Middleburg Life | April 2021

Volume 38 Issue 4 | April 2021 | middleburglife.com

MIDDLEBURG

LI F E CELEBRATING

38

YEARS OF MIDDLEBURG LIFE

The Revival of Fashion Remembering A Foxhunting Legend

GOOD READS: Prava’s Steeplechase and The Hunting Horn

Life & Style at Oak Spring Gardens

POSTAL CUSTOMER PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE ECRWSS PAID FREDERICKSBURG, VA PERMIT NO. 75 EDOM

S I M P LY B E T T E R .

MIDDLEBURG REAL ESTATE

2021 Closed Transactions: Year to Date MIDDLEBURG REAL ESTATE

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SHERIDAN-MACMAHON

THOMAS & TALBOT

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WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES

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LONG & FOSTER

HUNT COUNTRY SOTHEBY’S

Middleburg Real Estate has been proudly serving our Hunt Country community since 1939. Visit our site middleburgrealestate.com to see how the leading real estate firm in Middleburg is doing things differently - even now - so that you can have a better, simpler real estate experience. *Statistics taken from BrightMLS 1/1/2021 - 3/16/2021.

Transaction totals based on Middleburg office locations only.

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1 6 74 82

M I D D L E B U R G R E A L E S TAT E . C O M MIDDLEBURG | MARSHALL | PURCELLVILLE | LEESBURG | ASHBURN | CHARLES TOWN CORPORATE: 10 E WASHINGTON ST, MIDDELBURG, VA 20117 | 540.687.6321 | LICENSED IN VA + WV

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The Leading Middleburg Brokerage The numbers speak for themselves: Our Middleburg office is the number one firm in town.

Multiple Office Locations With sixstrategically placed offices across Loudoun, we’re well tied into the local market.

Strong Agent Presence Our 74 agents are full-time professionals, masters at their craft, who loyally serve the communities they love.

Nearly a Century of Experience Our legacy dates back to 1939. Our roots in Hunt Country are still a part of how we do business today.

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aislingbuilding.com | 36582 Leith Lane, Middleburg, VA 20117 justin@aislingbuilding.com | 703.389.3144 APRIL 2021

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MIDDLEBURG

ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR: Joanne Maisano

LI F E AP R . 2021

DIGITAL SALES & MARKETING SPECIALIST: Laura Luck DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR: Laticia Headings DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Nicky Marshok ON THE COVER Middleburg Life’s 38th anniversary cover, which features the new spring line designed by CHOCHENG, was photographed in Bunny Mellon’s green house and gardens at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Upperville, Va. The story highlights the lives of two working mothers who hail from rural beginnings, and today use their style platforms to help women across the region. Photo by Jennifer Gray, Jennifer Gray Calcagno Photography.

Read the story on page 8.

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PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Gray | editor@middleburglife.com COPY EDITOR: Chelsea Rose Moore

ON THIS PAGE The Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point races were held on March 20. Pictured is Bridge Builder, ridden by Erin Swope and trained by Eva Smithwick, racing next to Cocodimama, ridden

by Chloe Hannum and trained by Emily Hannum.

Chloe Hannum and Cocodimama won the Thomas and Virginia Beach Memorial Race. Photo by Joanne Maisano.

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Christian Bentley | christian@middleburglife.com ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Rebekah Greenhill | info@middleburglife.com Vicky Mashaw | vmashaw@middleburglife.com Jennifer Richards | jennifer@middleburglife.com Andrea Ryder | andrea@middleburglife.com

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CONTRIBUTORS Heidi Baumstark, Chelsea Moore, Kaitlin Hill, Victoria Peace, Shayda Windle, Sarah Hickner, and Lia Hobel.

ADVERTISE IN MIDDLEBURG LIFE Greenhill Media, LLC P.O. Box 328 Middleburg VA 20118-0328 540.687.5950 | info@middleburglife.com 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, Ashburn, Boyce, Delaplane, Dulles, Front Royal, Gainesville, Haymarket, Leesburg, Manassas, Marshall, Middleburg, Millwood, Paris, Purcellville, The Plains, Rectortown, Reston, Tysons, Upperville, Warrenton, Washington, D.C., and Winchester.

FIND US ON: Instagram @middleburglife Twitter @middleburglife Facebook.com/middleburglife

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Will Thomas VICE PRESIDENT

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MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS:

Ben and Tara Wegdam Bring Brick and Mortar to Middleburg Story and Photos by Kaitlin Hill

W

ith a slew of popular retail spots across the East Coast, the owners of West Federal Retail, Ben and Tara Wegdam, have a talent for pairing curated product lines with unusual finds. In Middleburg, you’ll find their take on elegant table settings, trendy accessories, women’s clothing, and a little of everything in between at Crème de la Crème, Lou Lou, and Zest.

This spring, they will expand their emporium empire with Brick and Mortar, set to open on Washington Street in early May. As their fourth store in Middleburg and third Brick and Mortar outpost, it promises to highlight their years of experience in retail, uniquely Dutch sense of humor, and attention to local products and community support.

The Wegdam’s aptitude for business is the result of a strong family background in the industry.

“We both have parents that work in retail,” Ben says. “My dad was big in grocery stores and Tara’s parents had boutique retail locaBen and Tara Wegdam.

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tions in Tennessee.”

The entrepreneurial-inclined duo combined forces in Ben’s native Netherlands.

“We met in Europe 20 years ago,” Ben says. “We were both in school and somehow Tara ended up in the Netherlands with me.

When she came over, we started a small store in The Hauge.”

Tara operated the retail store while Ben worked for the Dutch grocery company Ahold Delhaize, the parent company of U.S.based brands Food Lion, Giant Food, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop. After eight years, Ben’s company offered an opportunity stateside, and Tara and the retail store followed.

“The company wanted to open a headquarters in Chantilly, Virginia,” Ben says.

“So, we packed up Tara’s store, threw it all in a container, and six weeks later it arrived in Marshall, Virginia where she bought a little house.”

Her flagship shop, Crème de la Crème, landed in Middleburg in 2000 before expand-

ing into Frederick, Maryland and Richmond, Virginia. Following the success of Crème de la Crème, the husband-and-wife team added accessory-focused Lou Lou to their list of brands, opening just across the street. In 2017, they added women’s clothing store Zest, also in downtown Middleburg. The Wegdam’s went on to open over 30 stores up and down the Eastern Seaboard.

With an already impressive retail résumé, the Wegdam’s installed their fourth concept, Brick and Mortar, in Leesburg in 2019.

“It just came to us one day,” Tara says. “We sat down and thought about, what do people want? Why do people stop and shop in stores?

Most people are investing in quality, in something that is sustainable. They are willing to pay a little bit more for something that is better. So, we thought, what if we combine that with some sort of entertainment factor, with some really funny things?”

Brick | Page 5

Brick | From page 4 “Everything needs to have a story,” Ben says. “They need to be interesting products.

So, it’s either American-made, locally made, funny, interesting, naughty, or useful. That is what Brick and Mortar is all about.”

The Wegdam’s opened a second Brick and Mortar Mercantile in Frederick, Maryland, and in May, they will open a third location in the old Southern States building in Middleburg.

Like their first two locations, the Washington Street branch will be stocked with products Tara describes as “pretty classic but some of it is crazy.”

Shoppers will find timeless American name brand products like Stetson hats, Filson outerwear, Blundstone boots, and Shinola watches, alongside drinkware with witty inscriptions, candles with swearwords in the scent descriptions, and socks with sewn-in sentiments, highlighting the Wegdam’s Dutch sense of humor.

“There is this whole Dutch sense of humor that is really specific,” Tara says. “They like to push it to the line, but it is never super offensive. They tend to be pretty open-minded and liberal thinking people. They are pretty accepting of all views. I think that helps with the whole concept. We’re not making fun of your views, we are making fun of everyone.”

In addition to the combination of classic cool and comedic relief that drives the selection of Brick and Mortar’s offerings, there is also a deep-seeded desire to support the community and entertain customers. These are two concepts the Wegdam’s believe go handin-hand.

“When you come in, we’ll have the piano in there, some parakeets in there, we’ll have local vendors that will get to do their thing,” Ben says. “We’ll even offer you a beverage at some point. There will be fun music going on.

We are applying for our ABC license, so we can serve wine and beer. We’ll be featuring a local line, and work with local breweries to

sell their stuff. Any local vendor, anybody that makes anything that’s interesting and fun, we are very interested in.”

“And we don’t take a percentage, we just like them to be there,” Tara says. “It is really something for the community.”

The Wegdam’s are most excited to fill a town vacancy and contribute to a place that means so much to them.

“The building has been empty for two or three years, I believe,” Ben says. “So, we are looking forward to opening the doors and getting people excited to come look at it.”

“I love that building,” Tara says. “I love that space. I love that end of town. I think [Brick and Mortar] will just add a whole new dimension to the town.”

As for the grand opening in May, the Wegdam’s are planning something, they just aren’t sure what yet. Whatever they do, it is likely to reflect the spirit of Brick and Mortar — stylish, entertaining, and like Ben and Tara, undeniably fun. ML

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GEORGETOWN $18,000,000 The Penthouse, Residences at Ritz Carlton, Washington, DC Mark C. Lowham +1 703 966 6949 Matt McCormick +1 202 365 5883

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SPRING VALLEY $2,990,000 5115 Rockwood Parkway NW, Washington, DC Michael Rankin +1 202 271 3344

LITTLE WASHINGTON CONTRACT PENDING $795,000 509 Main Street, Washington, VA Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680

RIDGELEA SOLD $3,800,000 8362 Holtzclaw Road, Warrenton, VA | 184 acres Will Thomas +1 202 607 0364

The Plains Brokerage 6474 Main Street, The Plains, VA | +1 540 212 9993 | ttrsir.com B RO K E RAG ES : G EO RG E TOW N , D C • D OW N TOW N , D C •

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From Hunt Country to the District and What Keeps Them Coming Back

These Style Inf luencers Are More Than Pretty Faces

Story and Photos by Jennifer Gray Featuring the SS21 spring line presented at NYFW and designed by CHOCHENG Hats provided by Tri-County Feeds The Creative Team: Photography by Jennifer Gray Styling by Elisabeth Pendergrass and Jennifer Gray Make-up by Ally Lawrence Beauty Pie Artistry/Ash Salon Hair by Michelle Lay, Ash Salon

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A

s we entered the towering gates of Bunny Mellon’s garden at Oak Spring in Upperville, Va., it felt as if we had stepped into a storybook or another dimension. We were giddy to be in such a fascinating and historical place to shoot Middleburg Life’s 38th anniversary cover, which features the new spring line designed

by CHOCHENG. Coming from rural equestrian beginnings, Elisabeth Pendergrass and Brittany Wells are two working moms using their social platforms in different ways to inspire women across the region.

“I begged my parents to send me to Foxcroft — the idea of being able to ride every day and have my horse at school was pure heaven!”

Pendergrass, a Middleburg Foxcroft alumna, says. She flashed an emerald green ring at me during our photoshoot at Oak Spring Garden Foundation, the former home of the Mellons, proudly noting, “Bunny Mellon was a Foxcroft alumna as well, so I wore my Foxcroft ring in her honor today.”

Pendergrass’ mother, also a rider, exposed her to the equestrian world from a very young age.

“I started out doing hunters and eventually found my niche in combined training and foxhunting,” she says. “I love the adrenaline rush of cross country jumping!”

For Wells, her childhood memories are filled with days spent on the family farm near Charlottesville, Va. “I frequented my grandfather’s farm and spent my summers there with my cousins, going camping, fishing, hiking, and riding 4 wheelers,” she says.

Her grandfather was a cattle trader and raised horses, goats, and various birds, including turkeys, emus, swans, ducks, and chickens.

“My grandfather is an animal whisperer, and I know my love for nature, horses, and animals of all breeds stems from him,” Wells says.

Trading in their boots for heels, Pendergrass and Wells are both currently living closer to the district for work and school.

Pendergrass lives with her husband and son in Arlington, Va., where she works full-time as a marketing director. “I’m married Style | Page 10

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Style | From page 9 with a little boy and, even though the past few months have been tough, I’m really grateful for all of the time we’ve gotten to spend together as a family and our adventures in the country!” she says.

Her creative outlet is her fashion and lifestyle blog known as “District of Chic,” where she writes about style and food, and gives travel advice for the perfect weekend getaways.

“My goal since the beginning has been to inspire women to be creative with their wardrobes and invest in quality pieces they’ll love for years,” Pendergrass says. “I’ve become passionate about sustainability. With all the waste and pollution created by the fashion industry, I feel it’s important to use my platform to promote responsible shopping.”

Wells and her daughter Olivia currently reside in Fairfax, Va., so she can be close to Georgetown University, where she studies International Relations.

“In life, I wear many hats,” she says. “In addition to my career in human resources, I am a mother, a yogi, a student, a writer, a model, and advisor for non-profits centered around empowering women philanthropists.”

Through her modeling, she supports designers and brands that produce sustainably and ethically-made products. At Georgetown University, she is working towards becoming a strong force and policy change-maker in the fight against human trafficking.

“I serve on the advisory committee for Karana Rising, a non-profit that supports and empowers survivors in their growth and healing,” she says. “There are currently 20-45 million victims presently enslaved across the world; that number is shocking and horrific.”

Wells reaches her audience through her platform brittnoelle. co.

“As a 34-year-old independent woman raising a daughter, I find it incredibly empowering to know that I have the power to Style | Page 11

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Style | From page 10 make a difference in the world through education, writing, and utilizing my platforms for purpose and for good, and that is the most phenomenal feeling in the world,” she says.

While the city keeps these women busy during the week, Pendergrass and Wells regularly visit Hunt Country, and both have their children in riding lessons. Pendergrass says her old competition horse has now become a school horse for her son. Wells takes her daughter Olivia to riding lessons twice a week, and recently got back into riding herself.

When asked about their favorite places to frequent in Hunt Country, Pendergrass reveals a few favorites: “Picking up a picnic at the Locke Store and going for a walk around Blandy Experimental Farm; or fishing in the little pond and hiking at Sky Meadows. We also look forward to perusing the wares at the Waterford Fair and checking out all the heritage breed animals at Ayrshire Farm’s open house. During non-COVID times, we host a tailgate at Fall Gold Cup.” “One of my favorite things to do is spend the day at wineries and pop into local antique shops to find unique vintage jewelry,” Wells says. “I love to shop and eat locally, and Middleburg has much to offer in that aspect.” ML

“One of my favorite things to do is spend the day at wineries and pop into local antique shops to find unique vintage jewelry,” Wells says. “I love to shop and eat locally, and Middleburg has much to offer in that aspect.”

About CHOCHENG: Parsons graduate CHOCHENG is known for his signature tailoring with fans, including Nicole Kidman, Janet Jackson, and the late Nancy Reagan who supported the label from its inception. A premium womenswear designer label launched in 2010, CHOCHENG operates direct to consumer through retail and e-commerce with a flagship store on Fifth Avenue, making him the first Asian designer to open in this location. Bringing a rich colour palette to soft tailoring following traditional Savile Row techniques, CHOCHENG is consistently inspired by iconic women of film from the 1920s to 1980s with each show telling the story of an impactful moment in time, transporting the audience to another era. Cho has dedicated himself and his namesake brand to environmentally conscious manufacturing and cruelty-free fashion. Sustainability is at the heart of Cho’s business model. All fabrics are natural and carefully sourced from heritage suppliers in the UK. Learn more at CHOCHENG.com, on Instagram @CHOCHENG, or Facebook facebook. com/CHOCHENG.

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W E A R E P L E A S E D T O W E L CO M E

Sharon Brown TO OU R FIRM

Welcome Home S H A R O N B R OW N 703-472-3686 sharon.brown@wfp.com

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“M o n e y f o r N o t h i n g ” The song “Money for Nothing” was released in 1985 by Dire Straits. Mark Knopfler wrote it with a bit of help from Sting. You may wonder how this is remotely related to anything financial; bear with me a moment. The story is that Knopfler wrote the song about “rock star excess” and the easy life it brings. I.E., there was so much money flowing around for rock stars that it was almost like it was “free.” I won’t go into what was free.

Who would have thought a year ago that we would be where we are today from an economic standpoint? Regardless of your political bent, you can’t argue with the fact that the markets shot out of 2020 as if they were fired from a cannon. The S&P 500 finished with a gain of 16.3%, and the Nasdaq soared to a 43.6% gain by the end of 2020. I don’t think anyone saw that coming back in March when we saw the indexes at their lowest. As I write this, the S&P has rebounded over 76% from the trough. The government is throwing money at people and employers through stimulus checks, PPP loans, and other measures. From a fiscal stimulus standpoint, the Fed dropped both the federal funds rate and the discount rate down to .25%. There we are. I brought it home, “Money for Nothing.”

What does all this mean going forward? Businesses and individuals alike have taken advantage of all of this free money and have invested in themselves, refinanced business and personal debt, refinanced mortgages, car loans, and the like. All of this puts more money into the economy. While GDP certainly took a hit mid pandemic, some estimates are now calling for as much as an 8% GDP in 2021. Incredible.

Why am I telling you all of this? Because it’s interesting to look back and see what can happen in a year, how the market and the economy can be completely rocked (and not in the Dire Straits’ context) and come back with a bang. It’s a reminder that a sound investment philosophy and plan will weather the storm. I’m sure you have heard the old refrain, “Time in the market, not market timing,” is what wins the day. This is applicable now, and it was applicable in March of 2020. How many of you didn’t listen to your advisor back in February or March of 2020 and “got out?” Whether it was because you were afraid of the election? Or perhaps because you were sure this global pandemic was going to bring down the global capital markets for good?

I’m not in the business of forecasting the markets and firmly believe no amount of research can be a substitute for owning a globally diversified portfolio, in our case, of index funds. If you don’t have an enduring investment philosophy and financial plan in place, then there is no time like the present.

To bring it home yet again, most rock stars these days have financial advisors.

Tom Wiseman

Lucy Zimmerman

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She Went From NYC Fashion To A Find out where this entrepreneur found her happy place

Written by Chelsea Rose Moore | Photos by Olivia McLaughlin of Wild Light Photos | Styling by Abigail Ludwig

F

or Elyse Smith, fashion runs in her blood. Her mother, Vashti, who owned a flower shop in Great Falls and worked as the fashion coordinator for Saks Fifth Avenue, played a large role in shaping Smith’s view of fashion.

“My mom took me to New York City and took me to all the big department stores when I was 11,” Smith said. “It was magical.

She would bring me home a VHS of runway shows when I was a little kid. She’s added to my entrepreneurial spirit through her creativity and being able to express that through merchandising. And she does all the flowers in my shop.”

Smith attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City and worked in fast fashion with major department stores in the city.

“After a while, I felt like I was doing more

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harm than good in the fashion side of the world,” she said. “Kind of on a whim, I left New York City.”

She moved back to Northern Virginia and asked the owner of The Organic Butcher of McLean, Va., for a job. She knew nothing about butchery, so the owner said no. Then, she begged him.

“I said, ‘I’ll just sweep the floor and learn the field,’” she said. “They ended up giving me the job, and in six or seven years, I ended up running the whole place. I met artisans and farmers and people who were super passionate about growing the creative field and doing everything the right way. They were making sure their agriculture was regenerative and making sure it adds more to the field than it takes out.”

After a while, she began to miss getting Fashion | Page 15

Fashion | From page 14

“The fashion industry is one of the biggest culprits of waste,” she said.

“Let’s try to talk with our pocketbooks and [find] the most ethical ways to spend money.” - Smith

dressed up and wearing beautiful things every day. She started to look to the fashion industry again, but this time, on her own terms.

Muz & Rose, named after her two grandmothers, was birthed from this season. With a strong desire for sustainability and community, Smith opened her Leesburg store in June 2020.

Far more than just a women’s boutique, Muz & Rose offers a little something for everyone, young and old. Filled with beautifully curated goods and garments, the shop features items produced by local makers and high quality second-hand products. From reusable cotton rounds, dryer balls, and wool dusters, Smith is committed to sustainability in everything she stocks.

“The fashion industry is one of the biggest culprits of waste,” she said. “Let’s try to talk with our pocketbooks and [find] the most ethical ways to spend money. We try to carry as many zero waste products as we can.”

The early 2000s was “the height of fast fashion,” Smith said. “That was what we got used to.”

Sweaters from popular stores like Forever 21 would pill or fall apart within a few weeks.

But Smith believes we can do better. She stocks garments made from natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, and silk and carries both well-made second-hand clothing and new clothing from slow fashion companies.

“We try to be as inclusive as possible,” she said. “Especially in the vintage and pre-loved department, we stock sizes extra-small to 3X.” Most slow fashion companies are based online, which means customers can’t try on clothes or feel the fabric in person. But at Muz & Rose, you can.

“Our fitting room area is really big; you can try on outfits, have some fun, and hang out,” she said. “I like touching and feeling and making sure it’s a garment that will last for more than one season. We are an eco-conscious boutique with a community focus.”

She offers workshops, events, and front porch pop-ups featuring local makers. Last winter, she hosted a wreath-making workshop, and she’s planning a clay earring workshop for the summer.

Her goal is to be an incubator for up-andcoming brands.

Muz & Rose stocks used records and books, Virginia-made jewelry, and apothecary products from women-owned businesses. The store’s walls are adorned with art from local artists. Smith also offers a buy, sell, trade

program. Clients must make appointments in advance, and she’s currently sourcing clothing for spring and summer.

“I do believe wholeheartedly that you can make sustainably sourced goods and be a little easier on the pocketbook,” she said. “You can come here, and you can know that you are shopping sustainably and know that it’s not going to hurt your pocketbook.”

Through her shop, Smith desires to cultivate “a harkening back to the old days,” when products were made to last for generations and there was a stronger focus on community. She hopes her shop will serve as a beacon for living sustainably and fostering community — both today and in the days to come. ML Muz & Rose is open seven days a week. Find them at 3 Loudoun St. SW, Leesburg, Va. Shop online and pick up in store or have items shipped to you, but don’t miss the experience of stepping inside the beautifully curated shop and finding a unique treasure.

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THE THRILL OF THE STEEPLECHASE:

CHILDREN’S BOOK CAPTIVATES HORSE LOVERS OF ALL AGES Written by Shayda Windle

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Prince William County sheriff ’s deputy is probably the last person you would envision creating a children’s storybook about steeplechasing. But T.C. “Reggie” Williams isn’t your typical sheriff.

Growing up in Rappahannock County, he was an athlete from the get-go, and excelled so much in high school baseball that he received the nickname “Reggie” after Hall of Fame right fielder Reggie Jackson. In addition to his love of baseball, he became a fan of steeplechasing after being introduced to Pete Aylor, one of just two black trainers on the steeplechase circuit at the time. Aylor took Williams under his wing, escorting him behind the scenes at the Foxfield races near Charlottesville.

These early experiences taught Williams the importance of youth involvement in T.C. “Reggie” Williams. Photo by Joanne Maisano.

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“I wanted to help kids get out of that vicious cycle and find their way in life.”

much tragedy as a law enforcement officer

a difference in children’s lives and began mentoring youth.

“I wanted to help kids get out of that vicious cycle and find their way in life,” Williams says. He realized that a sturdy upbringing was critical to keeping at-risk youth away from criminal activity and downward spirals.

“All kids are at risk, it doesn’t matter your background,” he says. “Some, not all, are kids from broken homes, mostly boys, but not all … some black, but not all, many living with single moms who are trying to make it, working two, three jobs. These are kids with no positive male role model in their lives. I provide that stability, and I think it takes a man to raise a man.”

In 2019, Williams decided to take things

made Williams decide he wanted to make

Steeplechase | Page 19

— Williams sports and the connection between these events and becoming a confident, resilient adult — one that would live a life free from crime and all that comes with it. Seeing so

Steeplechase | From page 18 further by establishing T.C. Williams Youth Sports Camps, an international nonprofit for underprivileged children, designed “to discover the inner and outer strength you can get from playing sports.”

“We hold mini day camps to enable and foster this enhanced era of inclusion for all kids,” Williams says. “The mission is to build and fine tune skills, sportsmanship, character, confidence, resilience and community through sports, education and mentoring programs, which improves life skills and keeps kids out of trouble.”

Rekindling His Love of the Steeplechase Virginia Racing Commission rules required a secure stable area for Gold Cup pari-mutuel meets. Four years ago, Great Meadow was looking for a stable superintendent, and they tapped Williams because of his unique skill set. With his background as a horseman, law enforcement officer, and youth volunteer, Williams was the natural choice. After beginning his work as a security officer at Great Meadow, Williams’ love of the steeplechase had been rekindled.

Then last summer, Williams was asked to attend a race in Saratoga Springs, New York.

When the jockey, Michael Mitchell, hopped on the horse, “Fast Car,” who Williams said “needed constant attention, he noticed the

About the Author Englishman, Michael Mitchell, is a jockey on the National Steeplechase Circuit. He has raced horses around the world.

jockey talking to it as if he was the horse.”

Williams continued listening to this conversation between Michael and the horse, realizing how much it calmed the horse. It dawned on him that this conversation created a special connection between the two, and he felt as though a story had been born.

After the race, Williams spotted Michael in the barn area, and approached him about

the idea of creating a story from the experiences that day. Williams wanted to create a book that would be for children about a steeplechase race “through the eyes of a horse.”

Michael agreed to write the story and Williams would do the rest.

“Prava’s Steeplechase Adventure” is a positive story about a horse who is excited to attend the races with his “friends.” Although he doesn’t win the race, he exclaims how he was “so pleased with [his] efforts and very proud that my friend won. I was so happy!”

The book exudes positive messages of sportsmanship and confidence in one’s own skills, something that every child should hear.

The book is cleverly illustrated by children involved in T.C. Williams Youth Sports Camp initiative, and includes images from kids all over the world. All book proceeds are split between T.C. Williams Youth Sports Camp and the National Steeplechase Foundation.

The book can be purchased on Amazon.

When asked what’s in store for the future, Williams revealed that a sequel to “Prava’s Steeplechase Adventure” is slated for release in October. Williams loved the process so much that he’s working on another children’s storybook, “Capo Kane,” about a horse who overcame self-doubt during a horse race and went on to be a success. Both books will also include illustrations by children and will be available for purchase on Amazon. ML

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NE

100 acres $8,495,000 Middleburg – 22 elegant rooms and 9 fireplaces, all superbly detailed and beautifully appointed.. Brilliant gardens surround the heated pool. Fabulous 11 stall stone stable with 2 staff apartments.

Riding ring and green house.

Bolinvar

130 acres $6,150,000 Rich in history, Glen Ora, ca. 1815 is the epitome of a very private and charming Hunt Country Estate, restored and renovated for today’s lifestyle. In the Orange County Hunt Territory, the estate features courtyard stables and gorgeous views.

Glen – Ora

Hunt Country Estate v 104 acres $4,900,000 Bluemont – Estate includes lush pastures with spectacular mountain views. Features 9000 sq ft of elegant living space, a pond, pool & spa, guest house, an apartment over the 4 bay garage, 6 stall stable & paddocks, all in an idyllic setting!

181 acres $4,500,000 Upperville – Impeccably restored brick manor house, ca. 1844. Perennial gardens and orchard, guest house with theatre, guest/pool house, pool, 2 tenant houses, 5 bay garage, workshop, 2 ponds, fenced fields and paddocks.

Mary Ann McGowan | 540-270-1124

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Mary Ann McGowan | 540-270-1124

John Coles | 540-270-0094

T ER AC D R UNNT O C

Fort Valley Rd

Spring Hill

ED V O E PR RIC M P I

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Poe’s Run

The Orchard

148+ acres $2,964,000 Two lots of land for sale in the heart of Rappahannock county. The smaller parcel (Tax ID 54-28C) sits on 49.6 acres and the larger lot (Tax ID 54-29) encompasses 98.6 acres. This land offers privacy and is located minutes from Sperryville.

20 Acres $2,250,000 The Plains – A charming setting for its main residence, accessory dwelling and it’s office/gathering house, with stone walls, gardens, pastures, pond and pool. Below the guesthouse is a 4 stall stable with it’s own parking area and driveway.

50 acres $2,000,000 Flint Hill – Charming historic home, ca.

1700’s with spectacular landscaping designed by James van Sweden - gardens, terraces, stone walls and pool. 3 stall barn, paddocks and pastureland along the Jordan River. Property has Exceed internet.

4.82 acres $1,850,000 Middleburg – Largest residential parcel “in town!” Built by late master builder WJ Hanback. 3/4 BRs, 3 full BAs. Includes spiral staircase, built-ins, hardwood floors and fireplaces. Fenced garden, extensive landscaping, pond and mature trees.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

John Coles | 540-270-0094

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

ED V O E PR RIC IM P

Five Forks Farm

APR 2021

Deerfield Farm

39+ acres $1,100,000 Woodville – Charming home with log walls and exposed beams. Convenient to Culpeper, Warrenton, Little Washington, Shenandoah National Park, Sperryville and Luray. Nature lovers paradise. 8 stall barn and a small guest house.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Ashby Gap Trading Post

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LAND – Boyce

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209 Sycamore St.

10 acres $819,000 Amazing opportunity! 3,170 sq. ft. building.

Commercial use (service/retail)permitted.

Frontage on Route 50. High visibility, ample parking. Includes 4 bedroom house and cleared building site. 3 DURs. May be divided. Work where you live.

7 acres $765,000 Boyce – Great investment opportunity.

This commercial lot on the crossroad of two highways is certain to increase in value. Endless commercial uses allowed.

Super find in protected Clarke County.

Priced at current appraisal value.

$679,000 Just like new, this wonderful house was taken down to the studs and rebuilt. New everything - roof, windows, doors, siding, insulation, plumbing, electrical and flooring. Rooms were reconfigured with two additions. New spaces allow for a light

Emily Ristau | 540-454-9083

Rein duPont | 540-454-3355

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so w

m i d d l eAllbPages urglife.com • APRIL 2021 20ML_DoubleTruck.indd

INVEST IN A HEALTHIER WAY OF LIFE

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Carrington Land

White Oak FArm

410+ acres $4,310,000 This spectacular 410 acres of land consist of rolling fields, lush woodlands, streams, a small pond, and mountain land. The 6 tax parcels which comprise the 410 acres are protected under a conservation easement which allows for a maximum of 4 divisions.

93+ acres $3,800,000 Middleburg – 1st time offering of this wonderful ‘Hanback built’ home with spectacular Blue Ridge Mtn views. 5 BR / 5.5 BAs. 4 fireplaces, hardwood floors & mature landscaping. 2 BR / 1 BA tenant house, 6 stall barn w/paddocks. 2 ponds.

Will Driskill | 540-454-7522

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

Stone Haven

Sonehouse Stables

158 acres $1,695,000 Woodville – Historic Stone residence, c.1791 with additional stone cottage for guests. Beyond the home, is a charming restored 2 BR log cabin. Gardens, lawn, barns, paddocks and tremendous ride out potential provide an outdoor haven.

16+ acres $1,195,000 Warrenton – Horse property with history dating back to land grants, the main home, ca. 1790. 10 stall barn, 5 bay machine shed, 2 car garage, 4 paddocks and grass riding ring, making this an ideal property for a horse enthusiast.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

John Coles | 540-270-0094

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We’re here to show you the Hunt Country way of life with social distancing in mind.

107C Federal Court

20+ acres $550,000 Travel a tranquil country road to arrive at this wooded parcel tucked into the Bull Run Mountains. A massive rock ledge at the top overlooks a cleared building site surrounded by mature trees. Minutes to the town of The Plains or Middleburg.

Approx 1350 sq. ft. $405,000.00 Middleburg – Internet Available: Comcast with speeds up to 1000Mbps. Currently divided into 4 offices, reception room, storage, kitchenette and ½ bath. Three Assigned parking spaces. Zoning C-3, Town of Middleburg.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

Rebecca Poston | 540-771-7520

warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

Step outside and take a deep breath. Give thanks for the fresh air, the vast skies and the gorgeous landscapes.

In Hunt Country, we are grateful for the open spaces and majestic landscapes that surround us. We are constantly reminded how lucky we are to live this healthy and peaceful way of life. If you’re interested in seeing one of our properties, contact Thomas & Talbot today.

2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 Office: 540-687-6500 | thomasandtalbot.com

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4:16 PM

THE HUNTING HORN:

It’s Not A Fox Hunt Without One Written by Shayda Windle

I

f it’s true what they say about a fox hunt not being one without a horn, then “The Hunting Horn: What to Know and How to Know It” by Grosvenor Merle-Smith may be just the book you need. More than a fully-illustrated coffee table book, “The Hunting Horn” is an extensive resource covering the history of the English hunting horn from the 18th century to the present-day. The oneof-a-kind book about the English tool of the trade is written by long-time foxhunting aficionado Grosvenor Merle-Smith, who grew up in Middleburg where his love of foxhunting was nurtured.

A six-time descendent of Martha Washington on his mother’s side, Merle-Smith is about as American as they come. He spent his youth living on campus at the Foxcroft School, where his father served as headmaster.

“In those days, the school was much more equestrian-focused,” he says. “Some of my oldest memories are of hounds, horses, and riders. I recall very clearly certain images, complete with sounds, smells and excitement of a hunt meet. So, hunting and a number of aspects of the sport have always been with me.”

It’s his love of the hunt that has taken him on journeys from Middleburg to Colorado, to Ireland, and back again. Merle-Smith collected dozens of English hunting horns along the way, and eventually became curious enough about their history to begin researching them.

But the more he searched for answers, the less he was able to find. His investigation into the history of hunting horns left him wanting to learn more.

“Throughout my research, time and time again, a new horn would show up representa-

tive of yet another business that I had not yet discovered,” he says. “As the years went by, the body of information became significant, and after a few folks suggested that a book might be a good idea, I finally warmed up to the concept. Of course, I wrongly assumed that the lion’s share of work to produce a great book had already been expended. I talked to my publisher five years ago and told him I’d need as much as another month to tie up loose ends. Just goes to show how wrong a fellow can be!”

The book features 200 different horns from 80 different companies. In the forward, Patrick Anthony Leahy, President of the Masters of Foxhounds, writes, “Every avid hunter cherishes each and every call. You can’t have a fox hunt without it. It is clearly a valued tradition of the sport.”

The 288-page book about a seemingly simple instrument boasts an ancestry far more detailed than one might think. Merle-Smith has captured the historical intricacies that make for an engaging read whether or not one carries a horn, rides behind one who does, or has never even heard one blown in the heat of the chase.

Left: “The Hunting Horn: What to Know and How to Know It” by Grosvenor Merle-Smith. Right: Grosvenor Merle-Smith.

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Hunting | Page 23

Hunting | From page 22 The book includes pages on the construction of a metal horn, and insights about how to spot a real horn from a fake one.

“Genuine hunting horns are a tool of the trade as opposed to decorative trinkets, and consequently are well crafted,” Merle-Smith explains in the book. “Most real hunting horns speak with an attention to detail and quality. There are a number of things that quickly identify decorative horns. Most will look and feel cheap. Almost all decorative horns have a flat or shallow mouthpiece, often with sharp edges, that is virtually impossible to blow.”

When asked how he chose which horns to include in the book, he says, “I tried to find well marked examples from every era of every company. Then, if I had an example with the provenance of a notable owner or story, I included it in the book.”

“Every avid hunter cherishes each and every call. You can’t have a fox hunt without it. It is clearly a valued tradition of the sport.”

— Merle-Smith

“Hunting horns can be divided into three categories,” Merle-Smith writes in his book.

“The first grouping would be natural animal horns, or an arcuate copy thereof [….] The second category to be delineated would be generally larger coiled metal instruments, such as found used in Europe today […] My third category would be this resulting small, short, and generally straight metal instrument that we consider the English hunting horn.”

Complete with a glossary of terms for fox hunting aficionados, this book reveals every detail you need to know about hunting horns, their evolution, and manufacturing history. Don’t let those decorative horns fool you. Pick up your copy of “The Hunting Horn: What to Know and How to Know It” today, and immerse yourself in the call of the hunt. The book may be purchased through Dementi Books. ML

Above: Inside the book. Bottom: Merle-Smith on the hunt.

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203 Harrison Street Leesburg, Virgina 20175

“Fair Oaks”

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Own your own country on nearly 500 acres. You can ride all day on your open pastures and wooded trails, around your two ponds, along strong Beaverdam Run - lord of all you survey - and then some. Hard - to - find large acreage. Fair Oaks C. 1838 is centered on nearly 500 acres of beautiful rolling hunt country. The true Virginia country house has high ceilings and gleaming old pine floors and views in every direction, situated at the end of a long, paved drive offering ultimate privacy. Long road frontage on Springs Road and Myers Mill Road. There is a 10 stall stable and other farm buildings. All buildings have new roofs within the last 2 years. There is a 5 bedroom 3 bath managers cottage and the charming Hill Cottage needs restoration but is believed to date to the 1780’s. The farm is one half mile to the Fauquier Springs Country Club with 18 holes of golf, swimming pool, lighted tennis courts and restaurant and 6 miles from historic Warrenton. The Rappahannock River runs along the golf course. Farm yields substantial income and owner will consider owner financing. Property is in a VOF easement and land use. $4,850,000 - Exclusive with Allen Real Estate

Joe Allen, Broker 540-229-1770

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BEYOND THE RACES:

Loudoun Milliner Shares The Art Of Hats Written by Lia Hobel Photos by Megan Spurrier Photography

W

ith the Virginia Gold Cup on the horizon, spectators know that outfits and elaborate headgear are just as important as the main event — especially for the ladies. But don’t settle too quickly for just any hat. Millinery, after all, is a specialized craft — an art that continuously changes in trends, style, and material.

Fortunately, there’s a local milliner who stays up to date on the latest hat fashion, and has a lot of fun in the act.

Elena Wittman is the owner of Art of Hats Studio, a millinery boutique she operates out of her Leesburg home. It’s her personal haven where ordinary items are transformed into chic adornments for customized hats.

“My imagination is wild,” she says. “Millinery is so versatile. I literally can make a hat out of anything — and I mean anything.”

Wittman’s headpieces demonstrate her mastery in millinery techniques, varying from cocktail hats to swanky fascinators and more. She began her millinery training journey in 2010 while living in London. On a whim, she decided to take classes at a community college and realized it was something she desired to pursue more deeply. Since that time, she has studied with many millinery masters, including studying in New York and through online classes in Australia, Ireland, Spain, and Israel.

There’s nothing that makes Wittman cringe faster than bad millinery. Dare to drop the name “Amazon” for your hat or the “Dollar Store” for flowers to decorate your headwear and prepare to hear a gasp and a lecture.

Millinery is worth paying a little more, according to Wittman. She recommends buying the best that you can afford to have, as quality pieces are built to last for years. Once you see the difference, it’s hard to disagree.

“You know how they say, you put a little piece of you in your product, you really do,” she says about her millinery method.

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Generally, headpieces take hours to weeks to make, depending on her mood. “I make hats that look good when I’m happy,” she says. “If I have to do something where I have to push myself just for the sake of doing, it’s not going to look good.”

From ready-to-wear to bespoke headpieces, there’s something for everyone, even if you don’t know it yet. “Any woman looks good in a hat,” she says. “You just have to find the one that looks good on you.”

“Any woman looks good in a hat. You just have to find the one that looks good on you.”

— Wittman It’s not an easy task for most. Oftentimes, women come to Wittman with something already in mind, only to be surprised when they’re steered in a different direction.

“I am very upfront,” she says. “I want them to be happy with what they wear, and not just take their money and say ‘bye.’ Most of the time, people agree.”

Milliner | Page 27

Milliner | From page 26 Wittman provides hat consults free of charge, as she’s passionate about educating the community on proper millinery. She also regularly hosts workshops and private events where she shares her expertise. In her classes, everything from selecting a hat to learning how to wear it is covered.

“Wearing a hat is a science to itself,” she says. “It’s not enough to buy a hat, even if it’s very expensive and fancy or a designer hat.

You still have to know how to pull it off.”

Before trying to perfect the right hat tilt and adjusting accordingly, Wittman says ladies should wear hats that are “considerate” of their surroundings, particularly at horse racing events. As a general rule of thumb, hats should not extend beyond the shoulders for social etiquette. Women should wear a hat that still provides shade, but doesn’t obstruct the view for others, she says.

“I prefer fascinators and cocktail hats,” she says. “They do look good on everybody and are very easy to put on, and they are considerate and cute.”

The term “fascinator” was coined in the 17th-century European fashion era. Back then, it referred to a lacy scarf a woman wrapped around her head or fastened. It was meant to give a bit of mystery to a woman, but today it has turned into much more.

This year, Wittman’s boutique has spawned new interest as people dressed up for video call parties. They streamed shows like Bridgerton and Peaky Blinders together.

With wineries, polo, Gold Cup, and weddings, there are endless opportunities to wear hats in Loudoun County.

“Lately it’s been very young ladies coming to me for hats to wear every day,” she says.

Hats have always been a timeless wardrobe staple. Wittman will continue to spread millinery culture to Loudoun ladies to boost their confidence in wearing them — because every woman looks good in a hat, even if they don’t know it yet. ML View Wittman’s work on her website artofhatsstudio.com and Instagram @artofhats.

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Remembering A Foxhunting Legend: John J. Carle Written by Kaitlin Hill

“O

ne thing that someone said to me that is so true is, whether you knew Jake for years or you met him once, he always made you feel like you were a lifelong friend,” reflects Sarah Carle, daughter of John J. (Jake) Carle II, a renowned foxhunter and central figure of Virginia’s equestrian community. “I don’t think too many people have that ability.”

Carle passed away on February 28, 2021, leaving a sizeable hole in the hearts of family and friends, of which he had many. Though no longer out in the field, Carle’s spirit will certainly live on through his countless contributions and accomplishments in foxhunting and the memories he made with those lucky enough to have known him.

Carle was born on April 23, 1938, in Long Island, New York, where his introduction to foxhunting was almost immediate. His father Edward Hicks Carle, known as Ned, was Master and Huntsman of the Smithtown

Hunt, before the family moved to Raynham Hall in Keswick, Virginia, in the mid-1940s.

For high school, Carle attended St. Mark’s School in Massachusetts for one year before transferring to Salisbury School in Connecticut. Sarah Carle remembers, “At the end of every year, St. Mark’s would send a letter inviting you back. If you didn’t receive a letter, it was assumed you weren’t invited back for the next school year. My dad was very proud that he was the first person in the history of the school to receive a letter saying absolutely, under no circumstances was he allowed back.” She laughs and adds, “He took a lot of pride in that.”

After finishing his degree in Connecticut in 1957, he attended The University of Virginia, where he studied English in between time spent foxhunting. Sarah Carle shares, “He was there for five years and graduated in 1962. I don’t think he was present in class most of the time. He was always out hunting.”

His undeniable passion for hunting helped him become Keswick’s Master of Fox Hounds in 1964, just two years after leaving school.

“At that time, he was the youngest person in North America to ever become Master,” Sarah Carle notes, swelling with pride. He was just 26.

Carle served as Master of the Hounds from 1964 to 2000 and as Huntsman from 1973 to 2000. During his 36-year tenure as MFH and 27-year stretch as Huntsman, Carle made impactful strategic and financial contributions, highlighting his knowledge of and commitment to the sport. Of note, he reorganized Keswick hunting by encouraging the pack-breaking of hounds for a more orderly start. He personally financed new kennels, paid the salary of a professional whipper-in, supplied a tractor for the club’s trail clearing, and developed a breeding program that still

Left: John with one of his all-time favorite horses, “Pocket Rocket.” Photo by Douglas Lees. Right: Photo by Liz Callar.

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Legend | Page 29

Legend | From page 28 benefits Keswick today.

Holding both positions allowed Carle to work behind the scenes and in the field, a combination he prized dearly. Sarah Carle says, “Since he was Master of Foxhounds and Huntsman, he did a little bit of everything. He did all the grunt work behind the scenes. In the summer, he was out there clearing trails and putting in jumps. He was very hands-on and just loved being out there.”

More than a work horse, Carle was a great educator too, intent on sharing his knowledge with others. He was a regular contributor to In & Around Horse Country, a founder of the Virginia Foxhound Club, a founding board member of the Museum of Hounds & Hunting, and executive director of the museum’s Huntsmen’s Room, where he would be honored in 2020, and a willing advisor to anyone interested in the sport.

Sarah Carle explains, “I think a lot of people learned a lot from him, because that was his life. That is what he loved.”

Stepping down from his roles at Keswick proved to be a difficult decision. Sarah Car-

le recalls, “He thought it was time for him to step away, but it was an extremely emotional decision for him.”

However, his new path didn’t slow him down. He spent the next 21 years following the hunts on foot, photographing events, writing about hunts in his journal, and officiating point-to-point events.

“He loved to write, especially when he had a little more time after he retired,” says Sarah Carle. “And he was really involved in judging hound shows. He enjoyed his photography, and he was an official at all the point-to-point races in the spring and fall.”

Another favorite pastime was sharing stories. Sarah Carle notes, “His stories were unbelievable. You could sit with him from sunup to sundown, and he wouldn’t tell the same story twice. It was just an endless supply of entertainment.”

Undeniably dedicated to foxhunting, Carle was equally focused on his family and shared his passion with them. Sarah notes, “My mom actually whipped-in to him, and I started hunting when I was 3 or 4.” She adds affectionately, “I would refuse to go in for the day until, as I would say, ‘My daddy went

home.’ I would stay out as long as possible. It was definitely a family thing.”

The father-daughter bond was just as strong off the field too. Sarah shares, “I think there is a difference between being a father and being a dad. And he was my best friend and biggest supporter. He was my favorite cocktail party date. He was always there through good, bad, indifferent, ugly, and the best times of my life. He was just the most selfless person I have ever met.”

For Carle’s family, friends, and foxhunting companions, his passing is an unimaginable loss. But perhaps a small sense of solace can be found in the knowledge that he lived a meaningful and by all accounts extremely happy life, marked by career accomplishments, the respect of his peers, and no shortage of loved ones.

As Sarah Carle says, “The one thing he always said is that he was lucky enough to wake up every single morning and do exactly what he wanted to do. He wouldn’t have changed a thing.”

John J. Carle II is certainly an example of a life well lived, and he will always be remembered. ML

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Hand Crafted by select Western Pa. Old Order & Eastern Pa. Amish Craftsman families Family Owned & Operated Since 1973 dealing in Amish Outdoor Furniture in Aldie Since 1980

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We are currently expanding distribution further outside of the DMV area to reach similar equestrian-style communities up and down the coast!

Contact info@middleburglife.com to be in our next issue.

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A Spring Sanctuary for the Soul Discover seasonally-inspired treatments to awaken your mind, body and soul this season.

855.421.3045 2021

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39469 John Mosby Hwy, Aldie VA 20105

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SPRING TALES FROM THE BARN AISLE Written by Sarah Hickner | Photo by Jennifer Gray

I

hail from Mississippi — a state with two seasons at best. The summer feels a lot like a steam room. Then there’s the season I call “wintermush,” which is an incredibly long season with wildly varying temperatures and mud. A lot of mud.

When my husband and I moved to Virginia, my friends in the deep south would get a wide-eyed, reverent look, asking, “What’s it like to have four seasons? I love Mississippi, but I wish we had four real seasons.”

My response was always the same: “Winter is really cold.”

In the beginning, I hated winter. I lived in fear of the frozen wasteland the world be-

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came each winter. I dreaded cleaning stalls in below freezing temperatures and the ground being too frozen to ride. Winter felt like death with the barren trees and shorter days. The horses and I all look like blobs in our winter coats, and I longed for spring when my horse would be sleek and handsome again.

Silas, my Thoroughbred, can predict spring better than the groundhog. In fact, this Groundhog Day, while the different woodchucks across the country were giving opposing opinions on whether spring would arrive early or not, Silas gave me his own prediction. The horse loves mud and hates blankets, which means I have a lot of grooming to do

every ride. On Feb. 2, bundled in many layers of clothes, I began to curry Silas’ rich brown winter coat. When I pulled the brush from his body, his prediction was clear: Spring was coming soon, as foretold by the winter hairs that had collected in the bristles.

Spring! That single word makes any Virginia horseman’s heart go pitter-patter. Spring is our hope on the horizon. It promises us that at the end of a barren season, there will be life, joy, and perfect temperatures.

As a kid, my teachers described spring by saying, “It roars in like a lion and goes out like Spring | Page 31

Spring | From page 30 a lamb.” Being from Mississippi, the roaring lion came in the form of thunderstorms and tornadoes that left us cowering in the bathroom or basement. In Virginia, the lion is the winter weather, and he is toying with us like a little mouse. If we wash and put away our snowgear too soon, get too excited, or make too many plans, the lion will hold us by the tail and we dangle upside down, tortured by winter. In other words, we’ll get snow or a freeze in late March or early April.

But eventually the lion truly does give way, as the days grow longer. We wear short

sleeved shirts, and stop spending all our money on hay because there is actual real live green grass.

We line the fences with winter blankets to clean and put away before the stink bugs descend. With a bit of elbow grease, the horses begin to look more sleek, as their winter coats float across the barn aisle, like Hunt Country tumbleweeds. Sometimes the winter coat tumbleweeds are swept into a pile, and from the corner of your eye, you consistently mistake it for a barn cat. Grooming in the spring is best done with your mouth closed, or else you’ll risk catching some hairs in your throat.

Then you’ll be hacking from more than just pollen.

The tack rooms and feed rooms receive a much-needed deep clean, and the leather tack is relieved of its gooey buildup. There was a time I worked at a barn with a heated tack room and hot and cold water. The tack was always clean then.

The horsemen across Virginia pull out our calendars, marking shows, clinics, and trail rides. We stress over whether or not we can be ready for the Upperville Colt and Horse Show that seems ages away, until it’s not. Personally, I’ve only been ready once, and it was an unforgettable experience.

As we hit the trail and gallop off a season of built up angst, the extra sunshine makes us braver. We smile as we pass by the tiny beginnings of buds and witness new growth. Even the smells of fresh grass, manure, dirt, and honeysuckles are richer.

It was during one particularly joyful spring, I finally appreciated winter. You see, back home in the deep south, there’s not much excitement in spring. With a world covered in evergreens, the new life was never so obvious to my rarely observant eyes. But in this beautiful land of Virginia, it feels like the earth explodes in new life. Just like every great story needs an antagonist, spring needed winter for me to appreciate it as the gift that it is.

My insulated boots are traded for wellies, unless I want to risk ruining my lovely riding boots or my tennis shoes being sucked off as I traipse out to catch a pony. Now I check before jamming my foot into boots or haplessly grabbing a saddle pad. One eight-legged surprise is enough to leave an impression for a few years. And just as I start thinking the world couldn’t get any better, a cloud of gnats hovers around my face, a horsefly lands on

In Virginia, the lion is the winter weather, and he is toying with us like a little mouse. If we wash and put away our snowgear too soon, get too excited, or make too many plans, the lion will hold us by the tail as we dangle upside down, tortured by winter. my horse’s bum, and a bead of sweat trickles down my back. Hello, summer. ML

Bio: Sarah makes her author debut with “Stories from the Barn Aisle.” Always a storyteller and a bit of an adventurer, she finally decided to write her stories for the world to read. As a kid, her favorite books were from the Thoroughbred series, and the books inspired her to leave her home state of Mississippi to gallop racehorses in Kentucky while in college. Sarah is now settled down (which sounds more grown up than she feels) in Virginia with her husband, two kids, a horse, a dog, and a bearded dragon. Look for more stories from Sarah in future issues of Middleburg Life.

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We Rise By Lifting Others!

APRIL IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE WONDERFUL FOLKS WHO MAKE MIRACLES POSSIBLE! JOIN OUR TEAM OF "STABLE" FRIENDS TODAY!

J

oin

Us

!

Hands on Helping!

Sidewalkers support our riders and horses during their lessons.

Orientation and Training is April 6th or April 22nd from 6-8pm.

FIND WAYS TO SERVE AT

Volunteer times are throughout the day Monday-Saturday!

Email volunteer@sproutcenter.org for more info!

SPROUT DURING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEEK

Support our farm by spending a Day of Service with Sprout!

April 18-22 HERE!

Farm Work Fun Activities include field clean up, trail maintenance and painting!

Farm work days are April 22nd and April 29th from 9am-3pm.

Friend-raise With Us! Spread the word and share Sprout through your social networks! Join our newsletter mailing list and tell others about how horses change lives at Sprout! @sprout_center

Aldie, VA WWW.SPROUTCENTER.ORG

Tucker Smith:

A Celebration of Nature April 9–August 22, 2021

Three self-guided tour times on Fridays and Saturdays: 11am, 2pm, and 3:30pm To reserve tickets and view visitor requirements please visit: www.NationalSporting.org Tucker Smith (American, b. 1940), Moose Falls Y.N.P. (detail), 2014, oil on canvas, 30 x 40 inches, Purchased from the estate of Tony Greene with funds generously provided by Susan and John Jackson, Joffa, Kavar and Bill Kerr, Frank Sands, Maggie and Dick Scarlett, Rosella Thorne, and Georgene Tozzi, National Museum of Wildlife Art.

NATIONAL SPORTING 102 The Plains Road | Middleburg, VA

LIBR ARY & MUSEUM 540-687-6542 | NationalSporting.org

This exhibition was organized by the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States and made possible at the National Sporting Library & Museum through the generosity of The Manuel & Mary Johnson Foundation.

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by Fountains Fountains Pop-up dog park (BYOD) Pop-up dog (BYOD) April 17, 2021 Live music by park Fountains April 17, PM 2021 Live music by Fountains 12-4 Outdoor games & crafts 12-4 PM Outdoor games crafts Pop-up dog park & (BYOD) Pop-up dog park (BYOD) Refreshments 12-4 PM Outdoor games & crafts Refreshments 12-4 PM Outdoor games & crafts Magazine Equine visits Refreshments Magazine Equine visits Refreshments Launch Adoptable Magazine Equine visitsanimals Launch Adoptable animals Magazine Equine visits Launch Party Adoptable animals Fur-chandise Party Fur-chandise store store Launch Adoptable animals Party Fur-chandise store Party Fur-chandise store Register Register to to attend attend and and receive receive the the Register to attend and receive the launch issue of Life Life at at Middleburg Middleburg Humane Humane of launch issue launch issue of Life at Middleburg Humane Register to attend and receive the 5000 Cunningham Farm Drive

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KEEPING UP WITH WELLINGTON MIDDLEBURGers UNDER THE P LMS

Gold Coast Feed Challenge at the International Polo Club in Palm Beach Photos by Alex Pacheco

After a harrowing fall in the final of a February 6-Goal tournament game between Middleburg’s Greenhill Stables and Marjing Polo, Wil Ballhaus suffered a minor concussion after a dangerous collision, only to fully recover and make the winning goal after a four-week delay in finishing the final.

Greenhill Stables defeated Marjing Polo 9 to 6.5 on Wednesday, March 10, to win the Gold Coast Feed Challenge at International Polo Club in Palm Beach.

Greenhill Stables (L to R, David Greenhill, Wil Ballhaus, Justo Mourino, Hilario Figueras) triumphed, claiming the trophy of the Gold Coast Feed Challenge at the International Polo Club in Palm Beach.

Greenhill Stables and Marjing Polo

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P O L O

Hilario Figueras

L I F E

KEEPING UP WITH WELLINGTON MIDDLEBURGers UNDER THE P LMS Brooke USA Raises Over $210,000 During Polo Match, Presented by Lugano Diamonds On March 30, 2021 – Brooke USA’s Sunset Polo® & White Party was held at the International Polo Club Palm Beach and raised more than $210,000 for Brooke USA, whose mission is to alleviate the suffering of working equines in some of the poorest parts of the world.

The tournament kicked off with many players hailing from Virginia and the surrounding Middleburg area on Team Celebrity Cruises, made up of Mikey Matz, Whitney Ross, Marcos Bignoli, Tareq Salahi, and John Gobin, challenging Team GJ Racing, the 2019 defending champions. Riding in orange for GJ Racing were Ignacio Cabrera, Timmy Dutta, Jake Schaufeld, and Jessie Graham. Salahi scored one goal in the opening chukker to secure the lead, and his alternate, Whitney Ross, made the second goal in the second chukker to take the first win with a 2–0 finish.

With one win under their belts, Celebrity Cruises then faced off against Team Invicta Farm, consisting of Annalise Phillips, Alyssa Braswell, Michel Dorignac, and Milo Dorignac. Salahi scored the first two goals of the second game, while Invicta scored one goal by Dorignac. Celebrity ultimately snatched the win with a 3–1 victory when Mikey Matz scored the final goal to take the win.

In the decisive last two chukkers, Team Invicta challenged Team GJ Racing in a match that went down to the wire as Invicta took the early lead with Braswell and Dorignac scoring in the fifth chukker. Dutta tied up the game in the final chukker for GJ Racing with two back-to-back goals; however, Milo Dorignac pulled Invicta ahead with the final goal scored, securing the win with a 3-2 finish.

In the end, Team Celebrity Cruises was declared the winner with a final cumulative score of five. Team Invicta finished in second place with a score of four, while Team GJ Racing took third place with a final score of two. ML Brooke USA strives to significantly improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys, and mules and the people they serve throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and the Caribbean by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need. The 2021 special edition event focused on the Americas, with program funding benefiting Nicaraguan fodder plots, COVID-19 response and recovery, advocacy to end the donkey hide crisis in the United States, and its newest project, scoping and research of Native American Reservations attitudes towards working equines.

Top: John Gobin, Marcos Bignoli, Whitney Ross, Emily Dulin, Mikey Matz, Tareq Salahi, Moti Ferder, Stuart Winston.

Photo by Capehart Photography

John Gobin - Celebrity Cruises.

Photo by Spencer/Rachel-Elizabeth.com

Black burro. Photo by Spencer/Rachel-Elizabeth.com

Marcos Bignoli - Celebrity Cruises.

Photo by Spencer/Rachel-Elizabeth.com

Milo Dorignac chases down the ball for Team Invicta.

Photo by Spencer/Rachel-Elizabeth.com APRIL 2021

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THE FUTURE OF FARMING:

Loudoun-Based Nonprofit Pioneers a Sustainable Path Toward Food Security Written by Victoria Peace | All photos provided courtesy of INMED

A

nyone who has tried to grow their own produce knows that harvesting a crop is a lot harder than it looks.

Hours spent planting, weeding, and watering under the hot sun don’t always deliver the promised bounty. Now, pause for a moment, and imagine a world where farmers can consistently produce ten times the amount of crops they normally harvest while using a climate-friendly, sustainable method that requires 90 percent less water than traditional systems.

While it may seem too good to be true, this is the reality that INMED Partnerships for Children (INMED) is currently helping thousands of small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs around the globe achieve through

their unique aquaponics model.

Headquartered in Loudoun County, INMED is a nonprofit international humanitarian development organization that offers a range of programs aimed at assisting disadvantaged children and families in more than 100 countries attain self-reliance, food security, and overall well-being.

Launched in March 2021, the INMED Aquaponics® Social Enterprise initiative (INMED ASE), is INMED’s latest step in supplying historically marginalized populations the resources, training, and support to earn sustainable livelihoods by launching their own aquaponics operations.

INMED CEO and founder Dr. Linda Pfeiffer explained that she was inspired to

create the INMED ASE after visiting farming communities in South Africa. Despite their hard work, harsh environmental conditions and desertification were so widespread that farmers were forced to choose between buying seeds for the next growing season and food for their children. Requiring less space, water, and physical labor than traditional farming methods, aquaponics systems are ideal for increasing crop yield in regions like these that have been hard-hit by the effects of climate change. However, the benefits don’t end there — the systems also thrive in urban environments where space is at a premium and can be easily operated by people living

Left: Students in South Africa harvest produce from their school aquaponics system. Right: Farmer in South Africa shows off catfish.

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Farming | Page 37

Farming | From page 36 with disabilities.

Invented by the Aztecs, aquaponics is a closed symbiotic system consisting of two parts — a large fish tank and hydroponic plant beds filled with gravel. The plants absorb the nutrient-rich water from the fish when it is filtered through the gravel in their hydroponic bed, while the fish benefit from the clean, oxygenated water returned to them.

Developed by Dr. Pfeiffer in her backyard in Upperville, Va., the aquaponics model used by the INMED ASE is both simpler and lower cost than other models on the market and is made of extremely durable, locally available materials.

The INMED ASE not only provides participants with access to aquaponics systems, but also supports them in many other ways including; technical training in adaptive agricultu r a l, bus i ne ss training, access to financing, links to buyers and markets, wholesale access to seedlings and fingerlings, online educational materials, and ongoing technical support from INMED-trained agricultural extension agents.

The first INMED ASE hub was established near Johannesburg, South Africa with satellite systems in 13 other locations — one of which is run by the Pella Food Garden Cooperative.

Situated in the Northern Cape Province near the border of Namibia, the village of Pella is constantly plagued by droughts, low rainfall, and extreme heat. That, and the high salt content of the soil stunts the growth of plants, making traditional agriculture practically impossible. For eight years, the women of the Pella Food Garden Cooperative struggled to make a living by farming the land, but met with little success. Earning between 14 and 21 US dollars per month collectively, they were forced to rely on government assistance in order to make ends meet.

With the help of INMED South Africa, in 2017, the co-op was able to install a commercial-sized aquaponics system, a drip irrigation system, and a commercial-weight shade cloth for their adaptive vegetable garden. After just six months, the group reaped a bountiful harvest with larger and healthier crops than they had cultivated in the past.

INMED’s aquaponics systems have also been implemented in the Caribbean and Latin America. Moving forward, the INMED ASE will focus on expanding current aquaponics operations while starting to work with indigenous populations in Peru and Brazil, two regions that have been hit hard by the food shortages caused by climate change and COVID-19.

There are also exciting plans in the works to bring the INMED ASE to Loudoun County in the future.

However, in the meantime, there are several other INMED programs already benefiting children and families right here in Loudoun. According to the US programs director, Jennifer Smith, JD, the focus during the pandemic has been “filling the gaps while building bridges to a better tomorrow.” The nonprofit organizes food and clothing distribution, enrichment programs for teens, activities for kids, online English classes, vocational training, and programs to develop soft career skills, among other services.

Dr. Pfeiffer noted that while the nature of INMED’s work requires it to be near an international hub like D.C., the organization also “really wanted to be a part of a community.” The close-knit, caring spirit of Loudoun County coupled with residents’ enthusiasm for volunteerism made this region the perfect choice. ML

Developed by Dr. Pfeiffer in her backyard in Upperville, Va., the aquaponics model used by the INMED ASE is both simpler and lower cost than other models on the market and is made of extremely durable, locally available materials.

If you are interested in supporting INMED or learning more about their work at home or abroad, visit their website at inmed.org.

Top: Member of the Pella Food Garden Cooperative. Middle: Farmer in South Africa feeds fish in aquaponics system. Bottom: Aquaponics farmers in Soweto, South Africa.

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“APRIL ALLEGRO” AT THE BYRNE GALLERY April 1 – May 2 | byrnegallery.com The Byrne Gallery is proud to present “April Allegro,” recent still life and landscape oil paintings by well-known Virginia plein-air painter, Robert Thoren. This new exhibition for the month of April features impressionistic landscapes that showcase the seasonal beauty of Northern Virginia. There will be a special reception for the artist on April 10 from 4 – 7 p.m., and all are invited to attend. The exhibit will begin on April 1 and continue through May 2. It is open to the public.

FOXES ON THE FENCE April 1 – May 17 middleburgva.gov/355/Foxes-on-the-Fence Artwork in the form of foxes, hounds, and hares will be on display around the Town of Middleburg. Bid to purchase your favorite piece; auction ends May 9. Proceeds to benefit beautification projects and promote the arts for the Town of Middleburg. For more information, contact Mary Ann Burns or Deb Cadenas at 703-489-4643.

WILD AND SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL April 9 | 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. qudio.com/event/LandTrustVA-GooseCreek Join the Land Trust of Virginia and Goose Creek Association at the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, to be held virtually in 2021! Enjoy an evening of entertainment and connect with others as you screen films that feature the people, places, wildlife, and initiatives making a splash in nature and conservation today. The program will be live streamed, and ticket holders will have access to all films via video-on-demand for 24 hours following the event.

“TUCKER SMITH: A CELEBRATION OF NATURE” AT THE NATIONAL SPORTING LIBRARY & MUSEUM April 9 – Aug. 22 | nationalsporting.org “Tucker Smith: A Celebration of Nature” and accompanying catalogue

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present a retrospective of the work of American artist Tucker Smith.

Featuring more than 75 original oils, this exhibition is a true survey of the painter’s life’s work, with pieces ranging from his early years as a professional artist to his most recent paintings. Organized by the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States and guest-curated

by B. Byron Price, Director of Charles M. Russell Center for the Study of Art of the American West, University of Oklahoma.

BLUEMONT IN BLOOM April 10 | 12 – 3 p.m. | henwayhardcider.com Enjoy the Bluemont Vineyard driveway, lined with cherry trees in bloom. Take your adventure off-road into the Apple Blossom orchard where Henway Hard Cider will be hosting a pop-up Bloom Bar. The Pecking Order will feature our “Hatch” hard cider, blood orange cider and rosé cider to enjoy by the pint. Growlers will be available for additional purchase on-site, so you can take home your favorite springtime sippers. This is the perfect opportunity to snap those spring instagrammable moments or gather your loved ones and update your family photos. Additional dates include April 11, 17, and 18.

EQUINE/ANIMAL SCULPTURE WORKSHOPS WITH THE ARTISTS IN MIDDLEBURG April 15 | 1 – 5 p.m. theartistsinmiddleburg.org/equine-sculpture-workshop Goksin Carey continues her monthly sculpting classes on Zoom! She meets with students who have taken at least her first workshop, in-person, every Thursday, from 1-5 p.m. Cost is $200 per month. Register online or call 540-270-6165.

ALL LEVELS OUTDOOR YOGA AT LOST BARREL BREWING April 18 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | lostbarrel.com Join Natalie for a fresh-air, 1-hour, all-levels yoga class at Barrel Brewing! Each class is a unique sequence. After class feel free to continue your day by eating, drinking, and hanging out at Lost Barrel Brewing!

Calendar | Page 39

Calendar | From page 38

ple of dry flies perfect for the Piedmont area! This is a virtual program.

Cost is $16 per person. Check in begins at 10:45 a.m.

HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK April 23-24 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | vagardenweek.org

THE MIDDLEBURG SPRING RACES May 1 | middleburgspringraces.com

The Virginia Hunt Country, nestled in the rolling hills of the Piedmont just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the location of this tour featuring private properties in The Plains and Delaplane, all of which are being featured for the first time on Historic Garden Week. At Ashleigh and White Hall, both Greek Revival houses, visitors will be delighted by the diversity of these grand estates and landscapes that celebrate the open spaces of this part of Virginia. Purchase tickets online.

BOOK SIGNING AT CRÈME DE LA CRÈME IN

MIDDLEBURG April 23–24 | 11a.m. – 4 p.m. | shopcremedelacreme.com White House garden historian Linda Jane Holden is hosting a two-day book signing at Middleburg’s Crème de la Crème. Visitors may purchase copies of “The Gardens of Bunny Mellon,” “Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon,” and the Bunny Mellon Garden Journal, a beautiful notebook for journalists and garden designers that includes inspirational quotes and sketches from Mrs. Mellon. Stop by for a chance to meet the author and purchase her books in person.

BROOK TROUT: GEMS OF THE PIEDMONT AT THE NATIONAL SPORTING LIBRARY & MUSEUM April 29 | 6 – 7 p.m. | nationalsporting.org Join us for a talk about the state of Virginia’s brook trout and hear from the Piedmont Environmental Council about their work with partner organizations, local landowners, and state and federal agencies to insure the survival of this iconic species.

Claire Catlett and Celia Vuocolo from PEC will be sharing their adventures in trout conservation. Free for NSLM and PEC members and $10 for non-members. One participant will be randomly selected to win a sam-

The Middleburg Spring Races have become the quintessential event to welcome spring to Virginia, synonymous with the blooming of the daffodils and dogwoods. Surrounded by Virginia’s famous hunt country, the tradition continues this spring. Join us as we “Race to Give.”

CLARKE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET GRAND OPENING May 1 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | clarkecountyfarmersmarket.com The 2021 market season begins May 1!

See the farmers you know and love, and shop fresh produce, meat, eggs, tea and coffee, plants, home baked goods, local honey, salves and soaps, and so much more!

ART IN THE ‘BURG May 15 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. middleburgva.gov/310/Art-in-the-Burg Join the Middleburg Arts Council during their biannual celebration, featuring artwork from more than 20 local and regional artists. Art lovers will get the opportunity to purchase original works without gallery fees. While you’re here, visit Middleburg’s many restaurants and quaint shops. The event occurs on the third Saturday in May and September and is held in downtown Middleburg.

VIRGINIA GOLD CUP May 29 | vagoldcup.com Race day activities include terrier races, shopping, hat contests, tailgate contests, and some of the best steeplechase racing you’ll find anywhere.

We are working with the State of Virginia and public health authorities on a safe environment for a physical event in 2021. ML

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Washington St. | P.O. |Box 1380 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | 540.687.5588 | sheridanmacmahon.com Washington St. |110PE..O. Box 1380 Middleburg, VA 20118 | 540.687.5588 | sheridanmacmaho

RUTLEDGE FARM

FIDELIO

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

Premier Middleburg estate | Main house of stone and frame construction circa 1740 w/addition in 1820. 6 BR, 3 1/2 BA, 5 FP, high ceilings, moldings & detailed woodwork throughout | Equestrian facilities are unmatched | 113 lush acres. 5 barns totaling 35 stalls | 19 paddocks | Derby field | 218 x 80 indoor arena | 250 x 150 all-weather outdoor arena | 80’ lunging arena | Polo field (or 2 grand prix fields) | 4 board, double fencing & automated nelson waterers | Other improvements include 3 BR, 2 1/2 BA guest house | Farm office w/attached housing | Machine shed | Carriage house w/apartment | Stone spring house/ office | 3 BR apartment | Pond w/gazebo

DEERFIELD

THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA

SPRING GLADE

UPPERVILLE, VIRGINIA

Prime Fauquier County location minutes from Middleburg | Unbelievable finishes throughout | Antique floors and mantels, vaulted ceilings | 6 BR, 5 full BA, 2 half BA | 6 FP, gourmet kitchen | Improvements include office/studio, stone cottage with office, spa, guest house, pool and lighted tennis court | Landscaped grounds with stream, waterfalls, boxwood and special plantings | 61 acres

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

181 acres | Brick manor house c. 1844 | 4 bedrooms, lovely kitchen, multiple porches, pine floors, 7 fireplaces, original mantels, large windows, detailed millwork | c. 1810 log cabin/pool house, guest house with theater, 2 tenant houses, 5-bay garage and workshop | Sizable pond

SALEM HILL

$4,500,000 MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

French Country home, with renovations in 1999 $6,490,000 Well protected Fauquier location | 6 bedrooms | $8,000,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood 4 full and 2 half baths | 3 fireplaces | Great views Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 Sandra Bravo Greenberg 202 308 3813 floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop | Pool with large flagstone terrace | Large county stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Imkitchen | 4-car detached garage with apartment/ provements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest office | 9-stall barn | Covered arena | Outdoor house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | ring | 4 stall shed row barn | 51 fenced acres Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres

|

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, es

$3,690,000

$3,900,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 MacVINEYARDS Mahon 540.454.1930 helen ROUTE 50 WEST MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

Existing farm winery established in 2015 | 38.47 acres recorded in two parcels | Hilltop setting with magnificent views | 2,500 sq ft wine tasting room, main level consists of tasting room, seating areas, kitchen, restrooms, 2nd story more seating areas and bathroom | Club House of 5,100 sq ft contemporary style, wine tasting bar, seating areas, bathrooms, large deck, terrace & pool | 40 x 60 Butler building, large parking area | Unique opportunity.

$4,500,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

| y

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 DIXONS MILL ROAD

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

LONG BRANCH

Lovely brick home on hilltop setting, completely redone by current owners | Wood floors, high ceilings, lots of light | 6 BR, 5 1/2 BA, 5 FP, sweeping stair case in foyer | Basement level finished for family enjoyment w/ media room, office, gym, billiard room, full bar w/ kitchenette, full bath & outside entrance leading to pool and spa | Improvements include 3-car garage, heated 4-car garage w/car lift | Potting shed/studio w/ attached heated green house | 20 car barn for serious collector | Swimming pool with spa | 5-stall barn | Property fenced and cross fenced | 68.23 acres

THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA

Gorgeous 71 acre parcel in a wonderful location between Middleburg and The Plains | Rolling land with stone walls and 2 ponds | Enchanting property | Property is in conservation easement and may not be divided further

$1,950,000 Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

$2,375,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

GAME CREEK

HALCYON HILL

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA

A remarkable property located within a private 17 acres of rolling pasture land in the village SENSENY ROAD BUST HEAD ROAD 109 THE PLAINS ROAD enclave just minutes from town | Stone and stucco of Rectortown | Convenient to both Routes 50 CLARKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA with main level master suite82.69| acres 7 | Mostly wooded, mountain & 66views, | Newly renovated Very | Private setting with| 163manor private acreshouse in central Clarke County convenient private office building in Middleburg to RT 7 | Level, with some gentle roll | 70% open, bold stream in very protected area | Conservation Located on The Plains Road directly across from the additional BRand| meadows 5 stone FP | Beautiful gardens, mountain views 4 bedrooms, 30% wooded | Pastures | 70 miles easement | Cannot be subdividedmagnificent | Prime Sporting Library ||Charming office - 3 levels with lower west of DC | 45 minutes to Dulles Airportcabana, | Orange& County Hunt location 4 | Halfway level used for over flow and break room/kitchen | terraces, salt water pool, carriage house full bath, 1 half bath, 2 fireplaces | Heated Just west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the between Middleburg and The Plains Surprisingly large parking lot behind the building stable with 2inpaddocks | County Lovely finishes throughout $1,100,000 pool & spa | 2 bedroom guest house | in town | Shenandoah River “slow growth” Clarke offers what many other buildings are lacking Building has many potential uses with C-3 Zoning $1,300,000 & sweeping lawn to private trails to Goose Creek | Large shed & 2-car garage Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 $589,000 Tom Cammack 540.247.5408 31 acres | Private, elegant & convenient Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

$2,650,000 40

20 Riv 4 fu Gun and | pad

helen MacMahon 540.454.1930 middleburglife.com • APRIL 2021

$2,475,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

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2021

Recapture Moments That Matter Whether it was a milestone birthday celebration or a family getaway put on hold, recapture moments that matter at

Salamander Resort & Spa. With zip lining, horseback riding, curated dining experiences and more, our fresh-air venues and wide open spaces are yours to enjoy.

855.421.3045

SalamanderResort.com

2021

APRIL 2021

•

middleburglife.com

SPRING RETREAT WARMER MONTHS ARE AHEAD.

PLAN YOUR NEXT ESCAPE IN THE ROLLING

HILLS OF VIRGINIA HUNT COUNTRY. DISTANCE IS EASY TO COME BY AT GOODSTONE, WHERE 18 ROOMS ARE SPREAD OVER SIX COTTAGES ON 265 BUCOLIC ACRES.

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