Middleburg Life | February 2020

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Volume 37 Issue 2 | February 2020 | middleburglife.com

ECRWSS

MIDDLEBURG

LI F E Best of Hunt Country Weddings + Love and Marriage & Martin Luther King March and Celebration

MIDDLEBURG MIDDLEBURG A LL E E SS TT A AT TE E RR EE A

ATOKA A

PR P RO OP PE ER R TT II E ESS

S II M MP P LY LY B BE ET S TT TE ER R ..

1669 WINCHESTER RD | DELAPLANE 11555 HEREFORD CT | HUME

20561 TRAPPE RD | UPPERVILLE 11555 HEREFORD CT | HUME

35387 CREEK RIDGE LN | MIDDLEBURG 11555 HEREFORD CT | HUME

$21,700,000 | Fleetwood Farm includes 26 parcels totaling 2,490 acres of $790,000 | Loremand ipsum sit60 amet, consectetur adipiscing Nam mature farmland sits dolor a mere miles west of DC. Includeselit.

4 rental nulla metus, rutrum etmill vestibulum sit amet, is bibendum nec by diam. ut homes & historic stone c. 1820. Property surrounded Gap In Run, porttitor Run, felis. & Phasellus enim erat, blandit eget vulputate in metus.

Crooked other bodies of water.

$4,750,000 | Trappe Hill Farm is a 474 acre estate in 5 parcels. Includes a $790,000 | Lorem dolor sit amet, adipiscing elit.

Nam lovely residence w/ ipsum 1st floor master suite,consectetur library, formal/informal dining, nullaliving/family metus, rutrum etthat vestibulum bibendum nec diam.

In ut and room opens tosita amet, stone terrace.

3 tenant houses & porttitor felis. Phasellus enim erat, blandit eget vulputate in metus. equine facilities.

$2,295,000 | Extraordinary custom estate on 33 acres with Goose Creek $790,000 Ideal | Lorem ipsum dolor amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Nam frontage. entertaining floorsitplan.

Expansive patios, dazzling pool & nullahouse, metus,raised rutrum et vestibulum sit amet, nec diam.

In ut pool garden, 3-car garage with bibendum an apartment.

Equestrian porttitor felis.

Phasellus erat, blandit eget vulputate in metus. amenities & ample trailsenim to enjoy.

PETERPEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICH 540.270.3835 540.687.6321 PETER

PETER PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICH 540.270.3835 540.687.6321 PETER

PETER BUZZELLI PEJACSEVICH 540.687.6321 SCOTT 540.454.1399

SCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLI 540.454.1399 540.687.6321 SCOTT

11555 HEREFORD CT| FORT | HUME 107 GLENMONT FARM RD VALLEY

SCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLI 540.454.1399 540.687.6321 SCOTT

HEREFORD | HUME 3004 11555 CUNNINGHAM DRCT | ALEXANDRIA

SCOTT BUZZELLI 540.687.6321 SCOTTI SELLERS 703.929.2324

11555WEAVERSVILLE HEREFORD CT || CALVERTON HUME 3673 OLD

$790,000 | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam $2,195,000 Luxury et estate includes Farm, the nulla metus,| rutrum vestibulum sit Glenmont amet, bibendum nec building, diam. In the ut Slate Hill felis.

School House enim & Bunk House (158.8 One of a kind equesporttitor Phasellus erat, blandit eget acres). vulputate in metus. trian estate, unique combo of features rarely available. Perfect for weddings events, favorable feasibility studySCOTT for vineyard.

PETER&PEJACSEVICH 540.687.6321 BUZZELLI 540.687.6321

$790,000 | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam $1,395,000 Contemporary 4BR/4.5BA home w/ $800K in diam. architecturnulla metus,|rutrum et vestibulum sit amet, bibendum nec In ut al renovations.

Features breathtaking ceiling in views.

Enjoy Little porttitor felis. Phasellus enim erat, blanditfloor eget to vulputate metus.

Hunting Creek frontage. Navigable water, private dock w/ power. Ecobuilt w/PEJACSEVICH smart home technology.

PETER 540.687.6321 SCOTT BUZZELLI 540.687.6321

$790,000 | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam $989,559 | RichMark Farm is a turnsitkey equestrian facility 21 stable nulla metus, rutrum et vestibulum amet, bibendum nec w/ diam.

In ut barn, 120x110 indoor arena, outdoor arena, country course & 1BD/ porttitor felis. Phasellus enim erat, blandit egetcross vulputate in metus.

1BA apt. Includes farm house that can be restored, or build your dream home over it. 11 miles 540.687.6321 to Warrenton, ≈1 SCOTT hr to DC, 35 mi to Dulles.

PETER PEJACSEVICH BUZZELLI 540.687.6321

SHANNON CASEY 540.222.2119

SCOTT BUZZELLI 540.454.1399

SHANNON CASEY

PETER PEJACSEVICH 540.270.3835

EMILY JOHNSON 703.401.7993

540.222.2119

11555 HEREFORD CT | HUME

11555 HEREFORD CT | HUME

11555 HEREFORD CT | HUME

$790,000 | LoremSCUFFLEBURG ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam 2299 RD | DELAPLANE nulla metus, rutrum et vestibulum sit amet, bibendum nec diam. In ut porttitor felis.

Phasellus enim erat, blandit eget vulputate in metus. $799,000 | Property features 3BD/2.5BA historic log cabin c. 1781 on 6+ acres. Smoke house, modern cistern & original hardwood floors. Cozy PETER PEJACSEVICH 540.687.6321 SCOTT BUZZELLI interior: 4 fireplaces, wood stove, wooden beams, built-in540.687.6321 bookcases.

Pond, pool, pool house/shed, gardens & more!

$790,000 | Lorem ipsumMARSHALL dolor sit amet, HWY consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam 10282 JOHN | DELAPLANE nulla metus, rutrum et vestibulum sit amet, bibendum nec diam. In ut porttitor felis.

Phasellus enimStables: erat, blandit egetstucco vulputate in metus. $349,000 | General Pattons historic & stone home c. 1929, expanded 1947. 3BD/1BA updated to preserve history. 1-stall barn w/ tack PETER PEJACSEVICH 540.687.6321 SCOTT BUZZELLI 540.687.6321 room/drive-in equipment storage. Home boasts original floors, doors, windows; everything removed to modernize is used somewhere else.

$790,000 | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,RD consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam 1691 MILLWOOD | BOYCE nulla metus, rutrum et vestibulum sit amet, bibendum nec diam. In ut porttitor felis.

Phasellussmall enim village erat, blandit eget vulputate in metus. to own $240,000 | Appealing of Millwood; true opportunity wonderful 3 BD/1 BA house. Ready to go as it is or add your own finishing PETER PEJACSEVICH SCOTT BUZZELLI 540.687.6321 touches!

2 FP; beautiful540.687.6321 old floors; sizable village lot w/ sewer & water!

Partially fenced w/ a sunny lot waiting for a nice garden!

PETER PEJACSEVICH 540.270.3835

SHANNON CASEY

MARY OWEN CHATFIELD-TAYLOR

SCOTT BUZZELLI 540.454.1399

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

540.222.2119

540.454.6500

We know that your life can't be placed on hold while you're buying or selling your house, which is why we take a comprehensive approach to real estate. Our agents are exceptional. Our marketing - savvy & strategic. From hunt country to the suburbs and every town in between, our approach to real estate is this: simply better.

MIDDLEBURGREALESTATE .COM MIDDLEBURG | 540.687.6321

middleburglife.com

PURCELLVILLE | 540.338.7770

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

LEESBURG | 703.777.1170

ASHBURN | 703.436.0077

Middleburg, VA 540-687-4646

Charlottesville, VA 434-245-2211

Annapolis, MD 410-990-1700

Greenbrier, WV 304-956-5151 F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

1

MIDDLEBURG

LI F E F EB . 2020 middleburglife.com

PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Gray | editor@middleburglife.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Laura Pizana COPY EDITOR: Chelsea Rose Moore 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 ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR: Joanne Maisano DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR: Laticia Headings DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Nicky Marshok ON THE COVER Photo by Jennifer Gray Calcagno Photography, Dress from Middleburg Bride, Tux from Highcliffe Clothiers, Flowers by Lark Floral, Hair by Victoria Haley, Ash Salon, Make-up by Stevie Haight, Beachy Mama Beauty. Models: Simone Ghobadi and Will Jaramillo.

Venue: Blue Valley Vineyard. Look for more inside.

ON THIS PAGE Marium Caternolo of Cakes by Marium created this exquisite two-tier hand-painted fondant cake in royal purple and garnet with gold detailing. Photographed

by Laila Sanie, of SHAB COOP at 48 Fields in Leesburg, Va. Springvale Floral added the finishing floral touches to this cake.

CONTRIBUTERS Dulcy Hooper, Heidi Baumstark, Chelsea Moore, Summer Stanley, Richard Hooper, Kaitlin Hill, Joanne Maisano, Michelle Lieb, Victoria Heer, Candice Adelle, Shauna Ploeger, and Rebekah Murray The article “A Foxy Adventure” from December 2019 was miscredited and proper credit goes to Sylvia Scherer.

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 LOOKING FOR MORE?

www.middleburglife.com 2 1

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

GET ADDITIONAL CONTENT ONLINE!

L oudoun County’s 28 A M L K th nnual artin uther March and Celebration

ing

Written by Dulcy Hooper | Photos by Joanne Maisano Families, friends, and community organizations from all over Loudoun County came together on the Loudoun County Courthouse lawn in Leesburg for the annual march and celebration honoring the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. With a theme focused on “Community: A Vision for our Future,” the keynote speaker was Dr. Jason Nichols, lecturer in the African American Studies Department at the University of Maryland College Park. Dr. Nichols has been recognized by the University of Maryland community for his tireless effort to help students develop.

The celebration included a symbolic march from the Old Loudoun Courthouse to the Douglass Community Center, formerly Douglass High School. Local school bands, individuals, families, and community groups participated in the march, one of the largest and oldest in the region. Noteworthy in Loudoun County history, Douglass High School was the last segregated high school in Loudoun County until it was closed in 1968 as a result of desegregation.

Following the march, refreshments were served at the Douglass Community Center, with musical performances, presentations, and inspirational offerings further highlighting the occasion. ML

Debra Purrington, an experienced trust professional, has joined the TFB Trust Department as our new Director of Trust Services, building on a 100-year history of fiduciary excellence. Learn about Debra’s background and expertise at TFB.bank.

For professional help with trusts, estates and fiduciary investments, please make an appointment to meet with a member of our team.

540.347.6721

BreeAnn Edmonds, CFP® Trust Officer

Debra Purrington, JD Director of Trust Services

Wendy Worley, CTFA Trust Officer

Not Guaranteed by the Bank

Not FDIC Insured

Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

Not a Deposit

May Lose Value Including Loss of Principal

middleburglife.com

3

Middleburg Academy We Teach Students HOW to Think

For the Love of Jazz Join us for exclusive events February 7th - 9th that express our love for food, libations and jazz music, with Billboard-ranked musician, Marcus Johnson.

Admissions Open House | March 3 | 8-11am RSVP at www.MiddleburgAcademy.org

For more information please call 888.256.9158 SalamanderResort.com SalamanderHotels.com

LoudounNow

2 0 1 9

LOUDOUN’S

FAVORITE

4

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

Birkby House A PERFECT SETTING

PREFERRED CATERERS

BIRKBY HOUSE PROVIDES A PICTURESQUE BACKDROP

FOR AN INTIMATE

FOR YOUR VERY SPECIAL DAY

The historic setting of Birkby House provides a picturesque backdrop for your very special day. Built circa 1770, Birkby’s estate includes the Main House, the Carriage House, the meticulously landscaped gardens, and the idyllic white gazebo.

Our beautiful tented courtyard features chandeliers and specialty lighting and accommodates over 150 guests for a seated celebra-tion or 200 guests for a cocktail soiree.

Within the house, our elegant rooms seat up to 50 people.

We’d love to hear more about your specific event. For pricing information and to learn more about our space, get in touch at info@birkbyhouse.com.

109 Loudoun Street Southwest, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 info@birkbyhouse.com 703. 777.2700 www.birkbyhouse.com F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

5

WORDS TO LOVE BY:

The Wilsons Share Their Wisdom From Sixty-Three Years of Marriage Story by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Jennifer Gray

S

olicited or not, marriage advice seems to be everywhere. Whether from parents and friends or etched into decorative boards available on Etsy, there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of marital success suggestions. “Don’t go to bed angry.” Or maybe, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” And who can forget the classic, “Happy wife, happy life.”

After 63 years of marriage, Middleburg-based Jim and Barbara Wilson share their experiences and unique advice for a lifetime of love.

Before decades of marriage, six children, and settling in Middleburg, Jim and Barbara Wilson were just Jim Wilson and,

6

middleburglife.com

•

coincidentally, Barbara Wilson, two young professionals working in Puerto Rico.

Mrs. Wilson remembers, “We met in Puerto Rico. I was working for the FBI and was transferred there to work for the fellow who was in charge of that office. And the first day I was there, we went to the hotel where I would be staying…and there was Jim playing tennis on the beach with the fellow that I had come to work for.”

Mr. Wilson adds, “We were playing tennis at the beach club and he says to me, ‘Have you met the new girl? Well you have to meet her because her name is Barbara Wilson.’”

Not quite love at first sight, Mrs. Wilson jokes that it was love at second sight after more meaningful impressions made at a

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

cocktail party later the same week in 1957.

Mr. Wilson reminisces, “She was sitting over in the corner with the light on her face, and I walked over and introduced myself again. That was the love at first sight.” He continues, “I spoke to her for hours at that cocktail party. It was clear to me that this is a well-grounded woman even though she was under 20…I knew that my wife would have to be a pretty solid person to put up with all the aggravation of dealing with me. I’m not easy, I can tell you that.”

Mrs. Wilson chuckles, “He had red hair and looked a lot like my cousin.” She continues, “No, but he was very sensible and Wisdom | Page 7

Wisdom | From page 6 knew what he wanted to do in business and we enjoyed each other’s company.”

Part of enjoying each other’s company was enjoying the offerings of their community. As Mr. Wilson tells it, Puerto Rico was an idyllic backdrop for date night. “It’s an ideal place to meet. We had all of these major hotels, maybe four of them, had good dance bands and good entertainment like Frank Sinatra…There was always something going on.”

Soon after meeting, Jim and Barbara became the Wilsons. She explains, “We met over President’s Day Weekend. We starting dating in March, we got engaged in May and married in July.”

Today, five months may seem like a quick turnaround, but for Mr. Wilson, a key to spousal success is, “You cannot have reservations.” And, he adds, “You have to grow together,” which the Wilsons would certainly go on to do.

They spent the next 18 years in Puerto Rico building a life together and expanding their family from two to eight, with the addition of six kids.

When their oldest son Kevin finished eighth grade, the Wilsons set their sights on relocating. Mrs. Wilson says, “Jim kept his business down there, but we decided it would be a good idea to bring the kids back up to the states. [The kids] had horses in Puerto Rico, they rode down there…so we decided when we move back here, we need to find a place where the kids could have their horses.”

In 1973, the Wilson clan landed at Dresden Farm, where they would stay for over 40 years and where they, again, would add love of community to love of family and each other.

Mrs. Wilson remarks, “I made a lot of friends, Jim made a lot of friends, [the children] made a lot of friends. It just became our home.”

In addition to friends, Mrs. Wilson found opportunities for involvement, a quality of hers that Mr. Wilson admired from the start. Mrs. Wilson says, “I love to play tennis and we have the Middleburg Tennis Club. I love the schools, the children all had wonderful schools.”

Swelling with pride, Mr. Wilson adds, “They were good schools but small schools and she saw things needing tightening up or changing. So, she got elected to chairman of the board. The same thing happened at the tennis club. She became chairman, she

She was sitting over in the corner with the light on her face, and I walked over and introduced myself again. That was the love at first sight. built two more tennis courts, and instead of 100 members, there are 300 hundred members. So, that’s Barbara Wilson.” He continues with a smile, “As I said to you, she’s no shrinking violet.”

Mrs. Wilson answers, “Well, that’s how you get the most out of a community.”

Seated in the cozy living room of their Chinn Lane home, where they moved three years ago, the couple reflects on their many years together and shares morsels of wisdom for getting the most out of a marriage as well.

True to form for Mrs. Wilson, having common interests and pursuing them is key.

She says, “It’s important to have things that you enjoy doing together. We skied together, we played tennis together. We love to go out, we love to dance. We love to be with friends together, just do things together.”

For Mr. Wilson, a strong marriage is as

much about the good times as it is about weathering the storms. He also believes it is vital to accommodate versus compromise. He says, “However many ups and downs your marriage goes through, you have to be able to adjust.” He adds, “You have to have the mental attitude. The mental attitude is that it is forever. Period. Not a matter of discussion. Not a matter of debate. Irrespective of the problems of which there are many day-to-day.” He concludes, “You can give and take all the time, but don’t go halfway in-between because that doesn’t satisfy anybody.” And he laughs, “It’s only taken me 60 years to learn it.”

Sixty-three years, six kids, 16 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren later, it’s obvious that The Wilsons have a wealth of wisdom when it comes to love. And the best part? They are happy to share it. ML

Portrait of the Wilsons in Puerto Rico

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

7

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR

The Raving Reputation of Liz Washington, Groomer at Middleburg Humane Foundation

By Heidi Baumstark

R

eputation. Everybody has one.

Whether you want one or not.

When it comes to Liz Washington, her reputation as a professional groomer surpasses all. That’s what her customers at Middleburg Humane Foundation (MHF) say.

After all, she’s been grooming dogs and cats since 1978, and has earned a raving reputation like none other.

Washington lives in Middleburg and grew up on Windy Hill Road when Windy Hill “wasn’t renovated as it is now,” she says. Back then, this neighborhood on the western edge of town was in rough shape until the early 1980s when English-born Rene Llewellyn came to the area as a young war bride and decided to take action, raising local funds for a HUD grant to renovate the mix of houses.

“My mother loved Rene,” says Washington.

Five generations of her family lived at their Windy Hill house.

As a kid, Washington always had a heart for animals. “We always had dogs and cats, and any injured animal we could bring home, we did,” she says. “My mom loved animals.

We also had a chicken coop in the yard, and I’d get the eggs.”

All this love and care for animals would lead to her 42-year career as a professional groomer. Ironically, that career began with an unfortunate accident involving a BB gun. The year was 1978 and Washington was a young 23-year-old. Her neighbor’s dog was shot by another neighbor. “I picked up the dog and brought him to Middleburg Animal Hospital, at that time, it was Blue Ridge Animal Hospital.” (Today, it’s Family Veterinary Hospital.)

Dr. John Holland was the veterinarian at the time and saw her genuine care for animals. “He said to me, ‘How would you like a part-time job? I heard lots about you from Mrs. Dimos. My animal attendant is leaving

for college and do you want the job?’ That was it. No interview, no application, nothing. My life started on a new path that day.”

The job turned full time and she worked there for 35 years from 1978 until 2013, and was trained in several vet assistant skills including dispensing medications and drawing blood. “I was there forever. They referred to

Photo by Joanne Maisano

8

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

it as ‘my’ hospital because I knew everything about the building, the people, the customers,” she said.

During a time of transition in ownership in 2013, Hilleary Bogley, founder of Middleburg Humane Foundation (MHF), stepped Neighbor | Page 10

The Ultimate Setting for Magical Weddings...

Making memories for decades with a blend of romance, luxury and elegance.

Engagement Parties Bridal Showers Luncheons ¡ Teas Spa Parties Rehearsal Dinners Ceremonies Receptions Strolling Receptions Farewell Brunches

C

The George Washington is a charming mix of history and first class service. Whether your dream wedding is an intimate gathering of family or a large gala event, our wedding specialists will make sure your day is perfect!

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Photo: Aaron Riddle Wedding & Portrait

Couples booking a reception with us have the option to have their ceremony in the gardens at Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.

103 East Piccadilly Street Winchester, VA 22601

540-678-4700

wyndhamgeorgewashington.com

Weddings . Corporate Events Private Parties . Festivals . Community Events

703.843.4658 . www.TipTopTapTruck.com . info@TipTopTapTruck.com .

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

@TipTopTapTruck •

middleburglife.com

9

Neighbor | From page 8 in. “She said, ‘Well, you can come here and work with us.’” That was it. The following week, she started working at MHF, which at that time, was on Whiting Road in Marshall.

Now in a brand-new, beautiful facility that opened in October 2019, MHF—a non-profit incorporated in 1994—is a 23-acre farm shelter on the west end of Marshall. The goal?

MHF’s mission is to provide all animals— both large and small—safe and sanitary living conditions, protection from abuse and neglect, and the ability to live in an environment free from pain and fear. And part of their facility includes the grooming salon.

Washington grooms between six to nine dogs a day of all sizes. “I like the transition of when animals come in and how they go home. I just love what I do, period. It’s not like going to work for me,” she says.

One of her long-time customers is Nathalie Kaye who lives just outside of Middleburg.

She has been bringing her poodles to Washington to groom over the last ten years. “I’ve known Liz for years; I also knew her mother.

Liz is very good and nice to the dogs. No dog really likes baths, but she’s very good with them.”

Another customer, Krasi Henkel of Purcellville, is an avid animal lover. She has seven horses, five cats, two dogs, and is a longtime supporter of MHF. For over eight years, she brought Connor, her Goldendoodle, to Washington. Sadly, Connor passed away in April 2019; now Henkel brings her two dogs, Giselle and Sophie to MHF. Henkel has recommended Washington to many people. “You want your dog to be safe and not have a traumatic experience; I’ve tried other places, and even tried to do it myself; but I’m no good at it. I had heard about Liz, so decided to try her. Though we were not that close living in Purcellville, we just kept coming back.”

Henkel lives on a horse farm and the dogs play and pick up hay in their fur. “Liz understands that and doesn’t lecture you if the dog’s fur is unkempt,” Henkel said. “She’s patient and very calm. She loves them, respects them, and dogs pick up on that. I’d tell Connor, ‘We’re going to see Auntie Liz.’ He understood and he loved his Auntie Liz.” Referring to the dogs she grooms, Washington said, “If they can feel your love and have a calming environment, that makes a

“Things come along our path and we need to accept it,” Washington says. “That’s how we live, we trust God, and go with the flow.

And pray.” big difference. They know me—and they also know where the cookie jar is! I have three jars of dog treats. And fresh water.”

Thinking about how she got started, Washington says, “I just brought in a hurt dog and got a job. I think I’m right where I’m supposed to be. Years ago, I took business classes, but that wasn’t really for me. God is in control and I get up every day and walk the path that’s before me.”

Life for Washington has had its own challenges. After bouts of cancer in 2002, and then again in 2006, Washington understands the need to take life as it comes, one day at a time. And her heart to care goes far beyond the animals she grooms, including to her husband, daughter, grandson, and extended family. Active in her church, Shiloh Baptist in Middleburg, she spreads her care and faith to her close church family and to everyone she meets.

“Things come along our path and we need to accept it,” Washington says. “That’s how we live, we trust God, and go with the flow. And pray.”

Henkel added, “Some people come into your life who are really special. Liz is a dear

Giselle and Sophie

10

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

friend; I care about her and her family. She’s a magician with these dogs. I believe in going with the best, and that’s Liz. People say, ‘Oh it’s so far away.’ But I say, ‘Oh, she’s so good.’”

So, whatever happened to that shot neighborhood dog? Thanks to Washington’s quick actions, he survived.

“We had all our wishes come true when we found our Auntie Liz,” Henkel said. “When you go to someone and you like their work, you keep coming back. There’s no one better.”

Now that’s a reputation that lasts. ML For grooming, call 540-364-GROOM (4766); grooming gift certificates are also available. MHF is located at 5000 Cunningham Farm Drive in Marshall, Va. For more information, call 540-364-3272 or visit middleburghumane.org. MHF also runs the Resale Boutique located at 8351 W. Main Street in Marshall, Va. Call 540-364-3272; proceeds go to MHF. An upcoming event benefitting MHF is their annual Spay-ghetti and No Balls Dinner on Feb. 15, 6-9 p.m. at Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane, Va. Visit MHF’s website for more information.

It’s Our Valentine’s Gift Guide MAES DRESS BOUTIQUE

MARSHALL DAY SPA THE UPSTAIRS

1319 1319Chain ChainBridge BridgeRd, Rd,McLean McLeanVA VA22101 22101 703-356-6333 800-260-4473 • maesdress.com Maesdress@gmail.com Maesdress@gmail.com Featuring Joseph Ribkoff Fashions• •Enjoy Enjoy the the Style, Style, Fit Latest Joseph Ribkoff Fashions Fitand andEasy Easycare care Jackets, Jackets,Tunics, Tunics,Dresses Dresses&&Pants Pants• •Come Comein/Browse-On in/Browse-Onsale salenow now

Amanda Hackett Licensed Master Esthetician

“Self-care is not selfish; you deserve healthy skin.”

Dermalogica Facials Diamond Microdermabrasion Nūface Microcurrent and Light Therapy

Enzyme Peels Chemical Pro Peels Waxing…and more!

Call now to reserve your appointment (540)364-0411 8375 Main Street, Marshall, Virginia 20115

HIGHCLIFFE CLOTHIERS

LE BOUDOIR

Give your man theft that he will remember for years to come.

Custom made suits, slacks, sport coats, overcoats and Tuxedos.

5 S Madison St. Middleburg, VA 20117

(540) 326-8951 www.leboudoirfits.com

112Washington W Washington St Middleburg VA 20117 112 West Street #101, Middleburg, VA 20117 www.highcliffeclothiers.com 540-687-5633 PO Box 1126, Middleburg, VA 20118 www.highcliffclothiers.com 540-687-5633

JOHNNY MONARCH’S Next Next Next Next Stop Next Stop Stop Stop Next Next Next Stop Stop Stop Stop Love The Station Love Station TheThe Love The The The Love Love Station Love The The Station Station Love Love Station Station Station Next Next Next Next Stop Stop Stop Stop

J MORRIS FLOWERS

The Love Station The Love The The Love Love Station Station Station Featuring Featuring Featuring Featuring Maddi Featuring Maddi Featuring Maddi Mae Maddi Featuring Featuring Mae Maddi Mae Mae Maddi Maddi Mae Maddi Mae Mae Mae Featuring Featuring Featuring Featuring Maddi Maddi Maddi Mae Maddi Mae Mae Mae

Roses schmoses.

RosesRoses Roses schmoses. schmoses. schmoses.

Roses schmoses.

RosesRoses Roses schmoses. schmoses. schmoses.

EnoughEnough withEnough the Enough with boxwith Enough the of with chocolates. box the the Enough with of box box chocolates.

Enough of the Enough ofchocolates. with chocolates. boxwith the of with chocolates. box the theof box box chocolates. ofofchocolates. chocolates.

Roses schmoses.

RosesRoses Roses schmoses. schmoses. schmoses.

Give your Give love Give your Give something your love your Give love something love your memorable something Give something love Give your memorable Give something your memorable love your memorable love something love memorable something something memorable memorable memorable EnoughEnough withEnough the Enough with boxwith the of with chocolates. box the theof box box chocolates. ofofchocolates. chocolates. that youthat canthat you even thatcan you you telleven that can the caneven you tell kids even that the can about. tell tell that you kids even the that the can you about. kids you tell kids even can about. the can about. even tell kids even the about. tell tell kids the theabout. kids kidsabout. about.

Give yourlove love something memorable Give your Give love Give your something your love something memorable something memorable memorable Four course Four Four dinner course Fourcourse course with dinner Fourchampagne dinner dinner course with Four with champagne with Four dinner course Four champagne on champagne course course with dinner champagne dinner dinner with on onwith champagne with champagne on champagne on on on that you can even tell the kidsabout. about. that you that can that you even can you tellon even can the even tell kids the about. tell kids the about. kids Virginia’s Virginia’s only Virginia’s Virginia’s double onlyVirginia’s only double decker only double double Virginia’s bustaraunt. decker only Virginia’s decker Virginia’s double decker bustaraunt. onlycourse bustaraunt. only double decker bustaraunt. onlydouble double bustaraunt. decker decker decker bustaraunt. bustaraunt. bustaraunt.

Four course dinner with champagne on Four course Four Four dinner course with dinner champagne dinner with with champagne champagne on on on Listening Listening to Listening the Listening live to the music Listening toto live the the performed music live Listening live toVirginia’s music Listening the music performed Listening live by to performed performed the music toto live by the the performed music live by live bymusic music performed by performed performed by byby Virginia’s only double decker bustaraunt.

Virginia’s only Virginia’s double only only double decker double bustaraunt. decker decker bustaraunt. bustaraunt.

Listening to the livemusic music performed Listening Listening to Listening the live to the music to live the performed music live performed by performed by byby Fauquier’s Fauquier’s own Fauquier’s Fauquier’s Maddi own Fauquier’s Mae. own Maddi own Maddi Fauquier’s Maddi Mae. own Fauquier’s Fauquier’s Mae. Mae. Maddi own Mae. own Maddi own Maddi Maddi Mae. Mae. Mae. Fauquier’s own Maddi Mae. Fauquier’s own Fauquier’s Maddi own Mae. own Maddi Mae. Mae. Set Menu.

Set Starts Menu.

Set SetMenu. at Menu.

Starts 6:00.

SetFauquier’s Starts Starts Menu. at 6:00.

Set at atStarts 6:00.

Menu.

Set 6:00.

Set Menu. at Menu.

Starts 6:00.

Starts Starts at Maddi 6:00. atat6:00.

6:00.

Set Menu.

Starts 6:00.

Set Menu.

Set$99 Starts Menu.

Set Menu. at Starts 6:00.

Starts atcouple.

6:00. atat6:00. $99 per$99 couple. per $99 $99 couple. per per couple. $99 couple. per couple. per $99 $99 couple. per per couple. $99 percouple. couple. $99 per$99 couple. per $99 couple. per One performance, One One performance, Oneperformance, performance, limited One performance, seating. limited One limited limited One performance, seating.

Oneperformance, seating. performance, limited seating.seating. limited limited limited seating. seating. seating.

Oneperformance, performance, limited seating.

One performance, One One performance, limited seating. limited limited seating. seating.

Resevervations Resevervations Resevervations Resevervations Required.

Resevervations Required.

Resevervations Required.

Required.

Resevervations Resevervations Required.

Required.

Required.

Required.

Order by February 10th for priority delivery on Valentine’s Day.

Resevervations Required.

Resevervations Resevervations Resevervations Required.

Required.

Required.

“We had “We an“We had incredible “Wean had had incredible “We an time!! anincredible had incredible “We Maddi an time!!

“We had incredible “We time!! time!!

Mae Maddi an had had incredible Maddi an Maddi time!! an Mae incredible incredible Mae Mae Maddi time!! time!! time!!

Mae Maddi Maddi Maddi MaeMae Mae Mae “We had “We an “We had incredible “We an had had incredible an time!! an incredible incredible Maddi time!! time!! time!!

Mae Maddi Maddi Maddi Mae Mae soundedsounded amazing sounded sounded amazing and sounded amazing loved amazing and sounded the amazing loved and and intimate sounded sounded loved the loved amazing and intimate the amazing the loved amazing intimate intimate and the loved and and intimate loved the loved intimate the the intimate intimate sounded sounded amazing sounded sounded amazing and amazing loved amazing and the loved and and intimate loved the loved intimate the the intimate intimate setting. setting.

See setting. you setting.

See soon!” you See setting.

Seesoon!” ~Donna you yousetting. soon!”

See soon!” ~Donna Pumphrey setting. you setting. ~Donna See soon!” ~Donna Pumphrey you See See soon!” ~Donna Pumphrey you Pumphrey you soon!” soon!” ~Donna Pumphrey ~Donna ~Donna Pumphrey Pumphrey Pumphrey setting. setting.

See setting. you setting.

See soon!” you See See soon!” ~Donna you soon!” soon!” ~Donna Pumphrey ~Donna ~Donna Pumphrey Pumphrey Pumphrey

www.jmorrisflowers.com (703) 779-3530

JohnnyJohnny Monarch’s Johnny Johnny Monarch’s Monarch’s Monarch’s

JohnnyJohnny Monarch’s Johnny Johnny Monarch’s Monarch’s Johnny Monarch’s Johnny Monarch’s Johnny Johnny Monarch’s Monarch’s Monarch’s

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

11

Loudoun Grown Expo CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

By Chelsea Rose Moore

I

n the dead of winter, when farmers’ markets are hibernating until spring, Loudoun celebrates its rural heritage with the 10th anniversary of the Loudoun Grown Expo. Held on February 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Purcellville’s historic Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink & Event Center, the event is reminiscent of a giant, indoor farmers’ market. The expo features Loudoun’s growers, farmers and artisans, with breweries and wineries in attendance, making it the perfect way to combat the winter doldrums and celebrate local food.

The Loudoun Grown Expo is a collaboration with Bush Tabernacle, the Town of Purcellville, and the Loudoun County Economic Development.

“These three groups are coming together to ensure that the 10th anniversary is a smashing success,” said Philip Message, President of Bush Tabernacle, whose involvement with the expo dates back to its inception. “We are excited to host and are looking forward to seeing what 2020 brings to this whole county.”

For the ten-year anniversary, Message and his team are taking the event to the next level. New this year are sheep and llama

12

middleburglife.com

•

vendors and a kid’s passport, giving children the opportunity to receive a stamp from every vendor they visit. There will be many handson exhibits and educational content designed to highlight the local agricultural scene. The expo hosts between 40 and 50 vendors from all over the county and welcomes 2,000 visitors each year.

Guests can participate in tastings at winery and brewery booths, purchase meats and produce, sign up for CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), and shop from local artisans.

The event was started in 2010 by Bob Lazaro, Purcellville’s former mayor. “We saw it as a great opportunity to promote those agro-businesses in the community,” Lazaro said. “February has been traditionally a slow time, [and this is] a showcase for those folks who are earning a living in the rural economic space. [It’s a way to] let folks in Greater Loudoun know what’s available to them and enjoy some good hospitality.”

And of course, spending money with a local business means your money stays in the county and helps boost the local economy.

Melanie Scoggins, the business development and retention manager with the Town of Leesburg, helped the event get on its feet in

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

its early years. At the time, she was working with the Town of Purcellville as the park and recs division manager and saw this event as a means to help “increase [the] visibility of the rural community” in Loudoun County.

“Part of the culture of Purcellville and the county is that we have many unique producers and places that make this area special,” said Scoggins. “In order to keep it like that, we have to support our local businesses and educate our community on what they are actually getting for their dollar and help them understand that spending with these businesses helps boost the microeconomy in our communities. In this case, supporting the businesses that participate in this event helps reinforce their success and the sustainability of one of the many assets unique to the county.”

The event, she said, has changed over the years to fit the needs of the community. And even though she is no longer involved with planning the event, it’s still on her calendar, and she can’t wait to attend.

Admission to the event is $2 per person or $3 per family. Bush Tabernacle is located at 250 S. Nursery Ave, Purcellville. To learn more and see a list of participating vendors, visit loudoungrown.org. ML

www.luckettstore.com

KILLER FINDS FOR YOUR HOME Open Every Day 10am - 5pm

POINT-TO-POINTS

PAY! STARTER REWARD PROGRAM RETURNS for the 2020 Spring Virginia Point to Point Races!

Any Virginia Owned or Trained horse that starts in a at, hurdle or timber race will recieve $200 per start. Schedule at centralentryoffice.com

The Program is funded by the Virginia Equine Alliance. The purpose of the VEA is to sustain, promote, and expand the horse breeding and racing industries in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Visit VirginiaHorseRacing.com

Groundhog Sale February 7-8-9 & all new Design House 42350 Lucketts Road • Leesburg • VA • 20176 • 703.779.0268

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

13

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

PATRICKSWELL

CATESBY

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

308 acres of spectacular land | Extensive renovation and expansion by premier builder | Immaculate home and beautiful land on Atoka Road in 3 parcels | Two large stables | Multiple ponds | Incredible views | Charming guest house | Tennis court | Stunning setting

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

Gracious Georgian Manor home, 11,000 sf, built in 1930 | Updated and suitable for large scale entertaining | 7 BR, 7 1/2 BA, 7 FP | High ceilings, formal gardens & private setting | Belmont style stable w/30 stalls and 2 apartments | 4 BR guest house/entertainment complex, 4-car garage w/office | 4 restored tenant houses, skeet range, pool & tennis court | 241 acres recorded in 3 parcels | Land mostly open & rolling with bold mountain views, numerous ponds and vineyard

SPRING GLADE

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA $10,000,000

French Country home, Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

with renovations in 1999 $9,950,000 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 halfPaul BA, 5 FP, hardwood MacMahon 703.609.1905 floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Improvements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres

|

ge

, es

$3,900,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 MacMahon 540.454.1930 helenFARM MAYAPPLE LANGHORNE FARM MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

Original portion of house built in 1790 in Preston City, CT | House was dismantled and rebuilt at current site | Detail of work is museum quality | Log wing moved to site from Western Virginia circa 1830 | 4 BR, 4 full BA, 2 half BA, 9 FP & detached 2-car garage | Historic stone bank barn and log shed moved from Leesburg, VA | Private, minutes from town | Frontage on Goose Creek | 37.65 acres

$3,400,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

| y

UPPERVILLE, VIRGINIA

266 acres in Piedmont Hunt | Panoramic views of the Blue Ridge, Bull Run and Cobbler mountains which surround the whole property | Improvements include 4 farmhouses, an iconic red dairy barn and many agricultural buildings | Ponds and traditional stone walls | This working farm is protected by a Virginia Outdoors Foundation conservation easement which allows 2 parcels

$3,300,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

SALEM HILL

Prime Fauquier County location minutes from Middleburg | Unbelievable finishes throughout | Antique floors and mantels, vaulted ceilings | 6 BR, 5 full, 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

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

SALEM HILL

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA $3,690,000

$8,750,000 Fauquier location Well protected 6 bedrooms | Paul |MacMahon 703.609.1905 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 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 HALCYON HILL RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA

17 acres of rolling pasture land in the village of Rectortown | Convenient to both Routes 50 & 66 | Newly renovated | Private setting with magnificent mountain views | 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 1 half bath, 2 fireplaces | Heated pool & spa | 2 bedroom guest house | Large shed & 2-car garage

$2,250,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

ZACHARY TAYLOR HIGHWAY HUNTLY, VIRGINIA

297.45 acres recorded in 5 parcels | Rolling and rising land, pasture and mature woods | 2 ponds, creek, elevated building sites | Close to Flint Hill, Little Washington & Front Royal

$1,500,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

HALCYON HILL

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA

Marqui Simmons 703.774.6109 Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

$2,650,000

helen MacMahon 540.454.1930 m i d d l e b u r g l i f e . c o m • F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

20 Riv 4 fu Gun and | pad

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

GAME CREEK A remarkable property located within a private TWIN CREEK HAMILTON STREET enclave just minutes from town | Stone and stucco ALDIE, VIRGINIA MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA manor with main level master 7 Quiet country living on 33house acres with great proximity Nice office building in suite the town of| Middleburg to the conveniences of nearby shopping, restaurants, | Private parking (8 spaces) and additional | acreage 5 stone | Beautiful gardens, schools &additional hospital | Rare find BR to get this and FP street parking | 2 level building | Additional have terraces, FIOS - work fromsalt home while enjoying the available inhouse lower level & water pool, cabana,storage carriage privacy of your own farm | Rolling acreage, stable, $1,165,000 stable 2 home paddocks fencing & bold with creek | 5 BR has been well | Lovely finishes throughout Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930 maintained | Southern exposure with great light & & sweeping lawn to private trails to Goose Creek | lovely views | Main floor master suite & 2-car garage 31$1,395,000 acres | Private, elegant & convenient

14

FIDELIO THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA

17 acres of rolling pasture land in the village BUST HEAD ROAD 111 EAST WASHINGTON STREET ofTHE Rectortown | Convenient toMIDDLEBURG, both Routes 50 PLAINS, VIRGINIA VIRGINIA & 66 | Newly renovated | Private setting with updated | 82.69 acres | Mostly wooded, mountain views, Stone building circa 1800 | Completely bold stream | 2 old chimneys | | Pine floors | Corner lot | 6 offices | magnificent mountain viewsNew| roof 4Parking bedrooms, in very protected area | Conservation lot in rear | Shows well | Can not be | 4easement full bath, 1 subdivided half bath, 2 fireplaces | $995,000 Heated Prime Orange County Hunt location | Paul MacMahon pool & spa | 2 bedroom guest house | 703.609.1905 Halfway between Middleburg and The Plains $1,100,000 Large shed & 2-car garage Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

$2,475,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

r b

2b mu

SOUND SOUND

ADVICE ADVICE –– UNCOMMON UNCOMMON

SERVICE SERVICE Buckingham BuckinghamStrategic Strategic Wealth Wealthisisan an established,fee-only fee-only established, firm servingclients clients firm serving throughoutthe the throughout Metropolitanarea. area.

DCDC Metropolitan The Virginiateam team The Virginia is recognized is recognized asas experiencedfinancial financial experienced advisors,offering offering advisors, disciplined investment disciplined investment management and management and financial financial planning solutions. planning solutions.

11325 Rd. 11325 Random Random Hills Hills Rd. Suite Suite 210 Fairfax, Fairfax, VA VA 22030 703.760.3673 703.760.3673 112W. W. Washington Washington St. 112 St. Suite 204 Suite 204 Middleburg, VA 20117 20117 Middleburg, VA 540.931.9051 540.931.9051 Buckingham-NOVA.com Buckingham-NOVA.com

Winter Sale Starts February 1st 21 E. Washington St. Middleburg, VA 540.687.3686 - Cdrigden.com

Exterior Experts

Gutters, Roofs, Decks, Windows & Doors

Make Your Home The Envy Of Your Neighborhood

Maintain & Beautify Your Home With Gutter Cleaning & Power Washing Over 100,000 services completed over the past 30+ years

Upgrade Your Home With Beautiful Roof & Gutters

$25 Off

$50 Off

Gutter Cleaning

Power Washing

Expires 4/30/2020

Expires 8/15/2020

$300 Off

$500 Off

KGuard Gutter Covers

KGuard Gutter Covers + Aluminum Trip Wrap

Min contract $3,000

Min contract $5,000

Expires 8/15/2020

Expires 8/15/2020

$777 Off Any Shingle Roof Valid on roofs over 1,000 SQ. Ft. Only. Valid for executed contracts by 8/15/2020

Visit Guttermanservices.com Or Call 571.297.6707

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

15

2020

BEST OF

HUNT COUNTRY WEDDINGS

There’s something magical about weddings. No matter how many we attend or how many wedding photos we “ooh” and “aah” over, we still can’t get enough of them. And with the Middleburg area as a wedding backdrop, there is all the more reason to love them.

For our 2020 Wedding issue, we wanted to showcase the dreamiest weddings around Hunt Country. We asked local photographers to submit photos from clients’ weddings over the past six months for a chance to be featured in this issue. With so many beautiful entries, it was difficult to choose, but we’ve compiled the best of the best from in and around Middleburg, Va. Here’s to happily-ever-after! ML

CAITLYN & ADRIAN’S SALAMANDER RESORT WEDDING Wedding Day: October 12, 2019

Makeup and Hair: Makeup by Ana B

Photography: Candice Adelle Photography

DJ: Dan Goldman Events

Venue + Cake: Salamander Resort

Bridesmaids Gowns: Azazie

Event Planning and Design: Bash DC

Tuxes: The Black Tux

Videography: Feeling Wedding Films

16

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

CATIE & ANDREW’S

GREAT MARSH ESTATE AND HISTORIC LITTLE FORK EPISCOPAL CHURCH WEDDING Wedding Day: December 14, 2019 Photography: Michelle Lieb with Lieb Photographic Venue: Great Marsh Estate Planning and Design: Jessica Ashley Events Floral Design: Buttercups Floral Hair and Make Up: Yisell Santos Wedding Dress: Ava Laurenne Catering: Serendipity Cake: Cakes by Marium Invitation Suite: Minted Rentals/Decor: Jessica Ashley Events DJ: Dream Day DJs Veil: USA Bride Shoes: Badgely Mischka Bridesmaid Dresses: Brideside Engagement Ring: Mervis Diamond Ornament Favors: The Globe Virginia Beach Bride’s Wedding Band: Roberto Coin from The Globe Virginia Beach Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Capital Tailor Groom’s Wedding Band: Mervis Diamond Socks: No Cold Feet Drinks: Eight Oaks Craft Distillers

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

17

TAYLOR & CHARLIE’S RIVERSIDE ON THE POTOMAC WEDDING

Wedding Day: October 26, 2019 Photography: Victoria Heer Photography Planner: Beacon and Berkeley Events Venue: Riverside on the Potomac Caterer: Old Blue BBQ Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes Florals: Holly Heider Chapple Flowers, LTD Band: Cazhmiere String Trio: Labrador Entertainment Transportation: BBC Express – Laura Ahrens Carriage: The Shenandoah Carriage Co. LLC – Linda Winder Hair & Make Up: Claudine Fay of CMF Artistry LLC Invitations: Dandelion Patch

18

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

Bundles Murdock | Laura Farrell

GLENBROOK | Equestrian Facilities Foxcroft Road, Middleburg, VA | $4.950,000 Co-listed with Chris Malone +1 540 454 3775

CHILLY BLEAK FARM | 153 acres Prime Horse & Hunt Country Location | $3,750,000 Chilly Bleak Lane, Marshall, VA*

MIAMI, FLORIDA | Listing Referral 1000 Biscayne Boulevard #3001 | $6,050,000 Jill Penman, One Sotheby’s International Realty

UPPERVILLE | 94 acres | No Restrictions Greengarden Road, Upperville, VA | $1,175,000

THE PLAINS | 100 acres John Marshall Highway, The Plains, VA | $798,000

MIDDLEBURG | Commercial & Residential Opportunities Almost an acre | $3,900,000 Parcels also offered separately

FAUQUIER COUNTY | Restored & Renovated Crest Hill Road, Marshall, VA | $895,000

MIDDLEBURG | 2 Lots | SOLD Walnut Street, Middleburg, VA | $750,000

WARRENTON | 12 acres | CONTRACT PENDING Deborah Drive, Warrenton, VA | $675,000

PLEASE VISIT OUR OFFICE IN

The Plains

6474 Main Street, The Plains, VA +1 540 212 9993 | ttrsir.com

Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680 | lfarrell@ttrsir.com Bundles Murdock +1 540 454 3499 | bmurdock@llttrsir.com

*Co-Listed with Thomas & Talbot

©2020 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. SIR1

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

19

BECCA & SKYLER’S MANOR AT AIRMONT WEDDING Wedding Day: August 17, 2019 Photography: Du Jour Event Planning: Tricia Christine Events Catering: Zesty Gourmet Flowers: Natallia Francis Venue: The Manor at Airmont

20

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

21

Let your vision come to life: Sugarplum Tent Company covers the area’s most spectacular events!

We offer a wide range of Clear, Sailcoth, and White Tents, plus our new exclusive Garden Tent; a full range of lighting & flooring options; fabric draping & climate control.

Just add the food and flowers!

Award-winning, family-owned business since 1992. Give us a call to schedule a site visit.

sugarplumtents.com

301-869-2054

@sugarplumtents Sugarplum Tent Company

Serving the DMV and entire Eastern Shore areas

NOWOPEN OPEN NOW 23595 WINERY LANE MIDDLEBURG, VA 20117 GREENHILLVINEYARDS.COM

FALL/WINTER HOURS OPEN DAILY: 12PM TO 6PM

Browse our Designer gowns, unique

Browse our Designer gowns, unique accessories, and one-of-a-kind accessories, and one-of-a-kind vintagevintage pieces an Equestrian twist. Please call pieces with with an Equestrian twist. Please call information for for moremore information or to or bookto abook Bridala Bridal Gown Shopping Experience Package!

Gown Shopping Experience Package!

With an equestrian tWist

540.751.8059 540.751.8059 SIX SOUTH MADISON STREET STREET SIX SOUTH MADISON MIDDLEBURG, VA 20117

NOW OPEN

NOW OPEN Browse our Designer gowns, unique accessories, and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces with an Equestrian twist. Please call for more information or to book a Bridal BrowGown se ouShopping r DesigExperience ner gownPackage! s,

MIDDLEBURG, VA 20117

lEE . aNN @T hE M iddlEburg b ridE . cOM

Browse our Designer gowns, unique accessories, and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces with an Equestrian twist. Please call ries, and one-of-a-kind for more information or to book a Bridal unique accesso540.751.8059 vintage pieces w h anMADISON EquesSTREET trian twist.

SIXitSOUTH Gown Shopping Experience Package!

MIDDLEBURG, VA 20117 Please call for more information or to book a Bridal Gown ShlEEop.aNN pin@TghEEMxiddlEburg perienbcridE e P.cOM ackage!

540.751.8059

Open By Appointment

SIX SOUTH MADISON STREET MIDDLEBURG, VA 20117

ThEMiddlEburgbridE.cOM

lee.ann@T heMiddleburgBride.com

T heMiddleburgBride.com

d l e b u rbgridE l i .fcOM e . c o m • F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0 22lEE . aNN @TmhEiMdiddlEburg

ThEMiddlEburgbridE.cOM

@ThEMiddlEburgbridE.cOM TlEEhE.MaNN iddlEburg b ridE . cOM ThEMiddlEburgbridE.cOM

PRIVATE EVENTS

CELEBRATIONS

HORSES

Choose from our Barrel Room, Mini Bar, Club House, or Conference Rooms.

Book your next wedding or rehearsal dinner with the assistance of our experienced events team.

Book a carriage ride or miniature horses for your next celebration.

U.S.A.

NON GMO

Project VERIFIED

nongmoproject.org

Food that Doesn’t Cost the EarthTM Heritage Breed Forest Reared

The WINC Wake-Up Show with Barry & Katie Mornings 5am - 10am Why are so many 92.5 WINC FM listeners planning a 2020 wedding?

It’s that combination of WINC’s variety that makes you feel good and Virginia being for lovers.

Regenerative, Sustainable, Local. Food and Farming As It Should Be.

8372 West Main St., Marshall, VA • 540.837.4405 • GentleHarvest.com

If you own or manage a business that wants to talk to brides.... talk to us.

We’ll connect the dots. Sales@WINC.fm.

Summit Roofing Contractors, Inc.

Northern Virginia Roofing Specialists 2016-19

Thanks for voting us the Best Roofing Company!

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

23

Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

JOHN COLES 540-270- 0094 REBECCA POSTON 540-771-7520

“Specializing in large land holdings” ED

SO

D

RE

ED

LD

UC

CLEREMONT

Upperville ~ The Impressive & Historic 1511 acre Estate & Prize Winning Cattle Farm of Cleremont is an assemblage of 3 contiguous farms, which can be purchased separately.

Through exceptional management, which is willing to stay, this is some of the most magnificent farmland with 33 verdant pastures, natural water resources and forest, which creates a haven of tranquility. $13,000,000

UC

D

RE

760 ACRES / LEESBURG

Rare, 760 Acre Working Farm, 5 minutes north of the Town of Leesburg, currently in crops, hay, cattle and sheep. Four residences include the historic main house and 3 tenant homes. Substantial Rt. 15 road frontage. This open land features streams and pond. Currently in 2 large tracts and 1 small parcel. Potential for Conservation Easement Tax Credits. $8,600,000

MUSTER LANE

The Plains ~ 108 gorgeous Acres, This Stately and Historic Estate with its grand rooms is in prime Orange County Hunt Territory, minutes to Middleburg. It also features a pool and pool house, 5 bay garage with office, 2 tenant houses, newly remodeled 11 stall center aisle stable with apt. & office, riding arena and exceptional ride-out to wooded trails and open pastures. $7,250,000

ED

UC

D

RE

CHILLY BLEAK

HIDDEN TRAIL

The Plains ~ Magnificent horse property in the midst of the serene countryside. From the picturesque Young Road two driveways access the 107 acres of Hidden Trail Farm.

The first leads to one of the finest indoor arenas surrounded by exquisite ride out. The second is the graceful, parklike drive, which parallels a creek and then gently curves $4,900,000 left to the elegant manor home.

Marshall ~ This 152 acre horse farm features beautiful open gently rolling pastures and fields in prime Orange County Hunt Territory. The historic fieldstone home dates to 1820 with later additions creating a 5 BR / 5 BA home with stone terrace and pool. Two Stables - 15 stalls and 6 stalls, Kraft Walker, 8 paddocks, 6 fields, 3 cottages.

The home is perfectly sited for privacy with easy access to I-66 and Rt. 50. VOF Easement. Shared listing with $3,750,000 Sotheby’s.

SMITTEN FARM LANE

The Plains ~ Finely built custom residence on 16 Acres minutes from Middleburg in Prime Orange County Hunt Territory. Designed for Grand Entertaining both inside and outside. The rooms graciously open into one another and lead out to the deep porches, which wrap the home and overlook $2,950,000 the pool, grounds, gardens and conservatory.

ED

EW

N

UC

D

RE

MORELAND FARM

Delaplane ~ Spectacular Views! Approximately 250 Acres in 2 parcels. The primary parcel of 142 acres features the 3 BR/3 BA stone home accessed from Moreland Road, 2 tenant homes and numerous supporting structures including a large 4 bay machine shed. The second parcel of 107 acres is on the opposite side of Moreland Road, and currently offers a 2 BR tenant home with potential to build an additional primary dwelling. The 2 parcels may be purchased in total or separately, neither of which may be further divided. $2,426,000

DESTINAIRE FARM

Hume ~ Impeccably maintained, exquisite 118 Acre horse farm with indoor dressage ring. Ten fields and paddocks with 4 board fencing, gently rolling land & panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains with glimpses of Skyline Drive.

In addition to the stucco and stone main residence, there are guest and tenant homes, numerous barns and run-ins to $1,950,000 house 25 horses comfortably.

STONE HAVEN

Nestled on 158 Acres in pristine Rappahannock County, Stonehaven offers a picturesque and tranquil retreat. Sited at the end of the private drive is the historic Stone residence, c.1791 with additional stone cottage for guests or office and tucked into the woods, beyond the home, is a charming and beautifully restored 2 bedroom log cabin. Gardens, lawn, barns, paddocks and tremendous ride out potential provide an outdoor haven. $1,695,000

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

To see the full listings and all our exclusive properties in hunt country please visit THOMASANDTALBOT.com

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 TELEPHONE (540) 687-6500

m i d d l e b u r gAlll Pages i f e . c o m • F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0 2401-28_ML_JohnColes-DT.indd

Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

JOHN COLES 540-270- 0094 REBECCA POSTON 540-771-7520

“Specializing in large land holdings” D

N

LA

D

N

LA

CHUDLEIGH FARM SECTION 2

(Adjacent to OATLAND VIEWS SECTION 1) ALDIE ~ 379.75 Acres on the north side of Oatlands Road between Rt. 15 and Snickersville Turnpike. Currently divided into 16 HOMESITES developed under the Low Density Development Option. Homesites range in size from 13.83 Acres – 38.12 Acres. Open Space Easement in place with potential for tax credits. $7,500,000

OATLAND VIEWS SECTION 1

(Adjacent to CHUDLEIGH FARM SECTION 2) ALDIE ~ 271 Acres on the north side of Oatlands Road between Rt. 15 and Snickersville Turnpike. Divided into 11 HOMESITES ranging in size from 13-41 Acres with private road frontage on Clear Creek Lane. 10 of the 11 parcels have wells and Certification Letters for 4 bedroom septics. Land protected by Loudoun County Open $5,500,000 Space Easement.

D

N

LA

TULEYRIES

Boyce ~ Exquisite Federal Style Mansion, c.1833, features 12’ ceilings, dramatic curved stairway and 5 en-suite bedrooms. Sited on 406 Acres in 3 parcels with Easement Potential. Built by Joseph Tuley, Jr., later purchased by Graham Blandy, who bequeathed over half of the original estate to the University of Virginia. Estate also includes 3 tenant houses, 12 stall stable with renovated 3 bd. apt. & numerous historic structures. $5,000,000

D

N

LA

CLEARWATER FARM

Marshall ~ Handsome custom built Residence with first floor Master Suite and perfect mix of open and traditional floor plan beautifully sited on 50 Acres. Special features include: Swimex Swim Pool, 2 Stocked Ponds, High Speed Internet, Whole House Generator and Geothermal Heating and Cooling. For the equestrian: located in the Orlean Community Trail System and adjacent to a Premier Equestrian Center with stables, riding arenas and trails. $2,900,000

POTTS MILL FARM

VERY PRIVATE 137+ Acres within minutes of Historic Middleburg. The northern boundary of the property includes approx. 3,765’ of frontage on Little River, a tributary of Goose Creek. Open Space Easement, gently rolling fields with mature hardwood forest, Orange County Hunt Territory, great ride out, pastoral views in all directions. $2,534,500

R T DE RAC UN NT O C

ED

C

U ED

R

CROSSWINDS

Delaplane ~ 72 Acre Horse Property in Piedmont Hunt Territory. Features Handsome 7 stall stable perfectly sited for cross ventilation, built by P. J. Williams and features an upscale 1 bedroom + den apartment with screened porch.

Generator. Perfect for training Cross County/Eventing.

Uphill gallop with good elevation, 100’ x 200’ riding ring with all weather footing, 5 fenced paddocks and 2 run-in $1,050,000 sheds.

MOUNTVILLE

Middleburg ~ 145+ Acres of land in sought after location on Mountville Rd. near Foxcroft School. Several home sites with wonderful views and vistas yet extremely private, half wooded and half pasture with over 2,000’ of Goose Creek frontage. Minutes from Middleburg with easy access to Dulles International Airport & Washington DC. Middleburg Hunt Territory. $2,465,250

GOOSE CREEK

Marshall ~ 7.43 Acre Horse Farm in a coveted area of fine large estates and gorgeous views. The 4 bedroom, 4 bath home underwent extensive renovation in 2010, the home was enlarged again in 2014. Broadband Internet was recently installed, as was a new generator with new gas lines and upgraded electric. $899,000

YELLOW SCHOOL HOUSE

Bluemont ~ Charming farm with tranquil pastoral setting features classic 1800’s farmhouse, guest house and tenant house. The bank barn offers 6 stalls on the lower level, 4 board fenced fields and paddocks with run-in. A year round creek runs through the property. Wonderful location with easy access to Route 7 bypass and the Dulles Greenway. Between Purcellville/Round Hill and Upperville. $750,000

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

To see the full listings and all our exclusive properties in hunt country please visit THOMASANDTALBOT.com

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 TELEPHONE (540) 687-6500

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

m i d d l e b u r g l i f e . c1/24/20 om

25

2:20 PM

A LOVE LETTER TO MIDDLEBURG: SIGNED LYDIA MARIE ELIZABETH

By Summer Stanley

L

ydia Schrader, of Philadelphia, Pa., spent much of her childhood and formative years in Middleburg, always with a paintbrush in hand. She remembers walking around town, surrounded by history, and admiring the traditional and timeless spaces that are still relevant today. Last fall, to the delight of locals and far-reaching fans alike, Schrader released The Hunt Collection, a new and expanded line of hunt country inspired artwork. You might be familiar with her illustrations of famed Washington Street sights like the Christmas Hunt and Hounds Review, or The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, where an artist’s reception for the collection was appropriately held on Nov. 15.

It was only a few weeks prior when Schrader’s “Middleburg Scarf ” and pocket square debuted at Banniere’s brand launch for Highcliffe Clothiers. The response was overwhelming, as the scarves sold out the weekend of International Gold Cup, but have since been restocked. It began with a chance introduction to Banniere founder, Olivia Meyer, while Schrader was visiting Palm Beach, Florida last year. Banniere produces high-quality silk scarves designed by local artists in cities around the world, so a collaboration with Schrader was a natural fit. The pair worked together to bring the most iconic perspective of Middleburg to the beautifully printed and hand-rolled silk scarves. The main image includes the snowy hunt and hounds scene alongside prominent landmarks and other

Above: The Hunt Collection by Lydia Marie Elizabeth. Photo by Rebekah Murray.

26

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

details, while the gentleman’s pocket square features a friendly fox against a hunter green background.

Schrader admits to having a greater sense of appreciation for the Virginia landscape since leaving the area for college. She earned her degree in interior design, and just as she was honing in on her love for interiors, she began missing the paint brushes of her youth.

She started working as an interior designer at an architectural firm in Greenwich, Conn., where she found time to illustrate the scenes that most inspired her during the day. In 2015, she decided to launch her own brand, Lydia Marie Elizabeth, as a full-time artist focusing on architecture and interior watercolor illustrations.

Letter | Page 27

Letter | From page 26 The Hunt Collection, including traditional paintings, as well as black and white studies, explores the idea of our connection to land and nature. Schrader claims it pushed her artistic abilities and vision even further. “Virginia Hunt Country is a place that significantly shaped me. Its refinement is something I didn’t grasp until I moved away, but even the landscape rolls gracefully and is well-proportioned,” suggests Schrader. “By painting Middleburg, I’m able to relive it.”

Schrader fondly recalls those pivotal high school years and times she spent running on the cross-country team through the area known as Five Mile Loop. “I ran through these fields – we went past cows and horses and big gracious fields. I knew every curve of the road and when to start gearing up for a big hill. It was a reflective time for me – thinking through the day and taking in the afternoon light,” recounts Schrader. “The Hunt Collection is a bit of a love letter to this place and all the people who have shared it with me.”

It seems only fitting that Schrader would make this comparison, as she draws constant inspiration from some of our history’s greatest literature. Authors and poets like Ernest Hemingway, Emily Dickinson, C.S. Lewis and Francis Thompson, have all influenced her in unexpected ways both artistically and spiritually. Take Thompson’s “The Hound of Heaven,” for example. A poem symbolizing God’s pursuit of us as individuals and our continuous resistance throughout life, ends with the realization that one can no longer hide from a love with such deep intensity. Each stanza builds upon the next in a rhythm that beats with persistence, reminding Schrader of the steady galloping of horses, over and over.

Much of Schrader’s work comes from commissioned pieces that are personal or unique to her clients. Her niche for home interior illustration recently landed a commission from New York City floral and event designer, Christy Doramus, to collaborate with actress Drew Barrymore’s brand, Flower Home. The line of wallpaper, bedding and other home furnishings is brought to life in watercolor scenes created by Schrader for the company’s social media marketing. The colorful and eclectic pieces of Flower Home, akin to the bold pattern play of interior designer, Carleton Varney à la Dorothy Draper style, are meant to spark joy and add personality to a room. Schrader points out that interiors, much like how we dress, reflect a very intimate portrait of a person’s inner self.

“The Hunt Collection is a bit of a love letter to this place and all the people who have shared it with me.”

Letter | Page 28 Top: Lydia M.E. Schrader in her beloved hills of Hunt Country. Photo by Rebekah Murray. Bottom: On the Hill from the Hunt Collection by Lydia Marie Elizabeth.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

27

Letter | From page 27 “Interiors and architecture are what we intentionally surround ourselves with – both for shelter and comfort,” says Schrader.

Like The Hunt Collection, most of the images that fill her portfolio today are places inspired by either nostalgic or daydreamed moments. She sketches her own travels, depicting places like Palm Beach and Nantucket. Often painted in her off-site studio using photographs, Schrader finds the colors of a memory to be most evocative, such as the suggested warmth of dappled sunlight through a canopy of trees. A favorite passage of Schrader’s, which relates to this idea of remembering, can be found in “The Weight of Glory,” a sermon delivered by C.S. Lewis.

He cautions that in yearning for a glimpse of beauty, perhaps romanticized from our past experiences, we can never truly capture it in complete fulfillment, as the beauty we desire is fleeting. It is only an image in this life, the scent of a flower we have not yet found.

Looking ahead for 2020, Schrader has

embarked on developing an Americana Collection as a monthly series of paintings available for sale at the end of each month. This expands upon her 2019 Desk Calendar “The American Road Trip Series,” which captures the timeless American spirit and joy of American life that resonates so well with her clients. Taking a cue from Ernest Hemingway, who wrote about America while living in Paris, Schrader proves the notion that sometimes being outside of a place allows you to articulate it more accurately.

“Perhaps we cannot repeat the past, nor may we want to, but we can revel in the beauty of it and allow it to shape our future for the better,” says Schrader. “The Hunt Collection is an ode to the beautiful town of Middleburg and it is a building block of my American dream.” ML Follow @lydiamarieelizabeth on Instagram and visit lydiamarieelizabeth.com to view the collections and shop prints, originals and the 2020 Sail Away Desk Calendar while supplies last.

Lydia Schrader with Banniere X LME Middleburg Scarf. Photo by Rebekah Murray.

0202 02 | 17 | |17 17 | 2020 | |2020 2020 VOCES8 VOCES8 VOCES8

20th20th Anniversary 20th Anniversary Anniversary Commemoration Commemoration Concert Concert Concert Adults Adults Adults $25 $25 | Students $25 | Students | Students $15 $15 | Under $15 | Under | Under 18 free 1818 free free Commemoration FORFOR TICKET FOR TICKET TICKET AVAILABILITY AVAILABILITY AVAILABILITY Online: Online: Online: gracetheplains.org gracetheplains.org gracetheplains.org Facebook:/gracechurchconcertseries Facebook:/gracechurchconcertseries Facebook:/gracechurchconcertseries Email:concertseries@gracetheplains.org Email:concertseries@gracetheplains.org Email:concertseries@gracetheplains.org Phone:540-253-5177 Phone:540-253-5177 Phone:540-253-5177 ext.107 ext.107 ext.107 65076507 Main 6507 Main Street Main Street Street | The | The Plains, | The Plains, Plains, Virginia Virginia Virginia

28

middleburglife.com

•

7:307:30 pm 7:30 pm pm

SOLD SOLD SOLD OUT OUT OUT A thrilling AA thrilling thrilling combination combination combination of ofof choral choral choral music music music spanning spanning spanning Renaissance Renaissance Renaissance to Jazz toto Jazz Jazz

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

0303 03 | 01 | |01 01 | 2020 | |2020 2020 Tysons Tysons Tysons McLean McLean McLean Orchestra Orchestra Orchestra

Directed Directed Directed

by Miriam byby Miriam Miriam Burns Burns Burns 5:005:00 pm 5:00 pm pm John John John Rutter, Rutter, Rutter, Serenade Serenade Serenade J. S. J.Bach, J. S.S. Bach, Bach, Brandenburg Brandenburg Brandenburg Concerto Concerto Concerto No.No. 3No. in3Gin 3 Major in GG Major Major F. J.F.Haydn, F. J. J. Haydn, Haydn, Farewell Farewell Farewell Symphony Symphony Symphony

LOVE WILL BE IN THE AIR ALL WEEK LONG

VALENTINES DAY DINNER AVAILABLE THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 10TH, 2020 DESTINATION WEDDINGS | EXECUTIVE RETREATS | WINE & HUNT COUNTRY FINE DINING ONE HOUR WEST OF DC IN MIDDLEBURG,VA GOODSTONE.COM | 540-687-3333

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

29

THE PERFECT RING FOR MIDDLEBURG’S QUEEN OF BLING

Elizabeth Mandros, owner of Mystique Jewelers in Middleburg and Alexandria, and Chris Holder share their engagement story.

Story by Kaitlin Hill Photos by Jennifer Gray

W

hen asked how they met, Chris Holder and Elizabeth (Liz) Mandros are quick to answer.

“Our mutual passion for polo,” Holder explains.

The Middleburg-based couple, who got engaged over New Year’s, credits their newly cemented romance to a combination of aligned passions and a strong friendship.

Holder says, “We had this great hobby and passion that we love to do, and we were spending a lot of time riding together. From there, it just progressed, and we had the opportunity to spend a lot of time together this

30

middleburglife.com

•

summer, both on the polo fields and outside the barns. And we found that our friendship was an awesome basis for our relationship.”

Crucial to their developing romance was solidifying the friendship. Holder remembers, “We decided the most important thing, because of playing polo and our acquaintances, was our friendship. So we spent 20, maybe 25, dates focusing on our friendship, how much we had in common, and how we enjoyed being around each other.”

Part of securing that friendship was protecting the hobby they both considered “me time.”

Mandros explains, “We both work, we both raise kids and riding is our getaway. It’s our time. And we didn’t want to hurt each other’s time if we weren’t compatible.” She goes on, “So we looked at that and we found, in doing that, it gave us an even stronger relationship.”

Around Independence Day of 2019, the couple decided to “go all-in” on their relation-

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

ship. And by winter, they were ring shopping, a potentially daunting task for Holder, given Mandros is the owner of Mystique Jewelers in Middleburg and Alexandria.

She remembers, “Leading up to it, he took me to Tiffany’s.” She adds, “I was in giggles.

To feel like one of those women who would go into a jewelry store to look at rings, it was amazing.”

He laughs, “She is usually on the other side of the counter. It was during the holidays, and it was a fun day. She tried on some rings, but, of course, our favorite jeweler is Mystique.”

The initial pressure of having to pick a ring for his professional jeweler girlfriend passed as Holder worked with the Mystique team.

He says, “I knew I had to get it right…And the level of care I got from her manager was pretty exceptional.” He adds, “Liz has a manager at her Old Town store who I was able to work with, find the right diamond, and she Ring | Page 31

Ring | From page 30 helped me put the ring together.”

Holder and the Mystique team chose a symmetrical three-carat round brilliant diamond. Quality of the cut, color, and clarity were important factors in the rock selection process. The excellent cut diamond is an E color, in layman’s terms, one better than the official ranking system of the Gemological Institute of America even recognizes for colorlessness, and a VS2 classification of clarity.

Mandros explains, “Having an excellent cut in all parameters gives the diamond its most brilliant light.” The diamond is set in a platinum band and surrounded by 12 emerald cut diamonds, six on each side. Mandros adds that they are, “set in classic prongs with a total weight of 2.77 carats, all well matched and the same quality of the center diamond.” Certainly, a work of art fit for a Graduate Gemologist.

Ring in hand, Holder was ready to propose. “A few days after Christmas, we went down to Key Largo, Florida. Just at sunset, on New Year’s Eve we went out to the beach for dinner, we watched a beautiful sunset, we had a very special moment, and I got down on one knee and proposed to her.” He recounts with something like giddiness in his voice.

“It was actually the most romantic proposal ever,” Mandros gushes. Absolutely ebullient, she adds, “I was shocked. I mean, we had talked about this, and we had given it a lot of thought, but I had no idea when it was going to be. It was a surprise. It was the most wonderful moment of our journey together, the start of many more to come.”

Holder expands, “It was a great way to celebrate [the end of] 2019 and to start a new decade, and the setting couldn’t have been more beautiful.”

“Oh my gosh, it was more than the setting.

It was the way he did it.” Mandros playfully interrupts. “He was so romantic.” She concludes with a joyful giggle.

As for her thoughts on the ring? “He totally nailed it. He nailed it over my expectation. It is so beautiful, but the most important thing for us is the symbol of the ring.” She adds, “[It’s] a custom creation that creates magic in my heart, just like our first kiss.”

A month later, the couple is still enjoying the afterglow of their sunset proposal, and they aren’t in too much of a rush to make plans for their wedding. Other than a country backdrop, talk of a beautiful barn venue, and the tongue-in-cheek hope that Dave Matthews is in town to perform, the couple envisions the wedding as a celebration of their

The initial pressure of having to pick a ring for his professional jeweler girlfriend passed as Holder worked with the Mystique team. blended family.

Holder says, “We both have teen children and as we think through what it takes to blend a family we want to make sure that we do it in a way everyone feels special, all the kids feel special…Family is very important to us.”

From the tenderness in their voices and the frequent fits of laughter, within minutes

of talking to this couple, their love for one another is delightfully obvious, as is their love for their families and their hunt country community. It is a safe bet that these Middleburg lovebirds will have a fun and family-filled wedding followed by years of marital bliss and, yes, plenty of polo. ML

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

31

LOCAL L VE SIGN TOUR WITH ARCHIE Photos by Joanne Maisano

A

re you looking for a unique activity to do on Valentine’s Day weekend with the family or a special someone?

Follow Archie (Middleburg Life Staffer) on a photo tour of your own to check out some of our favorite local love signs. Be sure to save time to stop for nibbles and refreshments along the route using our recommendations near each sign.

32

Leesburg Love Sign Harrison St. | Washington and Old Dominion Trail Leesburg, Va. 20132 • Tuscarora Mill Restaurant • King Street Oyster Bar Warrenton Aquatic Center Love Sign 800 Waterloo St. Warrenton, Va. 20186 • Gateau Bakery Cafe & Tea Room • Black Bear Bistro & Brick Oven

Airlie Center Love Sign 6809 Airlie Rd. Warrenton, Va. 20187 • Harry’s at Airlie Center

Not pictured on Archie’s tour is the Love Sign in Old Town Warrenton’s Depot Park. If you have time for another stop, it’s a good one to see. ML

Purcellville Love Sign 200 N 21st St. Purcellville, Va. 20132 • Magnolia’s at the Mill • Happy Creek Coffee & Tea

Use our hashtags #lovesignswitharchie #huntcountry for a shout out on our social media channels!

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

February is all about the cats!

The benefits of letting us drive:

Complimentary wait time | All-inclusive rates Professional drivers | Free Cancellations Personalized curated outings info@ltslimos.com | ltslimos.com | 703.380.7090

Kitten Care Workshop on February 23rd presented by the National Kitten Coalition hosted by MHF from 9A.M. to 5P.M. Visit www.middleburghumane.org to purchase tickets!

MIDDLEBURGLIFE.COM More information, more news, more photos, online.

Follow, Follow, share shareand andread readyour yourfavorite favoritestories! stories!Watch WatchThe The Middleburg Life Life TV Monthly Docu-Series, our Middleburg series, subscribe tosubscribe our print to edition, print edition, shop merchandise, and more! shop merchandise, and more!

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

33

To get the most out of your photo booth experience and really show your guests a good time, you need the good stuff: laugh out loud props and personalized photo strips. We’re dedicated to providing couples and their guests with a premier entertainment experience.

Michael Strump, MBA | President

703-843-4658

www.TipTopPhotoBooths.com

A boutique style floral and event design business for couples who love unique, artistic, and luxurious flowers and decor.

• westvirjeni.com • westvirjeni@gmail.com • @westverjeni

Cakes By Marium Marium as worked at well recognized restaurants and bakeries throughout the DC area and served as the Pastry Chef at The Ashby Inn. From there she began her own company making desserts and cakes, shifting her focus solely to the wedding industry. @cakesbymarium cakesbymarium@gmail.com

YOUR SOURCE FOR ALL YOUR TUXEDO AND FORMAL WEAR NEEDS. Custom made, ready-made and rentals.

37 years of tuxedo and formal wear designing experience.

112 W Washington St Middleburg VA 20117 www.highcliffeclothiers.com 540-687-5633

34

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

COME IN-BROWSE-SERVICE/SERVICE Elegant Fashions. For all upcoming events.

Daytime into Evening. Made to order designers & ready made. 1000 gowns on hand or special order.

BRING THIS AD FOR OF MCLEAN

1319 Chain Bridge Rd. | McLean, VA 22101 800-260-4473 | maesdress.com maesdress@gmail.com |

50 OFF

$

FIRST PURCHASE *Excludes sale items and prior purchases.

38 years of focused experience on superb intimate weddings and elopements.

Heirloom Custom & Statement making Stationery for Life’s Special Occassions Handcrafted in our studio using modern and centuries old letterpress printing processes Studio consultations by appointment cathleen@curiousfoxpress.com 703.930.0290

The Shenandoah Valleys destination for rehearsal dinners seeking unique flaavorful tasting menu options and discerning wine connoisseurs. fl info@laubergeprovencale.com 540.837.1375 laubergeprovencale.com

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

35

SIGNATURE DRINKS FOR SPRING WEDDINGS

Story, Photos, and Recipes by Kaitlin Hill

S

pring will be here before you know it and with it, spring wedding season. It’s no mystery why spring is a popular time to get married in Hunt Country. Warming weather, gorgeous blooms, and the promise of seasonally inspired food and drink are just a few reasons why spring is an idyllic season for nuptials.

If you are looking to infuse a little springtime flavor into your cocktail hour, here are two drinks that would serve well as signature sips. My Blackberry Bouquet and Rose-Marry Me cocktails are inspired by the bright colors and fresh flavors of the season.

The Blackberry Bouquet is a Cognac-based drink given slight sweetness from blackberry-scented simple syrup and a silky, frothy finish from whipped egg white. Top this tasty libation with edible flowers for an aperitif that screams spring.

Rose-Marry Me is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Rosemary simple syrup gives the drink an earthiness while grapefruit and lime juice add a punch of acid for a cocktail that is as drinkable as it is pretty.

Blackberry Bouquet Serves 1 Ingredients: • 1 cup of sugar •

½ cup of water

•

½ pint of blackberries

•

2 ounces of your favorite Cognac

•

1 ounce of lemon juice

•

1 egg white

•

edible flowers for garnish (optional)

Directions: First, make the blackberry simple syrup.

Place the sugar, water, and blackberries in a small saucepot set over medium-high heat.

Bring the liquid to a boil and cook, while stirring, until all the sugar has dissolved.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10 – 15 minutes.

Remove the liquid from the heat.

Using a fork, crush the berries. This will

36

middleburglife.com

•

help release their juices into the syrup.

Strain the simple syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl and set aside to cool.

This will make more simple syrup than you need for one drink. It can be stored in an airtight container or canning jar in the fridge for up to a month.

Once the blackberry simple syrup has cooled, combine 1 ounce of it with the Cognac and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.

Add enough ice to fill the shaker. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass. One serving will fill a coupe glass.

Add the egg white to the shaker and shake vigorously for 1 minute until the egg white is frothy. Pour the egg white over the drink and garnish with edible flowers.

Serve immediately.

Rose-Marry Me Serves 1 Ingredients: • 1 cup of sugar •

½ cup of water

•

2 sprigs of rosemary, more for garnish

•

2 ounces of vodka

•

1 ounce of freshly-squeezed lime juice

•

4 ounces of freshly-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice

Directions: First, make the rosemary simple syrup.

Place the sugar, water, and rosemary sprigs in a small saucepot set over medium-high heat.

Bring the liquid to a boil and cook, while stirring, until all the sugar has dissolved.

Remove the liquid from the heat and let the rosemary sprigs steep for 30 minutes.

Strain the simple syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl and set aside to cool.

This will make more simple syrup than you need for one drink. It can be stored in an airtight container or canning jar in the fridge for up to a month.

In a tall glass filled with ice, combine half an ounce of the simple syrup with the vodka,

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

lime juice, and grapefruit juice. Stir to combine. Add a sprig of rosemary for garnish.

Serve immediately. ML

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

37

ANDREW OSBORNE: PROVIDING OUT OF THE ORDINARY EVENTS BEHIND THE SCENES AT OSBORNE EVENTS

A

ndrew Osborne, a veteran of the hospitality business for more than three decades, took a few minutes from his busy events management business to describe his vision for the perfect occasion and some of his favorite aspects of the wining, dining and entertainment industry.

What is Osborne Events?

We’re a boutique Destination Management Event Company (DMC) located in historic downtown Leesburg. We manage everything for corporate groups, from airport meet-and-greet services, gala dinners at wineries and museums, in-hotel décor and theme events, entertainment, polo events, winery, brewery, distillery and cidery tours, historic tours, to full meeting production.

Tell us about your favorite Middleburg event moments.

We produce so many events at gorgeous settings, from Loudoun wineries to the Salamander Resort & Spa, it’s hard to choose just one! If I had to pick one that really stands out, it would have to be The National Sporting Library & Museum Polo Classic, held annually at Great Meadows in The Plains. It draws 1,500-plus attendees for the day to enjoy polo and socialize for a great cause. This event is logistically challenging with a 200’ x 40’ tent plus 11 other tents located around the beautiful grass polo field. With so many moving elements, including over 20 vendor partners, this event challenges our team year after year! We have the privilege of working with an amazing committee from the NSLM, and that helps make it a favorite event for me.

Tell us a little about your vision and your schedule.

My goal is to build a niche of wonderful programs and events in Florida during the winter/early spring season, and then continue with the fabulous events we’re doing in and around Middleburg and Loudoun. I’m blessed to have Wendy Salt join my Middleburg team, as Wendy comes with such a wide breadth of

experience in the events world. With the combination of Wendy being on board and the amazing flexibility through my partnership with Karen McKenna of Events and Logistics, it allows me to expand the South Florida events, and Osborne Events will be able to continue to offer five-star service to every client. Events & Logistics manages programs and events from the Palm Beaches to the South Beach Shores.

Karen’s creative edge is showing me personally a completely different look and vibe than the Middleburg area. It’s very exciting!

Your secret weapon the day of?

As catty as it sounds: me! I do everything in my power to be at every event. If I’m not able to be at the event in person, you can guarantee my hands are involved behind the scenes. As I’m not trying to become a conglomerate DMC factory as I call it, I believe this personal touch stands out. The othe recipe to our success is embracing our most valued vendor partners who enable us to create an amazing experience for our clients.

What’s your favorite “wow” factor?

When we’ve created an event or experience, and I’m standing in the room or venue or field and the CEO and their partners, or the board and meeting planner walk-in and I hear, “Oh my goodness, this is just unbelievably amazing!!!” That is the No. 1 reason we do this. A second one would be pulling together an event that nobody thought was possible like our first annual in 2019 “Dinner on the Rooftop,” a dinner for 263 guests on the rooftop of a parking garage under a clear top tent.

What’s your favorite tablescape?

I love to create layers when it comes to dinner table settings. To me a tablescape isn’t just a linen tablecloth and a centerpiece. The last thing I want is to have a table that looks just cookie-cutter. Using textures, adding different heights, and incorporating fresh florals not only creates a beautiful tablescape, it adds an ambiance and energy to the entire room.

Top: Choice Photography - Salamander Resort. Bottom: Tom Weber, Smile Event Photography.

38

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

How can people book you?

For event inquires, please contact Andrew at andrew@osborne-events.com or call 202-256-9519. Don’t forget to visit our websites at www.osborne-events.com and www.eventsnlogistics.com and follow us on social media. ML

save the date! the orange county hounds

jeans &tweeds barn dance cocktails pig roast auction dancing april 4 | 6 pm the middleburg barn at fox chase for more information: lmccauley510@gmail.com

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

39

ETHEREAL WEDDING STYLE IN 2020 A STYLED SHOOT BY MIDDLEBURG LIFE

40

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

In editorial, creatives come together and experiment with new things, fine tuning their skills and expanding their portfolio.

T

o create this styled shoot, we focused on the fashions forecasted for 2020 and seen on the bridal runways earlier this year. Many don’t realize the work that goes on behind the scenes to organize a styled shoot. It takes a big team of like-minded creatives eager to share their talents and think outside the box to create an “editorial” look.

In the wedding industry, vendors cater to the client’s wishes. In editorial, creatives come together and experiment with new things, fine tuning their skills and expanding their portfolio. The purpose of the editorial styled shoot is to inspire readers to try something they may not have seen before.

Imaginably this photoshoot will inspire you to try new colors, such as a berry lip with soft shimmery eyes, a deep blue suit, or a head-piece instead of a veil. Or maybe it will encourage you to flutter about in angelic sleeves on your big day. ML Creative Team: Photos by Jennifer Gray Dress and vintage head-piece from Middleburg Bride, Middleburg, Va. Dress designed by Dany Tabet, Paris, France Tux and accessories from Highcliffe Clothiers, Middleburg, Va. Flowers by Lark Floral, Kari Schriever, Leesburg, Va. Hair by Victoria Haley, Ash Salon, Haymarket, Va. Make-up by Stevie Haight, Beachy Mama Beauty, Warrenton, Va. Models: Simone Ghobadi and Will Jaramillo Venue: Blue Valley Vineyard, Delaplane, Va.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

41

HUNT COUN

A collective of experienced weddin

HuntCountryCelebrations com | foll

42

AirPac: Are you planning an outdoor wedding or event in beautiful Hunt Country? AirPac’s tent and barn cooling and heating will tame Mother Nature and assure your event is comfortable and memorable for all the right reasons! No need to worry about a melting cake, wilting flowers, uncomfortable guests or worse yet, a medical emergency. Contact us today: (540) 635-5011 ext. 117, Events@AirPacInc.com

Bluemont: “Celebrate your love at Bluemont Vineyard. Book your rehearsal dinner, welcome reception, bridal shower, or post-wedding brunch with the vistas of the Loudoun Valley as your backdrop.” Contact: samantha@bluemontvineyard.com

Weddings by Tania: Located in Northern Virginia, Wedding Stories By Tania is an award-winning storyteller serving clients in the DC Metro area with their wedding photography & video services. tania@weddingstoriesbytania.com (703) 489-5999 weddingstoriesbytania.com

Cana Vineyards: Your Memories Blossom Here Sweeping hillside vineyard views, flexible event spaces, and striking sunsets set the stage for your happily ever after. (703) 348-2458 canavineyards.com 38600 John Mosby Highway Middleburg, VA 20117

Drop by our Wedding Booth at the “L on March 15th at West Belmont Plac WIN a Hunt Country Gift Basket

Rick’s Flowers: Floral design studio with 20+ experience in NOVA and Washington DC. Our Team demostrates a passion for artistic, whimsical, and creative designs and strive to make each client feel unique and special. Every floral arrangement is individually crafted to provide an elegant and beautiful design at a reasonable price. RicksFlowers.com (703) 439-9129

Tranquility Farm: Weekend Celebration Experience: Relax and host all wedding festivities on our tranquil historic farm. Exclusive 48 hour access | Accommodations | Stunning Event Spaces tranquility-farm.net 703.862.3137

Artistic Concepts Group: Special Event Services – Specification, Sales, integration and Installation & ACG stocks a full line theatrical and event expenda ArtisticConceptsGroup.com | Phone: 703-631-

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

NTRY CELEBRATIONS

ng and event professionals

low us on Facebook @HuntCountryCelebrations | Instagram@HuntCountryVA

Bakerture Photo: We’re rooted in a deep connection with our couples to embrace and highlight their own personal story with photographs and film that are lucid, yet emotionally powerful. Our passionate team thrives on pairing genuine moments with the craft of creative storytelling to preserve the memories of your wedding day for generations to come.

571.306.2849 info@bakerture.com Instagram: @bakerture

The Finer Points: The Finer Points is a boutique event planning and design company with over 20 years of experience. The Finer Points uses their intimate knowledge of the industry and unrivaled attention to detail to ensure their client’s vision becomes a reality. From the initial consultation to the final toast at the end of the event, we pride ourselves on listening to the needs of our clients and what is most important to them!

703-431-9494 cell lynn@thefinerpointsllc.com

Love Loudoun Wedding Showcase” ce. Mention this ad for a chance to

Any Time, Any Place Marriages: Officiating and Legal Services for your Wedding, Ceremony and Elopement. Please contact Donna Jean Ruland 703-371-9653 anytimeanyplacemarriages.com djsruland@aol.com

Wanda’s Cake Decorating: Cakes for all Occasions Specializing in Weddings. Award winning Designs Unique and Personalized Cakes that are as Individual as the Couples Wishes. Consultation Services|Artistically Custom Designed|Variety of Cake Flavors and Fillings |Delivery and Set-up Available|Complimentary Anniversary Cake. wandascakes.com

– Décor, Lighting & Audio Visual. ACG also offers Repair of Lighting and Audio Visual equipment. ables! Rentals are also available. Come visit us.

-2213 I info@ArtisticConceptsGroup.com

Olivera Music Entertainment: We are a full-service agency, providing high quality, service-oriented, professional music entertainment production to suit your special events. info@oliveramusic.com 703.724.0505 oliveramusic.com

Bella Villa: Bella Villa styles rustic and elegant vignettes for inspired entertaining and elevated special events with their curated collection of vintage and antique lounges, bars, chandeliers and more. Vintage pieces now also offered for sale at Bella Villa’s new venture, Marshall Curated, a home decor boutique located on Main Street in Marshall. bellavillavintagerentals.com (571) 921-0356 @bellavillashop Instagram: @bellavillashop Squirrel@BellaVillaVintageRentals.com

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

43

THEN & THERE

A Sensation from the Start The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

By Richard Hooper

T

he prestigious Westminster Kennel Club dog show will be held on Feb. 11 and 12 at fabled Madison Square Garden. The club took its name after the Westminster Hotel, a favorite watering hole for a group of well-heeled sportsmen who organized it. The first show was held in May of 1877 at a venue known both as Gilmore’s Gardens (after the owner) and P. T. Barnum’s Great Roman Hippodrome (or, for brevity, merely the Hippodrome). Beginning in 1874, it was the site for Barnum’s Circus when it was in New York City.

The structure had originally been used as a railroad terminal and occupied land along Fourth Avenue between 26th and 27th Streets, known as Madison Square. William

Vanderbilt purchased the property in 1879 as a venue for the National Horse Show and renamed it Madison Square Garden. The current location above Penn Station at Seventh Avenue and 32nd Street is the fourth structure to be known as Madison Square Garden.

Founded as a shooting club, it was only natural that the emphasis of the show be on sporting dogs. Taking precedence were setters and pointers. To improve the quality of their dogs, the club imported a lemon and white pointer for breeding purposes from England. Originally named “Don,” he had had an impressive series of wins in British shows in 1875 and 1876. Upon importing him to America, the club changed his name to “Sensation,” a name which immediately grabs one’s attention with great expectations - certainly more so than “Don.” His first prize in

Above: A view of the Westminster Dog Show at Gilmore’s Gardens from Harper’s Weekly.

44

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

America came at Baltimore in 1876. “Sensation” became such a sensation that either his head or full body has been used on almost all of the Westminster show catalogs since their second show in 1878. Today an image of his full body is the emblem of the club.

In addition to the publicity generated by the desire to see a dog named “Sensation,” the caché of English dogs (who carried a number of prizes back with them) in the show added even more luster. The club paid the round-trip steamer fare for the English dogs, including two deerhounds, Oscar and Dagmar, bred by Queen Victoria. The English press used the opportunity to chide Americans, as in an account of the show in The Pictorial World, which stated that, “Much as the Americans repudiate the thought of borKennel | Page 45

Kennel | From page 44 rowing ideas from the mother country, yet we find that institutions which have been for many years peculiarly English are gradually gaining ground and becoming appreciated by the American mind. Among the number of these innovations, a dog show…”

The American publication, Forest and Stream, had already staked a claim to American supremacy in its description of the show by stating that, “such a collection of dogs was ever gotten together before in any country we very much doubt, for, although they may have beaten us in point of numbers (referring to the number of entries) at one time in London, yet in quality our show was far ahead…”

The same article also lauded the show by claiming that. “To say that the dog show held in this city last week was a success would but poorly convey what the result really was. It was a magnificent triumph for the dogs and for the projectors of the show. We question if on any other previous occasion has there ever

assembled in this city such a number of people at one time, and representing so much of the culture, wealth and fashion of the town.”

Although the emphasis of the show was sporting dogs, the coverage of the show by Harper’s Weekly, which billed itself as “the journal of civilization,” gave a short, but delightful, account of the toy dogs for which the show had: … devoted several stands in the centre of the arena, and this was one of the most attractive spots in the show. The little things were rigged up with ribbons, mats, cushions, bells, and lace collars, in the most dainty style. Two large pugs with lace collars were very amusing. Others were the occupants of a number of mahoganyframed glass cases. One of these, a tiny mite of a thing, with long silken hair, bore the ferocious name of “Danger.” There were also three beautiful Italian greyhounds, five delicate Japanese puppies and six little balls nestling under their Blenheim

spaniel mother.

Regardless of one’s predilection toward a particular type of dog, it appears, then, that the show was a huge sensation. ML

Above: A hand-colored engraving of Sensation by J. Wellstood, 1879. Bottom: Judging dogs at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper.

Finding Poetry in Animals: Poetry Reading & Workshop Thursday, March 12 | 6 - 8pm

$5 Nonmembers | Free for NSLM Members Poetry is a special kind of language and can often render meanings behind the everyday surfaces of our encounters. Dr. Jane Desmond, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, hosts a workshop exploring how poetry about animals can serve a way of knowing based on encounters across species. A reading and discussion of selected poems is complemented by a hands-on workshop where participants “find” their own poems in existing texts.

Simple instructions, some magic markers, and copies of sample texts from the archives will guarantee success in finding the poetic in the everyday.

RSVP for your spot with info@NationalSporting.org or 540-687-6542 x 4

NATIONAL SPORTING

LIBR ARY & MUSEUM F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

45

Food & Drinks WINE 101: A TASTING & CLASS WITH THE WINEMAKER AT 50 WEST FEB. 9 | 1 – 2:30 P.M. 50westvineyards.com 50 West winemaker, Corry Craighill, will be leading the first class & tasting of a four-part series, Wine 101. You’ll explore different styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately. This class will be held in the Main Level of the Club House. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER AT SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA FEB. 13-15 | 5-10 P.M. salamanderresort.com Make this romantic holiday unforgettable and treat your Valentine to an elegant dinner at Harrimans. Gaze upon sweeping views of the Virginia countryside while indulging in an enchanting five-course dinner created by Executive Chef Ryan Arensdorf. After dinner indulge in a custom confection created by Executive Pastry Chef Jason Reaves. Reservations required, please call 540-326-4070.

VALENTINE’S WINE DINNER AT GREENHILL WINERY & VINEYARDS FEB. 14 | 6:30-9 P.M. experiencegreenhill.com Join us Feb. 14 in the stunning Barrel Room for a four-course dinner featuring Chef ML with Canapés Catering.

VALENTINE’S DAY AT THE ASHBY INN & RESTAURANT FEB. 14-16 | TIMES VARY ashbyinn.com Chef John has prepared a special menu for you and your special someone. Come enjoy our four-course Valentine’s Day Prix fixe menu and treat your loved one to a memorable dining experience in Paris. Call us to reserve a table at 540-592-3900.

CHOCOLATE, BOURBON & BACON ROMANCE AT SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA FEB. 15 | 2 P.M.

salamanderresort.com Join our Executive Pastry Chef Jason Reaves, Executive Chef Ryan Arensdorf, and Food & Beverage Director Jacob Musyt as you make and enjoy different chocolate, bourbon and bacon creations. Reservations required, please call 540-326-4070. $89 per person.

SPECIAL 4 HANDS DINNER AT GOODSTONE INN & RESTAURANT FEB. 19 | 6 – 9 P.M. goodstone.com Join us for a special 4 Hands Dinner at Goodstone featuring Johnny Spero from Reverie and Goodstone’s Executive Chef, Jan Van Haute. Tickets available by calling 540-687-3333.

Arts SIEGFRIED SASSOON: HUNTING THROUGH THE TRENCHES, WITH DR. CHARLES CARAMELLO AT THE NATIONAL SPORTING LIBRARY & MUSEUM FEB. 20 | 6-8 P.M. nationalsporting.org Join Dr. Charles Caramello in his analysis of Siegfried Sassoon’s semi-autobiographical trilogy Memoirs of a Fox-Hunting Man, Memoirs of an Infantry Officer, and Sherston’s Progress. $10 for non-members, $8 seniors, free for NSLM members and college students. To register, please contact info@nationalsporting.org or 540-687-6542, ext. 4.

DOREEN MONTIS OPEN HOUSE, PAINTINGS WITH “A TOUCH OF CHARM” FEB. 22 | 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. doreenmontisfineart.com Mortgage Hall Estate and Sabrina Sutton present “A Touch of Charm,” a collection of oil paintings by artist Doreen Montis. Join us for the Meet the Artist Reception on Feb. 21, from 6-8 p.m., or visit the open house on Feb. 22. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the beautiful Mortgage Hall Estate and the work of a local, up-and-coming artist.

Mortgage Hall Estate is located at 35487 Snake Hill Road, Middleburg.

PORTRAITURE WORKSHOP WITH CAROL BUSWELL AT THE NATIONAL SPORTING LIBRARY & MUSEUM FEB. 27 | 9 A.M. – 3 P.M. nationalsporting.org Inspired by the exhibition, Leading the Field: Ellen Emmet Rand, Gamblin-dedicated workshop instructor, Carol Buswell, instructs on the use of oil paints with a limited palette to create portraits of a live model dressed in traditional hunt attire. All materials and a light lunch are provided. $85 for nonmembers. $75 for NSLM members. Reservations requested to info@nationalsporting.org or 540-687-6542.

46

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

Community

of 2020 — Loudoun On Tap! Join us at the beautiful Salamander Resort & Spa where you will have the opportunity to socialize and share about your business with an extensive network of people. Tickets for this event sell quickly! $35 member; $50 future member.

THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM SHOWING AT THE HILL SCHOOL FEB. 21 | 5:30 – 7:30 P.M. landtrustva.org/event/the-biggest-little-farm The Land Trust of Virginia and the Goose Creek Association bring you the acclaimed film The Biggest Little Farm. Plus, the public premier of a short documentary on the Goose Creek. Held at The Hill School’s Sheila C. Johnson Auditorium, admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Register online.

“ART OF THE PIEDMONT” ART AUCTION AND RECEPTION AT MIDDLEBURG COMMUNITY CENTER FEB. 21 | 6 P.M. middleburgcommunitycenter.com Best place to get the best local art for your home, all while supporting Middleburg Montessori School’s great work in our community!

MCC CABIN FEVER BINGO! FEB. 7 | 6:30 – 9:30 P.M. middleburgcommunitycenter.com Come to the Middleburg Community Center for an annual favorite, BINGO night! Tickets are $40 and include bingo cards, dinner, raffle ticket, and drink ticket. This event sells out every year, RSVP by Feb. 5 to info@middleburgcommunitycenter.com or call 540-687-6373.

POP-UP PASSPORT SERVICE AT THE MIDDLEBURG LIBRARY FEB. 24 | 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. library.loudoun.gov/Middleburg Apply for a new passport. Photos may be taken onsite. Please come prepared to pay with checks or money orders. For more information please see: library.loudoun.gov/SERVICES/Passport-Services.

Entertainment

AFRICAN DRUMS: VISIT KOFI’S VILLAGE AT THE MIDDLEBURG LIBRARY FEB. 8 | 10:30 – 11:30 A.M. library.loudoun.gov/Middleburg Kofi Dennis brings the vibrant rhythms of a West African village to life through music, storytelling, drumming and dance. For all ages. Held in the library’s Meeting Room.

COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR AT THE NATIONAL SPORTING LIBRARY & MUSEUM FEB. 15 | 10 – 11:30 A.M. nationalsporting.org Join George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Head Curator, Claudia Pfeiffer, as she takes you through the personal story of the portrait painter, Ellen Emmet Rand, and the many surprises and challenges Pfeiffer encountered during the three-year journey in the making of the Leading the Field: Ellen Emmet Rand exhibition. Admission $5 nonmembers; free to NSLM members. RSVP to info@nationalsporting.org.

LECTURE: “THE WOMEN WHO MARRIED MOSBY’S RANGERS,” AT MT. DEFIANCE CIDERY FEB. 15 | 5 – 6:30 P.M. themiddleburgmuseum.org Local author and historian Eric Buckland will present a romantic-themed lecture on “the women who loved Mosby’s Rangers.” Hosted by the Middleburg Museum, held at Mt. Defiance Cidery. Tickets are $10. Questions? Call 540-326-8932.

LOUDOUN ON TAP AT SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA FEB. 19 | 5:30 – 7 P.M. loudounchamber.org/events Mark your calendars for the “must-attend” quarterly networking event

DINNER & JAZZ WITH MARCUS JOHNSON AT SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA FEB. 8 | 6 P.M. salamanderresort.com Enjoy a romantic, cabaret-style dinner and live performance with the legendary jazz performer Marcus Johnson, for an unforgettable night.

Our ballroom will transform for the truly enchanting evening of live music and a multi-course culinary experience. $98 per person. For dining reservations, please call 540-326-4070.

“IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE” AT EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH’S PARISH HOUSE FEB. 16 | 3 – 4:15 P.M. emmanuelmiddleburg.org Join us at the Parish House for Grammy award-winning bass James Shaffran and soprano Mary Shaffran as they sing timeless duets and Valentine’s Day favorites. Call 540-687-6297 to reserve a seat. $10 suggested donation. Refreshments served.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

47

Jump into Spring at the 100th Running of the

MIDDLEBURG SPRING RACES SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

Glenwood Park Racecourse, Middleburg, VA Post Time 1pm

Photo Courtesey of Middleburg Photo

Get your tickets today!

MiddleburgSpringRaces.com 540-687-6545 SPONSORS AND PATRONS: The Family of J. Temple Gwathmey Grassi Family Virginia Equine Alliance Sonabank Merril Lynch Private Banking and Investment Group Woodslane Farm Middleburg Financial 48

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

DBM Wealth Management Ferrari of Washington Salamander Resort & Spa Visit Loudoun The EMO Agency The Piedmont Environmental Council

Without cold, we’d never have cozy.

For reservations please call 877.840.2063

SalamanderHotels.com

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

SalamanderResort.com

F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 0

•

middleburglife.com

PROPERTIES IN HUNT COUNTRY ED

UC

EW

N

EW

N

ED

R

MORELAND FARM

Delaplane ~ Spectacular Views! Approximately 250 Acres in 2 parcels. The primary parcel of 142 acres features the 3 BR/3 BA stone home accessed from Moreland Road, 2 tenant homes and numerous supporting structures including a large 4 bay machine shed. The secondary parcel of 107 acres is on the opposite side of Moreland Road, and currently offers a 2 BR tenant home with potential to build an additional primary dwelling. The 2 parcels may be purchased in total or separately, neither of which may be further divided. $2,426,000

Rebecca Poston 540-771-7520

PLEASANT MEADOW

GILESWOOD

Purcellville ~ Stone residence on 14+ acres on a scenic country lane. Approximately 12,000 sq.ft. boasting soaring ceilings, 5 fireplaces, 6 BR / 7 BA and a gourmet country kitchen. Luxurious Master Suite, elegant dĂŠcor, superior quality. Separate In-Law suite with kitchen, bath, deck and private entrance. $1,445,000

Mary Ann McGowan 540-270-1124

Purcellville ~ Stunning 3 level colonial with sun-filled rooms, 2 story foyer, fabulous gourmet country kitchen, open to fireplaced family room & spacious breakfast room.

Huge master suite & luxurious bath, three additional bedrooms & baths on 2nd level. Walkout level ready for completion. Fantastic center aisle 6 stall stable, board fenced paddocks, riding ring (120X200), run in shed ideal for equestrians! $1,199,000

Brian McGowan 703-927-4070

ED

ED

UC

D

RE

POSSUM HOLLOW

Mary Ann McGowan 540-270-1124

ED

Markham ~ Just Reduced... One of a kind opportunity!!!

Weekend Retreat From The City!! Cabin nestled in a dell with modern well & septic. Underground elec. & telephone.

Entrance field has great southwest mt. vistas & is an extra approved bldg. site. Audubon Trail runs along left side of parcel, passes cabin and opens into a large parcel in back whose owner normally uses other access/egress. Creek & grass around cabin. $525,000

Susie Ashcom 540-729-1478

D

LA

WILLOWCROFT

Marshall ~ A traditional country home on the outside with a sophisticated, contemporary design within. 3-4 BRs, 2.5 BAs with open Kitchen, Dining Room with original stone fireplace, Living Room with built-ins, bay window and fireplace. Separate Office/Den or 1st Floor Bedroom. New roof, new windows & 4 sets of French doors. Flooring includes blue slate, Carrera marble & hardwoods. Large open flagstone terrace. Extensive landscaping. $960,000

Cricket Bedford 540-229-3201

ARDEN

Marshall ~ Renovated home on 5+ wooded acres surrounded by protected land. Contemporary design with an open floor plan. 4 BR/3 BA, new Kitchen, formal Dining w/fireplace, Living Room w/fireplace, exposed beams and brick. Master Suite has lux Bath, private terrace & unique glassed-in storage room. New roof, bathrooms, hardwood & ceramic tile floors, extensive landscaping. Open deck along entire back of the house. Easy commuter location minutes to Marshall and I-66. $799,000

Cricket Bedford 540-229-3201

EW

N

UC

D

RE

D

RE

APPLE MANOR

Delaplane ~ Estate on 27 acres of rolling countryside with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The all brick 3 level residence features 5 BR / 5 BA, spacious rooms and huge floor to ceiling windows. The grounds include a pool with stone terraces, a center aisle stable, a huge indoor riding arena and a tenant/guest house. Ideally located with easy access to the nation’s Capital. $1,150,000

UC

N

SNICKERSVILLE TURNPIKE

Purcellville ~ Hard to find 15+ acre parcel ideally located between Routes 50 & 7 in Western Loudoun County. Open pasture land is surrounded by black board fencing and stacked stonewalls with wonderful mountain views. Multiple wells and a 4/5 BR drainfield has been located. Property is sited on the corner of Snickersville Turnpike and Black Oak Roads. Perfect for horses or other animals. $425,000

Cricket Bedford 540-229-3201

LOCAL TASTE

Upperville ~ Located in the heart of the village of Upperville is this iconic fieldstone building that has been operating over the last 5 years as a wine tasting room for a local vineyard.

Property has been fully renovated with professional landscaping, new flagstone walkways & terraces, covered rear patio, walled parking area with an electric charging station, new septic system & storage shed. Come see the many possibilities. Ready for your next venture! $325,000

Cricket Bedford 540-229-3201

See the full listings and exclusive properties in hunt country by visiting THOMASANDTALBOT.com

THOMAS & TALBOT REAL ESTATE Susie Ashcom

Cricket Bedford Cathy Bernache Snowden Clarke John Coles Rein duPont Cary Embury

A Staunch Supporter of Land Easements

LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS

1967 Middleburg, VA 20118

2020 (540) 687- 6500

Phillip S. Thomas, Sr. Celebrating his 58th year in Real Estate

Julien Lacaze

Anne V. Marstiller Brian McGowan Jim McGowan Mary Ann McGowan Rebecca Poston Emily Ristau

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

01-14_ML_TTRE-BCVR.indd 1

1/21/20 4:09 PM