOL will review all submitted comments before issuing the final ruling. The House of Representatives sent a bipartisan letter signed by nearly 130 representatives, requesting that the DOL withdraw the proposed rule and start over. A similar letter, signed by around 25 members of the Senate, also made its way to the DOL. “The safety of young workers is important, but these proposed rules are so broad they would keep most young people from working on horse farms and ranches at all,” AHC President Jay Hickey said. “For over 70 years Congress has explicitly allowed young people to work in agricultural because of its unique and family nature. We believe, as written, this proposed rule is contrary to Congressional intent.”

The AHC vehemently opposes the pro-

posed changes for a number of reasons.

“Members of the horse community do not employ young people simply because they need workers,” Pendergrass stated. “In most instances, they employ young people to give them the same opportunities they had to learn and do something they love. Young people don’t go to work on horse farms and ranches only for a paycheck, but because of a desire to learn about and be around horses and to follow the traditions of their families. This experience often leads to later careers as veterinarians, horse trainers, breeders and farriers or other agricultural pursuits. This proposed rule would deny most young people such an experience.”

The safety of young workers is important, but these proposed rules are so broad they would keep most young people from working on horse farms and ranches at all.

– Jay Hickey

“This proposed rule is not acceptable to the agricultural community,” Hickey stated.

“Right now a bipartisan group of Senators and Congressmen are asking the DOL to withdraw this rule and start over or keep existing regulations,” said Hickey. “We support their efforts and urge all members of the horse community to contact their members of Congress and let them know they oppose this DOL proposed rule.”

For more information about horse agribusiness, visit www.horsecouncil.org or contact Bridget Harrison: bharrison@horsecouncil.org or call 202-296-4031.

get LOCAL www.middleburglife.net

5

Middleburg Life January 2012

Morven Park Moves Toward More Public Use Plans Exclude Annual Steeplechase Races

By Margaret Morton Staff Writer A 32-year-old tradition is the unfortunate casualty of an otherwise exciting slate of changes coming to Morven Park. The facility’s annual steeplechase races, held each October, will be discontinued this year as the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation’s Board of Trustees moves to incorporate more public uses at the historic site.

Morven Park Executive Director Frank Milligan cited financial reasons as the primary catalyst for eliminating the races. Instead, resources and fundraising will be directed toward improving equestrian facilities for an expanded variety of disciplines including dressage, trail riding, carriage driving, eventing, show jumping and therapeutic riding.

The annual Memorial Day weekend Virginia Foxhound Club show, the largest hound show in the world, will not be affected.

In the almost two years since arriving to take over the reins at Morven Park, Milligan has pursued a desire to make former Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis’ 1,200-acre estate on Leesburg’s northwestern edge more accessible to the public. Following that directive, the Board of Trustees recently voted to adopt a comprehensive, multi-year plan to provide a vision of what Morven Park could become.

One of the largest tracts of county land that is neither government owned nor in individual private ownership, Morven Park has seen limited public use since the 55th

Virginia governor’s widow, Marguerite Inman Davis, created the foundation in memory of her husband in 1957. And that’s a situation Milligan and the foundation trustees have resolved to change.

Last year, the board adopted a new strategic plan as the first step in that push. Twentyeight strategies were identified to accomplish four main goals: to promote civic leadership; increase opportunities for the public to enjoy Morven Park’s history and landscape; promote health and wellness; and develop a financially sound organization.

At the top of that list was the creation of a master site plan, an endeavor that took most of the early months of 2011 to put together. Trustees and staff members met with individuals and organizations with expertise in political and agricultural history, equine sports, nature and outdoor gardening and agriculture—one of the governor’s chief passions. Those early conversations produced a vision for how Morven Park should go forward.

Among the new features envisioned in the plan are separate trail systems for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians; improved access into and through the property, including trails and roadways to link the mansion grounds with the equestrian center across several fields; and various ball fields. Other features include a “Governor’s Walk” to guide visitors through the gardens, a new visitor’s center, the restored mansion, the new Coach House Discovery Center, a revitalized Winmill Car-

riage Museum and an educational area at the Turkey Hill Farm.

Extensive improvements also are contemplated for the Morven Park equestrian center, including new and relocated barns and indoor/outdoor arenas. Morven Park is home to Loudoun Therapeutic Riding, and

the organization plans to build a new indoor arena, stables and offices.

The expanded mission will require significant outside fundraising—to keep abreast of all the news and changes coming out of Morven Park, visit www.morvenpark.org.

KIM TAPPER ACC, CPCC

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”

This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.

Email: fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov.

Web site: www.fairhousing.vipnet.org

Create Positive Lasting Change in Your Life!

: ng in alizi i c e g sp chin ic Illness a o on C

rs hr e Lif lities / C d Teenage n a abi n

Dis Wome and Up in 13 and Ages

540-687-6740

15 S. Madison St. Middleburg

www.aptblifecoaching.com

Transformational Healing Finding Joy Thru Change

Felicity

The Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation’s Board of Trustees is pursuing an ambitious new program to raise Morven Park’s public profile and bring more visitors to the estate on the northern edge of Leesburg, which was once home to the former Virginia governor.

MIDDLEBURG HUMANE FOUNDATION www.middleburghumane.com

(540) 364-3272

Felicity is an adorable little dappled grey Shetland pony/ mini X mare who is in foal.

She is due in April so we are hoping to find her a home soon so she can be settled before the baby comes. We do not know who daddy is so it will be great fun to see who her baby will be! They will need a home with an experienced horse person.

MHF also has many wonderful cats, dogs, & other various rescued livestock looking for forever homes.

We would love to work with you to find the perfect family friend. Visit our website for available animals.

6

January 2012 Middleburg Life

Honoring Heros Two women, long held in esteem for their many and varied works in the conservation and preservation field, were honored by the Mosby Heritage Area Association. Hope Porter and Janet Whitehouse received the MHAA’s 2011 Heroes Awards Dec. 14 at the National Sporting Library in Middleburg. Porter was recognized for her decades of substantive work on the preservation of Fauquier County, particularly the preservation of the North Wales Estate.

Whitehouse was honored for her determination to “fight for this special place, the Mosby Heritage Area,” in the words of MHAA’s president Childs Burden. Whitehouse is a founding member of MHAA and Burden likened her efforts on behalf of the preservation of the Northern Virginia Piedmont to those of a stone thrown into water that causes ever-widening ripples.

Doug Larson of the Piedmont Environmental Council

Mosby Heritage Area Association Preservation Award Winners: Janet Whitehouse and Hope Porter.

From left: Marc Leepson, former President of the MHAA, Maria Tousimis and Jim Herbert, MHAA board member.

Photos By Douglas Lees Theo Higginson

From left, Mosby Heritage Area Association board members Dan Morrow, Secretary, Joe Dempsey, Paul Ziluca and Jim Herbert

7

Middleburg Life January 2012

Annual Winter Clearance Sale

Storewide Savings

50% - 70% Off

540-687-8898

100 E Washington St, Middleburg VA

Annual Winter Clearance Sale

January is Storewide Savings Antiques 50% -Month!

70% Off

Trevor Potter and Bundles Murdock

Please pop in!

687-6986 100 E Washington540 St, Middleburg VA

540-687-8898

Gallery Hours Mon-Tues by appt • Wed-Sat 11am - 5pm • Sun noon - 5pm 7 West Washington Street • Middleburg, VA 20118

www.byrnegallery.com

Annual Winter Clearance Sale

“To the Caribbean...

Storewide Savings and step onOff it.”

50% - 70%

Ginger and Richard Wallach

540-687-8898

100 E Washington St, Middleburg VA

Presenting ProJet’s newest addition to our charter fleet: This beautiful Hawker 800XP featuring new interior and inflight WiFi.

Email charter@projetaviation.com or call 703.889.8558 for a trip quote today. www.projetaviation.com

Sandra Whitehouse and Childs F. Burden, president of the MHAA

The Value of Time. The Wonder of Flight.

8

January 2012 Middleburg Life

On The Chase:

Riding with the Orange County Foxhounds New Year’s Eve, photographer Douglas Lees caught both ends of the chase as fox and hounds charged across a bridge over Little River.

SHENANDOAH CONSERVATORY

PERFORMANCES

U P T H E R I V E R … W I T H A PA D D L E

2011 – 2012 S E A S O N

Assassins Jan. 19-22

GLAIZE STUDIO THEATER

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim | Book by John Wiedman Based on an original idea by Charles Gilbert | Directed by Carolyn Coulson–Grigsby

At Wakefield, we give our students the tools to navigate life’s rapids.

This provocative, twisted and darkly humorous musical explores the minds and motivations of assassins and would–be assassins of American Presidents.

Senior Dance Concert Jan. 27-29

OHRSTROM–BRYANT THEATRE

Always creative and engaging, the capstone performance of the dance division’s graduating class showcases their newest works in a variety of contemporary styles. Be prepared to be moved and inspired by the works of these emerging dance stars.

90% of students take AP classes

86% of students go to the college of their choice Over $1.7 million in college scholarships SAT scores exceed national & state averages

Lush Life: The Music of Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington

100% of graduates attend 4-year colleges

Feb. 10 | 8:00 p.m.

ARMSTRONG CONCERT HALL Craig Fraedrich, director

The legendary 30–year collaboration between composer/pianist/arranger Billy Strayhorn and famous bandleader Duke Ellington is the focus of this exciting program featuring the duo’s most popular hits including “Satin Doll” and “Take the A Train.”

For Tickets: Box Office: 540.665.4569 conservatoryperforms.org

WAKEFIELD SCHOOL 4439 OLD TAVERN ROAD

OPEN HOUSE • JANUARY 16, 9 am

P.O. BOX 107

RSVP to www.wakefieldschool.org/openhouse or (540) 253-7600

THE PL AINS, VA 20198

First Consideration Application Deadline is January 31 for Fall 2012

Wakefield_ML Open House Ad for 1-3-11 Edition.indd 1

12/19/2011 10:53:08 AM

MADAds:Layout 1 12/20/11 1:43 PM Page 6

9

Middleburg Life January 2012

“I would love it if more people realized how dedicated our teachers are and how many students have a huge interest in music and the arts.

Singing has opened a window of opportunity for me and with that, a whole community of new friends.” ~ Courtney ‘12 Courtney has performed at The White House, The Smithsonian and The Kennedy Center.

To get to know Middleburg Academy better and learn what our high school can do for students like Courtney, go to our new website and click on Meet Our Community.

MIDDLEBURG ACADEMY Discover our close­knit learning community w w w. m i d d l e b u r g a c a d e m y. o r g Photograph by Mona Botwick

10

• The Middleburg Business and Professional Association honored the National Sporting Library and Museum for “outstanding community service and the extraordinary contribution it is making to our town” during the association’s annual awards ceremony in December. Board member Genie Ford said, “This isn’t one of our traditional annual awards but we felt it was important to recognize and honor this organization, not just for what they have achieved this year...but for the difference they are going to make for many years.” The National Sporting Library and Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the literature, art and culture of equestrian and field sports. Founded in 1954, the institution has over 17,000-books dating from the 16th-21st centuries. For more information, visit www.nsl.org.

• For the second year, Loudoun County Animal Services, in partnership with Extension Services of Loudoun County and the Virginia Tech MARE Center, will offer a series of free educational workshops in January and February to help livestock and pet owners prepare for emergencies. “There are a wide range of emergencies or disasters that can affect livestock and pet owners,” Kim Miller, Loudoun County Animal Control Administrator, said. “The best way for livestock and pet owners to avoid catastrophe is to be prepared. We’ve

January 2012 Middleburg Life

expanded the presentations from last year to include companion animals and barn fire prevention.” The workshops will be presented by Corey Childs, Extension Agent for Loudoun County, Shea Poor, Assistant Professor, Equine Studies for the Virginia Tech MARE Center and Animal Services’ Miller. Each workshop will cover a wide variety of topics to help livestock and pet owners prepare for the different types of emergencies. Topics include: emergency planning for livestock and pets, how to develop an emergency plan for a farm, necessary supplies for farms and pet owners, community planning, barn fire prevention and evacuation. Attendees will receive complimentary emergency planning guides and other useful information.

Workshop dates and times are: Thursday, Jan. 26, 6:30-9 p.m. at the MARE Center Conference Room, 5527 Sullivans Mill Road near Middleburg and Thursday, Feb. 23, 6:30-9 p.m. at Lucia Farm, 14490 Berlin Turnpike near Lovettsville.

The workshops are free and open to the public. Those interested should reserve a seat by 703-737-8913 or via email to kim. miller@loudoun.gov.

• University of Virginia Professor of English Steven Cushman will feature at a weekend of readings, workshops and competition during Foxcroft School’s Paul K. Bergan Poetry Festival. Cushman, author

Middleburg Business and Professional Association Award Recipients Photo by Cindy Pearson, Town of Middleburg, Ex-officio member of the MBPA board. Photo Courtesy of the National Sporting Library and Museum.

Steven Cushman

of four books of original poems, will read from his work and judge student presentations. The public is welcome to attend the festival, which includes formal and informal reading by students and faculty, plus a Poetry Slam and Cushman’s reading. The festival kicks off Friday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. in FoxHound Auditorium with the Poetry Slam, a freewheeling competition among students that combines spoken word art and performance. Cushman, whose poetry collections include Heart Lessons, Cussing Lessons and Blue Pajamas, will give a reading at Currier Library Saturday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. In the afternoon, he will judge the students’ formal poetry-reading competition. Following that session, original and published poetry, in English and other languages, will be read aloud by members of the Foxcroft community. A professor of American Literature and Poetry at UVA, Cushman holds a Ph.D. and two master’s degrees from Yale University and has won numerous teaching awards. His latest collection of poems, Riffraff, was published in 2011 and he is the editor of the fourth edition of the Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics, which is due out in 2012. A Foxcroft tradition, the Poetry Festival has brought famed poets of all styles to the Middleburg campus over the years.

In 2007, it was renamed in honor of longtime English teacher Paul K. Bergan upon his retirement. For more information, call 540-687-4511.

• Horseman Paul D. Cronin was recently inducted into the Virginia Horse Shows Association’s Hall of Fame at its annual

convention at the Homestead in Hot Springs. Cronin, who lives in Rectortown, was the director of the riding program and head instructor at Sweet Briar College for 34 years. In addition to clinics throughout the United States as well as special clinics in Brazil and England, at the college Cronin taught hundreds of riders on different levels and with different goals. He also specialized in teaching advanced pupils to train/school horses on a range of levels. He currently serves as Professor Emeritus for the college, a position he’s held since 2001.

Cronin’s riding career focused on riding and schooling hunters and jumpers and teaching in the American Hunter Jumper System. He competed successfully in the Boston area as a junior, rode horses for Gen. Richard Mellon’s Rolling Rock Farm in Pennsylvania as an amateur and showed and trained young horses in Virginia. For more than 30 years, Cronin was a student of international horseman and educator V.S. Littauer, and took a semester of sabbatical leave to ride at the French National Military School in Saumer. In addition to his horsemanship, Cronin has done graduate work in sport psychology and motor learning at the University of Virginia. He has served on the Virginia Horse Shows Association Board of Directors and the AHSA Zone Committee. During his 25 years as a hunter and hunter seat equitation judge, he served on the national committee that planned and established clinics for hunter and hunt seat equitation judges. Today, he enjoys a successful career as a consultant in Equestrian Education Programs and Management and as a clinician. Cronin has received many accolades along the way, including being named the Educator of the Year by the Virginia Horse Council, a USHJA Professional Service Award in 2007 and the USEF Pegasus Award in 2009. His book, Riding and Schooling the Sport Horse, was published by the University of Virginia Press in 2004 and reprinted in 2005. Currently, he is a member of the USHJA’s Trainer Certification Program Committee and he’s preparing a manuscript on the history of the American hunter/jumper system.

• Every two seconds someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion. One day, it could be you or someone you know. That’s one of the many reasons that the Foxcroft School Parents’ Association and its Student Prefects, McKenzie Canard of Philomont and Beverley Catlett of Bluemont, urge area residents to participate in the three Red Cross blood drives held on campus each year. A drive will be held from 1-7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 25, in FoxHound Auditorium

11

Middleburg Life January 2012

Southern State’s Jessica Lohman was named 2011 Maryland Horseperson of the Year.

dleburg campus. Another drive is slated for May 2. Canard and Catlett, both seniors, will head up a crew of students who recruit and welcome donors. The Parents’ Association, under the leadership of President Terri Teeter of Purcellville, will assist in the effort. Donating blood takes less than an hour and you may make an appointment to further speed your visit. Contact Beth Lamond, assistant to the Head of School, at 540-687-4322 or blamond@foxcroft.org to secure an appointment.

• Jessica Lohman, Livestock and Equine Marketing Manager for Southern States, was named 2011 Maryland Horseperson of the year during the Maryland Horse Show Association Annual Meeting. In receiving the “Short Stop” Challenge Trophy, Lohman was recognized for her ongoing contribution to the betterment of equine sport and the Maryland Horse Show Association. In 2011, she had a successful show season in the Younger Adult Amateur division, competing at events throughout Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. This was also her first year on the Maryland Horse Show Association Board of Directors, where she served as 1st Vice President. Lohman holds her United States Equestrian Federation “r” certification in judging hunters and equitation, and frequently judges throughout the Mid-Atlantic area.

• Alyssa Smith Keehan, a former Ivy League

star at Princeton University, will conduct a softball pitching clinic at Foxcroft School from 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21. The clinic is open to all girls ages 11-15 and costs only $10. It will be held in Foxcroft’s Athletic/ Student Center.Girls are requested to bring their own catcher and they may register in advance by calling the Foxcroft Athletic Office at 540-6874553. Keehan, who played for legendary coach Cindy Cohen at Princeton, pitched for the NCAA Division I Tigers from 1995-98. In Alyssa Smith Keehan 1995, she was a member of the first Ivy League team to compete in the Women’s College World Series. The team made it to the World Series again in 1996. Keehan pitched one no-hitter and combined on two others during her Princeton career. She was also a member of the 1996 pitching staff that compiled the third lowest earned run average (1.22) in Princeton history. During her freshman year, Princeton was ranked No. 12 in the nation, the only Ivy League school to ever achieve a national ranking. A lawyer by profession, Keehan has coached pitching for the past 15 years.

Think Pink Tournament Benefits Breast Cancer Charity Basketballs will be bouncing all day at Foxcroft School Saturday, Jan. 14, when 14 varsity, junior varsity and middle school teams compete in the third annual Think Pink Basketball Tournament.

The tournament, which will benefit the Cherry Blossom Breast Cancer Foundation, begins at 10 a.m. in the school’s athletic/student center. Using three full-size basketball courts, teams will participate in a round-robin format with trophies awarded to the team with the best record.

Wakefield School, Fredericksburg Academy, St. James School (MD) and Madeira School will join Foxcroft in the Varsity Division. Teams from Madeira, St. James, Fredericksburg Academy and Foxcroft will compete in the JV Division. Middle school participants include Middleburg’s Hill School, St. James and Wakefield.

Foxcroft, Wakefield, and Fredericksburg Academy are all members of the Delaney Athletic Conference. Madeira is a member of the Independent School League, while St. James is an independent in girl’s basketball.

Wakefield’s Varsity went to the Final Four of the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association’s Division II state tournament last March and returns most of its starters from that team, including all-DAC Player of the Year Emily Granruth.

Foxcroft’s Athletic Association will operate the food concessions, offering lunch, snacks and beverages. Proceeds from the sale of special “Think Pink” shirts, a portion of the concession proceeds and freewill donations will benefit the CBBCF, which supports breast cancer detection, treatment and education in Fauquier and Loudoun counties as well as regional research to find a cure for the disease which has affected numerous Foxcroft families.

Everyone is invited to attend the free event. For more information, watch the Foxcroft website at www.foxcroft.org or contact Catherine Wolf, Director of Communications, at 540-687-4511 or email cwolf@foxcroft. org.

John.Mlife.Jan.2012_John Coles.qxd 12/22/11 4:02 PM Page 1



JOHN COLES

13

Middleburg Life January 2012

January 2012 Middleburg Life

( 5 4 0 ) 27 0 - 0 0 9 4 FAIROAKS

OLD WELBOURNE

CLIFTON-UPPERVILLE

ORANGE HILL

HOUND HALL

Exquisite details throughout this incredible 12 bedroom Georgian Revival manor home built in 1936. Situated on over 370 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

Steeped in Piedmont Hunt History, the land and manor home of Clifton Farm is understated elegance. As one crests the knoll of the long winding drive the home sits nestled in its own protected environment of 415 acres of some of the most beautifully open and rolling land.

Tremendous Easement Potential. $9,850,000

199 acres in the heart of the Orange County Hunt Territory  5 Bedroom Georgian Manor Formal living and dining rooms  Solarium  Pool 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 $6,500,000 a VOF Conservation Easement.

Custom Built English style stone/stucco 3-story home 4 Bedrooms, Large Master, In-law suite with separate entrance Slate Roof, Game Room, Theatre, Study, Custom Kitchen, 4 Stone Fireplaces Extensive Horse Facilities 18 Stall Barn 2 Stall Barn 14 Paddocks Large Ring. $6,500,000

Warrenton Hunt Country 493 acres in Open Space Easement Rolling land with good air drainage Perfect for grapes/vineyard 1830’s Manor Home 2 Tenant Houses 39 Acre Lake Site Dairy Barn Stables Machine Shed Woodland Trails Huge Specimen Oaks. $5,950,000

Near Middleburg Beautiful Brick Georgian style home built in the mid 19th century on 165 acres 7 Bedrooms, 8 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths  double Parlor/Living Room, Paneled Library, Dining Room Pool 4 Bedroom Tenant House 9 Stall StableConservation EasementPiedmont Hunt. $4,500,000

OVOKA

WILLISVILLE ROAD LAND

LAVENDER HILL

STONELEDGE

FLEMING FARM

MORNINGSIDE

Awe-inspiring Federal manor home on 200+ acres outside of Paris  4 Bedrooms  4  Baths  12 ‘ Ceilings  25’ columns  Original Millwork and Authentic Hardware Throughout  8 Original Fireplace Mantels  Professional Equestrian Facilities  Carriage House  Manager’s Cabin  Complete renovation in 2006  Stunning views and more $4,250,000

164 acres in an ideal location. Beautiful Open and wooded land near Bluemont in the heart of Piedmont Hunt Territory with spectacular mountain views and scenic vistas and great home sites. Open Space Easement and Fox Hunting Easement. Property is in 2 parcels and may or may not be combined. $3,034,000

Middleburg/Upperville Unique Italianate-Palladian inspired villa Built by Architect/Owner 4,600+ sq ft stucco home 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths 2 Master Suites 20’ Ceilings 10’ French Doors Terra Cotta Tile Floors Fireplace Formal Gardens Courtyard Pool Pergola Guesthouse. $2,975,000

Exquisite Georgian Manor home built in 2005. Approx.

7300 sq. ft. of finished living space on upper two levels.

Luxurious owner’s suite. Lower level with 9’ ceilings & windows ready to be finished. Elevator to all three levels. Beautiful formal gardens and guest house. 101 Acre estate in the Warrenton Hunt. $2,950,000

181 acres of beautiful rolling farm land overlooking Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. Views of the Bull Run Mountains on the east. This offering includes a 3-bedroom house, tenant house, two cottages, 8-stall barn, 6-stall barn, 3 sheds, one with silo, and building $2,700,000 site. Sold as one piece or two parcels.

Outstanding equestrian training facility. 111 acres in 3 parcels includes regulation polo field, cross country courses, outdoor ring, indoor arena, 5/8 mile track, 3acre lake for swimming, stabling for 50 horses in 3 barns, 20 paddocks, main house/office, tenant house, 2 apartments. $2,500,000

SALEM HILL

SUNNYSIDE

CHIMNEYS

CATTERQUE

51+ acre farm with a beautiful 5 BR home with gourmet kitchen, wine cellar, great views, pool, flagstone terrace and carriage house - extensive horse facilities - 9 stall barn, covered arena, outdoor arena, 7 paddocks, 4 stall shed row barn, machine shed $2,350,000

A beautiful 1919 Virginia farmhouse. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 2 Fireplaces, 1 Woodstove, Master on the first floor, Vibrant Gardens, Board Fencing, and Great Views Situated on 105 acres 5 Stall Barn with Tack Room, and Machine Shop, 4 Bays for Equipment Orange County Hunt Territory. $1,600,000

An English country estate, circa 1790 with later additions, is stucco over log and frame, heart of pine floors, beamed ceilings, 5 Fireplaces, 6 Bedrooms, 5 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths, perrenial gardens. Dependencies include:Stone guest cottage, poolhouse 2-car garage, $1,595,000 barns, sheds, 12.5 acres.

52 Acres with 1,410 ft. of road frontage, bucolic setting & total privacy, in the midst of Orange County Hunt.

Renovated farm house with main floor Master Suite 2 zoned heating and cooling.Hardwood floors Granite Countertops Separate 2 car garage  Additional home site Minutes to Rt. I-66 $1,450,000

UNISON SCHOOL HOUSE

THE MILL STREET HOUSE

LAND

LAND

CLIFTON LAND - 126.11 acres of mostly open, verdant land in great location, just north of Upperville with pastures and views of the Blue Ridge. Fully fenced, multiple home sites, tributary Pantherskin Creek. Ideal for easement potential and could benefit from excellent tax credits. Piedmont Hunt. $3,600,000

O’BANNON ROAD - 50 mostly open and elevated acres with fantastic views to the south and to the east toward Great Meadow with several home sites on a quiet country road just outside of the quaint village of The Plains.

Orange County Hunt Territory. $1,160,000

CANTERBURY

SO

LD

!

$14,500,000

ASHTREE LANE

nd

er

C

on

tr

ac

t

CHAILEY

U Beautifully renovated Historic Unison Schoolhouse, circa 1870.  Pine flooring, high ceilings, mouldings and perennial gardens  The horse facilities include a recently built 4 stall barn w/excellent tack room & feed storageopen to 4 paddocks with automatic waterers. Great rideout in prime Piedmont Hunt $885,000

Charming 1740 brick and stone home sited on .5 ac. adjacent and including the 3 acre parcel containing the original Mill on Pantherskin Creek. Pool within the ruins of the Mill. Beautiful, year round pavilion is connected to the summer kitchen by a bougainvillea covered pergola. $770,000

THE PLAINS 283+ ares of rolling land with incredible views is all directions Frontage on Zulla Road or Rock Hill Mill  Great location with one home and several large barns and plenty of stalls Very private setting Tax credit incentives. $28,000/acre NEAR THE PLAINS - 142 acres. Great location South of The Plains. Mostly wooded with views. $1,400,000

www.THOMAS-TALBOT.com

Our listings receive over 35,000 visits world wide per month.

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.

Beautifully restored and enlarged, circa 1800 log and clapboard home in a tranquil setting on 29+ acres. 3 Bedrooms, 3  baths, pool, 4 stall bank barn, 2 ponds, stone walls, stone terrace and perennial gardens reminiscent of Williamsburg. 3 parcels. $1,350,000

Rappahannock County~Beautiful 3 Bedroom Brick Colonial home on 25 acres with tremendous views  Very private  10'ceilings on 1st floor, 9'ceilings on 2nd  Great Kitchen with Island  Six-foot Windows  Elegant Floor Plan  Mud Room Basement  Two Bay Garage  Easy to maintain Nice Elevation Very well built $995,000

SUNRISE HILL

LD

HILLSIDE SO

e ic Pr ew N

12

PEC LAND - Paris Mountain- 487 Acres adjacent to Historic Ovoka Farm and Sky Meadows State Park.

Conservation land with potential to build two homes; however property cannot be divided. $5,500/acre sold in entirety. $2,673,000 HALFWAY ROAD - Orange County Hunt. Beautiful 13.38 parcel of land on Halfway Road in The Plains, Virginia.

Fenced field, pond and run-in shed. Approx. half of the property is in mature trees in land use with Fauquier County. $550,000

Quaint English style 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Stucco Cottage sited among towering trees on 10 beautiful acres  Ideally located between Middleburg and The Plains Flagstone Terrace  Flowering window boxes  Very Private  Fantastic western views  Great location Mostly wooded Perfect for weekend retreat. $660,000

Immaculate 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick house on 10 acres in The Plains, Virginia. New windows, insulation, kitchen.

Overlooking Morningside Training Farm, ideal for someone who has a horse or two, or who would love to see horses out their windows. Possible investment income. $425,000

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE A STAUNCH ADVOCATE OF LAND EASEMENTS LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967 (540) 687-6500 Middleburg, Virginia 20118

14

January 2012 Middleburg Life

Getting More Beauty Sleep To start your new year off right, one of the best and most trusted beauty secrets I can ever share with you is: get enough sleep. It may sound simple, but getting at least eight hours of shut eye every night is the key to looking great and feeling your very best.

Models and those in the entertainment industry who rely upon their looks know this trusted beauty secret first hand, and how critically important it is for them to get their “beauty sleep” every night. This will ensure they will look their optimal b e s t and be cameraready at all times. Getting enough rest is one of the top components to any beauty and health regimen. Good, quality sleep will help you, too, to look vibrant and years younger than you actually are.

But getting enough rest and sleep in our fast-paced, on the go, stressed-out, workingmore-than-one-job world we live in today is difficult to do for many people. For a variety of reasons, some people find it extremely challenging to fall asleep at night, others have a problem staying asleep through the night and some people struggle with not being able to sleep well at all.

If you fall into any of these categories, make sure to check in with your doctor, as there may be an

JUDY SHEEHAN Personal style

PHOTO BY CINDY PEARSON

No matter what the roadmap is for your business, Middleburg Life will help you navigate

Ad Deadline: Friday, January 27, 2012 Call Tom Flint 571-333-6273

or email tflint@acnpapers.com

underlying medical condition causing your sleep problems. For those who have occasional sleep difficulties try some of following tried and true sleep recommendations to help ensure you get your much-needed zzzzz’s: • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This rule is great for your internal body clock and will help to “set” it. Your body will be in a great rhythm of getting up the same time everyday and going to sleep the same time every night.

• Exercise. Exercise is critically important for our health and is a great tool to help you get to sleep at night. Try to exercise in the morning if at all possible, as exercising too close to your bedtime may have the adverse affect and keep you awake at night. If you must exercise at night, try doing yoga. It will help to relax you with its great stretching poses and help you to unwind with its deep, calming breathing techniques.

• A warm glass of milk or cup of chamomile tea. I look forward to a soothing warm cup of caffeine-free chamomile tea every night before bed. Warm milk is another good option as it contains sleep-inducing tryptophan (just skip the chocolate milk, as chocolate milk has caffeine in it which may keep you awake).

• A dark, cool room. Even in the winter months, keep the room temperature low, as a lower temperature helps you to fall asleep. Also, make sure your room stays nice and dark, too (with no

electronic devices on to keep you awake).

• Loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Make sure to wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing to bed and nothing too tight or constricting. Many people swear by wearing a pair of socks to bed to keep their feet warm at night. I’m not a big fan, but it seems to work for many.

• Read a book. Many people love to read a book at night. It will tire your eyes and help to make you feel drowsy (just don’t pick a scary thriller which may keep you awake).

• No electronics or television in the bedroom.

It’s not a good idea to have a television, computers or electronics in the bedroom. Make sure your mind and body equates the bedroom with sleeping with no distractions.

• A sleep mask. I love to wear my sleep mask every night (despite all of the Lone Ranger jokes). It’s a fabulous way to keep all of the light out of the bedroom and lets me sleep in longer, no matter what time the sun rises.

Hopefully these proven suggestions will help you get your much-needed “beauty sleep.” As the old proverb says: “early to bed, early to rise, keeps a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

[Judy Sheehan is an image consultant, personal shopper and modeling instructor. She hosts Comcast’s half hour show, “Artscape.” To contact her, call 703-443-2069.]

Living Your Life Without Limits

It’s a brand new year, fresh start, clean slate.

Standing at this dawn we smell possibility in the air, opportunity for this year to be a great one, our potential is…unlimited!

In his book, Life Without Limits, Nick Vujicic demonstrates what is truly possible if we embrace it. Vujicic travels all over the world, participates in sports like surfing, fishing and soccer, and has touched millions of people with his message of hope and possibility.

If he, a man born with no limbs can do all that, what’s stopping us?

Living in our beautiful corner of the world, we have much to be thankful for. We reside in relative peace and security, surrounded by beauty and supported by community. Many of our limits are self-imposed, (inner gremlins of doubt), or perpetuated by years of guilt, mistakes or criticisms holding us back from achievement.

But we don’t have to overcome great challenges

KIM TAPPER

Life Coaching

or move mountains to discover our purpose and live a meaningful life without limits.

What will you do this year to live fully?

What does it mean to live your life without limits this year? Will you decide to embrace fun and laughter no matter what people say? Will you dive into a project that you’ve been scared to tackle? Will you pursue your passion and not let money or other details limit you and hold you back? What will you do this year to live fully?

Vujicic defines “the place between your comfort zone and your dream is where life takes place…where you discover who you are.” In previous columns, I’ve talked a lot about stepping out of your comfort zone and about creating

new habits that move you forward. We’ve also examined finding your purpose, passion and dreams. But it’s the space between, the free fall between the cliff jump and the landing, where you learn the most about life and about yourself.

It is the space between setting out and reaching your destination where you develop your full potential.

Take a moment to reflect on what limits (real or perceived) are around you right now.

Dare to imagine them just melting away—what will you create in their wake? Where will you go? What will you do? It is this resolution: to soar beyond limits, beyond the “I can’ts,” that I encourage you to make this year. From the lines of the Tony Award-winning musical Wicked: “I’m through accepting limits ‘cuz someone says they’re so, some things I cannot change but till I try, I’ll never know!...It’s time to try defying gravity.”

Happy flying and happy New Year!

[Kim Tapper, ACC, CPCC. For more information, go online to www.kimtappercoaching.com.]

15

Middleburg Life January 2012

The Weather: Good, Bad & Extreme

If you love snow and winter weather and a white Christmas, then you may not agree when I celebrate the mild and beautiful weather we had for December 2011.

For foxhunters it was great. For children wanting to sled ride or ski, well, maybe not so great. But what comes around goes around and winter arrived in the form of a cold wind and a skiff of snow that supported the idea that “global warming” should properly be called “climate change.”

I believe they said it was the sixth warmest December on record. I thought Outdoors this autumn was the wettest I could remember. The one thing that seems to be for sure is that our weather patterns in 2011 were extreme. Locally, we were among the fortunate few as our big event was an earthquake rather than a flood or extreme drought. Hard to think of an earthquake as making you lucky, but when you look at the weather tragedies of the past year or so, then you really must count your blessings here in northern Virginia.

So how do we prepare for these extreme events, which seem to be becoming the new normal? Perhaps a course on survival techniques, or first aide, but at least at a bare minimum, pause and think about some scenarios for

MARCIA WOOLMAN

which you might prepare. I don’t want to be an alarmist, but water and food stored in the basement might be a good start. And of course most everyone has gun somewhere in the house, but do you have ammo?

These are grim thoughts, but ignoring the extremes in weather, climate and social conditions can leave you unprepared and out of luck.

So make a New Year’s resolution to evaluate and contemplate exactly how you would handle the next weather outbreak that occurs. Don’t stop there. After brainstorming this situation, act now in preparation. The suffering and loss of homes from this summer’s flooding, the damage from the earthquake, the drought in the Southwest and the tornadoes in Midwest, all of these things and more, can happen here. Just ask yourself, “Am I prepared?” This means more than, “Is my insurance paid up?”

As we enter into this New Year, and look at that new calendar, consider the weather extremes that are possible for each month of 2012 and make a plan. Prepare for yourself and your family. It’s the least you can do.

[Marcia Woolman is a freelance writer from The Plains, who would like you to mark your 2012 calendars for the following dates: Feb. 26 is the Rapidan Trout Unlimited Fishing Show and March 7 the Goose Creek Association March Forum, which will introduce the Goose Creek Challenge.]

Barre Workouts Worth A Second Look As a child did you take ballet lessons? Remember those relentless plies, first position, second position, not to mention the grand plié. Some of you might have gone on to master ballet, while I quite frankly was like a bull in the china closet. My teacher was so patient with me, but in the end I just was not cut out for this graceful dance. So when the new rage of the barre workout KAY COLGAN presented itself, Healthy Living I resisted. Old memories crept in of my childhood experience. Ugh! Could there be anything worse for me? But, as with all fitness trends, I like to explore them and see if they actually have benefits. This is one workout that I was not looking forward to, but I agreed to give it a second look.

First, like most exercise programs, it begins with a warm-up of about 10 minutes, then it moves on to a segment of light weights, followed by 20-30 minutes of barre work and lastly floor work that focuses on the abdominals. Surprisingly, it is a fun and demanding workout. Mainly using your own body weight it resembles some movements in yoga and Pi-

lates. The focus is on good posture and use of the pelvis to help keep posture in check.

Now, the claims are this workout can chisel your body. Maybe, but as we all know our nutritional habits play a role in the amount of body fat we have. So we can out-eat any good exercise program. The jury is out on whether or not this is superior to any other workout. I think it does add variety, which can keep us motivated. Most definitely it will build strength and flexibility. All in all it is pretty intense, so it could deter beginner exercisers who find themselves in a class that is too strenuous. Special instruction would need to be given to recipients of knee replacements and hip replacements as well as individuals with back problems.

I liked the workout and will be continuing. It adds a little variety and is nice complement to Pilates. It uses core strength and works on creating long, lean muscles.

So the barre workout is worth a second look. Who knows; you could love it, too.

[Kay Colgan operates K’s Pilates and Personal Training, 14 S. Madison Street, Middleburg and she is a certified fitness professional. You can call her at 540-687-6995.]

Reinvent Yourself In 2012

Is your life so boring that you bore yourself? Have you gotten complacent or stuck in your life—with a million excuses why? It doesn’t matter whether you are a harried mom, stressed CEO, or anyone in between. Are you ready to reinvent yourself in 2012?

As a Brennan Healing Science practitioner, I work with every aspect of a person. This means considering the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual facets of each individual.

Usually one or more are forgotten or put on the back burner. Reinventing yourself takes six simple steps to create a new you.

Step 1: Cindy Battino KISS method— Healing Science Keep it Simple, Sweetie! Start small. Reinventing yourself doesn’t mean you must tackle everything. Stick to one thing at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Step 2: Choose an area of focus. Is it your physical, mental, emotional or spiritual needs that need your attention?

Step 3: What is your passion? There is an unspoken belief that as we grow older and become adults our passions get left behind or lost in the shuffle of everyday living. Well, that doesn’t have to be your reality. It’s time to rediscover your passions. You have to ask yourself what you are passionate about.

Is it nature, animals, art, reading, travel or sports? Hark back to your childhood, what did you love to do? What did you look forward to every week? What made time fly for you? Those memories hold the roots of your passions.

Step 4: Put steps 2 and 3 together.

Example A: Your weight has gotten the best of you. You would love to get back into shape, but you don’t want to go to a gym.

You love listening to music, and you “DVR” Dancing With The Stars every week, even the reruns. You imagine moving to music with grace on the dance floor. Well, this passion can become yours.

Focus: Physical

Passion: Music and dancing

Look online for ballroom dance classes in your area. Most classes accommodate single people as well as couples. You can go once or five times a week. It’s a great way to get in shape, meet new people, and if you get your partner involved it’s a terrific way to instigate fun, intimate together time.

Example B: You are a parent of three children under the age of 10. Life is filled with picking up, cleaning up, taxiing kids to their activities, cooking what they will eat—and then more picking up and cleaning.

You adore your children, but long to have some mental stimulation and take a vacation

with only your spouse. You have been nurturing a dream about a week in Paris since you were in college. With the economy, kids and other expenses, you just can’t pull the money together to make this dream come true today.

Focus: Mental

Passion: Travel

Buy Rosetta Stone French or take French classes at the Northern Virginia Community College. Join a meet-up group for conversational French. Research where you would like to go and stay in Paris. Create a budget. Start putting money away each week in a piggy bank that can’t be touched for any other purpose. Your time will come. You can make it happen one day at a time.

Example C: You are doing the job of three people at work because of layoffs. You coach the kids’ soccer team. You come home in time to give the kids a bath and get them off to bed.

Once the kids are taken care of, your spouse wants to hear about your day and have some intelligent conversation. There is too much to do. Everyone wants something from you.

There isn’t enough time. Well, there is always enough time. It might not be an hour or even 30 minutes. Ask for what you need.

Focus: Emotional (release stress) Passion: Personal time and space (quiet time) Start meditating or practicing quieting your mind every day. Make a “Do Not Enter” sign for your door. Start with five minutes and focus on your breathing. Your quiet time can be in the morning before the traffic rush, when you get to work before your first meeting, or when you get home to decompress. There are many ways to meditate (guided, breath work, intention, etc.). Experiment to find the one that suits you best.

Step 5: Do your research. Find out what’s out there, because there is something for everyone at all budget levels. Some places to check: Meetup.com, parks and recreation, churches, NVCC, local gyms. If all else fails, Google it.

Step 6: Have fun. Trying new things can be a blast: go to Scruffy’s or Baskin Robbins and taste all the different flavors. If you are not having fun, change the script. Be creative.

Encourage your sense of adventure. You are expressing new facets of yourself and infinite possibilities await you.

Half the fun of reinventing yourself is the journey itself.

My bottom line can be yours: you can find joy through change.

[Cindy Battino is a Brennan Healing Science practitioner who operates Transformational Healing at 2 S. Hamilton St. in Middleburg.

You can find out more online at www.transformheal.com or call her at 703-966-7620.]

16

January 2012 Middleburg Life

ON THE MARKET

Bolinvar Exudes the Best of Hunt Country

Equestrian Estate Melds Classic Georgian Manor, Glorious Grounds

Encompassing more than 100 gorgeous acres of towering trees, lush woodlands and verdant pastures, our featured property this month – Bolinvar – is a quintessential Hunt Country estate, renowned by many as among the finest in all the area.

The 22-room stone Georgian manor home provides spectacular living spaces, and has been updated with extraordinary quality while retaining its historic pedigree. Superb detailing and beautiful appointments abound.

The property currently is on the market, listed at $12 million by Mary Ann McGowan of Thomas and Talbot Real Estate.

Ideally located just north of Middleburg, the property is bordered by Goose Creek and surrounded by other significant estates that are perpetually protected by conservation easements. Fine restaurants, boutique shops and excellent schools are all nearby, and Washington Dulles International Airport is only 35 minutes away.

Stone walls and brilliant gardens enhance the storybook setting, and the Bull Run Mountains serve as a breathtaking backdrop to the estate.

Through an imposing gated entrance, a long winding drive bordered by hundredyear-old maples, we are led to the stunning main residence, with its four finished levels of elegant rooms of unparalleled sophistication.

Bolinvar is aptly described as a master-

piece of architectural detail. It has been meticulously restored and updated with careful attention to preserving its historical integrity, while providing all the modern amenities for a luxurious lifestyle.

Fieldstone terraces surround a fabulous free-form pool, and mature gardens of lilies, roses and wisteria frame the idyllic picture.

Most of the living quarters off the rear facade – including the sun rooms, enclosed porches, decks and terraces – overlook the ponds and gently rolling countryside.

The elegant Entrance Hall showcases a graceful curved staircase that leads to the upper level and is illuminated by a huge Palladian window. It provides a lovely introduction to the classic beauty and detail of the museum-quality millwork found throughout the residence.

The formal living room and dining room overlook the manicured grounds through wonderful bay windows, which offer spec-

tacular mountain views. The rooms are richly paneled, and an elegant marble fireplace with hand-carved mantel adds wonderful warmth and charm.

The kitchen is both aesthetically appealing and fully equipped to meet the needs of a master chef, while also providing the perfect backdrop for gatherings of friends and family.

Bedrooms are large and accommodating, none more so than the master retreat, a study in sumptuous living.

Nine fireplaces, fieldstone terraces surrounding a fabulous pool and brilliant perennial gardens add to the aura of this stunning property.

An 11-stall stone stable, with two staff apartments and a riding ring, create a haven for equestrians.

This splendid country estate, in a storybook setting, offers the utmost in a luxurious and gracious lifestyle.

And should you desire, also available is an additional 227 acres, including a courtyard stable, a beautiful three-bedroom guest house, tenant house, paddocks and ponds, all bordering Goose Creek.

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 (571) 333-6273.

Facts for buyers Address: Middleburg.

Listed at: $12,000,000 by Mary Ann McGowan, Thomas and Talbot Real Estate (540) 687-5523.

17

Middleburg Life January 2012

Â

Â

"# % $ "! % # % Â &# Â

 ((( &# $ $ " Â

MICHELE STEVENS

MANAGING BROKER

"# % $% % # % Â &# ' Â

 ) Â

AMY ADAMS

15  years  with  L&F Â

Â

Â

Lives  in  Aldie Â

Extraordinary  Properties  Specialist Â

New-­Home  Sales  Spec.  Wakefield  School  parent Â

" Â

Middleburg  Humane  Fdn  Â

Â

Â

Â

Â

Jr.  League  of  Washington  UNH  alum  Historic  Preservation  &  Architectural  Design

TAMMY DAVIDSON

REALTOR

703.851.2051

KRISTIN DILLON

amy.adams@lnf.com

REALTOR

Lives  in  Berryville Â

Lifelong  area  resident Â

Â

Â

Buchanan  Hall  BOD  Â

Great  Pyrenees  Rescue   Â

"  Horse  Show Â

JOYCE GATES

kathleen.chovnick@lnf.com

REALTOR

Licensed  Agent  10  years   Lives  in  Round  Hill   Trained  by  the  National  Trust  for  Historic  Preser-­ vation   Specialty:  Historic  Prop-­ erties,  Vintage  or  Antique  Homes Â

Avid  Foxhunter  Â

Professional  horse  trainer Â

Â

15  years  at  IBM  Inc. Â

Realtor

Â

Avid  Distance  Runner  Â

Â

Leslye Edwards

2004  North  American  Jr.  Field  Hunter  Champion Â

National  Soccer  Coach's  Association  of  America  Â

Certified  E-­Pro  Agent Â

703.340.5716

Â

Crisis  Pregnancy  volun-­ teer Â

Â

Â

cathy.bowman@lnf.com

Sweet  Briar  College   &  Riding  Team Â

Â

Accredited  Buyer  Rep Â

540.454.1462

Â

Â

Â

Â

Â

Loudoun  County  Public  Schools  volunteer Â

Loudoun  Resident  for  28  years Â

Â

2  years  with  L&F Â

Â

L&F  Gold  Team   37  years Â

Member  of  Purcellville  Planning  Commission Â

Licensed  in  2011  Â

Lives  near  Bluemont Â

Â

Â

703-­200-­3708

danny.clarke@lnf.com

JACKIE HAGENSTON

REALTOR

Licensed  Agent  14  years Â

6  years  with  L&F Â

Lives  in  Upperville Â

Lives  in  Lovettsville Â

Â

Â

Â

Â

Nature  Enthusiast Â

Trained  in  Historic  RE  by  the  National  Trust  for  Historic  Preservation Â

Loudoun  Preservation  Society Â

Certified  Relocation  Agent   and  EPro Â

Native  Northern  Virginian   Â

Â

Â

Â

Board  member,  Loudoun  Preservation  Society Â

Goose  Creek  Association  Â

Mosby  Heritage  Assn. Â

Â

Specializing  in  historic  and  country  properties Â

Â

Antique  Collector  540.535.8644

KIM HURST

tammy.davidson@lnf.com

703.673.6920

Kristin.dillon@lnf.com

REALTOR Â

Lives  in  Bluemont  Â

Top  Salesperson  2009  Â

Foxcroft  Parent   Spanish  Fluency  Published  Author  Â

BA,  U  of  Washington  MA,  Fuller   Seminary Â

! " % 0.// " -­â€? "!+ ) ! + % !"+ ) " ! ' ! !" " ) & %!" )-­â€? ! & " %) ! ! !, Â

Habitat  for  Humanity  kim.hurst@lnf.com

BOBBY KIRK

2  years  with  L&F Â

Lives  in  Hume Â

Licensed  in  VA  and  WV  Â

Graduate  of  the  Cordon  Bleu,  Paris Â

Lifelong  area  resident  Â

Â

Hill  School  Grad Â

Â

Avid  foxhunter Â

Â

Open  Space  Advocate Â

Fluent  in  French Â

Â

" Â

Â

Parenting  class  instructor Â

(P.E.C.;Íž  Goose  Creek  Assn, Â

" ! Â

Â

Wakefield  Parent Â

REALTOR

Owner  of  several  local  businesses  703.728.8602

BILLIE VAN PAY

Â

ralph.kirk@lnf.com

REALTOR

REALTOR

 Licensed  Agent  10  years   Native  of  Upperville   Habitat  for  Humanity   Middleburg  Fire   Department  Ladies  Auxiliary Â

BETTY ROTH

REALTOR

Â

540.270.7951

MARCI WELSH

Â

Loudoun  Resident  24  yrs  Â

15  years  of  Marketing     Equestrian  and  Country  Properties  Â

Lives  in  Upperville Â

410.336.1678

betty.rith@lnf.com

SHELLIE WOMELSDORF

Avid  Horsewoman   and  Trainer Â

" Committee  Member  joy.thompson@lnf.com 703.727.4301

BVPrealtor@aol.com

Â

REALTOR

Piedmont  Foxhunt  Landowner  703.568.0727

YOLANDA BRITTLE

BRANCH ADMINISTRATOR Â Â

Lives  in  The  Plains  Â

Avid  equestrian Â

Entrepreneur,  Marketing  Company Â

Â

Windy  Hill  Foundation Â

Â

marci.welsh@lnf.com

Â

6  years  of  Real  Estate  Marketing Â

Â

US  Poso  Association  1994+ Â

Â

Massage  Therapy  Cert Â

Middleburg  Elementary Â

Â

Park  Valley  Church  Volunteer Â

Â

Worldwide Connections

703.862.1799

eandys@gmail.com

2  years  with  L&F Â

Enjoys  Travel  703.906.5802

Â

15+  years  of  Consulting/ Sales  experience Â

Supports  animal  rescue  and  therapeutic  riding  organizations Â

Â

VA  Outdoors  Foundation Â

Commercial  Real  Estate  Specialist Â

Â

Newspaper  Journalist Â

Â

Â

Â

Â

Loudoun  Golf  &  CC Â

Â

Â

Former  Public  School  Educator  &  Administrator Â

Â

Former  A-­Circuit  Hunter/ Jumper  parent Â

Lives  in  Middleburg Â

Â

Certified  Commercial  Investment  Member Â

Â

Â

Â

Â

Avid  Rider Â

Lives  in  Philomont Â

Loudoun  County  Fair  Fundraiser Â

Certified  Relocation  Specialist Â

Â

Lives  in  Middleburg Â

Â

Â

Soprano,  Masterworks  Chorale Â

Top  Producer  2006-­2011  Virginia  Tech  Graduate Â

Â

Â

Licensed  Agent  10  years Â

B.S.  Mississippi  Univ.   for  Women,  M.Ed.,  Specialist  Ed.  Memphis  University Â

belinda.hyde@lnf.com Â

ASSOCIATE BROKER

Licensed  in  VA  and  MD Â

5+  years  with  L&F Â

Â

703.431.4620

ANDY STEVENS

Licensed  Agent  9  years Â

Licensed  Agent  8  years  Â

12  years  in  Advertising  Sales  for  the   Chronicle  of  the  Horse Â

10  years  with  L&F Â

8  years  with  L&F Â

    Â

Lives  in  Purcellville Â

Pets-­in-­Need  Volunteer   Â

REALTOR

REALTOR

 Â

Â

penny.merritt@lnf.com

Â

jackie.hagenston@lnf.com

5  years  with  L&F Â

Â

    Â

Â

Â

540.729.3428

PENNY MERRITT

Â

Â

JOY THOMPSON

REALTOR

4  years  with  L&F Â

Â

francesca.jewett@lnf.com

BELINDA HYDE

Â

Â

703.509.2152

540.454.1452

- !" % ! ' !+ ) & ! ) " % " , Â

Â

REALTOR

joyce.gates@lnf.com

Â

Â

FRANCESCA JEWETT

Â

leslye.edwards@lnf.com 540.771.7544

" - !" + % ( "! " %!" " !, ! ) % ! #& % ") # "!+ ' ) % " %!" !" " & ! !, ' " "+ " ) % ) % ' ! & !" " !, Â

9  years  with  L&F Â

703.932.9651

540.454.1847

REALTOR

" Â

Former  Manager/  Broker  Leesburg  L&F  Â

Parenting  class  instructor Â

DANNY CLARKE

Â

Â

Children  with  special  needs  advocate Â

Â

REALTOR Licensed  Agent  8  years Â

Past  President  Loudoun  Board  of  Realtors  Â

Wounded  Warriors  Â

Â

KATHLEEN CHOVNICK

Â

Â

Buchanan  Hall  Supporter Â

ASSOCIATE BROKER 25  years  with  L&F  Â

Â

Â

michele.stevens@lnf.com

CATHY BOWMAN

Â

Lives  in  Upperville Â

703.568.0721

REALTOR 4  years  with  L  &  F Â

shellie.womelsdorf@lnf.com

703.220.7656

Yolanda.brittle@lnf.com

18

January 2012 Middleburg Life

A New Year Of Horsing Around New Point-to-Point Kicks Off the Virginia Season

Happy New Year! We did not party; we worked on an important deadline until well after 2 a.m. But we did take a brief time out a few minutes after midnight to pour a small glass of fizz to toast 2012. Then we rose early to finish polishing that story and then high-tailed it down the road to Thornton Hill Hounds where enthusiasts met at the kennels for a day of sport. We rode around, hilltopping, snapping photos, but nowhere near as seriously as fellow shutterbug and dear friend Jake Carle, ex-MFH/huntsman, who happens to be a crackerjack photographer.

Special thanks to photographer Liz Callar for loaning Jake a camera (we took

Horse And Rider Earn YearEnd Honors

Jane Gaston takes equestrian arts as seriously as the pictures she paints. Showing her Oldenburg gelding Lumiere, the duo earned their second consecutive year-end Amateur Owner WCHR national championship (World Champion Hunter Rider) at the Winter Equestrian Festival, FL. Lu earned scores in the 90s at Devon, harvesting Cham-

LAUREN R. GIANNINI

Horsing Around ours back, albeit reluctantly), but there seems to be a congenial conspiracy to keep Jake armed and happily snapping away. It was great to be outside on such a gorgeous but breezy day, away from the computer and deadlines and work, even though in the afternoon it turned cloudy and chilly and drizzled.

We love the sound of hounds in full cry, what we call their hallelujah chorus.

Prayers & Best Wishes To Local Horseman

W. Gary Baker, a member of the Virginia Horse Shows Association’s Hall of Fame and the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame who has worked indefatigable for many years in many aspects of the horse world from breeding to showing to racing and ‘chasing, is in the hospital, recuperating from a bad accident. His friends have showered him with cards, calls, visits and prayers, cheering him on to get well. Because Gary is totally not into high tech, email or the Internet, friends started the WGB Update Page on Facebook where folks can check on how Gary’s doing and post messages and their good wishes, which will be read to the convalescent by one of his tech-savvy amigos.

There also is a mailing address for cards, and one comment stated: “that the nurse’s station is overwhelmed at the amount of calls he gets. Seldom do they have a ‘rock star’ visit their ICU.” Gary might be out of ICU, but he needs all the restorative rest he can get. Therefore, friends are requested to post messages on his Facebook page and to send cards, but please refrain from calls or visits until further notice.

Jane Gaston and Lumiere, USEF Horse of the Year in Amateur Owner Hunters, fetch the mail during his holiday from showing.

Photo by Lauren R Giannini

pion and Grand Champion, and his score of 95 at Upperville won the Eve and Paul Fout $10,000 Handy Hunter Classic. Lumiere was again USEF Horse of the Year in the Amateur Owner division and in Virginia earned top honors for the third year as A/O Horse of the Year.

“Lumiere is home with me now, woolly and happy and not doing much except going on a trail ride a couple of times a week and carrying me to the mail box—opening the box is his latest skill,” Gaston reports. “It is heaven having him home.”

Trail Ride Raises Funds For Red Cross

You’re invited to join the Wellington Trail Ride (FL) March 26 for the benefit of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

It’s a great opportunity to ride alongside Continued On Page 20

By Lauren R Giannini For Middleburg Life Thornton Hill Hounds has been part of the Virginia Steeplechase Association’s circuit, running a race meet in September since 2003. Their merger with Fort Valley Hounds before the 2011-2012 season resulted in registered status with the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America (MFHA), which led to Thornton Hill Fort Valley being eligible to join the Virginia Point-toPoint Association’s spring circuit.

The 2012 season will kick off March 3 in Sperryville at the scenic Thornton Hill Farm racecourse. The card will feature hurdle, timber and flat races, along with their traditional Junior Field Masters Chase. A few people think the card should include a Senior Field Masters Chase, too, but that’s really up to the masters.

“Most of the horsemen think that the Thornton Hill racecourse is one of the best on the steeplechase circuit,” Jeff LeHew, Jt-MFH, stated. “Some of them love our course. The turf is great and it drains really well. We think the course will offer great footing for the first point-to-point of the season—footing is so important, coming off the winter, and excluding a blizzard days before our races, we think the footing will merit the approval of the horsemen.”

LeHew discussed how summertime drought conditions can impact on entries for their September VSA race meet because lack of rain means the course is rather hard, albeit fast, but no one wants to run horses on either extreme—really hard ground or really deep going.

“Thornton Hill is a great course with good hills and galloping stretches,” LeHew added. “We’re hoping that the other hunts come out and support our point-to-point—as spectators and in the Junior Field Master Chase and the foxhunters timber race. We’re also having our traditional hound race where we run a drag around the course. That’s always been pretty popular with the crowd.”

Sunday, March 4, Thornton Hill will host its first ever VPPA hunter pace event, which qualifies participants to earn points toward year-end awards.

Pairs of field hunters, ranging from tiny tots on diminutive ponies to vintage “silver foxes” to newcomers and greenies (horses and riders) can find their competitive comfort zone. Divisions include Hilltoppers, First Flight Optimum Time, Juniors and Seniors and First Flight Fast Time. The pairs set off at clocked intervals over a flagged course through the scenic hunting country surrounding Thornton Hill’s racecourse.

Bryan McDonald has ridden to hounds with Thornton Hill for nine seasons and knows the country well enough to serve as a field master when the need arises.

“I think that having a point-to-point on the spring circuit is good for the amateur riders and good for the professionals, too,” McDonald said. In 2010 McDonald partnered with Sheisacraftydame to win the Foxhunters Timber series. The Virginia-bred by Aaron’s Gold (by Slew O’ Gold) out of Ingrid’s Melody (by Linkage) was the first mare in a long time to win the series for qualified field hunters. “Crafty” was also champion race mare of the season.

“It’s the best hunt territory to get a horse ready to run, and the racetrack is really good,” he added. “If a horse does well around the Thornton Hill racetrack, he’ll run around any track in the country.”

So mark your calendars, sporting enthusiasts, and make plans to go racing March 3. While you’re out that way, think about spending some time in the picturesque town of Sperryville. You’ll find great food at Thornton River Grill and Rudy’s Pizza, Rappahannock Central, plus plenty of antique shopping, real old-style whiskey at the Copper Fox Distillery, Sperryville Emporium and a lot more. You can even make a night of it: a number of bed and breakfasts are scattered between the Blue Ridge and Warrenton for the ultimate in country comfort and hospitable lodging.

Post time for the Thornton Hill Point-to-point is noon. The Hunter Pace event begins at 1 p.m. March 4.

For more information: http://centralentryoffice.com/CalendarVA.aspx.

19

Middleburg Life January 2012

Meadowkirk Inn & Retreat

Patrickswell

Longview Lane

Middleburg, Virginia • $16,000,000

Middleburg, Virginia • $7,500,000

Delaplane, Virginia • $4,950,000

358 acres • 8 BR Manor house • 6 FP • Heart of pine floors • 10’ ceilings • Inn w/20 rooms all w/private baths • Conference room • Stone barn can accommodate 120 guests • 3 cottages • Log cabin • Pool & pool house • Observatory • Picnic pavilion • 2 miles of Goose Creek frontage Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

164 acres in Orange County Hunt • Main house of stone construction • 4 bedrooms plus an in-law suite • Pool • Tennis court • 20 stall center aisle stable • Farm office • 1/16 mile indoor track • Guest house • Also available on 264 acres for $10,500,000 Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Circa 1889 manor home • Completely redesigned and reconstructed • Exposed beams, solid mahogany doors and windows • Antique fireplaces • Reclaimed choice hardwoods and limestone foyer • Incomparable views • 15 manicured acres Ann MacMahon (540) 687-5588

Pohick Farm

Wood Hill

Harborvale

Delaplane, Virginia • $4,850,000

Middleburg, Virginia • $3,300,000

Middleburg, Virginia • $1,950,000

265 acres with postcard valley views • 4 bedroom home • Pool • Pool house • Rental house • 3 creeks • 1 pond • Great for horses, cattle or vineyard • Also available on 464 acres for $6,850,000 Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Located in the heart of fox hunting country • 3 miles from Middleburg • 49 acres • Elegant 1940's brick colonial home • Stable • Cottage • Apartment • Pool • Tennis court • Mature trees and sweeping lawn to Goose Creek which surrounds most of the property Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

51 acres in Orange County Hunt • Minutes from town • Stone cottage is now a shell ready for construction • 3 car stone garage • Stable • Tenant house • Large pond • 2 parcels Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Mountain Road

Conde Road

View Point Lane

Purcellville, Virginia • $1,500,000

Marshall, Virginia • $697,000

Warrenton, Virginia • $589,000

92.5 +/- acres in scenic easement • Rolling and rising acreage • Bold mountain views • Pond and creek • Protected area Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! • 8 acres near Warrenton • First floor master • Stately pool • 2 additional private guest suites • 4 fireplaces • 3 car garage • Located in Warrenton Hunt Territory Walter Woodson (703) 499-4961

4.99 private acres • Minutes from the town of Warrenton • 4 bedrooms, 2 full and one half baths • Open floor plan • Wood burning fireplace • Attached 2 car garage • Mature plantings Margaret Carroll (540) 454-0650

Lime Kiln Road

Historic Home

Mrs. Beaver’s Cottage

Leesburg, Virginia • $575,000

Paris, Virginia • $485,000

Middleburg, Virginia • $395,000

Wonderfully maintained; open floor plan; first-floor master suite • 4BRs, 3.5BAs, fireplace, well-appointed kitchen • Perfect full-time or weekend home across from historic Goose Greek • Minutes from Leesburg, Middleburg, major DC routes Walter Woodson (703) 499-4961

Circa 1890 • Unobstructed views of the protected Paris Valley • 3 BR • Additional 2 BR in-law suite w/second kitchen • Detached garage • Unlimited possibilities Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930 Walter Woodson (703) 499-4961

Excellent location • 2 bedrooms • Fireplace • Hardwood floors • Fabulous views • 7.12 mostly wooded acres • Great rehab potential Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

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

www.sheridanmacmahon.com info@sheridanmacmahon.com

20

January 2012 Middleburg Life

A great way to celebrate the New Year—out in God’s country, car-topping and taking photos of the hunt: Thornton Hill huntsman Billy Dodson and hounds climb one of the many hills in the area.

Photo by Lauren R Giannini

JSC Construction, Inc. Jerry S. Coxsey General Contractor

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

540-341-7560 540-229-2285

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

P.O. Box 1969 Middleburg, VA 20118

Horsing Around

Continued From Page 18 Olympic show jumping medalists and other notable equestrians. Bring your horses and ponies and saddle up to raise funds for a great cause. Candice King (Wellington, FL), Sheila Burke Reynolds (Manlius, NY) and Charlie Jacobs (Boston, MA) share the chair for the Red Cross Fundraiser that honors living show jumping legend and Show Jumping Hall of Famer Rodney Jenkins, one of Virginia’s finest horsemen, who grew up in Crozet.

What goes around, comes round: Rodney Jenkins trains Sheila’s family’s racehorses. Sheila’s friend James Hastie of the American Red Cross rode with Rodney in the late ‘80s. Known by many as the “Red Rider,” Rodney Jenkins dominated show rings in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s and retired as the winningest rider in U.S. show jumping history with such prestigious grand prix to his credit as the American Gold Cup (five times), President’s Cup (three times) and the Grand Prix at the National Horse Show (three times). Rodney was a double medalist at the 1987 Pan Am Games and rode on many Nations’ Cup teams. His equine partners included The Idle Dice, Payback, Heroic, Czar and The Natural.

Participants are encouraged to wear red and prizes will be given to the best dressed.

So far, prize donations include: one week at the beautiful guest house owned by nationally acclaimed hunter-jumper trainer Missy Clark of Waitsfield, VT; Sugarbush Ski Resort, ski lift tickets for two; American Express, $1,000 gift card; and the Hampton Classic Horse Show, VIP ticket package valued at $2,500. Ashley LaBarge (Fayetteville, NY) donated commemorative saddle pads for the first 30 riders to RSVP. Please note: 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund.

Donations of $1,000 per horse and rider or $3,000 per show barn are requested. Sponsorships are available. You can make taxdeductible donations by American Express Card on or before March 23.

For more information and to RSVP for the ride, please contact James Hastie of the American Red Cross: 315.374-6021 or jhastie@syrar.org.

Retired Racehorse Training Challenge

Three local equestrians are involved in the first ever Retired Racehorse Training Challenge, slated to take place at the Horse World Expos in Maryland Jan. 21

21

Middleburg Life January 2012 competition for trainers, chosen from the list of trainers registered with the Retired Racehorse Training Program, founded by Steuart Pittman.

The challenge begins when they choose an off the track Thoroughbred (OTTB) Jan. 20 at the Timonium (MD) Expo. The three trainers, acting as if they are shopping for horses for actual clients or themselves, will meet four owners presenting freshly retired racehorses. The owners get to tell their horses’ stories and then the trainers have

just about every U.S. eventing team. He takes horses fresh off the track and turns them into international performance horses.

“Ex-racehorses have a work ethic that is hard to find anywhere,” Bradley said. He makes his home in Leesburg and runs his training facility, Southern Edition Farm, in White Post.

Olympic medalist Jimmy Wofford trains riders at his farm in Upperville when he isn’t conducting clinics, blogging and/ or commentating at international events,

the horses will be returned to their owners who will pay the trainers a market-rate fee.

The expectation is that the horses’ value will increase thanks to their training experiences. This is one viable solution to what happens to racehorses when their track careers are over. Pittman has embraced their cause and is very active in educating people about how to rehab and retrain OTTBs for new careers as safe, sane riding horses. A number of OTTBs go on to upper level competition and distinguish themselves as international horses.

For more information: http://retiredracehorsetraining.org/.

For info about the expos: www.horseworldexpo.com/.

Horse Expos are great fun for the family, friends and even dates: shopping, demonstrations, clinics and a musical equine review. Point-to-point racing is where many OTTBs show their breeding, heart and athleticism over solid timber and brush-topped hurdles.

Be sure to dress warmly with layers, wear your helmets and have fun horsing around!

Leverage Your Advertising Dollar!

Reach oveR 200,000 homes in noRtheRn viRginia’s most affluent communities!

Call Tom Flint 571-333-6273

or email tflint@acnpapers.com

Today ASHBURN

Great Falls, McLean, Oakton, Vienna

Arlington

[Have something you want us to share next month, drop me a note at: laureng.horseInk@ gmail.com.]

Stephen Bradley goes through the vet jog at the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event with Brandenberg’s Joshua: Bradley will serve as judge on the first phase of the Retired Racehorse Training challenge.

Photo by Lauren R Giannini

the opportunity to question the owners and evaluate the equines. A quick game of Racehorse Trivia will determine the order in which the trainers select their projects.

The horse not chosen will be put into similar training at Pittman’s Dodon Farm (MD), ready to step in, in case of injury or illness.

At the Expo Jan. 21, the trainers will ride their horses for the first time. Judges will observe and make notes while the trainers describe their plans for the horses.

They take the OTTBs home and work with them for the next five weeks.

Olympic veteran and Pan Am team gold medalist Stephen Bradley will serve on the panel of judges at the Maryland Horse World Expo. Riding Sassy Reason, he became the second American in history to win the Burghley CCI**** (GB) and for the past 20 years has been short-listed for

writing books and going on hilarious fishing trips. He will lead the panel of judges at the Pennsylvania World Horse Expo finale when the three trainers put their OTTB projects through their paces after five weeks of training.

One of the three trainers is Tiffany Catledge, who bases her Allforit Farm at Fox Chase Farm, just east of Middleburg. She is multi-disciplined, coaching and competing in hunters, dressage and three-day eventing. She also starts and trains horses and takes great pleasure in matching the right horse with the right rider. The training, lessons and sales aspects of her business involve horses of all breeds, but she admits: “I particularly love OTTBs. They are balanced, forward-thinking, forgiving and have a great work ethic. You can’t beat a good Thoroughbred.”

After the February final in Harrisburg,

SUMMER RENTAL

LOCATION: Silver Gate, Montana, ½ mile from Yellowstone Nat’l Park NE Gate Best fishing in the Park for Native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Slough Creek, Lamar River, Soda Butte Ck, Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone (east of Park) DETAILS: Sleeps 5 or a family of 6, Two Lg. bedrooms, 1 ½ baths, laundry, Great Room with fireplace, lg. dining table, Jen Air Kitchen, Deck w grill Completely furnished down to the wine glasses, beds ready, CLEAN

Available June, July, August & September Taking Reservations for 2012 NOW

Additional pictures & info available — call 540-253-5545 www.VRBO.com - #201318

22

January 2012 Middleburg Life

Cherry Blossom

Continued From Page 3 $5,000 • Loudoun Community Health Center to cover 50 percent of the cost of biopsies and surgeries for uninsured and underinsured women: $20,000 • Tigerlily Foundation to fund the PETALS program to educate high school students in Loudoun and Fauquier counties: $9,000.

The committee so far has sought out organizations in both counties that work with breast cancer patients and survivors, and members visit applicants and their institutions before deciding on funding. Committee members have a goal of directing about 20 percent of the overall funds to research activities.

“That’s how we became very involved with Lombardi,” Jackson said, recalling members of the committee went to the center and spoke to the physician regarding his research before deciding to fund it.

Sandi Atkins was responsible for seeking out the Tigerlily Foundation, looking for an educational source. A woman who works with young women afflicted with breast cancer, aged between 15 and 30, approximately, runs the foundation.

She has a very active program in schools

and colleges: PETALS, a peer program that stresses general health needs and health education for young women. That program received $9,000.

Jackson said an important lesson the committee learned was the value of even small funds. “Five thousand or ten thousand dollars can be seed money that provides leverage for other funding,” she said. Even $2,000 is valuable. “You can buy a lot of mammograms.”

Similarly, the Loudoun Breast Health Network is a great help to women with breast cancer who have financial problems. Some have lost their job, can’t pay the mortgage, or need gas money, Sandi Atkins said. The network’s Pink Association Fund received $5,000 from the Cherry Blossom Breast Cancer Foundation for just that purpose.

Organizations like that, small and local, provide good partnership opportunities, she said. “They’re the program side, with the time and volunteers; we’re the money side.”

There is a well-defined process for applying to the foundation for assistance, both women noted, including making a convincing case for the need, verification by the committee, reporting requirements and a full explanation of how the funds are used.

The committee is in the throes of amending its process to make its funding mission

clearer to potential applicants through its website. Having expanded this past year to the point where it has hired a part-time grants administrator, the group wants to make it easier for applicants and organizations to research online what kind of projects the

We helped Fauquier Hospital buy its first digital mammography machine a year or two before they could do it themselves.

– Sandi Atkins

foundation will fund.

Also, for women who have breast cancer, or patients with financial difficulties, it’s important for them to know how to link to other organizations, such as the Loudoun Health Breast Network (www.lbhn. org.), Sandi Atkins said. “We want to make our website a resource as well.”

Jackson agreed. “We need to do more.

We’re learning,” she said.

Applicants should send a letter of inquiry, and if the committee considers it of interest it will provide information on how to apply and what is expected of grant recipients.

Both committee members said grantees have been grateful for the assistance. There’s such a huge need, they said, citing the Loudoun Community Health Center’s work with uninsured and underinsured women. Often, patients are told they need further tests following a mammogram. “They don’t have the money, so we pay for [50 percent] the biopsies,” Atkins said. During this last round of funding, the health center received $20,000.

Similarly, the foundation has helped area hospitals acquire expensive new detection machines. “We helped Fauquier Hospital buy its first digital mammography machine a year or two before they could do it themselves,” Sandi Atkins said. The foundation also is helping Inova Loudoun Hospital with the purchase of an advanced technology stereotactic mammogram machine.

Now the foundation is on a fiscal year basis, the committee plans to recommend funding grants twice a year, in June and December.

For more information, visit www.cherryblossombreastcancerfoundation.org.

COMMUNITYCLASSIFIEDS HOME IMPROVEMENT

L&B ENTERPRISES 703-786-0442

EXCAVATING

CUSTOM CABINETRY BUILT-INS Home Offices Entertainment Centers Home Theaters Libraries

PAINTING

Wallcovering Installation & Removal • Interior Painting Wood Cabinetry and Mouldings Installed Lighting Design and Installation • Drywall & Plaster & Repairs Staining and Urethane for Wood Finishes Countertop Selection and Installation • Window Treatments Wood Cabinetry and Mouldings Installed Antiques & Architectural Furnishings • Decorative Finishes Home Media & Work Stations • Wine Cellar Rooms Powder Coat Finishes for Metal Patio & Garden Furniture Home & Office Interiors • Project Management Member National Trust for Historic Preservation Serving the Washington Area Over 25 Years

Licensed & Insured • Estimates w/o Obligation

John K. Martin

703-620-0192

For more information, visit: kempermartin.com

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE RENT

• 3 small offices - $425 per unit • 1 medium office - $550 per unit • 1 large office - $650 per unit

Free In-Home Design/Consultation/Estimates Major Credit Cards Accepted

Decorating Company

703.771.8831

Middleburg Office Space fOr rent 5 separate offices

Bookshelves Bars Window/Bench Seats Other Storage Solutions

Kemper Martin

TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL US TODAY!

Weaver’s Quality Custom Painting

Drywall • Plastering Pressure Washing • Carpentry Exclusively Residential • Interior & Exterior

“We’re big enough to do it right & small enough to care”

703-901-6910

411

NEWS I SPORTS I OPINION

OBITUARIES I CLASSIFIEDS I JOBS

Includes: Storage Space; All Utilities; Reception Area; Kitchenette; Bath.

Located on the Upper Level in Federal Court call carole Miller @ armfield, Miller & ripley fine properties 540-687-2233 REAL ESTATE RENTAL

EDUCATION

Middleburg In Town Apartment Rental Available January. 2BR, 1BA, hardwood floors, electric, heat pump, cable, balcony, W/D. $875.00/month plus utilities. Please contact Cathy Bernache, Thomas & Talbot Real Estate 540-424-7066 or 540-687-7709

REGISTER REGISTER NOW! REGISTER NOW!NOW!

Private Instruction & Classes Instruction for & Classes Private Instruction & ClassesPrivate available allages ages available for all available for all ages

Convenient locations in Convenient locations in Upperville, Aldie, Ashburn, Convenient locations in Upperville, Aldie, Ashburn, Leesburg, Upperville, Aldie, Ashburn, Leesburg, Middleburg, Purcellville & The Plains.

Leesburg, Middleburg, Purcellville & The& Plains Middleburg, Purcellville The Plains.

(540) 592-3040 540-592-3040 (540) 592-3040 piedmontmusic@aol.com

piedmontmusic@aol.com www.piedmontmusic.org piedmontmusic@aol.com • www.piedmontmusic.org

www.piedmontmusic.org CMSP is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization,

CMSP is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, serving Northern Virginia since 1994.

serving Northern Virginia since 1994.

CMSP is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, serving Northern Virginia since 1994.

23

Middleburg Life January 2012 In the Capital Region

In the Virginia Countryside

WASHINGTON F I N E P RO P E RT I E S , L L C

INTERNATIONAL OFFERING

INTERNATIONAL OFFERING

EXNING, MIDDLEBURG, VA

BRONZE HILL FARM, MIDDLEBURG, VA

COPPERSTONE, MIDDLEBURG, VA

This beautiful Middleburg Estate boasts an impeccably renovated 5BR, 5.5BA stucco home evoking elegance and ambience. Antique wood floors, crown molded ceilings, crystal chandeliers, & gourmet kitchen. French doors to pool, pergola with kitchen, fireplace, tennis court & English gardens. Offered furnished. $2,400,000.

Cindy Polk 703-966-9480 Gloria Rose Ott 540-454-4394

NEW PRICE! Bronze Hill is a classic early stone farm house dating from the early 1800’s located on the Virginia Scenic byway, Snickersville Turnpike, N.E. of the village of Middleburg. Restored main residence with 3 finished levels, small guest cottage, 2BR house, pool, pond, barns, stable, fields & woods on 48ac (in 2 parcels). Surrounded by farms in scenic easement. Middleburg Hunt! $2,250,000.

Rick Lowe 703-509-3962

NEW PRICE! Beautiful country property with impeccably renovated and completely updated stone and stucco estate home boasting a gourmet kitchen, random width hardwood floors and massive stone fireplaces complete with a new pool, heated carriage house with 3 bay garage and generator. 11 acres in 2 parcels. Piedmont Hunt. $1,750,000.

Cindy Polk 703-966-9480

CHESTNUT OAKS, UPPERVILLE, VA

THE RIDGES, HUME, VA

WILD WIND, MIDDLEBURG, VA

Chestnut Oaks, located in Greystone just west of Upperville, VA. Charming custom built brick colonial on 52+ acres, 4 bedrooms, 3.55 baths, lovely pine floors and stately wood moldings. Partially fenced, 3 run-in sheds, lovely landscaped setting, total privacy offering spectacular views. $1,750,000.

Jud & Page Glascock 540-592-3238

Located in the beautiful rolling countryside of Hume, VA is this lovely, classic, well-built, colonial house. Ten acres, 4 bedrooms, 4 full and 2 half baths. Gourmet kitchen, large deck, wood floors throughout, generator. Everything in A+ condition.

Barn with 6 stalls, good fencing. Gorgeous views in all directions. $920,000.

Ruth Ripley 540-687-2222

Located just west of town in Middleburg Downs, this lovely French Colonial is sited on over 3 beautifully landscaped acres providing excellent privacy and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Well maintained 4 bedroom house has a new kitchen, laundry and powder room. Hardwood floors throughout. $699,500.

Carole Miller 540-687-2233

37628 BERRYMAN LANE, MIDDLEBURG, VA

BLUE RIDGE DOWNS, BOYCE, VA

HUNT COURT, MIDDLEBURG, VA

Perfect Middleburg location - 4BR, 3FBA home on 3.5 acres. Protected by surrounding large farms on all sides, 2 stall barn, both horse and invisible dog fencing around entire property. Partially remodeled with fabulous views.

3000+ SF. 3 miles to Middleburg and just that much closer to DC without comprising quality of life. $639,000.

Jim Thompson 540-687-3216

Beautiful pastoral setting on 7.99 acres, private yet easily accessible. 4BR, 3.5BA Cape Cod. Located South of Rt. 50 in Clarke County's Hunt Country. Land suitable for horses. First floor MBR, heated enclosed glass porch and newly renovated kitchen (2011) with upgraded maple cabinets & SS appliances. Priced below recent appraisal! $499,900.

Carol Fochtman 540-272-4334 Rick Lowe 703-509-3962

Lovely condo 13 Hunt Court. Four finished levels, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 fireplaces. Freshly painted, in pristine condition, hardwood floors on 3 levels, carpet on lower level. Low voltage lighting, TV, cable & internet ready. Walkout lower level suitable for nanny or use as separate unit. $476,700.

Jud & Page Glascock 540-592-3238

WEST PROPERTY, UPPERVILLE, VA

THE PHILOMONT FARMHOUSE, PHILOMONT, VA

702 STONEWALL AVENUE, MIDDLEBURG, VA

Located in a quaint charming village, this lovely historic house (c. 1833) is in a superb setting with a large back lawn and garden with pretty plantings.

The house offers 2 kitchens, solarium/ sunroom with brick floor. There is a separate second house. Needs TLC, priced below assessed value. To be sold "AS IS." $455,000.

Ruth Ripley 540-687-2222

Charming & whimsical, this wonderful 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home has hardwood floors, a fireplace, sun room and a unique slate floored dining room. Large yard has detached studio with full bath and a potting shed. $445,000.

Cindy Polk 703-966-9480

3/4 bedroom split level home with large fenced back yard. Hardwood floors on main level. Large walkout basement with room for a 4th bedroom. Workshop space, recreation room and separate laundry. Deck off of dinining room overlooking fields. A wonderful in-town property within easy walking distance to restaurants, shops, library and much more! Priced below recent appraisal. $299,000.

Anita Sisney 540-687-2214

MIDDLEBURG WASHINGTON,VA AMRFP.com

540.687.6395 540.675.1488

WASHINGTON, DC GEORGETOWN/DUPONT/LOGAN BETHESDA/CHEVY CHASE POTOMAC NORTHERN VIRGINIA WFP.com

202.944.5000 202.333.3320 301.222.0050 301.983.6400 703.317.7000

24MLife.Jan2012_John Coles.qxd

12/27/11 11:47 AM Page 1

January 2012 Middleburg Life

PROPERTIES IN HUNT COUNTRY HIGHFIELDS

FOALSFIELD

LIBERTY HALL

Upperville- Spectacular custom built home on 50 acres with gorgeous mountain views. Home has a European Country feel with traditional VA architectual details. Open floor plan includes 1st Floor Master Bedroom, Den, Living room, Chef ’s Kitchen, Sunroom, 3 Fireplaces, 3 bedrooms on 2nd level, full walk-out basement designed for Rec Room, bedroom & more. Heated pool, lovely terraces and enclosed courtyard. Two-car garage with one bedroom apartment above. $3,250,000

Elegant 4 Bedroom, 4 Full and 2 Half Baths Stone and Stucco home on 12+ acres Old Pine Floors Antique Chandeliers Master Bedroom on Main Level Granite Countertops 4 Marble and Stone Fireplaces Covered Stone Terrace Screened-In Porch Stunning Pool Detached Garage Storage Shed Stone Walls Board Fencing Orange County Hunt Fabulous Views. $2,250,000

Circa 1770  Wonderful stone and stucco gem sits at foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Paris  20+ acres surrounded by protected lands  Meticulous exterior renovations include newly re-pointed stonework, new metal roof, 2 large additions, extra wide covered porch, buried electric, new basement, well and septic. $1,950,000

ASPEN HILL COTTAGE

1540 ASPEN HILL LANE

Middleburg - Only minutes to town. Charming country cottage on 12+ private acres. Features hardwood floors, formal Living Room with fireplace, large eat-in Kitchen with glass doors to back terrace. 1st Floor Master Bedroom. Two guest bedrooms on 2nd level. Full walkout basement with 1/2 bath and laundry. Space for bedroom or Recreation Room. Sweeping lawns, fruit trees $650,000 and grapevines from original garden.

Just 2  miles west of the village of Middleburg, and on a quiet lane in the Aspen Hill neighborhood  Lovely 3 Bedroom 2 Full Bath, 2  Bath home on just over 2 acres  Master Bedroom on main level  Hardwood, tile and carpeted floors  Brick Fireplace  Crown Molding  Vaulted ceilings  Tray ceiling  Extensive Landscaping  Storage Shed  Private Deck  Attached 2 Car Garage  Full Basement $505,800

Complete privacy at the end of a country road House overlooks lovely pond New “unlived” 3/4 horse Stable Black-Board Fencing House completely renovated with: Brazillian Cherry Floors, Berber Carpet in 3 Bedrooms, tiled Baths, stainless steel Kitchen appliances Tasteful Interior Decorating Excellent trail system for horse ride out Creek back line Mature forest. $437,000

Barrington Hall (540)454-6601

Susie Ashcom (540)729-1478

Cricket Bedford (540) 229-3201

Cricket Bedford (540)229-3201

JENKINS MOUNTAIN PEAK

Bee Lefferts (540) 454-5555

Cricket Bedford (540) 229-3201 BEECHWOOD

LAND

JENKINS MTN LODGE

BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN RD. - 105.4 acres on the East side of Blue Ridge Mountain Road near the village of Paris. Possibly up to 4 parcels: 3 in Clarke, 1 in Loudoun.

Land is in Appalachian Trail Conservancy easement. Nice elevation and great potential. Forestry management Plan in hand. $948,600 MYERS MILL-45 acres along the Rappahannock River just west of Warrenton. Lovely views to the Blue Ridge and rolling hay fields. Trails down thru 10 acres of hardwoods to the swimming hole. $495,000

RAPPAHANNOCK OFFICE - near Washington VA 40 acres all wooded. On a well maintained 50’ private road.

360degree views for miles.At 2200 foot elevation it is the highest point outside of the Shenandoah National Park in Rappahannock County Several dramatic building sites Impressive rock outcroppings. $8,000 per acre

Alex Sharp (540) 219-4425

CANNON RIDGE-Excellent opportunity to build your dream home on 14+ acres with a Middleburg address. Conveniently located off Route 50 just east of Middleburg. Mostly wooded land with mature trees. $450,000 CARRINGTON ROAD - Delaplane - Rare opportunity to own land nestled amongst larger, protected land in Delaplane.

Rolling and partially cleared. The elevated house site offers gorgeous South Easterly views. 5+ acres. Convenient to I-66.

Additional parcels available. $135,000

RAPPAHANNOCK OFFICE - Breathtaking views through picture windows. This 9-10 bedroom retreat has been a licensed Bed And Breakfast Inn for years  50 acres in Easement and surrounded other protected properties 5 min to Washington Virginia 3 Stone Fireplaces Indoor Lap Pool Outdoor Pool  Tennis Court $1,490,000 OLREA

Alex Sharp (540) 219-4425

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.

Please see over 100 of our fine estates and exclusive country properties by visiting www.THOMAS-TALBOT.com Susie Ashcom Cricket Bedford Catherine Bernache John Coles Rein duPont Cary Embury Catherine Gutch Barrington Hall Sheryl Heckler

Our listings receive over 35,000 visits worldwide per month.

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE A STAUNCH ADVOCATE OF LAND EASEMENTS LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967 Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687-6500

* Washington, Virginia 22747 (540) 675-3999

Phillip S. Thomas, Sr.

Bee Lefferts Brian McGowan Jim McGowan Mary Ann McGowan Andrew Motion Rebecca Poston Emily Ristau Alex Sharp* Ashleigh Cannon Sharp*