June 2024

from throughout | | 6 kitchen | cottage lighted stream, acres

SPRING GLADE

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

French Country home, with renovations in 1999 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Im provements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

SALEM HILL

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

Well protected Fauquier location | 6 bedrooms | 4 full and 2 half baths | 3 fireplaces | Great views | Pool with large flagstone terrace | Large county kitchen | 4-car detached garage with apartment/ office | 9-stall barn | Covered arena | Outdoor ring | 4 stall shed row barn | 51 fenced acres

$3,690,000

203 acres in River frontage 4 full & 3 1/2 Gunnite pool and private | 5 stall Jim paddocks, pasture | Old d

MacMahon 540.454.1930

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

A remarkable property located within a private enclave just minutes from town | Stone and stucco manor house with main level master suite | 7 additional BR | 5 stone FP |

RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA

SAINT LOUIS ROAD

Artwork

Artwork by Palmer Smith

PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media, LLC

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kaitlin Hill | kaitlin@middleburglife.com

COPY EDITOR & DIGITAL ASSISTANT

Susan Stark

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Vicky Mashaw vmashaw@middleburglife.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Jennifer Richards | jennifer@middleburglife.com

Andrea Ryder | andrea@middleburglife.com

ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR

Joanne Maisano

INTERN

Mercury Finegold-Sachs

DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Nicky Marshok ON THE COVER

This month we chatted with Middleburg Antique Gallery owner Linda Mason for our Meet Your Neighbor spotlight. In the interview, Mason shares what she enjoys most about the antiquing community and what she has planned for the future. Turn to page 6 for the full story. Photo by Gracie Savage. ON THIS PAGE

Peek inside the historic Thornton Walker House in Unison with Middleburg Life photographer Caroline Gray and writer Beth Rasin. The charming home is available for rent and the perfect Hunt Country escape. For more on the property, turn to page 26. Photo by Caroline Gray.

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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 Aldie, Alexandria, Boyce, Centreville, Delaplane, Front Royal, Great Falls, Haymarket, Leesburg, Manassas, Marshall, Middleburg, Millwood, Paris, Purcellville, The Plains, Rectortown, Tysons, Upperville, Vint Hill, Warrenton, Washington, D.C., and Winchester.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Shannon Ayres is a Reston-based freelance photographer. His work has appeared in Arlington, Chesapeake Life, Northern Virginia, Virginia Business, and USA Today magazines. He has an MFA in fine art photography from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University. His editorial work can be seen at sdayres.com

Callie Broaddus is a Warrenton native and graduate of the University of Virginia. After seven years as a book designer at National Geographic Kids, Callie founded the nonprofit, Reserva: The Youth Land Trust, in 2019. Callie’s land preservation projects and focus on youth empowerment are aided by her talent as a professional photographer. In her spare time, Callie enjoys Earl Grey tea, Harry Potter trivia, and dreaming of getting back into the jumper ring.

Caroline Gray is a D.C.-based lifestyle and travel photographer. A native to Northern Virginia, she holds an MBA from the University of Virginia. In September 2023, she launched her own photography brand after eight years in the fashion industry. When she is not behind the camera, she enjoys hiking with her Labrador retriever, Captain, visiting her retired horse, Cleverly, and trying new restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Diane Helentjaris chose Loudoun as her “forever home” in 1990. Following years as a clinical physician and public health administrator, she returned to her humanities roots. A finalist in the 2020 Icelandic Writers Retreat, her book “The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill” was released in June 2022. Diane also writes a monthly newsletter, The Silk Mill, which is dedicated to those in love with fabric in all its glory.

Dulcy Hooper and her husband Richard moved to the country from Washington, D.C., nearly 10 years ago. Shortly thereafter, both began writing occasional articles for Middleburg Life. Dogs are a big part of the Hoopers’ lives and several of Dulcy’s earlier articles focused on the couple’s Chinese crested powderpuffs!

Gracie Savage is a local photographer who grew up in the village of Aldie and has been photographing local weddings, portraits, and events since 2016. Her passion began when she received her first camera in middle school and she continued to study the craft in high school and in college. She was a photographer at Georgetown University for over three years and joined Middleburg Life as a contributor in the spring of 2022.

Shayda Windle is a freelance writer covering the arts, people, and places that make Hunt Country so special. Her work has been featured in Plein Air Magazine, the Fairfax County Times, and several online media outlets. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors and exploring Northern Virginia with her husband and two children.

Heidi Baumstark has been writing for several lifestyle magazines and newspaper publications since 2005, specializing in history-related articles highlighting Virginia’s Piedmont. She has been with Middleburg Life since 2014. Heidi hopes to inspire readers to pause and consider the people, places, and events that have shaped the story of our local history.

Michael Butcher is the owner of Butcher Photography. Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, he resides in Springfield, Virginia, with his family. For the past 15 years, Michael has specialized in portraiture, event, and editorial photography. When not behind the lens, he enjoys gardening and swimming. More of Michael’s work can be found at butcherphotography.com.

Laticia Headings is grateful to call Middleburg home. She discovered Middleburg by attending the first annual Middleburg Film Festival in 2013 and has come back to the event every year since as a volunteer, attendee, and for the past several years, as a writer for Middleburg Life. Laticia is the founder of Latitude Media and has 23 years of experience as a producer, writer, and camerawoman for television (Discovery, National Geographic), the documentary film “Everest: A Climb for Peace,” and multi-platform media. Now, as a full-time realtor with McEnearney Associates, she is helping her clients realize their dream of calling Hunt Country home.

Lia Hobel is a freelance journalist, known for her blog, Uplift Loudoun. In addition to her work for Middleburg Life, Lia writes periodically for online platforms with articles appearing on GOBankingRates, Forbes, Huffington Post, and Yahoo! She is a Loudoun 40 Under 40 honoree and a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the county.

Bill Kent’s journalism has appeared in more than 40 national and regional publications including the Washington Post, Art & Antiques, Philadelphia Magazine, Baltimore Magazine, New Jersey Monthly, and The Hunt. A former correspondent for the New York Times, he taught writing and journalism at the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers, and Temple universities, and is the author of seven novels, a Fodor’s Guide, and a history of Atlantic City. When not writing, he enjoys walking his westies on Washington Street.

Beth Rasin graduated from Middlebury College, where she studied nonfiction creative writing. She worked as a writer and editor at The Chronicle of the Horse for more than 25 years, including 10 years as the president and executive editor. As a freelancer, she’s contributed since 2015 to Middleburg Life, as well as Northern Virginia magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, the former Loudoun magazine, and many others. She lives in Hume, where she and her husband and daughter run a boarding facility for retired horses. She enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her adopted dogs and cats.

Nothing compares to what’s next.

Linda Mason of Middleburg

Antique Gallery

Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Gracie Savage

Middleburg Antique Gallery on West Washington Street is easy to get lost in. Not because it is disorganized or cluttered — it’s just the opposite — but because it is an antique enthusiast’s dream come to life in art, barware, furniture, fresh cut flowers, and treasures of all kinds. Walk the serpentine footpaths created by carefully curated displays and find something surprising around each corner, from black-and-white photos of a young Robert De Niro to a delicate china tea set with a fox motif. Though, more than the glass tumblers, oriental rugs, and walls of hunting scenes, what Middleburg Antique Gallery owner Linda Mason has cultivated most expertly is a sense of community and camaraderie in an industry that can oftentimes seem exclusive or unapproachable.

Sitting on a stunning silver antique velvet couch with Khaleesi, the shop dog, nestled beside her, Mason shares, “My parents were always into antiques. That is how I started, going to auctions when I was little.”

She adds, “It’s in my blood.

“My mom started in a mall like this and we were all intrigued by auctions. My dad was hooked immediately. They had three little shops in Leesburg and

“My parents were always into antiques. That is how I started, going to auctions when I was little. It’s in my blood.”

– Mason

then a huge shop in Leesburg, and I was one of their dealers.” Mason continues, “I would usually work for my rent, or I worked behind the counter in the summer. It was really fun to learn what everyone was doing.”

From parents’ apprentice to proprietor, Mason opened her own antique shop in Leesburg. “I

started my first shop when I was pregnant. That was 24 years ago.” Four Shabby Chicks, a collaboration of Mason and three other owners and a play on “shabby chic,” was “only open three days a month, which was fun,” Mason shares. “But my parents had this shop,” she says, glancing around the Middleburg storefront, “the whole time. So I was always here.”

For years, Mason was “in and out” of Middleburg Antique Gallery, but she made the move to Middleburg full-time six years ago. She shares, “My dad lived in St. Simons, Georgia, and would go back and forth. That’s why I was here so much.” She continues, “Unfortunately, my dad passed away two years ago. When he passed, I took over. He’s the one who taught me how to do all of this.”

Perhaps the most apparent lesson he taught Mason, at least for visitors of the shop, is curating impressive displays and hanging the gallery walls. Pointing at the almost floor-to-ceiling collection of paintings behind her, Mason says, “I do all this myself.” She adds with a laugh, “Yesterday I was literally standing on the couch with no shoes on hanging all this art.”

And for the tasks she doesn’t do herself, she has a “whole little world of people” that contribute to the collection at Middleburg Antique Gallery. She says, “I get to help support so many businesses that are in the trade. I have a clock person; his name is Doug Whitsell and he did the White House clock. I have brass people that polish all my brass. I have a glass guy from Paeonian Springs who does all my glass cutting. I have woodworkers — two really good ones.” She concludes, “So many people come in all the time, selling their stuff or their services.”

Even her inventory is a group project, so to speak. While she sources many of the items from local estate sales, or tracks down items she wants to sell from as far away as London, she also leases sections of her store to dealers. “This shop is a little different because mostly the first level is me, but I also have dealers here who rent out the cases.” Mason continues, “The downstairs is fully rented. I have a rug dealer down there… He’s been down there for 25, 26 years.”

She has a “the more the merrier” approach to other antique shops in the area, too. When it comes to a new antique shop opening nearby, she

Gallery | Page

Left page: Linda Mason outside Middleburg Antique Gallery. Right page: Mason’s gallery wall.

8

“What has always made me love antiques is the customer. They want to come in and talk, and around 4 o’clock when it gets a little bit later we’ll open a bottle of prosecco and have a little happy hour.” – Mason

Gallery | From page 7

says, “I totally encourage it. Especially women; I really support women in business. I always like to help support other people.” With the help of

other local dealers, she even created the Antique Trail, a visual guide to all the antique shops in the area.

She adds, “Everyone in town — Taylor Thistlethwaite, Lou Hastings, The PLAYroom across the street, Tara — all of them know each other. So, it’s a great place to have an antique shop be-

Gallery | Page 9

Left: A fox-themed tea set and stirrup cup. Right: Mason with her dog, Khaleesi.

cause it’s such a sweet little community.”

Mason’s investment in the community resulted in a second shop, Antiques on Washington, with Lisa Vella of Baileywyck Antiques in The Plains. Unfortunately, this February, there was a fire that forced the location to temporarily close.

“There was an electrical fire in the kitchen. Apparently the fire was quite small, but the smoke was so bad, I had to get everything professionally cleaned. I didn’t lose a lot, though.”

Looking ahead, Mason plans to reopen Antiques on Washington, potentially under another, more sentimental name. “It will be after someone who is very special to me,” she explains. There, she’ll look to showcase antiques but also host

events and gatherings for locals and visitors alike.

For now, you can find Mason in Middleburg Antique Gallery, still excited to bring people together. She says, “What has always made me love antiques is the customer. They want to come in and talk, and around 4 o’clock when it gets a little bit later we’ll open a bottle of prosecco and have a little happy hour.” She points to a massive palm in the center of her front room and explains, “The palm bush has all my Champagne. It’s our happy hour tree.”

Come for the antiques, stay for the company, as Mason’s keen eye for décor is just as sharp as her skills as a hostess. As she says, “Our door is usually revolving. Come in, walk around the shop, and stay a little longer.” ML

From Aldie to Zulla Road: Nine Shops in

16 Minutes

In addition to Middleburg Antique Gallery, Mason believes Middleburg is “a destination” for antique seekers. With nine shops just between Aldie and Middleburg, the Route 50 corridor is definitely a must-visit when on the hunt for antique treasures. See below for the shops you can explore within a 16-minute drive and check out MiddleburgLife.com for even more local dealers.

ALDIE

Village Antiques & Vintage LLC 23183 Cobb House Rd. Middleburg, VA 20117

Mercer Tavern Antiques 39359 Little River Tpke. Aldie, VA 20105

MIDDLEBURG

The Shaggy Ram 3 E. Washington St. Middleburg, VA 20117

Middleburg Antique Gallery 107 W. Washington St. Middleburg, VA 20117

The Accidental Peacock 18 S. Madison St. Middleburg, VA 20117

Another Blue Moon 7 W. Washington St. Middleburg, VA 20117

Hastening Antiques and Design 103 W. Federal St., Suite D Middleburg, VA 20117

Thistlethwaite Americana 116 W. Washington St. Middleburg, VA 20117

The Paradise Antiques 1769 Zulla Rd. Middleburg, VA 20117

Top left: Mason and her team label each price tag by hand for a personal touch. Bottom left: In addition to larger pieces, Mason carries smaller items that make great housewarming gifts or décor finishing touches. Right: Fresh flowers are dotted throughout Mason’s shop.

On the Market On the Market

A unique and extraordinary estate, containing 240+ acres, multiple dwellings with spectacular views and rolling pastures on the Western edge of the Shenandoah Valley Already generating income with a leased cattle operation. Watch the sunrise off a large deck from the premier residence, a custom LINDAL home, with a massive fireplace made of local stone. Also features an open floor plan, 2 bedrooms and a large, professional kitchen The 4 guest cottages contain all modern amenities for long- and short-term visits and once used as AIRBNB rentals. Your guests can stay in a restored ‘Spring House’ with a fireplace, full kitchen and an actual built in spring, or in a restored Granary with open floor plan, full kitchen and deck overlooking the green pastures. The bank barn offers a complete upper apartment with large kitchen and fantastic views of the cabins as well as lower stalls and 3 paddocks for your horses and other animals. Recent updates to dwellings include new windows and HVAC systems You and your guests can even catch fish from the pond or simply kick back and watch the wildlife. Nearby attractions include: VMI, W&L, SVU, The Virginia Horse Center, and local vineyards. Go hiking or explore the GW National Forest, The Maury and James Rivers, and Goshen Pass Fondly named ‘Rat Barn Farm’ by Willard Scott and the Scott family. And don't worry, there are no rats. You have to call and find out the whole story!

$4,000,000

Contact Mary Scott at (540) 448 - 2788 for more information.

Master of Glass: Mike Aylward is Preserving the Past and Designing the Future

Written by Diane Helentjaris

Photos by Shannon Ayres

The first thing to know about Aldie Glassworks is that it’s not in Aldie. Nope. It is not by the hot air balloon office or the old mill. Instead, the Aldie Glassworks studio is tucked inside a huge former warehouse turned office building in eastern Loudoun, less than a mile as the crow flies from Dulles Airport. No one would guess that the unassuming gray and

white office building with the blue trim holds jewel-like treasure inside.

Mike Aylward is the artist and artisan of Aldie Glassworks. He’s been creating and restoring stained glass for over 30 years.

Down the hall, past the reception area, he is at work. He’s setting up his new studio and already has a collection of antique and modern work on display. Highly detailed, ornate old church windows with angels and an antique window with a geometric design join Aylward’s original creations with large floral motifs surrounded by complex borders.

The studio offers custom glass artwork for doors, cabinets, transoms, windows, and home décor. It also provides replacement and restoration of stained glass. For over

“I knew exactly what I needed to do and wanted to do.”

– Aylward

25 years, private homeowners, decorators, developers, churches, schools, and commercial buildings have all sought help from Aldie Glassworks. Aylward’s own creations are one-of-a-kind, made from scratch. They are not computer-generated designs. He often photographs a subject, then makes the design from the image. In a nod to the realities of modern life, his works are usually mobile. He uses inserts for installed windows and makes “landing windows,” which are large decorative pieces placed in wooden stands

Glass | Page 13

Top: Mike Aylward. Bottom: An intricate flower pattern.

Glass | From page 12

so they can be moved. When asked what it takes to be a good stained-glass artist, he replies, “Patience and creativity,” then agrees precision is important, too. For a 36-by-36-inch window, his tolerance for a mismatch is limited to only oneeighth to one-fourth of an inch. This does not prevent him from being highly productive. Within the last five years, he has completed over 200 stained-glass projects.

Originally from New England, he studied architectural engineering and design in college for two years, became bored, and joined the Army. “The first day, I knew I didn’t want to be in the Army,”

Aylward recalls, but goes on to reflect that he doesn’t regret his time as a military police officer in Kansas and Europe. “I had so many adventures.”

After completing his service, “I knew exactly what I needed to do and wanted to do.” And he did it.

He came home, earned a degree in finance from Boston University, and graduated with an MBA from Boston College. He then began his career in banking. Always intrigued with stained glass, he talked his brother into taking a course with him. Six months later, he bought his instructor’s stained-glass business and has been making and restoring stained glass in the 30 years since.

to life.” Restoration includes cleaning the glass, replacing the lead, and more. When Aylward is done, he says, “It’s exactly the same as the day it came off the bench. All the detail is back.”

Aylward has plenty of glass to restore. A few years ago, he purchased 600 antique windows originally in Pennsylvania churches. He is painstakingly going through the cache, restoring each one and making them available for purchase. Typically, he sells these in live online auctions.

They are extremely popular with Europeans. Most, if not all, were manufactured in Europe, the center of the stained-glass industry prior to World War I. Much of the stained glass in Europe

glass alive in other ways as well. He is a master demonstrator at the annual Waterford Fair. He also teaches sold-out classes in stained-glass techniques at the Waterford Craft School. For his commitment to the Waterford Foundation and its mission, he is a designated Waterford Landmark Artisan. He plans to be at the Fair this coming October.

Aylward believes designers are once again returning to color after the recent emphasis on neutrals in the home. “For designers,” Aylward says, “adding a stained-glass piece can give them that color blast that a house needs. It gives a lot

“I like saving the window… It’s like keeping the art alive and also the history, bringing it back to life.”

– Aylward

He enjoys restoring old stained glass, explaining, “I like saving the window… It’s like keeping the art alive and also the history, bringing it back

was destroyed during the two world wars. Aylward’s collection offers Europeans a way to regain some of their nearly lost heritage. The number of antique stained-glass works is finite. Aylward says, “When it’s gone, it’s gone,” and demand is rising.

Aylward works to keep the art of stained

of pop for not a lot of money and adds a unique accent.” ML

Aldie Glassworks

22611 Markey Court, Suite 114 Sterling, VA 20166 (240) 506-0112 aldieglass.com

Aylward’s repairs restore windows to their former glory.

DWELL FINE ART & CRAFT:

In the BusIness of Beauty

Written by Bill Kent | Photos by Michael Butcher

Ever wonder if a piece of art you own could be worth a fortune?

At least once a week, someone knocks on the door of what was once an old gas station, now an art gallery, in Hume. They bring something and want to know what it’s worth.

Hayley Sykes brought Dwell Fine Art & Craft from Alexandria to Hunt Country. Since then, word has gone around that, in addition to representing 27 artists, hosting monthly gallery shows and receptions, and creating a venue for art

teachers and local craftspeople, Sykes is also an art appraiser. She currently has 30 regular clients who use her services to determine the fair market value of their artwork.

Sykes acknowledges that one of the great myths of the art world is that there are more undiscovered masterpieces in yard sales than in museums and auction houses. Every so often, however, this dream does come true. She also emphasizes that the dollar value of art has more to do with what someone is willing to pay for it

— which cannot be predicted with any certainty — rather than the opinions of friends, experts, or the artists themselves.

Her first question for potential clients, as well as the 30 others who have had her appraise art for insurance, charitable donation, estate liquidation, or equitable distribution in a divorce, is why they want to know what the art is worth.

“This can open up an entire world of possibilities because every work of art has a story behind

Beauty | Page 15

Dwell in Hume beckons artists and art lovers to gather.

it, especially those that matter to people in some way. I want to listen to that story, because that’s part of the reason the art, and these people, have found me,” she shares.

With degrees in fine art, fashion, art history, and art appraisal, Sykes can go on about how current events, peculiar details in the work, the number of previous owners, or historical circumstances can make the value of the most prestigious works go up or down. She can also describe the amount of research a typical art appraisal requires, and why it usually runs to 30 or so typed pages of detailed description.

But what matters most to her “is how it brings people together. That’s the magic of art. And that, I suppose, is why I’m here.”

Born in the United Kingdom in West Riding, Yorkshire, Sykes admits that she is the unlikeliest person to get into the gallery business. “I wanted to be a fashion designer. My mother was a seamstress and I was fascinated with how she put so many odd pieces of cloth together to create a truly beautiful dress.”

Neither her mother nor her father, who worked in a pharmaceutical factory, were “art people.” She continues, “We didn’t have art in our house, but they indulged me when I wanted to study fashion.”

After earning a degree from John Moores University in Liverpool, she found her favorite fashion companies weren’t hiring. International business head-hunting firms were, and that job took Sykes to Sydney, Australia, where she met

American mergers and acquisitions consultant

Brett Ludden on a bus. They discovered they both liked art and were soon married.

In 2006, they settled in Alexandria. When Sykes was not poring over corporate resumes, she was looking at art in museums, galleries, and artists’ studios. She increased her appreciation with a degree in art history from Virginia Commonwealth University and was surprised when some local artists offered her work to sell.

“I knew a few collectors from my contacts in the business world but I wasn’t about to approach them directly or compete with the established galleries. Frankly, I just wanted my friends who were artists to feel like their art was being seen and appreciated,” she explains.

She came up with the idea of hosting a popup gallery in locations where people might give

fine art a second glance. She wanted to escape the chilly, unapproachable atmosphere she encountered in some galleries. She named the pop-up Dwell because “I like the idea that people will live with and enjoy beautiful things, [and] that works of art should be part of our environment if we are lucky enough to have them, not stored away.”

The art she showed found homes. Visitors to her gallery added their names and contact info to her guest book. Her website got hits; her email list began to grow. People began to seek her out in Alexandria, and, when she and Ludden relocated to Hume, at pop-ups in The Plains and Washington, Virginia.

Sykes decided to make it official, and professional: She became a certified art appraiser. She shares, “It is an ethics-driven business. That means you should be able to trust the appraiser to give you a researched, expert opinion about the fair market value of the work, and nothing more. The appraiser shouldn’t offer to sell the art or take a commission from the sale.”

Among those who trust Sykes’ judgment is Fred Ballerer, an art collector and art museum board member living in Great Falls. He was introduced to Sykes by an artist friend. “She’s appraised five pieces for us and she has proved very knowledgeable and very thorough.” He respects Sykes’ eye as a gallery owner, but has not bought any work from Dwell because “I don’t have any wall space left.”

Peter Schall, a retired banker and art collec-

Top: Hayley Sykes. Bottom: Pieces of artwork surround a little window with a Hunt Country view.

Beauty | From page 15

tor in Marshall, has acquired art from Sykes. “My wife Marla and I were riding our bikes and we came upon her gallery by accident.” Schall had heard of Sykes as a corporate headhunter but had never met her personally. “We hit it off and I guess we’re now what you call regulars, in that we come to as many of Hayley’s artist receptions as we can.”

Schall continues, “What we like about her gallery is that it’s really down to earth. There’s nothing hoity-toity. The gallery has become for us what Marla calls a place where people can be surrounded by beauty.”

For equestrian and fine art photographer Tara Jelenic, her first art show reception at Dwell came with a warning. “Hayley told me sometimes nobody shows up for an opening. Sometimes they get more. Either way, you deal with it.”

Jelenic brought her family and invited friends from Alexandria and the District, as well as from Warrenton, where she lives. She gave them directions to Hume but was afraid they’d get lost, or not show up.

When the first car rolled into the small parking lot behind the gallery, Sykes uncorked a bottle of sparkling wine. Another car arrived moments later. Within minutes the lot filled. Cars took over spaces at the front of the post office. Then the cars filled up both sides of Leeds Manor Road.

“We almost had a fender bender out there, we had so many people,” Sykes recalls. At least 80 people packed the gallery, many from out of state — and that’s just those who signed the register. “We had so many in the gallery,” Sykes says, “I wasn’t sure if they could see the art.”

Enough did. Though this wasn’t Jelenic’s first gallery show, it was a peak in a 30-year career. Just as Sykes had hoped, “I felt my work was being seen and taken seriously,” Jelenic says.

For Sykes, it was proof that art can bring artists, collectors, and “some of the most interesting, amazing people that you wouldn’t think would ever find you” together. ML

in pastel colors. Bottom: Stunning prints wrapped up and ready to sell.

HAYLEY SYKES' TIPS FOR THOSE CONSIDERING HAVING A WORK OF ART APPRAISED:

1. Ask yourself why you want to know the value of the work. If it is for insurance, property tax, estate settlement, a gift, or equitable distribution of family property, an appraisal may be necessary. If you want to find out how much the selling price may have gone up or down, you may be wasting your money and the appraiser’s time.

2. An appraisal does not guarantee a sale price or a specific tax deduction if the art is a gift to a nonprofit or charitable institution like a museum. “An appraisal is an educated, professionally researched opinion.”

3. If you’re appraising art for insurance purposes, make sure you understand the policy. “Works of art are unique items. Some insurance policies treat art like furniture. Others are more nuanced.”

4. The appraiser should let you know exactly how they will determine the fair market value of the work and offer you either a flat or hourly fee. An appraiser should not offer to sell the work, or take a percentage when the item is sold. If the appraiser owns a gallery, or is employed by one, the appraiser should not value any work of art sold through that gallery.

5. Ask if the appraiser is certified. “This lets you know the appraiser is qualified to value the work competently and correctly.”

6. Trust your feelings about the appraiser. “As an appraiser, I may be visiting your home or place of business to examine the art and ask questions about it. You should be able to trust me and feel comfortable with that. Appraising is a business, but it shouldn’t be all business.”

Top: Geometric shapes take center stage

Q&A with South Run Designs Lead Builder: KERI THORPE STEPHENS

Written by Lia Hobel | Photos by Gracie Savage

Crafting more than mere structures, Keri Thorpe Stephens, the lead builder for South Run Designs, finds a special allure in the process of custom home building. An 11th-generation native of Fauquier County, she particularly enjoys her job when farm estate homes and family legacy homes are on the project list. The Virginia licensed class A builder says each endeavor represents a distinctive path blending tradition, innovation, and personal flair to establish not just physical edifices, but havens designed to nurture lifetimes of memories. Stephens’ boundless enthusiasm is obvious in her meticulous attention to detail, evident in every

beam positioned and each nail secured.

ML: How did you get started in the field?

KS: Twenty-five years ago, I started my journey in the bustling world of home construction. Back then, I was passionate about crafting spaces that were not only functional but also beautiful. This passion led me to specialize in kitchen design — I started off with small local builders at the old Wilson Bros. lumber yard in Warrenton, and Creighton was one of my first clients! — where every cabinet and countertop told a story of style and utility.

Today, I stand proud as a custom home builder, turning visions into reality. Every project is a canvas, and every design a piece of art tailored to the dreams of my clients. Be it a Korean architecture-inspired contemporary, a yellow stucco French country home, a “barndominium” (very popular where there is a living space with a large barn feel), a craftsman cottage, or a 12,000-square-foot rustic estate, I embrace every new project! I prefer a challenge and feel I am building more than a home; it is a family’s lifelong memory!

ML: What do you love most about your work?

KS: What I cherish most about custom home building is the entire creative journey, from the first sketch to the final flourish. Working closely with a talented team of architects, we blend all the intricate design elements into a cohesive vision that truly reflects the aspirations of my clients. Don’t threaten me with a good time if you want a hammered copper hood, some wrought iron window boxes to plant lavender, or reclaimed wood flooring from an old silk mill. I

live for these details! Even the nitty-gritty aspects of construction, like digging foundations and sequencing the framing, are deeply inspiring to me. Watching a house transform from lines on paper to a standing structure, and finally to a polished home with finishes … is profoundly fulfilling.

ML: What is most challenging about the industry?

KS: In the world of custom home building, our passion for crafting dream homes is met with some real challenges. Currently, we are navigating a trio of tough hurdles: the scarcity of available land, the ever-rising cost of materials, and climbing interest rates for construction loans. Finding the perfect plot for a dream home is becoming increasingly difficult, pushing us to think creatively and strategically. I work closely with some families to assist with tedious family lot divisions, administrative cuts for farms so parents or family members can build locally and have land. Meanwhile, the rising cost of materials demands that we continuously adapt our approaches to ensure quality without compromising affordability. And, with interest rates on the rise, securing favorable construction loans is more crucial than ever.

ML: South Run is named after your legacy farm. Can you share more about the significance and its rich history?

KS: My roots run deep here in Fauquier County, stretching back to the 1700s when my ancestors first settled this land. Our heritage goes back to the Mayflower when my 11th-great-grandfather settled into Rappahannock County; his bride

South Run | Page 19

Keri Thorpe Stephens.

Run | From page 18

was one of the tobacco brides sent to Jamestown, even! The original farmhouse, with its robust hand-hewn log cabin center, still stands proudly on our property — a testament to the enduring legacy of our family. I gave a great deal of thought to the name of my business. I work exceptionally hard to build on the pride my family has had. My great-grandmother raised turkeys and sold them at the old Conde Post Office at the corner of Cab-

As a descendant of the original settlers, I carry a profound respect and commitment to honor my ancestors through every home I build.

ML: In addition to new builds and remodels, can you share how historic preservation is part of your work?

KS: There's a special kind of passion that fuels my work at South Run Designs, driven by clients who cherish our rural heritage as much as I do. Every

in Branch and Conde Road during the Great Depression, where I reside near my family farm. My property lines border the old property.

Inspired by the resilience and spirit of our own family history, my mission is to help each client build a home that will become a cornerstone of their family’s legacy. I treasure our family stories in this area. I name my home plans after my grandchildren, and I have cousins in every direction in all the surrounding counties!

old home and barn that comes under our care is more than a project; it's a chapter of history waiting to be retold. My clients are visionaries, seeing the value in restoring and preserving these structures not just for their beauty, but for their ability to hold stories of the past while hosting new ones for centuries to come. As we work together, each beam secured and each nail driven is a step toward keeping our rural communities vibrant and deeply connected to their roots.

With my current project on Cobbler Mountain, my client came to me with a dream to rebuild this circa 1904 farmhouse which others told him to tear down and build new. When he reached out to me, my heart skipped at the opportunity. While it will be very challenging, what a true labor of love it will be to resurrect this and see new life after all this time! This will be indeed a treasure, and I hope it inspires others to see through the broken windows and no plumbing of

other potential renovations.

I am very thankful to my entire construction team who is committed to this journey of renewal and preservation. I hope to participate in more chapters to be written in the homes we revive and the communities we cherish. ML

South Run Designs (540) 351-4142 southrundesigns.com

Left: Stephens’ custom home. Right: Her kitchen features a copper hood and brick backsplash.

South

The Plains – The epitome of an exquisite Horse Country Estate with meticulously manicured gardens, grounds and hundreds of acres with protected view-sheds. Oakendale is in a class of its own. John Coles | 540-270-0094

Upperville – Premier estate includes 2 horse barns with a total of 29 stalls, 3 feed rooms, tack rooms, riding ring with competition footing, beautiful ride-out. OLREA Cricket Bedford 540-229-3201 | Julia O’Regan 202-468-0751

Middleburg – Magnificent Estate encompasses Bolinvar’s 100 acres with manor house, and the adjacent Canaan of Bolinvar’s 225 acres with its newly built state-of-the-art horse facilities. John Coles | 540-270-0094

Middleburg – Tuscan-inspired estate has an “Old World” warmth that is elegant and welcoming. 5 BRs, 8 1/2 BAs, 8 fireplaces, heated pool & Jacuzzi. 4 BR guest house, 8 stall center aisle stable. Jim McGowan | 703-927-0233

– In

the

| 540-270-0094

Delaplane – Exquisite and beautifully sited. Located within the Crooked Run Valley Rural Historic District. 10 BRs/6.5 BAs. Behind the house are a pool, barns, paddocks and mature woodlands. John Coles | 540-270-0094

Marshall

addition to

classically beautiful brick manor house, ca. 1935, there is a stunning, newly constructed second home, both are perfectly sited for privacy and views. John Coles

Middleburg – New estate home ready for the most discerning buyer. Extraordinary living on three finished levels. Also: heated pool, fire pit, outdoor kitchen and 3 car

Middleburg – Restored to its 1900’s glory when owned by a founding member of American Foxhound Club and Master of PFH. Huntland is not just a name, but the very essence of the estate.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Middleburg – Situated just east of town, this extraordinary property is a sanctuary of natural beauty and refined living; yet offers easy access to Dulles and downtown Washington.

Cricket Bedford 540-229-3201

Upperville – This one-of-a-kind property is an exceptional value with breathtaking views; Other Structures: Garage(s), Guest House, Horse Stable, Fenced Paddocks and Run-in Shed.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

The moment you visit, you’ll feel a sense of belonging that makes you want to put down roots. In business since 1967, Thomas & Talbot’s number-one ranking in Horse Country comes as no surprise based on our long-standing relationships in the area. In addition to locating your perfect home, we introduce you and those you love to a most desirable way of life.

Rooted in Hunt Country: Gary Murray’s trIuMph throuGh art

Written by Shayda Windle

Alongtime resident of Middleburg, Gary Murray spent much of his childhood playing along the winding creeks and woods of Hunt Country, where he fished in streams and carved wooden figures while waiting for the fish to bite. Here in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Murray was first inspired by nature and his imagination blossomed, leading to the creation of many grand, pastoral vistas and landscapes. But childhood for Murray was not always so picturesque, and his art also captures the unsightly and unspoken sides of life: inequality, injustice, and disparities.

Undeterred by life’s trials, including the

Gary Murray. Roots | Page 23

Photos by Gracie Savage

daunting diagnosis of stomach cancer, Murray persists each day. He maintains a peaceful, resilient outlook on life and a warm smile that is truly infectious. “Everyone is creative. It is everywhere; you need to express it. If you don’t work on it, you’ll get overlooked,” he says. Being passed over isn’t a new experience for Murray. After growing up in foster care, he was adopted by a couple who resided in Middleburg, where he lived as a young child until, at age 12, he and his foster mother moved to Loudoun House, a public housing complex in Leesburg.

Murray’s resourcefulness and creativity gave him solace, peace, and joy while at Loudoun House. He would find and save pieces of materials that looked interesting to him — objects like hangers, cans, wood, or screws — which would later serve as dramatic details for his next masterpiece. “These are just things I get out of the trash,” Murray explains. But to the viewer, the rope becomes grass; a hanger is transformed into guitar strings; old gloves serve as hands in a jazz scene. Viewing Murray’s artwork in person is truly a remarkable experience, as the three-dimensional pieces come to life as sculptures.

Without direction or much support as a teen, Murray dropped out of Loudoun County High School when he was 15 and started working on construction crews while continuing to hone his artistic craft in his spare time. Despite a childhood of poverty and no formal art education, in the ‘90s Murray earned national acclaim as an artist. His work was featured in exhibitions throughout the country, including the Milton Art Museum in Massachusetts, the Boston Symphony Hall, as well as galleries and public buildings throughout Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Silver Spring, Roanoke, and Loudoun County.

Murray spent the ‘90s in various urban areas, including Boston, New York, parts of California, Leesburg, and Washington, D.C., before settling

in Baltimore. There, he purchased a Victorian-style rowhouse with his then wife and invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in renovations with plans to convert it into a cultural museum, classroom, and art gallery. Named The Urban Interior Museum, it was Murray’s lifelong dream: a museum that would be a place for inspiring both young people and aspiring artists. Despite efforts to develop a showcase space for his amazing body of work, the museum never opened due to stringent zoning laws. In a staggering setback, officials ordered Murray to remove all artwork from the walls of his home or risk being fined for selling and showing art out of his house.

In spite of his shattered aspirations for The Urban Interior Museum, he continued to create unique, multifaceted artwork and would exhibit across the D.C.-metro region. In a documentary about Murray’s art and life, co-producer John Weaver told The Washington Post that Murray “never received the recognition he deserved.”

Sadly, in 2012, Murray developed stomach cancer. The prognosis was bleak, with doctors predicting only a few months to live, and he was admitted to hospice care. But Murray refused to accept this fatalistic diagnosis. Drawing deeply on his faith and extraordinary determination, he fought for his life. Upon leaving hospice in Baltimore and returning to California, his health stabilized, and his cancer miraculously went into remission. He continued to paint and further develop his artistic style, and his art evolved with a complex array of symbolism and spiritual messaging, contributing to the profound and eclectic artwork he creates today.

A few years ago, Murray returned to his childhood home in Middleburg to care for his sick father. Shortly after his father passed away, Murray’s cancer returned, making it difficult to work and leading to financial hardship. His current home is without electricity or water, and he has

| Page 24 Roots | From page 22

Top: Music is a popular subject of Murray’s. Bottom: Vibrant colors and a variety of textures make the band jump off the canvas.

his art displayed throughout Loudoun County.

Roots | From page 23

no family or caregivers nearby to support him. Earlier this year, he found himself in need of assistance and contacted Tree of Life Ministries in Purcellville. Tree of Life volunteers went to visit Murray to deliver food. In his home, they discovered a large body of extraordinary artwork. Volunteer Susanne Horn has joined Murray in his recent journey, seeking opportunities to have

“It’s a blessing and honor to be able to help Gary,” Horn shares. “I was awestruck by the artwork we found when we first met him. He radiates a type of kindness, warmth, and peacefulness that is captivating. Gary’s life story is inspiring beyond measure and needs to be told. I would like to help him get the recognition and applause he deserves.”

With Horn’s help, Murray’s art has been exhibited at the Leesburg Town Hall and the Loudoun County Visitor Center. There has been so much interest in his artwork that volunteers and staff at Tree of Life are working on an exhibit for Murray this coming June at SimplyBe Coffee, a gospel enterprise of Tree of Life. Murray will have several works on display and an artist’s reception with the

date to be determined depending on his health. When asked about Murray’s art, Horn reflects, “The viewer becomes captivated by the rich colors and forms which tell a story that continuously unfolds… He brilliantly captures the pathos of the subject, painting emotive facial expressions and powerful backgrounds that speak volumes. One gets easily swept away by the extraordinary images memorialized in Murray’s art.”

Murray’s passion, dedication, and perseverance serve as reminders that even during the darkest and toughest moments, a person can leave a positive and enduring mark on this world. As the artist himself says, “The greatest form of expression that people can leave behind is art.” ML

Visit MiddleburgLife.com for more of Murray’s art, and follow along at tolministries.org/event/ gary-murray-artist-reception for updates on the artist’s reception.

Left: Horses make an appearance in the Hunt Country native’s work as well. Right: Technicolor birds make for a powerful focal point in his nature-inspired work.

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME AT THE THORNTON WALKER HOUSE

Written by Beth Rasin | Photos by Caroline Gray

On the first night that Lisa Ryan and her husband Jay Ryan spent in the historic Thornton Walker House in Unison, they heard clanking and pinging. After a few moments of careful listening — and maybe just a moment of pulling the covers up tighter — Jay realized

they were hearing hot water running through the baseboard heaters. They laughed off any thoughts of Revolutionary or Civil War ghosts, but when a house is close to three centuries old, its walls hold countless stories.

In the Thornton Walker House, built circa

1740, those stories might have taken place in the dining room, which was the field hospital during the 1862 Battle of Unison. The family room served as the town’s general store and post office in the 1800s, when Walker owned it, adding the Time | Page 27

“We were looking for something that had history, that had evolved over the years, that had been loved.” – Ryan

Left: A sitting room with plenty of historic accents. Middle: A writing desk is decorated with a unique collection of art and figurines. Right: Peek down the upstairs hallway to reveal equestrian touches.

Time | From page 26

brick section to the original log frame. Then, after a series of owners who cared for and updated it, in 2021, Jay Ryan would present the home to his wife, Lisa, as a Christmas present.

“We were looking for something that had history, that had evolved over the years, that had been loved,” Lisa Ryan shares.

The house reminded her of homes she’d admired in the English countryside, when she used to make regular trips to France and England.

Unison, she decided, was as close as she would come to owning a home in the same kind of quaint country village.

“I had looked at quite a few homes, and so many needed so much work,” she remembers. “This one just needed to be brought back to life, but the bones were so good — the chinking, fireplace, old wood floors, original glass, rimrocks, all the gardens. It just felt like it had been lived in and had a story to tell.”

They gutted the bathrooms, renovated the kitchen, and brought in modern appliances, cre-

“When people come to our home and community, there’s a sense of the simple life there used to be.” – Ryan

ating comfort while still showcasing the historical highlights.

“In the décor, we wanted it to look like it had grown with the house over time,” she says, adding that she gave a nod to equines but not hunting scenes. (Although she’s become an avid rider at the age of 63 and hopes to learn to foxhunt.)

Much of the experience of the home, she notes, is in its outdoor space and gardens, thanks in large part to former owner Angelberto Covarrubias, a horticulturist.

“All the trees in the yard are specific species of trees, and there are just thousands of peonies,” Ryan describes. “I’m an avid gardener, and to see all the flowers and perennials and peonies and trees blooming … was an added bonus and confirmation that this was where we were meant to be.”

The side courtyard functions as an outdoor living space when the Ryans visit once a month from their home in Dallas. “We’re always on that side patio having lunch, dinner, appetizers. All the neighbors walk by or go by on golf carts or bikes or horses, and they stop and end up on our side patio. That’s the type of community it is: a gathering place.”

Ryan has worked to ensure that the details are historically accurate, “staying in the real time of the house, not putting something in there that doesn’t work or fit with the fabric of the home,” she explains.

She’s about to remove the exterior siding and replace it with reproduced original siding. When

Time | Page 28

colors and natural

Top: The Thornton Walker House in Unison. Bottom left: The restored banister takes guests back in time. Bottom right: A bedroom with neutral

light is the perfect retreat.

“That house, if it could only tell me stories and share, I’d love to know. It does have a personality, but to me it stands strong, bold, and courageous, and has withstood the test of time.” – Ryan

Walker bought the home in the 1800s, chinking was a sign of poverty so he imported German shiplap, which is original on the upper part of the house. “On the new addition, the brick side of the house, there are taller ceilings, which was a sign of wealth back then,” Ryan notes.

Some of her favorite details include the handrail, which is hand-carved and dovetailed, and the original locks, with bars and brackets. The unique collectibles they’ve found — buttons, pieces of pipe, and other Civil War artifacts — are also on display, many of which were unearthed in a storm two years ago.

With all the elements in place, the home is now available for exclusive short-term rental. Ryan hopes her work to preserve the home’s heritage will enable guests to appreciate the importance of preserving Unison and Middleburg. “I want them to understand and appreciate history; they are standing on a battlefield,” she says.

The first day she owned the home, before it was even furnished, Ryan stopped and acknowledged the lives that had been lost in the battles there and promised she’d value that history.

“When people come to our home and community, there’s a sense of the simple life there used to be.” She continues, “They come and connect, and it’s an experience you don’t get every

day outside this part of the country. I hope they really value the simplicity and walk away with a greater understanding of the history of the property and the village.”

The Thornton Walker House has been a labor of love. As Ryan says, “That house, if it could only tell me stories and share, I’d love to know. It does have a personality, but to me it stands strong, bold, and courageous, and has withstood the test of time. That’s how I see that house, and yet at the same time it’s very inviting, safe, and simple.”

And, Ryan adds, no ghosts. ML Visit thorntonwalkerhouse.com to learn more about the property and rental opportunities.

Left: Angelberto Covarrubias has worked on the property for over 25 years. Middle: The house was built circa 1740 as indicated by an informative marker. Right: The outdoor shed is a gardener’s dream.

UCHS JUNIOR COMMITTEE RETURNS FOR ITS SOPHOMORE YEAR

Written by Kaitlin Hill

This June marks the 171st running of the Upperville Colt & Horse Show at the Grafton and Salem Farm showground. The event attracts equestrians at the highest levels of the sport from all over the world to compete in a prestigious list of events, including four new awards for the 2024 season. With 2,000-plus competitors, 20,000 or more spectators, and close to 100 vendors — not to mention the horses — the show is an impressive logistical feat dependent on a multitude of talented organizers and tireless volunteers.

Among those who help bring it all together and returning for their second year is the Upperville Colt & Horse Show Junior Committee, a group of young, local workers making their mark on the historic event.

The idea to have a Junior Committee was conceptualized and enthusiastically backed by Upperville Colt & Horse Show President Joe Fargis and Executive Director Emily Day.

“Our oldest is 18 and our youngest is 14,” says Hayley Alcock, executive assistant to Emily Day, of the group of 16 Junior Committee members. She continues, “During the horse show a few of them will assist Katie Carter with social media, interviewing riders, anything she needs from them. They help with the ribbons and awards, especially on Saturdays out at the polo field.”

She adds, “They also help with the boxes. We

have a vendor box, a grandstand box, a jumper box. They help manage those and make sure patrons are in the boxes reserved for them. They’ll also help in the office, renting out golf carts. They help with the FEI Jog. … And this year we hope they will be involved with Art Under the Oaks.”

An equestrian herself, Alcock says, “Working on the other side of a horse show is a huge eye-opener. It's really cool that these committee members are able to see a completely different side of the horse show. Some of them compete at the horse show, but it also gives those who aren't able to compete at Upperville but love the horse show a way to be a part of it, which I think is also really exciting.”

Irene Boehm is the 2024 Junior Committee president and a senior at Foxcroft. She echoes Alcock’s sentiments on the benefits of joining, adding, “There is a special atmosphere at Upperville that you can't find at any other venue. Being part of the Junior Committee is a great way to give back to a show that's created so many memories for me, and so many others as well.”

Preservation of the horse show is a motivator for Boehm, too. She says, “The younger generation is the future of many aspects of the equestrian world, especially historic shows as we are tasked with keeping the traditions alive. Getting juniors involved to ensure the continued excellence of Upperville and other historic horse

shows is truly important.”

Not only investing in the future of the show, Boehm believes that participating in the Junior Committee offers the opportunity to develop skills for members’ job prospects as well. She says, “There is an important aspect of leadership development and getting used to roles for [future] jobs, management roles, honestly in any field.” She finishes, “I am excited to be able to gain behind-the-scenes experience as a junior that will help shape my riding career in the future.”

Looking ahead, Boehm says, “I'm excited because I know there are a lot of girls next year who will be seniors [and] juniors in high school who have a lot to offer the committee.”

For those interested in joining, Boehm would strongly recommend it. “There are so many reasons why it's a great thing to do. … Coming together with the connection of a passion for horses and helping out the community is really special. That commonality brings us all together.” She continues, “And you get to meet a lot of amazing people — Punkin Lee, who is an Upperville legend, Joe Fargis, Hayley Alcock, and Emily Day. You get to meet the brains of the whole operation and the people who have made the show and horse world what it is today.” She finishes, “I am truly honored to be president this year and I look forward to observing the future of this committee.” ML

Left: The Upperville Colt & Horse Show grounds. Photo by Michael Butcher. Right: Irene Boehm. Photo courtesy of Irene Boehm.

Our Favorite Local Gifts for Father’s Day

Sunday Funday Swim Trunks, $115, Available at Highcliffe Clothiers

Mini Spirit Samplers, $3.50 - $5, Available at Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery

Drømme Zero-Proof Spirits with Adaptogens, $52, Available at Federal & Black

Lost Barrel Baseball Cap, $38, Available at Lost Barrel Brewing

BBQ Sauce, $10, Available at Middleburg Gourmet

Hand-Linked Heel & Toe Socks, made in the U.K., $29, Available at Country Classics

Shinola Watches, $595$1,450, Available at Brick & Mortar Mercantile

Ribbon Belts, $44.95 - $57, Available at The Lucky Knot

Dad Bod Shirt, $65, Available at Britches

JUNE LONG BRANCH

JUNE AT LONG BRANCH

JUNE AT LONG BRANCH

LONG BRANCH

and 5 baths, a fully finished walk-out basement with family room, bath, plus other rooms. Quality designed three stall barn with heated tack room, wash stall + above barn apartment. Enjoy mountain views and sunsets from two covered verandas.

COUNTRY HOMES, FARMS AND LAND

GATES Celebrating 27 years in Real Estate

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THE BYRNE GALLERY PRESENTS “SHENANDOAH SUMMER”

June 1 - 30 | thebyrnegallery.com

For June, The Byrne Gallery presents the “Shenandoah Summer” collection to celebrate the return of verdant pastures and fields to the Virginia landscape. The collection includes paintings by renowned Virginia painter Gerald Hennesy and newcomer to the gallery Katie Flack. There will also be a special reception on Saturday, June 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. and a gallery talk on Sunday, June 23, from 2 to 4 p.m.

LOUDOUN APPALACHIAN TRAIL FESTIVAL

June 8 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | loudounat.org

Come celebrate the longest and oldest marked footpath in the country: the Appalachian Trail. This year is the fifth annual Appalachian Trail Festival and it will be packed with activities like trail cooking, yoga for hikers, performances, exhibitions, enlightening talks, and more! The event is free for all.

PAWS & BRUSHES: PET PORTRAITURE CLASS WITH HEATHER CONNOLE

June 11 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | theartistsinmiddleburg.org

Learn to translate your pet’s unique personality into handmade art pieces with a pet portraiture class led by artist Heather Connole. Connole will provide a personalized experience to help artists of all skill levels develop their abilities and determine preferred mediums to depict their special companion in artistic forms. Tickets cost $135 and can be purchased through theartistsinmiddleburg.org.

A TOUR OF THE GARDEN AND GALLERY AT OAK SPRING

June 14 - 15 | 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | osgf.org

Take a self-paced walking tour of the beautiful garden at Oak Spring showcasing the legacy of designer, horticulturist, and philanthropist Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon. Selections from the “Fantastic Flora” and “Oak Spring: A Place to Grow” exhibitions will be on display. Tickets

are $75 and available for purchase on Eventbrite.

YOGA AND PASTRIES AT BLOOMING HILL LAVENDER FARM

June 15 | 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. | bloominghillva.com

Join Natalie from In Joy Yoga D.C. as she leads an all-level flow class from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the lavender fields of Blooming Hill Lavender Farm. The class will be followed by lavender-infused tea, coffee, and pastries served in the garden. No prior yoga experience is required, but be sure to bring your own mat. Tickets are $55 and available on Eventbrite.

PRIDE PARTY: DJ, DANCE, DRAG SHOW, & DELICIOUS WINE

June 15 | 2 to 5 p.m. | twotwistedposts.com

Celebrate Pride month at Two Twisted Posts Winery with drag performances, delicious wine, and food provided by the Taco Town

Calendar | Page 35

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Calendar | From page 34

food truck. There will also be a raffle from which a percentage of proceeds are donated to an LGBTQ+ youth charity. Tickets are available for $5 on Eventbrite.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION DINNER

June 19 | 6 to 9 p.m. | chloesofmiddleburg.com

Join Chloe’s of Middleburg and The Piedmont Club as they celebrate Juneteenth with an afternoon of shopping from 1 to 5 p.m. followed by a special dinner and wine pairing. Chef Pete Smith of Salamander Market will collaborate with Kindra Dionne of The Fifty Leven Collection to curate a locally-sourced menu highlighting African, Caribbean, and Southern flavors paired with fine wines. Tickets are $95 per person and available at chloesofmiddleburg.com

SUMMER

SOLSTICE FESTIVAL

June 22 | 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. | lostbarrel.com

Celebrate the official start of summer at Lost Barrel Brewing as they welcome in sun-filled weather with their new summer drinks, hat-making with Hatpin by Angie, charm necklaces and custom stamps from Harper Leigh Designs, permanent jewelry from Ransom Jewelry, and a variety of products from Enchanted Botanicals. There will also be live music by Elements of Kindred from 4 to 7 p.m. The event is free and requires no tickets.

BUTTERFLY WALK AT SWEET RUN

STATE PARK

June 29 | 1 to 2:30 p.m. | loudounwildlife.org

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Virginia Master Naturalist Anne Ellis will host a walk in Sweet Run State Park to observe and identify some of the 50-plus species of butterflies that are found during the summer. Registering on the

website is required but it is a free event.

“BLUEGRASS AND BBQ” AT MIDDLEBURG UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

June 30 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | middleburgvaumc.org

Get into the country spirit at Middleburg United Methodist Church with “Bluegrass and BBQ,” featuring Wally Hughes, Lisa Kay Howard, Shannon Bielski, and Robbie Benzing performing as Generations. The bluegrass music will start at 11 a.m. with a musical Sunday service including scriptural readings and prayers at 11:30 a.m. At 12:30 p.m. a barbecue lunch catered by Hammerdown BBQ will be served. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

For more Hunt Country events, visit MiddleburgLife.com or scan here:

Experiences Rich in Flavor

Indulge in vibrant and flavorful creations meticulously prepared with the finest locally sourced ingredients from Virginia’s Piedmont region.

As Northern Virginia’s newest Forbes Five-Star restaurant, every exquisite bite sets a new standard for culinary excellence.