Middleburg Life | February 2019

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Volume 36 Issue 2 | February 2019 | middleburglife.com

Presort Std ECRWSS US Postage Permit #75 Fredericksburg, VA

MIDDLEBURG

LI F E Weddings, Rings & Romantic Getaways + Planning the Perfect Day & Eat, Drink and be Married

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 ..

E IC ED PR UC D RE

E IC ED PR UC D RE

19290 TELEGRAPH SPRINGSCT RD| |HUME PURCELLVILLE 11555 HEREFORD

518 CLIFTON FARM RDCT | BERRYVILLE 11555 HEREFORD | HUME

39984 BRADDOCK CT RD| |HUME ALDIE 11555 HEREFORD

$790,000 ||Lorem ipsumindolor amet, consecteturbath adipiscing elit.

Nam $7,995,000 Renovated 2004,sit the 5 bedroom/10 22,000+ square nullahome metus, rutrum et vestibulum amet, bibendum nectub, diam.

In ut foot is an entertainer’s dreamsitwith indoor pool, hot bowling alley, home theater, basketball court, two lakes and a dock.

The natural porttitor felis.

Phasellus enim erat, blandit eget vulputate in metus. light-filled home allows scenic views from every angle.

PETER PEJACSEVICH 540.687.6321 SCOTT BUZZELLI 540.687.6321 PETER PEJACSEVICH (540) 270-3835 SCOTT BUZZELLI (540) 454-1399

$790,000 | |Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. $4,700,000 CLIFTON FARM ESTATE | Boasts 400+ acres of land in aNam bu nullasetting. metus, George rutrum Washington et vestibulumvisited sit amet, bibendum nec diam.

In ut colic this estate on many occasions!

Includes ice house, kitchen. be utilized as horse/catporttitor original felis. Phasellus enimoutdoor erat, blandit egetCan vulputate in metus. tle farm. Perimeter fully fenced. 20+ acres are wooded. Stunning stone PETER PEJACSEVICH 540.687.6321 SCOTT views!

BUZZELLI 540.687.6321 guest house, outbuildings & barns w/ gorgeous SCOTT BUZZELLI (540) 454-1399 PETER PEJACSEVICH (540) 270-3835

$790,000 | |Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Nam $1,745,000 Custom Stone French Chateau 6,300+ square foot home. nulla metus, rutrum vestibulum sit amet, bibendum nec appliances. diam. In ut Gourmet kitchen withetgranite countertops and commercial Main levelfelis. bedroom, au-pair suite/artist studio.

12 stall with wide porttitor Phasellus enim erat, blandit eget vulputate in barn metus. center aisle and full second floor. Eight fenced paddocks with waterers PETER PEJACSEVICH 540.687.6321 BUZZELLI and run-in shed. Equestrian facilities andSCOTT beautiful home! 540.687.6321 SCOTT BUZZELLI (540) 454-1399 PETER PEJACSEVICH (540) 270-3835

ST JU

11555 HEREFORD CT | HUME 42692 LUCKETTS ROAD | LEESBURG

$790,000 | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam nulla metus,| rutrum et vestibulum sit amet, diam.

In imut $1,500,000 Breathtaking bucolic farm withbibendum mountain nec views.

Four porttitor felis.

Phasellus enim erat, blandit eget vulputate in metus. pressive buildings on the property.

Stunning 3 level, 7,000+ sf barn with 3 bathrooms, office space, and studio. Brick guest house with a gourmet PETER PEJACSEVICH SCOTT BUZZELLI 540.687.6321 kitchen, custom floors 540.687.6321 & high ceilings. Summer kitchen with electricity and garage. AR1 zoned.

SCOTT BUZZELLI (540) 454-1399 BRIANNA GOETTING (540) 454-5025

ED ST I L

11555 HEREFORD CT | HUME 7728 HAZELAND LN | BOSTON

$790,000 | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam nulla metus,| rutrum et vestibulum sitincludes amet, bibendum diam. In ut $1,450,000 This gorgeous property Blue Ridgenec Mountain views porttitor felis.

Phasellus enimPerfect erat, blandit vulputate in metus. escape. 5 and Hazel River frontage! familyeget home or a weekend bed/3.5 bath main home with addl 3.79 acre parcel and guest home.

PETER SCOTT BUZZELLI 540.687.6321 HeatedPEJACSEVICH pool, screened 540.687.6321 porches, a large brick veranda and ample storage space make this an ideal space for family and entertaining.

PETER PEJACSEVICH (540) 270-3835 SCOTT BUZZELLI (540) 454-1399

11555 HEREFORD CT | HUME 39459 SNICKERSVILLE TPKE | MIDDLEBURG

$790,000 | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam nulla metus,| rutrum et vestibulum sit amet, nec diam.

In ut $1,200,000 Charming historic home circa bibendum 1770 on approx.

7 acres. porttitor felis.

Phasellus enim erat,Main blandit eget vulputate in metus.

Beautiful property & gardens. residence renovated & well cared for. Incl gourmet kitchen, upgraded appliances & 3 fireplaces. Guest PETER PEJACSEVICH 540.687.6321 SCOTT BUZZELLI house & wonderful 5 stall barn with office, studio & loft. 540.687.6321 Bank level of barn can be used as garage space.

PETER PEJACSEVICH (540) 270-3835 SCOTT BUZZELLI (540) 454-1399

11555 HEREFORD CT | HUME

11555 HEREFORD CT | HUME

11555 HEREFORD CT | HUME

$790,000 | Lorem ipsum dolor sitFARM amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam 38085 HOMESTEAD LN | MIDDLEBURG nulla metus, rutrum et vestibulum sit amet, bibendum nec diam. In ut $1,200,000 | Private and well protected compound porttitor felis.

Phasellus enim erat, blandit eget vulputateconsisting in metus. of 4 lots totaling 10 acres with three charming, restored & renovated houses. This PETER PEJACSEVICH BUZZELLI 540.687.6321 is a unique opportunity540.687.6321 for investors or SCOTT those looking to share country life but with separate living quarters. Minutes from the village of Middleburg. Endless possibilities!

SCOTT BUZZELLI (540) 454-1399 PETER PEJACSEVICH (540) 270-3835

$790,000 | Lorem dolor sit amet, adipiscing elit. Nam 23517ipsum PARSONS RD | consectetur MIDDLEBURG nulla metus, rutrum et vestibulum sit amet, bibendum nec diam. In ut $1,100,000 | Renovated Cape Cod with gorgeous views porttitor felis.

Phasellus enim erat, blandit eget vulputate in boasting metus. a main level bedroom, gourmet kitchen, updated bathrooms, hardwood floors, PETER PEJACSEVICH 540.687.6321 SCOTT BUZZELLIattic 540.687.6321 mudroom and main level laundry room. Large unfinished space and full unfinished basement provide opportunity for more space! Beautiful vineyard views from front of house. 5 minutes from Middleburg.

PETER PEJACSEVICH (540) 270-3835 SCOTT BUZZELLI (540) 454-1399

$790,0006827 | Lorem ipsumFAIRFAX dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam LORD HWY | BERRYVILLE nulla metus, rutrum et vestibulum sit amet, bibendum nec diam. In ut $685,000 | PIGEON HILL - Rare find in Clarke County! This 20 acre horse porttitor felis.

Phasellus enim erat, blandit eget vulputate in metus. facility in the heart of Blue Ridge Hunt Country comes fully fenced and PETER PEJACSEVICH 540.687.6321 SCOTT BUZZELLI includes a charming historic house with great room addition540.687.6321 made in the 1990’s. Country kitchen, rental income cottage, bank barn and 8 stalls.

Fantastic views! Offered at recently appraised value.

ANNE MCINTOSH (703) 509-4499 MARIA ELDREDGE (540) 454-3829

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

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 1 9

LEESBURG | 703.777.1170

ASHBURN | 703.436.0077

LUXURY REDEFINED

Custom Architecture + Interior Design We are passionate about excellence in design.

We are Purple Cherry Architects, an award-winning full service residential architecture and interior design firm specializing in exceptional homes and luxurious estates throughout the East Coast from Plymouth, MA to Smith Mountain Lake, VA. For nearly 30 years, our studio has been dedicated to creating homes that are beautifully built, emotionally inspiring and yet incredibly functional. We believe in stunning architecture.

Every one of our projects results from intentional, mindful collaboration and sensibilities derived from a true love of the craft. Our architecture and interiors are responsive to our clients’ expectations, and no two clients are alike. We approach each project without preconceptions. At Purple Cherry Architects, we truly love the journey of bringing together our clients with stunning pieces of property where they can build the home of their dreams. With established offices in Annapolis, MD and Charlottesville, VA, we are excited to announce Middleburg will soon be our third home! purplecherry.com

701 Water Street E. Charlottesville, VA 434-245-2211

1 Melvin Avenue Annapolis, MD 410-990-1700 F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

1

MIDDLEBURG

LI F E FEB. 2019 middleburglife.com

PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michelle Baker | michelle@middleburglife.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Laura Pizana COPY EDITOR: Chelsea Rose Moore ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Christian Bentley | christian@middleburglife.com ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE Jennifer Richards | jennifer@middleburglife.com Rebekah Pizana| info@middleburglife.com Nickolas Barylski|nickolas@middleburglife.com Vicky Mashaw|vmashaw@middleburglife.com ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR: Joanne Maisano CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heidi Baumstark, Callie Broaddus, Kerry Phelps Dale Kaitlin Hill, Richard Hooper, Katie Johnson, Aaron Lynch, Chelsea Rose Moore, Beth Rasin, Ashley Bommer Singh, Amber Sky, Summer Stanley, Martha Wolfe CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristin Bishop, Callie Broaddus, Tony Gibson, Randy Litzinger, Joanne Maisano, Julie Napear, John Nelson, Yetta Reid, Amber Sky, Doug Stroud MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Abbey Veith DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Nicky Marshok ADVERTISE IN MIDDLEBURG LIFE Greenhill Media, LLC P.O. Box 328 | Middleburg VA 20118-0328 540.687.5950 | info@middleburglife.com

ON THE COVER The magic of weddings is that no two are the same, nor are the brides. On the cover, the bride is wearing a custom gown by ZAKAA Couture Designer Asma Zaka. Makeup and hair were done by Natalya Anderson.

Photo by Bakerture Photo & Video.

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.

SUBSCRIBE TO MIDDLBURG LIFE:

www.middleburglife.com 540-687-5950 2 1

middleburglife.com

•

FE A UBGRU U SATRY 2 0 21 08 1 9

ON THIS PAGE Always take the time to catch a snowflake on your tongue. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

FIND US ON:

Instagram @middleburglife Twitter @middleburglife Facebook.com/middleburglife

Get Your Goddess On Looking for a little extra something for your bridal party, flower girl, or even Fifi?

Floral crowns have been on the scene since the dawn of the Greek goddess and have been a symbol of love, fertility, and celebration throughout history. “I believe that falls into the 'classic' category,” said Jenn Pineau, owner of Nature Composed in Middleburg, Virginia. Pictured are a few creations from Nature Composed, from the effortlessly simplistic to those that require hours of handwork and mechanics. To see more creations by this designer, visit the corner shop on Pendleton Street or go to www.naturecomposed.com. ML

Photos courtesy of Nature Composed.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

3

MEET MIDDLEBURG

Manuel Simpson, Designer et al Story and photo by Kerry Phelps Dale

I

f you are looking for a wedding or party planner, Manuel Simpson is your man.

Need someone to design your retail space or just the shop windows? He’s your guy.

Shopping for a stylist for a photo shoot or an interior designer? Call Manuel.

Manuel will also come to your home and rearrange your furniture, your bookcases and rehang your pictures to bring more style and beauty into your life. For the holidays, no one is better at filling a home with Christmas.

“Weddings, events, interior design. It’s hard to put it on a business card,” says Manuel. “To be honest with you, I do whatever the phone call is.”

Ever since he was a young boy growing up in Winchester, practicing on his mother’s and grandmother’s houses, Manuel has had a designer’s eye. He loved beautiful things and cultivated the skills and talent to make a living from transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Though Manuel has worked up and down the Atlantic seaboard, from Nantucket to Palm Beach to Charleston, he returned to Virginia and has made Middleburg his home for some 17 years. He has come full circle-his retail and design career began with Devonshire, an English garden shop in Middleburg that grew to include shops in the most exclusive towns.

The retail industry is where he cut his teeth. “Retail is not just, ‘I like pretty things and I want to sell them.’ It’s a business. You gauge your clients, you gauge your town, your world, your tourists. There’s so much to take into account to succeed in retail,” he says.

These days, the high-energy, fast-talking creative guru mixes it up, loving the diversity of clients and jobs that have become his professional milieu.

The undisputed success of Windy Hill’s last two annual galas could be due in large part to this designer’s talent. His first gala in 2017, a Great Gatsby themed event, was a roaring success. He followed that up with a Studio 54 inspired theme last fall, and both galas sold out with record-breaking revenues

4

middleburglife.com

•

for the local non-profit.

Manuel loves to plan weddings and parties that reflect the personality and dreams of the bride and the party giver, events that reflect their character. Success for him is an event that brings joy to the guests, as well as the clients, and one that goes off without anyone knowing about any of the inevitable glitches.

Making clients happy and spaces prettier

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

are Manuel’s passions, along with listening to podcasts.

“Documentary, anything that’s beautiful and knowledgeable, but I’m obsessed with murder. I’m really into investigative reporting,” says Manuel.

“I like getting to the bottom of things. Figuring things out. A good story.” Notions that make for a great designer and event planner, too. ML

E L A

S

30% off all original art and antiques.

50%-65% off floor samples.

Up to 75% off clearance.

(Now through the end of February. While supplies last.)

&

tArtAn tweed AppArel · FootweAr · Accessories

RETAIL HOURS: WED-SAT 10AM-6PM SUNDAY 12PM-4PM

Custom Designs Repair | We 364-5343 x1 Buy All Fi The Christmas Sleigh | Designer Jewelry | Engagement Rings | Jewelry(540) 8393 W Main St., Marshall www.domesticaspirations.com

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA www.thechristmassleigh.com

beautiful

the most and unique jewelry WHAT WE

MYSTIQUE Middleburg, VA | Old Town Alexandria | The Inn at Little Washington CUSTOM DESIGNS | DESIGNER JEWELRY | ENGAGEMENT RINGS

www.MystiqueJewelers.com F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

5

2019 NAIL TRENDS FOR WEDDINGS

By Chelsea Rose Moore

S

alamander Resort & Spa Salon Supervisor Sarah Preast, is a master stylist who does everything from nails to hair to makeup. Immersed in the world of beauty, she keeps up with all the trends, watching the styles her clients are choosing (or avoiding), and offering her favorite tips and tricks.

“For most people, a wedding is a oncein-a-lifetime thing. You want to look and feel your best,” said Preast.

Over the last two years, the salon has seen an increase in men’s manicures and pedicures.

Preast called it a growing trend for men. For many men, this has become an act of self-care before their wedding.

“We’re seeing about 50 percent of grooms coming in for a manicure or pedicure,” she said, “A lot of men do a buff or shine, instead of a polish. It’s a very clean and refreshing look for men to have their nails groomed for their wedding. It ties the whole look together.

[At a wedding], when a man is in a nice suit, people are looking at his hair, and they can see his hands.”

In addition to men’s haircuts, facials, deep tissue massages, and riders’ relief massages, Salamander’s Salon also offers manicures and pedicures designed specifically for men. The 85-minute experience includes a treatment that hydrates the hands and feet, energizes skin, and leaves nails short and buffed. Want to skip the pedicure and just do a manicure?

No problem. Customers can opt for a single manicure or pedicure, instead of both.

Getting their nails done is definitely going to give men a boost of confidence, said Preast.

The Salamander Resort & Spa Salon supervisor says another new trend is color in the bride’s manicure selections.

The 2019 nail trends cover everything from minimal accents of color and monochrome nail art to 80’s and 90’s neon and glitter. Also on trend are super minimal manicures, designed to showcase the natural nail with a simple layer of glitter. The 90s bedazzled nail trend, which includes a basic manicure with small stones, stickers, and textures, is making a comeback.

However, when it comes to weddings, many still think of the traditional French manicure.

Preast noted that many brides are actually straying from traditional French manicures.

Although French manicures are “elegant and

6

middleburglife.com

•

classy,” she’s seeing brides select whites, opaque hues, pastels, pinks, and nudes. She believes this is a result of changing times, which has influenced the shifting styles and color schemes of weddings. Brides are channeling more natural, bohemian vibes.

Stylists are adding pop, much like how professional photographers are giving wedding photos better color contrast and enhanced visual appeal.

Dress, hair, and makeup styles have shifted too, Preast noted. Wedding hairstyles have gone from elegant “ballroom” to relaxed, natural looks. “Putting color on nails works for the new trend in weddings,” she said.

“People are going more natural.”

In 2017, Preast herself opted out of a traditional French manicure for her wedding. She chose a more natural look – a relaxed wedding dress, curled hair, and soft color on her nails.

When a bride arrives at the salon, Preast begins by asking questions about the wedding: where it is located, what style it is, how the bride is doing her hair, and what style of dress she is wearing.

Many brides already know exactly how they want their nails, but when a bride is looking for suggestions, Preast will offer style choices tailored to the wedding’s theme.

Salamander Resort & Spa Salon has a few new services to offer clients, like the Margaret Dabbs Supreme Manicure and Pedicure. Developed by a renowned podiatrist and leader of one of London’s top podiatrist clinics, the Margaret Dabbs manicure and pedicure combines luxury beauty treatments with organic ingredients designed to nourish the skin. The Salamander is one of the only locations in the area to offer a Margaret Dabbs treatment.

For clients who are careful about the ingredients they put on their bodies, this will be a go-to treatment.

“It’s not just about the finishing look of the nails – it’s the wellness of your foot as well,” said Preast, “You have to consider what you’re putting on your body and what it does to your body. If you’re going to [get a nail treatment], you might as well do the safest route

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

possible.” The Margaret Dabbs treatment includes tea tree oil, which is anti-fungal and anti-septic, and emu oil, which contains essential fatty acids and vitamins that restore and replenish deep layers of skin.

The salon offers a variety of perks that truly make it a luxury experience. From hot neck warmers to selections of Prosecco and hot tea, guests will find themselves drifting into a relaxed state of being – just what couples need before their big day.

The Salamander Salon offers locals a 20 percent discount on salon services from Monday through Thursday. The offer is open to residents of Loudoun and surrounding counties. ML The Salamander Spa & Resort offers a relaxing retreat for a day away for a bridal party. Pampering could include a little time in the Relaxation Room before the big day. Photos courtesy of the Salamander Resort & Spa.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

7

HUNT BALL Photos by Joanne Maisano

The only thing bittersweet about the 2019 Blue Ridge Hunt Ball at the Shenandoah Valley Golf Club was the the band called Bittersweet.

The snow showers arrived on Saturday, Jan. 12, but it only added to the beauty of the evening which started with a champagne greeting. The less than attractive travel conditions didn't seem to deter anyone arriving for a night of coats, cocktails and camaraderie. ML

1

Photos: 1. Sven and Lisa Sahkul. 2. MFH Jeff Lehew and Sondra Lehew. 3. Blue Ridge Hunt Ball Committee. 4. One of the auction items- Picnic basket with two passes to the BRH Spring Races. 5. Paul and Yvonne Wilson; Graham and Sheri Buston and Billie Jo Pearl. 6. Ann and Lionel Chisholm.

2

1

3

5

8

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

4

6

2

2

3

4

5

1 Photos: 1. Marc and Eileen Read. 2. Pat and Jean Stafford. 3. Katy Carter and Chris Wison. 4. David and Marti Bryant. 5. Who wouldn't want this Jolly Good Day license plate?

STYLISH, CUSTOM

EQUINE STRUCTURES

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE AWARD WINNING STRUCTURES

540.364.8181 ConestogaBuildings.com F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

9

HOW SWEET IT IS

By Chelsea Rose Moore

O

ne of the highlights of a wedding is always the dessert. Two local bakeries shared the stories behind their cakes, giving us a glimpse at the people behind the sweet treats. Here is a look at their creative process.

Scout’s Bakeshop Ashburn, Virginia Megan McGlynn As a young girl, Megan McGlynn would walk down the street to an old German bakery. The bakery door would open, and the smell of baking bread was almost intoxicating. She would gaze at loaves of sunflower seed bread styled in cases, and watch the bakers move loaves from the oven with large wooden paddles. Visiting that old bakery was a deeply memorable experience for her.

Her childhood memory of the bakery – or perhaps, more specifically, the way it made her feel – is the same experience she hopes to recreate for her clients at Scout’s Bakeshop.

Megan never planned on baking. If anything, the baker’s life chose her. She never attended culinary school and never dreamt of becoming a pastry chef. Making a cake from a box was her preferred method of baking, and she was okay with that.

She spent most of her childhood in Loudoun County, but relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area while working a corporate sales position. Unhappy in her role, her husband encouraged her to quit her job and find something that made her truly happy.

She saw a Craigslist ad from a successful cupcake shop and applied for a sales position.

Then, the owner wanted to teach her to bake.

It was there she discovered her passion for baking. She loved taking ingredients and transforming them into something beautiful and delicious. She loved watching children walk in the shop with smiles, leaving bits of frosting on their faces after finishing their cupcakes. Cupcakes were a simple luxury that could change a person’s mood or make their day better.

From there, Megan had a daughter, relocated to her home of Loudoun County, and headed back into the corporate world. She continually received baking orders from fam-

10

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

ily and friends and decided to see if she could make baking full-time happen. A year and a half ago, she launched her bakeshop.

The bakery’s name – Scout’s Bakeshop – was inspired by the weekend she met her husband. She told him she had been a girl scout, and he nicknamed her “Scout.” When she opened her bakery, she loved the way Scout’s Bakeshop referenced her husband’s term of endearment, because he was the reason she found her love of baking.

She introduced herself to Loudoun’s wedding scene a year ago. She built a partnership with Bluewater Kitchen, a farm-to-table catering company, where she serves as their pastry chef. For clients of Scout’s Bakeshop, she bakes out of her home.

“Loudoun County is really growing,” she said, “This was not a wedding destination when I grew up here. The vineyards were just being planted then.”

She originally presented sculpted cakes covered in fondant and sugar flowers, but her aesthetic has evolved over the year, becoming more relaxed to match the unique style found in Loudoun County.

“The market here in Loudoun County is different than the more couture cakes you see in DC. The aesthetic in Loudoun is elegant, but indicative of the experiences [brides] want their guests to have. Most weddings here are in beautiful barns or vineyards, and most brides choose buttercream, textured buttercream, or semi-naked cakes. Loudoun weddings have a laid-back elegance.”

When she started baking, she focused on perfect-looking cakes covered in fondant. “By the end of last year, I was starting to embrace the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi: finding beauty and recognizing the beauty in imperfection,” she said, “I think there’s a really beautiful elegance that comes from imperfection.”

Her work has shifted to leaving edges slightly rough for a finished-but-unfinished look. “I think that imperfection is really a reflection of marriage. There’s sweetness in that imperfection.”

She noted that on a wedding day, brides are focused on having the perfect day: the perfect hair, the perfect dress, the perfect makeup. But sometimes, it’s the little Sweet | Page 11

Sweet | From page 10 imperfections that make the day sweeter.

And usually, it’s the imperfections that stay with people, even years after the wedding day has passed.

When she bakes, she listens to podcasts or music. Her most-played tunes vary from Hawaiian to piano music, from Dolly Parton to Bob Marley to Walk the Moon, but she pulls inspiration from the world around her.

While dining in a restaurant, she might see a new, intriguing flavor combination on the menu and experiment with similar flavors in her cakes. Or she’ll see an innovative pairing on Instagram and it will spark an idea. What inspires her most though? Her clients.

She loves meeting clients with unique cultural backgrounds and integrating flavors from their “cultural culinary profile” into the desserts she prepares for them. She has a list of specific questions she asks every client: What is your vision for your wedding?

How do you want to incorporate your family traditions into your wedding? She learns about their cultural backgrounds, and as she listens, she feels the flavors coming together in her mind.

“It’s not really just cake; it’s the flavor of your event,” she said, “Some brides will wear a special perfume on their wedding, and then maybe wear it again on their anniversaries.

Whenever they smell it, they are reminded of their wedding day. I like to create a memo-

rable experience that can be recreated in so many ways.”

Learn more by visiting scoutsbakeshop. com. For couples with dietary restrictions, Megan offers gluten-free and vegan dessert options.

Sweet Rose Bakeshop Purcellville, Virginia Tanya Goon & Elizabeth Zadik Tanya and Andy Goon have loved Purcellville for years. They would visit monthly, stopping at breweries and admiring the town’s quaint charm. One day, while walking through town, they stumbled upon an empty storefront. Tanya looked in the window and knew she had discovered the location of her future bakery.

Sweet Rose Bakeshop is a two-family business. Owned by Tayna and good friend Elizabeth Zadik, they employee their teenage and adult children at the store. “We get to be a family here,” said Tanya’s husband, Andy, who is the bakery’s administrator.

What started as a home-based business has turned into a beloved Purcellville bakeshop. Tayna, the cake decorator, and Elizabeth, the pastry chef, believe they are filling a need in the town by providing baked goods for locals.

Not just a cake shop, they serve breakfast pastries, croissant sandwiches (think ham, spinach, and feta on a freshly baked crois-

sant), and after-dinner desserts. Drop in and grab a cookie, a loaf of bread, or a cupcake.

They even offer cheesecakes and pies.

They love making cakes for weddings and other celebrations. Tayna works her cake-decorating magic by sculpting fondant figurines and adding floral embellishments.

For couples who love having options, the duo even create donut and cupcake tiers for weddings. Can’t nail down a cake flavor?

While cakes offer limited flavor combinations, cupcakes provide unlimited choices, they said. Place an order for 200 cupcakes and pick 10-20 different flavors.

“People come in here happy and they leave happy,” said Andy, “There are not many businesses where the customer is in that frame of mind. It’s so rewarding to all of us here. Seeing the smiles… seeing the kids come in and their eyes light up – it keeps us motivated.”

Stop inside Sweet Rose Bakeshop and say hello to Tanya and Elizabeth. Visit their website to learn more or place a custom order at sweetrosebakeshop.com. ML Page 10: Megan McGlynn in her kitchen, where she works her magic. Photo by Sara Hargrove of Sarandipity Photography, courtesy of Scout's Bakeshop.

Page 11: (Left) Cake details, photo courtesy of Sweet Rose Bakeshop. (Middle) Buttercream Cake with Fresh Florals, photo by Scout’s Bakeshop. (Right) Bas Relief Cake, photo by Shutter Photography Studios, courtesy of Scout's Bakeshop.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

11

THE RUINS BROUGHT INTO BLOOM

The ruins at Goodstone Inn in Middleburg were brought into bloom with a little help from her friends for one special wedding last year.

Michelle Hollingsworth and Greg Blake’s wedding at the Goodstone Inn was a great example of how Middleburg based Nature Composed approaches assignments.

Nature Composed owner Jenn Pineau said her approach is not to "perfume a rose" by making the floral creations the focal point, but instead to bring a natural setting "into bloom" whenever possible.

The Northern Virginia couple were married in June, the iconic month of the rose so the idea was proposed to place potted rose standards at the base of the ruins and make it appear as if the wall was alive and blooming. The couple exchanged vows in front of the facade. Following the ceremony, cocktails were enjoyed by the pool with families and friends while the smell of blooming tea roses and magnolias scented the

12

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

warm summer air.

“So delightfully delicate, seasonal, and appropriate, we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful celebration to decorate.”

“We are fortunate to work at many authentically beautiful locations and aim to preserve the integrity of the scene by being true to the surroundings with classic designs that mimic nature,” added Pineau.

“In our perfect world, the guests would wonder if the couple hired a florist or if this venue was just really beautifully in bloom.” ML Photography: Jodi & Kurt Photography Venue and Catering: The Goodstone Inn & Restaurant Rentals and Chandeliers: Bella Villa Antiques Florals: Nature Composed Paper Goods: Miss Merkle Design

Fidelio

Mount Gordon Farm

Prime Fauquier County location minutes from Middleburg • Unbelievable finishes throughout • Antique floors and mantels, vaulted ceilings • 6 bedrooms, 5 full, 2 half baths • 6 fireplaces, 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.

Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

128 acres and immaculate 3 level, 13,000+ sq ft stone & shingle main house • 5 BR • 8 FP • Exceptional finishes on every floor • Caterer's kitchen • Elevator • Spa • Separate guest cottage • Pool • Farm manager residence • 3 additional tenant houses • 12-stall center-aisle stable • Pond • Extraordinary land w/incomparable views extending beyond the Blue Ridge Mts • Orange County Hunt • 3 parcels Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

French Country home, with renovations in 1999 & 2017 • Brick construction, slate roof • 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood 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 Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Prime Fauquier location, well protected • 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 Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Crest Hill

Mayapple Farm

Waverly

Game Creek

The Plains, Virginia $9,500,000

Hume, Virginia $3,600,000

203 acres in Fauquier w/nearly 1 mile of Rappahannock river frontage • Elegant stone & clapboard house • 5 BR, 4 full & 3 1/2 BA • 4 FP • Wood floors • Gourmet kitchen • Gunnite pool w/stunning views overlooking Blue Ridge Mtns and private pond • Situated amongst protected properties • 5 stall Jim Fletcher barn w/pristinely maintained paddocks, pasture and gdns • 2 car garage w/in-law suite • Old Dominion Hunt territory • VOF Easement Alix Coolidge (703) 625-1724

Belvedere

Middleburg, Virginia $1,850,000

Gracious home with 5 BRs • Gourmet kitchen • Two story floor-to-ceiling window display of the Blue Ridge Mountains • 3 FPs, coffered ceilings, random width rustic cherry floors • Large home office, gym, rec room, multiple porches and patios • Three finished stories • Carriage house • Garage • 27 acres Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1930

2 Chinn Lane

Middleburg, Virginia $680,000

Village Hamlet • 3 bedrooms • 2 1/2 baths • Fireplace • Gourmet kitchen with granite counters • Hardwood floors throughout • Lovely terrace and gardens • Garage with workshop • Renovated in 2008 • Freshly painted.

Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

The Plains, Virginia $8,900,000

Middleburg, Virginia $3,400,000

Salem Hill

Spring Glade

Middleburg, Virginia $3,900,000

The Plains, Virginia $2,950,000

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 Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Circa 1755, prime Fauquier County location, between Middleburg and The Plains • Additions in early 1800's & 1943 • Home recently restored • 62 gently rolling acres in Orange County Hunt • 4 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, 6 fireplaces • Improvements include salt-water pool, pool house, large party house/studio, 2 tenant houses, stone walls and pond Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Harmony Creek

408 E. Washington St.

Hume, Virginia $1,650,000

Hill top setting with beautiful distant views • Farm house circa 1920, completely restored and enlarged, • 3BR, 3 BA, 2 fireplaces, wood floors, large country kitchen • 129.15 rolling & useable acres • Improvements include 3-bay equipment shed/work shop, guest house, 4-stall barn complex, riding ring, spring fed pond & stream.

Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Potts Mill Cottage Middleburg, Virginia $649,500

2+ acres just east of town • Complete renovation • Immaculate & charming home with 3 bedrooms & 3 full baths • Main level master bedroom • Oversized windows with excellent natural light • Quality finishes, wood floors, standing seam metal roof, stonework & large deck overlooking open yard & stone walls & pond • Move in ready • owner/agent Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

info@sheridanmacmahon.com www.sheridanmacmahon.com

Middleburg, Virginia $895,000

Beautiful brick federal structure, in need of repair • 2 recorded lots • East side of town • 1.76 aces zoned R-1 & A-C in the historic district • High ceilings & wood floors Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Marshall, Virginia $3,690,000

Middleburg, Virginia $2,650,000

A remarkable property located within a private enclave just minutes from town • Stone and stucco manor house with main level master suite • 7 additional BR • 5 stone FP • Beautiful gardens, terraces, salt-water pool, cabana, carriage house & stable with 2 paddocks • Lovely finishes throughout & sweeping lawn to private trails to Goose Creek • 31 acres • Private, elegant & convenient Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Grasty Place

Middleburg, Virginia $750,000

Charming home in desirable Melmore • Adjacent to the town of Middleburg offering proximity to town & privacy of almost 4 acres • High ceilings, light-filled rooms, new kitchen w/granite counters & stainless appliances • Family room w/fireplace, screened-in porch • 3 BR including bright master suite w/bay window • Home office & finished LL & 2 car garage Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Patrick Street

Forest Hill

Upperville, Virginia $340,000

Bluemont, Virginia $625,000

10 acres & a beautifully maintained retreat with views across the valley • Post & beam home w/ open floor plan • Gorgeous floors, main level master suite, huge stone fireplace, fantastic loft/home office • 2 additional bedrooms on main level • Many option w/ bedroom & full bath in finished space below, w/ walk out • Tons of storage-2 car garage & large workshop Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Charming stucco bungalow on a quiet lane • Hardwood floors • Flagstone patio • Updated kitchen and baths • Home office and first floor master with sitting room • Large fenced back yard • Very well cared for turn-key home and a great value Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

110 East Washington Street • P.O. Box 1380 Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687-5588 F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

13

FEARLESS GARDENS

By Ashley Bommer Singh Photos by Helen Norman

W

e bought our farm six years ago this month. I am still mystified by the comfort we felt when we drove onto the property for the first time.

The weather was grey and dreary. We knew no one here. However, the land, the history of the house, and the light spoke to us.

Living in the city, it was easy to be fearless.

You had to be in order to survive. But here, the magnitude of the change in our lives was both a sense of opportunity and caution. That reticence affected the gardens. Afraid to disrupt the serenity of the property as we found it, I planted new perennials sparingly, oneby-one – in rows!

I just ordered a bold new fabric that has different spots all over it. Like a leopard, some are blurred, some close together, some big, some small. There is no pattern, and yet, there is a natural order. The spots are random, but they make a theme. That is now how I want my gardens to look, curated but also wild.

14

middleburglife.com

•

What caused this freedom?

My gardens changed for the better after neighbors, Avis and Paul Hodge, gifted their treasured garden book collection to me. Every great garden book has a common thread: take risks, be fearless, try and fail. If you don't like a plant, dig and begin anew. Embrace

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

nature but go after weeds when you must. Be flexible, humble. Know what is in your hands and what is up to nature. Who knew gardening books could be a metaphor for life?

This cold, snowy winter, A Year at Home Farm by English garden designer Dan Pearson caught my eye. I was intrigued by a fouracre garden. This was the second garden that Pearson did for his client, and he chose plants for “the mood that they projected and how they could live in association with their partners, rather than for their individual horticulture identity.”

What mood do we seek when we plant our gardens? I love the wildness of Alchemilla mollis and Salvia nemorosa in tandem. I love how Monarda does perfectly fine with native milkweed and makes the monarch butterflies happy. I love how Achillea ‘Paprika’ can bloom confidently for months next to… asparagus. I gave up on dusty miller even though I admire it as a border plant and now stick with Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ for its tranquility. I like to eradicate weeds, but I do not like the mood Gardens | Page 15

Gardens | From page 14 or look of bark mulch. I much prefer matrix planting to fill in the space.

Garden designer Jinny Blom’s book, The Thoughtful Gardener, highlighted her first garden woes by “how stiffly I pooled and layered the plants.” She wrote, “But, it is important to learn, and learn I did!” I adore her gardens and was inspired to read that she once worked for Pearson before setting out on her own. Mentors help us take flight and be fearless.

Winter is the time to dream. I’ve always wanted a wind garden. I smiled when reading in The Gardens of Bunny Mellon that, upon reviewing the landscape plans for John F. Kennedy’s Presidential Library and Museum at the entrance of Boston Harbor, Bunny Mellon quipped that the president was “a wind man.” She suggested “planting beach grass and Rosa rugosa” to reflect this. The garden plans were reworked.

I am looking forward to planting different grasses in monochromatic blocks this spring – starting with native Panicum ‘Shenandoah’ to celebrate the winds that roar off the Blue

Ridge Mountains through our north-facing entrance. Piet Ouldolf and Noel Kingsbury’s book, Planting – A New Perspective, notes “This kind of simple, calm, ordered planting can be a good point of relaxation after an exuberant perennial-filled border – like the sorbet course in a gourmet meal.”

Sometimes a garden visit can do more than a book. Inspired by whimsy, I checked out Ladew Topiary Gardens in Maryland on a rainy fall day. If evergreen animals and garden rooms are your thing, take note. If you are not sure, the foxhunting scene constructed out of yew will make your heart sing.

My four-year-old loved running throughout the gardens, delighting in everything he saw. It was around Halloween and he made up a “Ladew Witch” to find. Where was she hiding? One day, Heuchera ‘Coral Bells’ and Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’ may also capture his imagination!

And as the snowdrops show their dainty faces this month, take a gardening tip from Mr. Pearson and expand their magic carpet.

He likes Galanthus ‘S. Arnott’ which flowers early in the season. After they flower, divide

and replant, even in the cold. It is too hard to know where they are in the fall. Post flowering when their leaves are still green, you can see the patterns they’ve created and make new ones. Bold ones, of course, and not too regular. ML Ladew Gardens displays a whimsical side of gardening.

SOUND SOUND SOUND ADVICE – SOUND ADVICE – UNCOMMON ADVICE –– ADVICE UNCOMMON SERVICE UNCOMMON

SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE UNCOMMON UNCOMMON

Buckingham Strategic Wealth is an Buckingham Strategic Buckingham Strategic established, fee-only Wealth is an Buckingham Strategic Buckingham Strategic Wealth is an firmWealth servingisfee-only clients established, an Wealth is an established, fee-only throughout the firm servingfee-only clients established, established, fee-only firm serving clients DC Metropolitan area. throughout the firm serving clients firm serving clients throughout the Virginia team DCThe Metropolitan area. throughout the throughout the DCThe Metropolitan area. is recognized as Virginia team DC Metropolitan area.

DCThe Metropolitan area.

Virginia team experienced financial is recognized as The Virginia team The Virginia team is recognized as advisors, offering experienced financial is recognized as is recognized as experienced financial disciplined investment advisors, offering experienced financial experienced financial advisors,investment offering management and disciplined advisors, offering advisors,investment offering disciplined financial management and disciplined investment disciplined investment management planning solutions. financial and management and management and financial planning solutions. financial financial planning solutions. planning planning solutions. solutions.

11325 Random Hills Rd. Suite 210Hills Rd. 11325 Random 11325 Random Hills Rd. Fairfax, VA 22030 Suite 210 11325 Random Hills 11325703.760.3673 Random Hills Rd. Rd. Suite 210 Fairfax, VA 22030 Suite 210 Suite 210 Fairfax, VA 22030 703.760.3673 Fairfax, VA 22030 Fairfax, VA 22030 St. 703.760.3673 112 W. Washington 703.760.3673 703.760.3673 204 112 W.Suite Washington St. 112 W.Suite Washington St. Middleburg, VA 20117 204 112 Washington St. 112 W. W. Washington St. Suite 204 540.931.9051 Middleburg, VA 20117 Suite 204 Suite 204 Middleburg, VA 20117 540.931.9051 Middleburg, VA Middleburg, VA 20117 20117 540.931.9051 540.931.9051 540.931.9051 Buckingham-NOVA.com Buckingham-NOVA.com Buckingham-NOVA.com Buckingham-NOVA.com Buckingham-NOVA.com

AREA FEED CONSULTANTS: Doug Leavitt 703-217-0403 Douglas_Leavitt@cargill.com Carolyn Farabaugh 540-604-6279 Carolyn_Farabaugh@cargill.com

PROELITEHORSEFEED.COM ©2018 Cargill, Incorporated. All rights reserved. ProElite® is a registered trademark of Cargill, Incorporated.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

15

A HUNTING WE WILL GO Photos by Joanne Masiano

1 2

3

4

Photos: 1. Lindsay LeHew and Jt-MFH Anne McIntosh of Blue Ridge Hunt head up the first flight with Adalbert Von Gontard and Lizzie Beer behind. 2. Snowden Clarke and Will Driskill with the Orange County Hounds. 3. Orange County Hounds on hot pursuit. 4. Blue Ridge Hunt hounds. (continued on page 24)

16

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

Framed Art & Mirror Sale 20% off for February The Fox & Pheasant Antiques Decor

Fri.-Sat. 10-5 Sun. 12-5 114 East Main Street Boyce, Virginia

!"#$%&"%'"()"(*%+"$,%-%!./%'0,/%123&$24& %50$4.%67%8%97*%9:6; !"#$$%&'()*+,()'+-('+./0$(*12$345+ 6((7%8(93'4+:+;24<('=+6)>4?

,()'+8(/@(/+:+A('75+<13+B2/@4B3*<+C(('4+ :+D1#'"2/0+A('7412'3+E#$34F+D')243+(/+<13 $(93$=+8#73+G2/@3'"3'3F+9242<+1("34+(G('@4B('<15+63#<'2H+I(J3'+:+6'(/<3+K#"2$=L+ E393$(*3@+:+(>3'3@+M=

N'34<+;2$$+./OP)34+ :+,3#+Q(("

RST%URV%RWXT N'34<;2$$./OP)34LD("

Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two

THREE-COURSE MEAL & WINE | $89 PER COUPLE Reserve online at HuntersHeadTavern.com or call 540 - 592 - 9020

Wine by the Glass

Santa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon or Cardinal Point Quantro White Blend

Starters

Baked Brie for Two

Main Course

Ayrshire Farm Strip Steak with a Peppercorn Demi Glace, served w/mashed potatoes & seasonal vegetable

OR

Pan-seared Salmon with a Leek & Mushroom Cream Sauce, served w/mashed potatoes & seasonal vegetable

Dessert

Chocolate Fondue for Two

Subscriptions and single tickets now on sale. Information, directions and ticket purchase at www.waterfordconcertseries.org.

Hunter’s Head Tavern | 9048 John Mosby Hwy (Rt. 50) Upperville, VA

Concerts in the Waterford Old School auditorium, 40222 Fairfax St., Waterford, VA, in Loudoun County. Seating is limited so book early!

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

17

18

middleburglife.com

â&#x20AC;¢

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

FRESH AIR, FRESH LOOK Photos by Sienna Turecamo

Inspired by the rolling hills, hunt country, and quaint historical towns that surround the area, Sienna Turecamo put together and photographed a set that honored the culture that surrounds Sylvanside Farm in Purcellville, Virginia.

This warm-winter shoot is the perfect inspiration for an elegant hunt-country wedding.

After driving through the beautiful countryside, you arrive at Sylvanside Farm. Make your way down a tree-lined gravel driveway and you find a serene pond guarded by a single white swan, an expansive cornfield, and breathtaking barns.

Sylvanside Farm, established in 1774, offers a little romance and a lot of history to guests. The farm boasts two large barns, a manor house, historic cottage, hunt box, and a rustic smoke house.

“It was the perfect setting for a romantic styled shoot with a bit of vintage flare,” said Turecamo, who specializes in classic, elegant and natural images for engagements, elopements, weddings, and couples in the hunt-country of Virginia and the United States. Turecamo worked with local vendors based out of the Purcellville/Middleburg area.

Makeup and Hair: Sarah Khan Artistry Furs, Sofas, & Gowns: Nostalgia Boutique www.shopatnostalgia.com Florist: Growing Wild Floral Company www.growingwildfloral.com Photography, Styling, and Set Design: Sienna Turecamo Photography www.siennaturecamophotography.com

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

19

WISDOM GALLERY A VALENTINE’S DAY JACKPOT Story and Photos by Katie Johnson

T

ucked away on Middleburg’s quiet, tree-lined Madison Street, the Wisdom Gallery has stood the test of time.

Full to the brim of carefully selected greeting cards, artwork, unique furnishings and lighting, jewelry, and all manner of interesting collectibles, this little shop makes for a cozy retreat from the cool winter weather.

Owner Pauline Wisdom says business has always been good in her corner of the town, though with a few empty storefronts on the street these days, things have gotten a bit quieter. Still, she loves her job.

“I’m meeting wonderful people,” she says.

“I really am, and I have for thirty years.”

When Pauline, a native of East London who speaks with a distinct and charming British clip, initially visited Middleburg as a

20

middleburglife.com

•

tourist, she thought the town could really use a good English tea shop. She chose a storefront and signed a lease, but when her plans for a tea shop fell through, she opened the Wisdom Gallery instead.

Having operated an antique shop of the same name when she lived California, it felt like an easy choice. Soon after that, she acquired a papery and stationery shop in town.

To consolidate the two locations into one and simplify her business operations, she eventually purchased her current building, and set about turning the one-time dress shop into the eclectic business it is today.

A stroll through the Wisdom Gallery’s first level will lead customers to a showcase in the back full of beautiful chocolates.

“I just love it,” says Pauline of this sweet collection, and smiles as she remembers how choosing the chocolates she carries was “the

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

roughest job I ever had.” She features confections from two suppliers, one specializing in a more home-made, simple style, and the other in giant, decadent truffles. These, she advises, are very rich, and can be cut into four pieces and enjoyed with friends. Her personal favorites are the coconut creams, but it’s the sea salt caramels that fly off the shelves. So quickly, in fact, the she has to double order them to keep them in stock.

“I’ve always had good luck with my chocolate,” she says.

Upstairs, Pauline keeps an assortment of fine stationery, supplied by Crane and William Arthur.

She notes that people do still send handwritten letters, and she’s happy to be of service to those looking for special announcements and invitations. When she began Gallery | Page 43

87 14 H o l t zc l a w Roa d , Wa r re n t o n , VA | $ 5, 5 0 0,0 0 0

2 169 Lo ga n s M i l l Roa d , T h e P l a i n s , VA

9 0 9 2 J o h n M o s by H i g hway, U p p e r v i l l e, VA | $ 6, 5 0 0,0 0 0

| $ 3,0 0 0,0 0 0

1 2 2 2 5 Le e d s C h a p e l L a n e, M a r k h a m , VA | $ 9 9 9, 9 9 5

3 8 5 27 R i c ka rd Roa d , Love t t sv i l l e, VA | $ 1 , 3 9 5,0 0 0

3 3 8 07 A rc h b o l d L a n e, U p p e r v i l l e, VA | $ 2 ,75 0,0 0 0

At Home in The Plains We are excited to announce the opening of our new brokerage in The Plains.

6474 Main Street, The Plains, Virginia | +1 540 212 9993 Explore more extraordinary listings at ttrsir.com

©2019 TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed real estate broker. Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal housing opportunity.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

21

HOLISTIC BEAUTY WITH

BLUSHAWAY

By Summer Stanley

F

inn Mauritzen, of Aldie, Virginia, knows the secrets to looking radiant on your wedding day, and all those days happily ever after.

“I don’t like to use makeup as a cover-up, but rather to enhance one’s natural features, such as eye color or bone structure. Especially for brides, I prefer natural or timeless makeup so they will look like themselves the day of the wedding, and also when they look back at the photos five or ten years later,” says Mauritzen, the owner of Blushaway Makeup, LLC. She reveals that it’s not just on-site professional makeup artistry that she provides her clients, but a holistic approach to skincare. This starts with a full consultation in the months leading up to their big day.

Colors, flowers, wardrobe, venue, photography and lighting — everything is taken under consideration when planning a flawless finish. Mauritzen sits down with her brides to get to know them. She teaches helpful skincare routines, provides nutritional guidelines, even offers suggestions for guided meditation and stress management, depending on skin type needs and concerns.

They work together to tailor a skincare plan and design a look that’s not only cohesive with the style of the wedding, but more importantly, one that accentuates the bride’s natural beauty and highlights her most flattering features. She cautions that we should all take makeup trends lightly.

“You might get caught up in feeling you need a full smokey eye look, for example, but it’s not for everyone. Know your face shape and which colors suit you. If you’re suffering with redness or rosacea, let’s get to the bottom of what’s causing it,” she offers. “Makeup should be the last step in achieving that fresh glowing look on your wedding day.”

22

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

She challenges her clients to take a look at their environments, lifestyles, and how they take care of their bodies, asking questions such as, “Are you getting enough sleep and drinking enough water?” (Tip: If all the stress of wedding planning is keeping you up at bedtime, try calming lavender tea or lavender oil droplets on your pillow for a better night’s rest.)

Mauritzen is no stranger to the effects of alternative medicine. Growing up in her homeland of Ireland, she personally gained from her father’s work as a reflexologist. She participated in case studies for some of her own health issues. “It worked for me,” she says. That confidence in the methods sparked her desire to formally train in the area and eventually led her to this career.

Some 20 years ago, Mauritzen began studying her longtime passion of health and beauty. She earned a myriad of credentials in the field, ranging from diet and nutrition, reflexology, and holistic massage, to stress management and aromatherapy. Following a stint as a spa therapist for Royal Caribbean International, she managed the five-star luxury spa for Ireland’s exclusive Killarney Park Hotel.

Since moving to America, Mauritzen has managed Origins and L’Occitane cosmetics shops, and also a med spa. After a career change that landed her in video production, she realized she missed the beauty industry and decided it was time for refresher courses.

Three years ago, she received her makeup artistry certification from Esthetic Institute in Vienna, Virginia. With that in hand, she launched Blushaway, her full-time beauty business which uniquely blends her background and years of experience.

Mauritzen notes there’s been a huge shift in the mindset of women in recent Beauty | Page 23

Beauty | From page 22 years, which means more health and wellness conscious brides. The skincare aisles reflect the consumers’ desire for safer, cleaner, and more natural beauty products and practices.

She uses only high quality makeup products and tools in her kit, and always begins with good skincare products underneath.

Some of her top preferred brands include Motives Cosmetics, Lumiere de Vie, luxury British skincare brand, Elemis, RCMA, and Graftobian, known for their professional HD line that stands up to lighting and close camera work.

An added benefit to the Blushaway experience, the owner partners with two professional hairstylists in the area in order to provide a one-stop-shop for booking special occasion beauty services. Jessica Mitchell of Dare to Be Unforgettable, and Dina Sevajian of Dare to Dream team up with Blushaway to cover the many contours of our region in Loudoun, Fairfax, and Washington, D.C. In addition to bridal parties and

offers individual and group makeup classes to teach the same skills professional artists use.

The Blushaway concept has organically flourished. Mauritzen’s goal to be known not just as a makeup artist, but as a holistic therapist is well underway. The joyful testimonials on her web site from women of all ages proves it. Check out the before and after shots to see beauty that’s truly revealed from the inside out. ML blushaway.com @blushawaymakeup (703) 651-6076

engagement sessions, Mauritzen goes on-site for commercial, editorial and fashion events, as well as corporate headshots. She even

Page 22: (Top) Photo credit Rob Jinks Photography.

(Middle) Photo credit Heather Chesky Photography. (Third from top) Radiant bride at Middleburg’s Fox Chase Farm. Photo credit Ryan Wolfkiel of RW Photography. (Bottom) Styled bridal shoot featuring Blushaway at The Middleburg Barn. Photo credit Brett Denfeld Photography. Page 23: Finn Mauritzen, Owner of Blushaway Makeup, LLC. Photo credit Jeff Mauritzen.

COUNTRY WEDDING IN HISTORIC MIDDLEBURG CHURCH Charming, historic location for your church wedding convenient to all area reception venues.

Middleburg United Methodist church built in 1857 in the heart of town directly across the street from the Safeway on the corner of Pendleton and Washington Streets. Original steeple bell stamped with the 1857 date can be rung as new couple exits the church. We have a brand new state of the art organ which was dedicated before Christmas.

For more info contact church wedding coordinator, Leah Ferguson, leah@rstarmail.com, visit the church website www.middleburgunitedmethodistchurch.org or call (540) 554-2114.

For the Love of Jazz Just in time for Valentine’s Day, join us for exclusive events February 15 - 17 that show our love for food, libations and jazz music with Billboard-ranked musician, Marcus Johnson.

For more information please call 888.256.9158

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

•

middleburglife.com

23

HUNTING (continued from page 16)

3 Photos: 1. Middleburg huntsman Richard Roberts gets ready to hunt on foot due to bad ground conditions for horses. 2. Whip Carey Shefte gets greeted by a Middleburg Hunt hound. 3. Orange County Hound's second field from the Old Whitewood meet Jan 12, 2019.

1

2

24th Annual Gala

MHF's Pets of the Year

Middleburg Humane's Blue Jean Ball 27th of April, 2019 6 o'clock

Middleburg Barn Fox Chase Farmâ&#x20AC;˘ Middleburg, VA Tickets and sponsorship opportunities visit www.middleburghumane.org

Forrest Gump, Jenny, & Lieutenant Dan

24

middleburglife.com

â&#x20AC;˘

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

Co-chairs: Lisa Ben-Dov & Stephanie Bates Entertainment by: Livin' the Dream Cocktails Dinner Live Auction Dancing Karen Harper Fuog, Catering

In the Mood Painting With Alynne Landers Photos by Joanne Maisano Local artist Alynne Landers shared her talents with a group of gifted painters at the Middleburg Library on Jan. 19.

Tapping into their creative side, the participants painted abstract art using their mood and emotions as their muse. On Feb. 16, drop by

the library at 2 p.m. for Color Theory with Kris Loya. Through hands-on experimentation, adults or high school students can learn about color concepts and relationships and how to apply them to art, design and even choosing paint colors for your home. ML

Bucolic Paris, VA - Residential & Commercial Offering Unique opportunity to live and run your business in a quaint and historic village located on the corner of Rt. 50 and Federal St. Includes 2 houses & 2 large storage sheds. Beautiful mtn. views, backs to 60 protected acres, close to 1,862 acre State park yet 10 min. to I-66.

MLS # VAFQ100236 $625,000

Renovated historic home in Upperville on park-like setting Charming house features 3 BR, 2 BA, 2 fireplaces, lg, LR, formal DR, wood floors, breakfast rm, sunroom, office and carriage house. Large yard w/stone wall and creek, perfect for gardens, kids and pets!

Zoned Village Commercial too!

MLS # 1008362918 $538,000

Joyce Gates 540-771-7544 joyce.gates@LNF.com Middleburg Sales Office

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

â&#x20AC;˘

middleburglife.com

25

DESIGNED

WITH LOVE Photos by Abby Ballin CAD images courtesy of Mystique Jewelers

C

lassic, timeless, heirloom. These are the words that come to mind for Elizabeth Mandros, jewelry designer and owner of Mystique Jewelers when she’s working on a custom piece.

“The art of a custom designed jewelry piece is just that, an art. I have a vision in mind after clients and I meet and putting that vision into a custom piece is the favorite part of my job,” said Mandros. “It’s a passion and what I love to do.”

A marriage is celebration, a ceremony and a commitment to honor the vision two people have for their future. Mandros recently designed a unique ring for a Middleburg equestrian couple who were married in December.

“Due to the complexity of the design involved with the ring, I chose to go with CAD (computer assisted design) instead of a

26

middleburglife.com

•

traditional goldsmith,” she said. “It was a privilege to design their rings. He knew what he wanted, an equestrian style and one of a kind.” The ring was designed to be both practical and beautiful to suit her lifestyle; playing polo one day and modeling in a fashion shoot the next.

“We collaborated on different ideas, incorporating horses, bits, stirrups until we came up with the final design. The stirrups were chosen as a symbol of interlocking love, around a selected stunning 2.0 carat diamond.”

When asked about her design process, she said people are often surprised with the many different questions that she asks before making sketches. One element that must come to play in designing is utility. That is not something many necessarily think of when creating their own piece.

“As a designer, it’s the first thought for me,” the Mystique Jewelers owner said. She

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

wants to know how often it will be worn, where it will be worn, and most importantly, how do they see themselves with this piece. In the consultation, the designer hopes to learn their personal style. Do they live in jeans and a t-shirt or a more formal style? What setting will the jewelry be worn in? Would it be worn mostly during outdoor activities, out to an embassy dinner or all of the above.

“Once I know how the client envisions wearing their art, the wheels start to move forward, and I begin thinking and drawing,” she said. While the production time varies just like each piece, it generally takes about six to eight weeks from start to finish.

“I am a perfectionist and will send back a rendering for the smallest detail.” Using the client’s information on how the piece will be worn as a guide, the designer begins the final picture. Her unique set of skills combined with her knowledge of the gems, Love | Page 28

Love | From page 26 metals and simple geometry makes the creative process flow.

“A piece that’s well designed with all the elements together, stands the test of time and becomes a piece that you will hand down from generation to generation.”

“We usually begin the process with a focus meeting where we will make hand-sketches and establish our goals and budget. Next, we make CAD drawings and illustrations for review and approval,” said Mandros.

“These illustrations allow us to show you a remarkably lifelike rendering of what the piece will ultimately look like. The beauty of this technology is that what you see is exactly what you get!” Once the images have been approved, a “wax” model is made for the client to see the design in 3D. The wax model is an exact replica of the finished product, and in fact will ultimately be the final piece by way of the lost wax casting process.

“After the project is in metal, we will do a fitting, confirm final approval before the stones are set, and engraving is added. Then the ring is completed.”

VINTAGE STYLE 2.0

“How fortunate, we would be if our

parents or grandparents gave us a piece of jewelry, that we could pass down for an engagement in the family,” said Mandros.

However, what if that heirloom piece isn’t your style or your significant other’s style?

What do you do? Put it back in the safe and say no thank you?

According to this local designer, you can utilize the stones without ruining the design, keep part of the ring intact and remake something that would be for a new style today, or completely redesign it using the stone.

“You would be completely amazed, if we took the stones out and made something that worked for today’s look or was something she was thinking of,” said Mandros.

“It is brand new ring but you have the stones from the piece that has meant so much to the the family, your heart and you have saved a bunch of money.”

“We can transform this one particular ring into a brand new look for today. I use a style based on what you are like and what your lifestyle is like and what you have dreamed of and I give you prototypes,” she added. “I can help you through the steps and give you lots of design options.”

Your girl is unique, and the ring you propose to her with should be, too. ML

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

27

JOHN COLES 540-270- 0094 REBECCA POSTON 540-771-7520 “Specializing in large land holdings”

CLEREMONT

MUSTER LANE

HIDDEN TRAIL

Upperville ~ The impressive, historic & award winning 1511 Acre Estate & Cattle Farm of Cleremont, offers a healthy environment for all of its inhabitants from the forest & land on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the 33 verdant pastures & abundant natural water resources. Prime Piedmont Hunt territory with riding trails. Residences include a historic manor house, a second manor house, the original patent house & 3 tenant houses. $15,000,000

The Plains ~ 108 gorgeous Acres, Minutes from Middleburg in prime Orange County Hunt Territory with exceptional rideout to both wooded trails and open pasture. The Stately Manor House, with it’s grand proportions and terraces, has been host to many events including charity balls and political benefits.

Additional features include: 11-stall beautifully finished center aisle stable with apt., riding arena, two 3-bedroom cottages, bank barn and 4-bay machine shed. $8,250,000

Woodville ~ Nestled on 100+ 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. 1745 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. $5,000,000

D

N

LA

HATHAWAY

WOODMONT

MOUNTVILLE

The Plains ~ Sweeping panoramic views and grand trees surround this recently renovated, turn-key residence set on a private 90-acre estate. The home has been finished to the highest standards and features three meticulously finished levels with a modern floor plan, which includes a first-floor master bedroom suite. The location is in prime Orange County Hunt Territory. $4,475,000

The Plains ~ Stunning and extensive renovation for today’s life style while incorporating salvaged antique features. Chef’s Kitchen opens to the Family Room and Dining Room. Wood flooring, new windows, high ceilings, new trim, new tile, large open rooms, built-in bookcases, French doors to back terrace and pool. 3-car attached garage with custom finished room above including built-in bunk beds. Generator. $2,600,000

Mountville Land ~ 145+ Acres of land in sought after location on Mountville Road 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

DESTINAIRE FARM

CREEK RIDGE

Hume ~ Impeccably maintained, exquisite 118 Acre horse farm with ten fields and paddocks of 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 house 25 horses comfortably, and an indoor dressage ring. $2,450,000

Middleburg ~ Exquisite custom home designed for indoor and outdoor living and entertaining on 23 private acres minutes from Middleburg. Grand rooms with 12’ high ceilings and beautiful moldings, elegant main level master suite with fireplace and French doors to terrace.

Nearly ¼ mile of frontage on Goose Creek. Charming Guest Cottage. $2,249,000

STONE HAVEN Nestled on 100+ 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.1745 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. $1,845,000

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.

Please see our fine estates and exclusive properties in hunt country by visiting THOMAS-TALBOT.com

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

All Pages 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 1 9 2801-31_ML_JohnColes-DT.indd

JOHN COLES 540-270- 0094 REBECCA POSTON 540-771-7520 “Specializing in large land holdings”

TRAPPE HILL FARM

Upperville ~ 536 Acres protected by a conservation easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation; however, division rights offer potential for additional tax credits. The land has recently been used for horses, hay, and cattle, but the gentle south-facing slope would also be ideal for grapes. There is a well-built home, which awaits your vision to reach its 21st century potential. Find peace and serenity in this historic and sought-after corner of Loudoun County. $6,500,000 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.

Please see our fine estates and exclusive properties in hunt country by visiting THOMAS-TALBOT.com

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

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

1/31/19 10:22 AM

middleburglife.com

29

ADDING AN ELEMENT OF FUN

HELPING MAKE THE FAIRYTALE WEDDING COME TRUE

T

he “Big Day” is around the corner!

The to-do list is complete, and the happy couple is about to embark on the wedding of their dreams. No stone has gone unturned. They have thought of everything: the catering menu, the flowers, the music, the children...

Wait! The children? Oh no...what do they actually do about the children?

That is the age old question. One that seems so easy to answer but, in reality, can be a challenging wedding planning decisio to make.

The adage “you can’t please all of the people, all of the time” has never rang more true than when a couple is discussing how to include their guests’ children in their special day.

Wedding etiquette covers all sides of the issue. There are three schools of thought — School One: Include the kids! School Two: Find a kind, sensitive way to let the guests know that it is an adults-only celebration.

School Three: Figure out a way for the children to attend, with definite boundaries in place.

Now the real challenge: where to begin?

“Many couples feel badly that, deep down, they really don’t want children to attend their wedding. It’s usually not for any reason other than the fact that they don’t want any child distractions, like crying during the vows, little bitty fingers in the elegant cake, or having to pay a per capita catering cost for children who may not actually end up eating,” said Laura Kowalczky, the owner of Party Pals, LLC. Then comes the hard part: telling their soon-to-be in-laws or soon-to-be-spouses’ close friends that they are invited, but their children are not. “The stress of worrying about upsetting their significant other’s loved ones is not an ideal kick off to the couple’s life together,” added Kowalczky. “It can

30

middleburglife.com

•

“Don’t you know that everybody’s got a Fairyland of their own?”

— Mary Poppins put a strain on happily ever after before it even begins.”

One solution that will keep everyone happy is hiring a professional child care service. That is where Kowalczky and her team can help.

“After all, six hours is a long time to keep little guests occupied, but with a pro in your corner, it can be done and fun,” said Kowalczky, who holds a Master of Education.

Party Pals understands the wedding child care dilemma and offers a spot-on solution.

The Marry Poppins package is designed to take that item off the couple’s to-do list once and for all. Think of Mary Poppins with her bag of tricks.

The company’s motto: “It’s your day...you deserve to shine” speaks for itself. Whatever the couple wishes for, in the child care arena, the couple gets. A special appearance by the kids for the cake cutting or the hokey pokey?

No sweat. Party Pals will include the children.

Once the couple hands over the childcare responsibility to Kowalczyk, she handles everything from then on out. Keeping the couple in the loop as much or as little as they wish is the utmost priority. The children get to partake in a mini-reception of

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

their own and the adults can have their well-deserved adult time together celebrating the special couple.

The owner personally reaches out to all families with children who plan to attend the wedding and creates a instant relationship with the parents. Once an introduction has been made, a parent questionnaire is sent to all participating families, and everyone can collectively let out a big sigh of relief.

Party Pals sets up childcare on site at the venue, so parents can pop in whenever they choose for a quick peek or hug. The staff arrives equipped with games, activities, arts and crafts, face painting, charades, the limbo, toys, nail painting, books, board games, video games, and even family G-rated movies. Every event begins with the children each making a special card and a group-crafted gift for the couple.

“The kids love wrapping their own special presents,” she said.

Party Pals attendants even travel with blankets, kid-sized sleeping bags and cozy pillows in case the little wedding guests get sleepy. They can snuggle down for a snooze while their parents enjoy their date-time. ML

TIPS FOR THE COUPLE 1) Remember, it is your special day. You are allowed to decide whether you want the children at your event or not...guilt free!

2) Set expectations from the beginning.

Once you make your decision, stick with it. The moment you make an exception, you are opening yourself up to unnecessary drama or stress.

3) Be specific about which children can come and be prepared to answer why, if asked. For example, if you have a flower girl or a ring bearer in your event, they are a part of the ceremony. Having a scripted, polite response ready for guests who want to know why those children can attend, but not theirs, will make a potentially uncomfortable conversation more manageable.

4) Some couples put “adults-only” on their invitations. If you have an invitee who you know may be upset with your decision, calling them ahead of time, as a courtesy and a preemptive extension of an olive branch, is a positive, safe way to handle the situation.

5) Introduce your child care provider and wedding planner. Together, they can team up to handle everything “children,” so you don’t have to.

6) Arrange with your caterer to have kid-friendly food, drinks and snacks available and delivered to the child care area. There is no reason to have “fancy” food for little guests. Nuggets, veggies, fruits, crackers, juice and water will be plenty and are enjoyed by all.

7) Your child care provider can address the menu selections with the parents.

If there are any food allergies or food requests, parents don’t mind simply providing the special cuisine on the day of the event.

8) Some couples pick up the child care tab completely while most others have the parents pay for the services.

Most families will happily incur the cost for their individual child’s child care. After all, there is no better arrangement than to have the kids onsite. It’s the best of both worlds for everyone! Your professional child care provider will handle all payment and processing with the parents so you don’t have to.

HBM Quarter page ad 2-5-2019Fa.pdf

1

1/28/19

5:55 PM

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

INTRODUCING THE STARTER REWARD PROGRAM

K

for the 2019 Spring Virginia Point to Point Races! Any Virginia Owned or Trained horse that starts in a flat, hurdle or timber race will recieve $200 per start.

The full Spring racing schedule can be found at centralentryoffice.com.

The Starter Reward 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.

Virginia Equine Alliance | 250 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | (434)977-3716

virginiahorseracing.com

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

31

WHO IS

ZAKAA?

By Michelle Baker Photos by Joanne Maisano

Her creations are artistic masterpieces of intricate embroidery, sparkling crystals, polished pearls, silk organza, and love.

D

esigner Asma Zaka, founder of ZAKAA in Ashburn, is part-artist, part-designer, and part-fairy godmother to brides-to-be. She takes brides’ hopes and dreams and crafts a stunning gown to represent the most important day of their lives. Based in the United States, the designer has lived in South Asia and Western Europe.

Her varied background brings a unique flavor to her sophisticated designs. Her romantic creations are designed with individual brides in mind, and make them feel like princesses.

In fact, most of her gowns are named after princesses and queens. The ZAKAA concept is to accessorize the bride – not to cover up – but to add to her natural beauty.

Getting to work with the actual designer on your wedding dress is a unique opportunity. Upon entering the ZAKAA flagship salon at One Loudoun, a visitor immediately feels a quiet elegance and dreamy vibe as they are enveloped in the white surroundings. Directly in front of them is a wall of white roses, while to the right is a wall of gorgeous wedding gowns, fit for any princess. Every detail, from the rose covered wall, to the box of chocolates on the table, has been meticulously chosen to set the tone.

“We made this really beautiful wall here, because we tried to provide some nice privacy. We want to make this a very exclusive ZAKAA | Page 33

32

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

ZAKAA | From page 32 experience,” said Asma. She and her staff are ready to listen, learn and turn the bride-tobe’s dream into reality. The goal: make the modern bride feel magical.

“Searching for your bridal gown is such a special moment,” explains Asma. And to the wedding dress designer and manufacturer, it is as much about the process as the experience. “When choosing a wedding dress, it’s an intimate process for a woman - reflecting her personality, character, and style. With ZAKAA Couture, it’s not just about fitting into your dress, but it’s a process and most importantly, memories in the making.”

The ZAKAA Couture collection is timeless, elegant and beautiful. In addition to the high-quality couture craftsmanship of the wedding dresses, the clutches and accessories are exquisite. The fitting room wall holds a multitude of pieces to add special bling to a dress.

Born an artist, the petite business woman knew as a child that she wanted to create.

She fashioned her own attire growing up, and over time her talent matured into an artistry that is today distinctive and enchanting.

“My background is art and visual technol-

ogy,” she said. A skill that transfers into her work and even the digitized sketches each customer receives.

“I launched in New York,” said Asma, who is from Reston and now lives in Lansdowne.

“I wanted the flagship to start where I started.” She graduated from Centreville High School, attended Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) before getting her degree from George Mason University. Prior to launching four and a half years ago and growing into the powerhouse designer she is today, Asma learned the ropes in the corporate world at Hecht’s and Macy’s. The new bridal store is the only wedding couture salon in the Washington, D.C region. The next closest is in New York.

ZAKAA offers a truly unique bridal gown shopping experience for this area. “[I am] super excited to come to One Loudoun,” said the designer, who has dressed brides for weddings across the region, including several at the Goodstone Inn in Middleburg.

Looking to create something new and unusual for your wedding? This is the place to visit.

At the initial appointment, brides discuss

their ideas with Asma or her staff. They listen, take notes, and then create a mood board.

Whether brides come in with a budget of $1,300 or several thousand, there are gowns to fit all price ranges. Gowns can be customized for the occasion, the theme, and dream.

This designer has a way of weaving unique, classy and modern into one-of-a-kind beautifully crafted, often versatile gowns. Her meticulous attention to detail shines through her collection of gowns and accessories, each carefully crafted by hand using the couture technique.

Buying a wedding dress is an emotional experience. There are certain times in life when one needs a fairy godmother: Someone to remind us things will be alright. More importantly, someone to assure us we will find the right dress. Even if they can’t explain it in words, they will know it when they see it and feel it. The fairy godmother’s part of the job is helping every woman find “that” look.

“There are certain silhouettes that won’t look right for body types. I have to be respectful for what she wants,” explains the patient designer. “I have to guide her.”

What the bride may have thought she ZAKAA | Page 34

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

33

ZAKAA | From page 33 wanted, might not be the best choice for her body type. “Nine out if 10 times, (they) come in with a vision, but go out with a different one,” said Asma. “I pull the ones she wants, I pull the ones I think are her body type. Then she can compare.”

Newly engaged Devon Gardner holds a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising from the Art Institute of Pittsburg and knew she wanted a unique gown to fit her style.

The Pennsylvania native who grew up on a horse farm is the head stylist and store manager for Scout & Molly’s Boutique in One Loudoun. She agreed to model for the Middleburg Life photo shoot.

“Devon’s dress is pretty unique because she wanted something specific,” said Asma.

“We created something that was more her personality, very dreamy, very whimsical.”

“That is why she is so good,” said Gardner.

The shopping experience is very personalized, something you won’t find at a big box bridal store. “You want to have that special treatment shopping for that special day,” she added.

From capelets, clutches, sashes to capes, these couture gowns sparkle and are a labor of love. “That is the beauty behind what we do here,” said Asma.

Customization is the key to happiness for many brides who want a specific look.

“Capes are very big...this is the trend,” the designer explained. They can be paired with one of the princess inspired gowns. From simple designs to the most lavish and royal dresses, the possibilities are endless.

With classic silhouettes, The Labor of Love collection is made for brides who like several different looks for their special day, explained the designer. The bride can opt to add extra pieces to change the look during festivities.

It also gives them the option of wearing the gown later.

Bridal separates create the illusion of a full gown, but can be accessorized and personalized if she wants to bling it up.

“If she wants to wear it after her wedding, all bling is detachable,” explains the designer in her soft voice.

Noted by many as one of the Top 10 wedding designers in the United States, the owner of ZAKAA offers a bridal collection is characterized by glamour, elegance and femininity.

The extra touches at this salon include low cost alterations. Brides can choose a style and

34

middleburglife.com

•

make changes to fit their idea, or have her create a new design just for them. In some stores, alterations or changes to a gown’s style could add significantly to the final total.

“If you don't want the lace, there is only a minimum charge, not thousands,” she said.

“If you want a blue lining for your wedding dress, they can do that.” The bride can look at a swatch book and choose from a rainbow of colors. Here, people get excited because it is a happy place.

The tiny seamstress dresses in comfortable clothes, so she can bend and pin. She loves bling and feels it is the perfect accompaniment to go with the ring. Sparkles of feminine hand embellished embroidery and beautiful lace are visible throughout ZAKAA’s bridal gowns and bridal accessories. The dresses are so detailed and visually delicate. The beautiful collection is often updated, which means the variety of gown styles, available customization, and accessories to choose from are unparalleled. If the budget allows for matching accessories, the salon carries plenty of choices. The clutches are so beautiful they could become an heirloom to hand down to a daughter.

Bridal parties can get everything they need from one place, even down to their shoes.

Bridesmaids dresses can also be customized based on the wedding theme. The meticulous attention to detail shines through in a selective collection of couture bridal gowns and hand-embellished bridal accessories.

Dresses go up to Size 32 for US markets.

This young designer is a rising star with her creations sold in boutiques around the world.

From the East Coast to the West Coast, Miami to Seattle, ZAKAA gowns can be found in 15 states. ZAKAA gowns are in Anthropologie’s BHLDN (pronounced beholden), and one-stop shop bridal stores.

If you are looking for a unique and high-quality material wedding gown, this is the place to purchase your dream gown!

The USA flagship boutique is located at One Loudoun, an urban inspired mixeduse community, located in the heart of Loudoun County at Rt. 7 and the Loudoun County Parkway.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

ZAKAA Couture zakaacouture.com 20356 Exchange Street Ashburn, VA (703) 858-4393

Subscribe today

5:00 pm

03|10 | 2019

and receive the print edition of Middleburg’s premier monthly magazine, Middleburg Life, delivered to your mailbox for only $20 annually.

Middleburglife.com/subscribe

Ari Isaacman-Beck & Qing Jiang

We’ll also add you to our dedicated email list to receive additional insights and content on all the stories, news and events that you want to hear about!

FOR TICKET INFORMATION Online:gracetheplains.org | Facebook:/gracechurchconcertseries Email:concertseries@gracetheplains.org | Phone:540-253-5177 ext.107 6507 Main Street | The Plains, Virginia

Americana—George Gershwin, Preludes Charles Ives, Second Sonata for Violin & Piano Maurice Ravel, Sonata in G Major for Violin & Piano

Adults $25 | Students $15 | Under 18 free

Custom Created Events You Can Count On.

703-754-2714

AlaCarteCaters.com

sales@alacartecaters.com

17074 ALC Christmas Ad_final.indd 1

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

m i d d l e b u r g l i f e . c11/20/18 om

35

8:30 AM

Barn Turned Spy Station TURNED WINERY

Story and photos by Heidi Baumstark

F

rom milk production to eavesdropping to wine making. In a nutshell, that’s the story behind the old barn that is now Vint Hill Craft Winery in Warrenton.

Beginning in the early 1900s, the long barn where the winery and tasting room is today, served as a dairy barn. In June 1942, it transformed into “The Listening Post” (aka Monitoring Station No. 1) where codes were intercepted when it was Vint Hill Farms Station, one of the nation’s most covert Army bases. Today, with a 100-barrel capacity, the winery boasts small quantities of a wide range of varietals.

In 2009, Vint Hill Craft Winery opened on the historical site and decided to pour the history into their product. According to Vint Hill Craft Winery Manager John Memoli, the owners wanted to honor the history of the old Army base so they adapted this “theme” as part of their decor.

“Our tasting room, which is the old Listening Post, has memorabilia items on loan from the Cold War Museum next door,” Memoli said.

Lots of people come in curious about the history. The winery employees are informed on the history and share it with customers.

The history has even been incorporated into the wine labels. Pin-up girls are featured on the labels and on posters as a nod to the World War II and the Cold War-era romance with pin-up images.

“It’s part of the history and a reminder for what our soldiers were fighting for. It’s a fun label and eye catching,” Memoli shared.

“All of the memorabilia is interesting to look at and it’s all just part of the wine tasting experience,” he said.

Winemaker Brian Smyth joined the team in June 2018 and brought with him experience from multiple regions around the world.

With a master’s of oenology from the University of Adelaide in South Australia—one of the industry’s best schools—he served for three years as head winemaker for Chateau Morrisette in Floyd, Virginia, a third-generation tradition in winemaking in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There, he produced annually over 50,000 cases of 30 different award-winning wines and ciders. He spent much of his winemaking career also in Oregon and Australia.

36

middleburglife.com

•

Assistant winemaker Mark Ward studied enology and viticulture at Washington State University. Ward’s first harvest was at Pamplin Family Winery in Oregon. Then to explore the Virginia wine industry, he accepted an internship at Vint Hill apprenticing under Ashton Lough.

Want to learn the art of wine making?

There is a class for that. An aspect that makes Vint Hill unique is their Home Winemaking Classes. At the winery, wine enthusiasts have access to winemaking equipment, receive course instruction and walk away with two cases of wine they personally craft. Each session includes four classes from 1-3 p.m. for a total of eight hours of instruction and handson learning. The next session’s four Saturday classes are January 19, February 2, February 23 and March 23. Classes include a fee and fill up quickly.

Vint Hill has a rich history in wine making but is truly distinctive due to its legendary military history. Before the Army used Vint Hill for its secret operations during World War II, legend says that Thomas Jefferson came here to get his education about wines when the area was a vineyard. In the May 9, 1803 deed of previous land owner Thomas P. Hooe, the phrase “Vint Hill” was used, “Vint” originating from “vintner,” meaning wine merchant.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

In July 1911, Mitchell Harrison, a Harvard graduate and retired businessman from Philadelphia, bought the land and raised purebred Shorthorn cattle and valuable show horses.

An expert equestrian, he entered in all the local prestigious horse shows. In 1913, Harrison bought nearby Buckland Farm on Vint Hill Road, and soon after, purchased Armstrong (now Acorn) Farm. Harrison constructed the “Barn Complex” in 1916 with beautiful slate roofs to shelter his sheep, cattle, prized horses and a barn to house livestock sales. It was Harrison who changed “Vint Hill” to “Vint Hill Farms,” which was a common fashion among country estate owners.

In the spring of 1942, the land known as Vint Hill Farms was about to change. Farmers working the land heard people speaking German over transistor radios. So in June 1942, the U.S. Army purchased 721 acres from the heirs of Harrison for $127,500 to create Vint Hill Farms Station (VHFS) and Monitoring Station No. 1 for the purpose of establishing a monitoring station by converting the existing barns into a listening post during World War II. This barn-turned-spy base was chosen as a secure, quiet and covert site to serve nearby Arlington Hall Station, the headquarters of the U.S. Army Signal Intelligence Service (SIS), later known as Signal Security Agency Barn | Page 37

Barn | From page 36 (SSA). The first Army personnel reported to the base at Vint Hill on June 12, 1942.

One of the main significances of VHFS lies with its role in the Allies’ successful D-Day invasion, which turned the tide of World War II in Western Europe. Incoming messages were decoded in the upper level of a large dairy barn that now houses Vint Hill Craft Winery. The unit set up shop on this barn’s second floor with rows of young men sitting at small desks, earphones on their heads for eavesdropping and Teletype machines at their fingers for transcription. Other outbuildings/ barns in the “Barn Complex” served as a central core of the Army’s operations.

Here, on Nov. 10, 1943, the late Pvt. Leonard A. Mudloff was at his desk copying an intercepted radio message from Hiroshi Oshima, the wartime Japanese ambassador to Nazi Germany and an admirer of Hitler.

Unwittingly, Oshima supplied the U.S. with this transmission that contained locations of German defenses along the Normandy coast, which even included the names of all the German commanders. The information captured was key to the Allies’ planning of D-Day. U.S. General George C. Marshall summed up Oshima’s role (known as the “Oshima Intercept”) as “our main basis of information regarding Hitler’s intentions in Europe.”

After World War II, the base handled much of the reconnaissance and espionage that played a role in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. During the Vietnam War, the barns were used in 1972 for training cryptanalysts, radio intercept operators and people who repaired equipment. In 1973 the base’s focus switched to research and development. VHFS was referred to as “Washington’s giant ear” playing a critical role, first as a secret listening post and later as a center for the development of sophisticated equipment designed to intercept enemy transmissions.

In 1993 the Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended that Vint Hill be closed as part of the Department of Defense’s broad post-Cold War streamlining effort. The government dismantled the base on June 12, 1997—55 years to the date of its opening on June 12, 1942. During those 55 years, VHFS was home to thousands of soldiers living in nearby Army barracks and civilians who contributed to national security during World War II and the Cold War. In 1998, the Vint Hill Economic Development Authority (VHEDA) was formed through state legislation to redevelop the property. In 1999, VHEDA purchased the property; working with Fauquier County,

the property was rezoned for planned commercial, industrial and residential development. On Sept. 1, 2018, a U.S. Department of Historic Resources historical roadside marker titled “Vint Hill Farms Station” was dedicated and is located at the intersection of Farm Station Road and Lineweaver Road.

According to a Fauquier County government document dated Oct. 10, 2013 titled, “Proclamation,” it states that November 10 is designated annually as Vint Hill Farms Station Day. The document states that the contents in Oshima’s message “profoundly influenced Allied planning for Operation Overlord, thereby saving countless American lives.” It also notes that the coincidence of Mudloff ’s interception of this message [on Nov. 10, 1943] just one day before Veteran’s Day and Armistice Day make November 10 the “ideal date to recognize not only his devotion to duty but also the military service of all the men and women who were posted at VHFS throughout the years, and to call attention to the historical value of VHFS.” Now armed with a new mission, Vint Hill Craft Winery is primed to bring people together to share a glass of wine in a country setting surrounded by history. And that’s no secret. ML Vint Hill Craft Winery is located at 7150 Lineweaver Road in Warrenton. Visit their website at www.vinthillcraftwinery.com or call 540-351-0000. To enroll in the next Home Winemaking Classes, email info@craftwinery.com or call the winery. Normal operating hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. with extended hours on Friday nights in the courtyard.

Page 36: Vint Hill Craft Winery in Warrenton is housed in an historic dairy barn from 1916. The barn was then used as a spy operation when the farm was converted in June 1942 into a U.S. Army base called Vint Hill Farms Station. Page 37: Top: The upper level of the old barn (now Vint Hill Craft Winery) that was the former monitoring station for the U.S. Army during World War II. Second from the bottom: Near the courtyard of Vint Hill Craft Winery is the Vint Hill Farms Station historical roadside marker, which was dedicated on Sept. 1, 2018 to explain the significance of the former U.S. Army base that served as a secret listening post during World War II and beyond. Bottom: An old black-and-white photo from World War II portrays young servicemen in the upper level barn (now Vint Hill Craft Winery) where messages were intercepted and decoded at the former Vint Hill Farms Station U.S. Army base, which was in operation from 19421997. This barn is part of the “Barn Complex” that was originally part of a farm that was transformed into a covert military spy station in 1942.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

37

1

2

3

Wellington Winter BEVERLY EQUESTRIAN IS BACK IN WELLINGTON FOR FLORIDA’S EVENTING AND POLO SEASON

Beverly Polo played alongside Hilario Figueras, son of professional polo player Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras, at the 12 goal at Grand Champions Polo Club last month. The elder Figueras, an Argentine polo player, is a familiar face at the annual National Sporting Library & Museum Polo Classic.

Beverly Equestrian co-owner Darrin Mollett, Beverly Polo pro Tolito Ocamp, and Neil Hirsch of Black Watch Farm are pictured together as the Beverly horses were jumping in the TurfTour, a jumping show that rotates amongst several polo farms. Black Watch Farm was formerly Nacho Figueras’ home base. ML Photos courtesy of Beverly Equestrian. Beverly Equestrian Center is a premier training and boarding facility located in the beautiful hunt country of The Plains, Virginia.

Photos: 1. Beverly Equestrian at Grand Champions Polo Club. 2. Beverly Polo and Eventing. 3. Beverly Equestrian Polo. 4. Tolito Ocampo. 5. Beverly Polo Team at Grand Champions Polo Club. 6. Darrin Mollett.

5

38

middleburglife.com

•

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

4

6

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

â&#x20AC;¢

middleburglife.com

39

SWEET SUPERSTITIONS & SYMBOLISM:

THE HISTORY OF THE WEDDING CAKE Story, Recipe and Photos by Kaitlin Hill

I

n a game of word association, the term “wedding” conjures a deluge of delightful imagery.

However, more than brides in bedazzled dresses, elaborate bouquets and the ever-popular open bar, marriage is the ulti-

40

middleburglife.com

•

mate celebration of love. It is a reflection of ancestral and cultural traditions and, since antiquity, the subject of widely acknowledged superstitions.

Perhaps, the most symbolic wedding convention of all is the towering ivory cake—the centerpiece of celebrations globally. More than just an emblematic end to a special

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

evening, wedding cakes are also big business. Cake prices can range from hundreds of dollars to the world’s most expensive wedding cake, valued at $52 million and covered in 4,000 diamonds. Yet, this wedding staple stems from ancient Roman roots, where the Cake | Page 41

Cake | From page 40 cakes were modest, homemade and host to a wealth of superstitions.

Far from the multi-tiered edible sculptures that present-day partners devour, the ancient Romans sealed their nuptials with a piece of wheat or barley bread that was more akin to a scone. The groom would break the humble treat over the bride’s head believing that this act ensured a life of good fortune and fertility. Instead of receiving plated slices, guests scrambled for crumbs, hoping to taste prosperity for themselves.

When Emperor Claudius invaded Britain in 43 AD, he brought with him this delicious, albeit odd, Roman tradition. As the trend spread, the Brits took it a step further, hurtling bread at the bride— as always, to promote fertility.

In medieval England, sweets of Roman influence were combined with buns, biscuits and scones, piled high and presented to the lovebirds. English folklore held that if the couple could kiss over the buns without tipping the mound, they would enjoy a lifetime of happiness.

In 17th-century England, the trending matrimonial indulgence was “Bride’s Pye,” an early predecessor of the modern wedding cake. The extravagantly decorated pie, first documented in Robert Mays’s The Accomplisht Cook published in 1685, included an array of unusual ingredients, such as oysters,

lambstones, cockscombs and pine kernels.

The pastry also concealed inedible elements, such as glass rings and buttons. Much like today’s bouquet, the female guest to find the ring was destined to be the next married. Unfortunately, receiving the button augured a lifetime of spinsterhood.

Over time and with the introduction of refined sugar, bride pie became bride cake—a shortcrust-and-currant sandwich dusted with sugar. Finally, in the Victorian Era, the monumental white wedding cake of today emerged.

Perhaps the first modern-style wedding cake—and certainly the most notable, coated entirely in white icing made from expensive refined sugar—was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s, who married in 1840. The preparation of icing used on Victoria’s cake would be renamed “royal icing” in her honor. The pure white cake, which was more than nine feet in circumference, was an expression of Victoria’s purity and wealth. But the symbolism didn’t stop there. The London Times reported that the cake featured a small replica of a dog representing faithfulness, a pair of turtledoves for innocence and a handful of cupids illustrating love.

Today, wedding cakes can be as imaginative as the couples that cherish them, and the options are limitless. However, the significance, superstition and symbolism remain the same. As just-wed pairs cut and pass along pieces of their chosen treat, they are

participating in the age-old tradition of generosity, the human desire for shared prosperity and the belief that love is love, no matter how you slice it.

If you want to take a tip from the ancient Romans and make your own, follow my recipe for an easy, elegant cake. The textured tiers, pure white icing and fresh floral touches create a cake fit for royalty!

INGREDIENTS: • 4 sticks of unsalted butter, at room temperature • 4 cups of granulated sugar • 4 eggs, separated • 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract • 4 cups of cake flour • 2 teaspoons of salt • 2 tablespoons of baking powder • 2 cups of buttermilk VANILLA BUTTERCREAM: • 6 sticks of unsalted butter at room temperature • 12 cups of confectioners’ sugar, sifted • 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract • a pinch of salt DIRECTIONS: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease two 9-inch, two 7-inch and two 6-inch cake pans.

Line the bottom of the pans with parchCake | Page 42

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

41

Cake | From page 41 ment and then grease the parchment. Set the pans aside.

Place the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.

A large bowl and hand mixer will work, too.

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about two to three minutes. Add the egg yolks and vanilla, and mix until just combined.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder.

Add the flour to the butter and sugar mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions of buttermilk. Mix until jus combined.

In a third bowl, whip the egg whites until they are glossy, opaque and hold firm peaks.

This will take about four to five minutes.

Using a spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the cake batter, being careful not to deflate them.

Next, portion the cake batter into the pans. If you have a scale, you can measure out the batter precisely. Spread 19 ounces of batter into each of the 9-inch pans, 12 ounces of batter into each of the 7-inch pans and 10 ounces of batter into each of the 6-inch pans.

Place the cake pans in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The cakes are finished when they have pulled away from the edges

42

middleburglife.com

•

of the pans and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Leave the cakes in their pans for 15 minutes before turning out onto a rack to cool completely.

While the cakes cool, make the buttercream.

Place the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or in a large bowl if you plan to use a hand mixer. Beat the butter until creamy, about two minutes. Add the sifted confectioners’ sugar a little at a time to prevent sugar from flying everywhere. Continue to add the sugar in batches until completely incorporated. Add the vanilla and pinch of salt.

The cake will be assembled in three individual parts before being stacked as a whole.

Begin with the two 9-inch cake rounds that will form the base. Place one of the rounds on a cake board that is slightly smaller than the cake itself. Place a few scoops of frosting on top of the cake. Using an offset spatula, smooth the buttercream into an even layer.

Top the buttercream with the second 9-inch cake layer and press down slightly. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the top and sides of the entire cake. Use the offset spatula to remove any excess icing from the cake. This is a “crumb coat” which serves as a smooth base layer and crumb catcher before the final layer

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

of frosting is applied.

Repeat this entire process with the 7-inch cake layers and the 6-inch cake layers.

Place all three cakes in the fridge to set for 20 minutes.

Once the cakes have set, they are ready for their final coating of buttercream. Start with the 9-inch cake. Smooth a layer of buttercream over the crumb coat. For a textured look, lightly press your knife or small offset spatula into the side of the cake while spinning it. As the cake rotates, move the spatula up the side, creating the textured effect. Do the same on top or omit this step entirely and leave the frosting smooth.

Repeat this process with the two remaining tiers.

To assemble, place the 9-inch base on your serving tray. Carefully stack the 7-inch cake on top of the foundation, and the 6-inch cake on top of the 7-inch tier.

Decorate the cake as you please. For a natural look, skip the elaborate piping and decorate with flowers from your local florist. You can even ask that they match your wedding venue’s décor or ceremonial bouquets. ML Kaitlin Hill is a Culinary Institute of America trained chef and the creator of the Emotional Eats Blog, where she shares her original recipes and studies in food history. To read more, visit www.emotionaleats.com.

Gallery | From page 20 selling personalized stationery and cards, she was nervous. She knew that she wanted to get everything just right for her customers, and she’s been successful.

Her stationery business really picks up during wedding season, she says, particularly for June brides, who generally come to her six months ahead of time. “You have to be so careful to do everything correctly,” she says.

After so many years in business, though, Pauline is confident.

“People have come to me because I know what I’m doing,” she confides. She pauses for a moment and jokes, “Sometimes I know what I’m doing.”

Over the years, Pauline has seen many vendors come and go, and she’s always sad to say goodbye to her favorite lines. Now, it’s her shop that’s on the market.

“I have fun,” she says, “but I’m having to give it up because of a wonky knee.” Her building has been for sale, on and off, for about two years, and she would love to find a buyer who could carry on the business as it is.

Her customers have asked for the same. She’s willing to help for a few months, once the right buyer comes along, to ensure the transition goes smoothly. Then, she says, she’ll focus on “just being here, and taking care of my one puppy that I’ve got left.”

In the meantime, Pauline is glad to be part of the Middleburg community. She speaks highly of the businesses in town and often recommends other shops to her customers, especially if they’re looking for something she doesn’t carry.

“We’re all here in the same community,” she says. “We need to work together and not against one another.”

It’s that sense of collaboration and impeccable customer service she’d like people to remember after they visit the Wisdom Gallery.

Her goal is simply to offer customers a pleasant, peaceful, and fun experience when they stop in to look around.

“We all get to work and we’re lucky if we get out and do anything else,” she says. “I don’t like to pressure people. That’s not what I’m here for.” ML

You Can’t Miss This

Premier Piedmont Appliance Center with over 60 Years of Experience.

470 Broadview Ave. Warrenton, VA 20186 540-347-3030 Visit our new and improved website www.Tolsons.com

COOKING

DISHWASHERS

LAUNDRY

We Service What We Sell! We sell GE, Maytag, Whirlpool, Subzero, Wolf, Asko, Cove, Thermador, Bosch, LG, Uline, Scotsman, True, Sharp, Speed Queen and Miele Certified Technicians for Installation and Service.

BRINGING YOU THE VERY BEST THAT HUNT COUNTRY VA HAS TO OFFER. www.myhcva.com and The Hunt Country VA FOX App (on iOS and Android) Including Local Upcoming Events, Notable People, Local venues/ shops/ restaurants/ resorts, Images,History, Special Offers, Ask A Local, and much much more....come explore and plan the perfect trip!

REFRIGERATION

LUXURY APPLIANCES

contact us at info@myhcva.com.

Download the FOX Mobile App

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

43

ROMEO & JULIET

By Chelsea Rose Moore Photo by Randy Litzinger

T

he Shakespeare Opera Theatre presents the classic Romeo and Juliet at Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains this month.

Rehearsals are currently underway.

Shakespeare Opera Theatre (SOT) Managing Director Lori Lind is excited about the upcoming production and about working with Casey Kaleba who is the stage combat choreographer for the Folger Shakespeare Library Theater. He is working with the local troupe for this production. Lind and Kaleba took some time to share their thoughts about the show.

To learn more about specific performance dates/times or to purchase tickets, visit www.shakespeareoperatheatre.com.

ML: How long have you worked with Shakespeare Opera Theatre?

Lind: I founded the company in 2015 with Willem Krumich, and we produced Much Ado About Nothing with Berlioz’s Beatrice et Benedict in English translation. I am an opera singer turned conductor and stage director, but my first love was Shakespeare, and

44

middleburglife.com

•

he is a Shakespearean actor. We eventually parted ways to seek other projects, and now I run the company with the help of Lisa Bloy who is conducting for this show, and Maggie Ramsey, who does publicity, and Chris Mannix, our stage manager.

ML: Who was instrumental in connecting the company with Grace Episcopal Church?

LL: I began working at Grace as the soprano soloist. [The rector and I] began a dialogue on how we could bring SOT to The Plains. He had a vision for so many exciting things, and I was becoming pretty convinced that moving to Grace was a good idea.

It still needed careful thought as to how we would attract audiences to The Plains,

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

and what our shows would look like in such a unique space. We’ve always been something of a jewel box company, and adding the charm of Grace’s Gothic architecture and wonderful facilities to our presentation was an attractive proposition.

From the beginning, it’s been our mission to do this weird classical mashup where you see classical acting, singing, and orchestral instruments putting on this super exciting bunch of shows in the season. It was also important to us that our performances be accessible to everyone, and people from all walks of life seem to love it. We have cops sitting next to doctors, sitting next to opera aficionados and Shakespeare reviewers like Eric Theatre | Page 46

Hunt Country KITCHEN & BATH STUDIO

William Murray Black, Jr. (American, 1897-1962), Miss Emily North King, 1937, oil on canvas, 69 x 33 inches, Collection of Mary North Cooper

8393 West Main | Marshall, VA 20115 | 540 364-5402 Huntcountrykitchens.com 8393 West Main | Marshall, VA 20115 | 540 364-5402 Huntcountrykitchens.com

Sidesaddle Drawing Class

with Anthony Barham Sunday, Febuary 17, 1 - 5pm NSLM and Artists in Middleburg are thrilled to announce a one-day drawing clinic with professional artist Anthony Barham. The class will include sketching time in NSLMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhibition, Sidesaddle, 1690-1935, with model Bernadette Boland attired in authentic sidesaddle turnout. $125 admission, $112 for NSLM members

Register at: NationalSporting.org

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

â&#x20AC;˘

middleburglife.com

45

Theatre | From page 44 Minton, sitting next to a 10-year-olds and their parents.

ML: What sparked the decision to offer a free performance for those with mental and emotional challenges?

LL: I had always been interested in reaching out to all communities, and this year I was able to help form SOT’s “abilities committee” headed by Frank Lombardi, who is a former head of disability services in Loudoun County. He often performs at Baileywyck Antiques as an America Song Book singer, so he was already familiar with the charm of The Plains.

He has a lot of great ideas, and together with the committee, we’ve been able to do a lot for our friends with all kinds of challenges.

For instance, in addition to offering a free show for those with mental and emotional challenges, we are able to offer braille programs by request, and we are working with the Kennedy Center on services for those with hearing difficulties. We also use the more modern education and office area of the church for the Box Office, so that those with mobility challenges have an easy time entering through wide hallways and have immediate access to restrooms with wide doors and other wheelchair friendly accommodations.

We also check that all walkways are well lit, and that there are no obstacles in the way. It’s a team effort, and it’s very important to us that everyone feels welcome and included.

ML: How did you decide to combine Shakespeare’s iconic love story, with Hector Berlioz’s work?

LL: Berlioz was always breaking the restrictive musical mold of his time and creating undefined works. When he wrote his symphony based on Romeo and Juliet, it was something the public had never seen before.

It wasn’t a symphony in the strictest sense of the word, it wasn’t an opera; no one knew what to think at first. He ended up winning the prestigious Prix de Rome for this work, and there is no question that he is one of the most adulated composers in French History.

He was also a Shakespeare lover, so I can relate to him on a number of levels.

ML: You were able to procure the services of the Stage Combat Choreographer for the Folger Shakespeare Library Theater.

How did you come to work with the Casey Kaleba?

LL: Casey heard we were doing Romeo and Juliet and emailed me via our website, asking if we had a fight choreographer yet.

His fight choreography is stunning, and our performing artists are psyched to be working

46

middleburglife.com

•

with such an experienced and creative stage combat professional. We are over the moon that he is willing to come to The Plains.

ML: Is there a twist on this classic love story?

LL: In the 18th century there was an actor, David Garrick, who thought he could improve on Shakespeare by having Juliet wake up before Romeo’s death, so they can have one last moment of ecstasy before their inevitable deaths. A lot of opera composers really dug David Garrick’s version, because it gave them an opportunity to compose a final duet between the two leads. I understand how hard that would be to resist, and Berlioz was no different.

So, we are giving the audience a choice to choose David Garrick’s ending or Shakespeare’s ending, during intermission. We hope this will not only educate our audience members in a fun way, but spark some lively conversation and a little friendly competition as the audience makes an artistic decision of their own!

ML: How is this performance unique in your opinion?

Casey Kaleba: By bringing together Berlioz’s and Shakespeare’s text, this production is making unique and hefty demands on the performers. A traditional production of the play asks the actors to act, and the opera versions of course emphasize vocal skills, so by bringing the two together we needed a rare group of performers who were strong enough as both actors and signers to tackle the work. And of course, as the fight director, I needed them to move well to be physically able to do complicated sword fights in the beautiful space of the church. You need a really special skillset as a performer to do this work - we were looking for singers who could fight, and fighters who could act, and actors who could sing.

ML: Is this troupe different from other groups you have worked with in the past?

CK: Because they’re creating different theatrical experiences, opera singers and actors approach storytelling using different tools, and they think through their performances in very different ways. Having a company that’s asked to do both has been

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

a fascinating rehearsal process, and watching the actors switch modes between telling a story primarily through song, or through movement, or through spoken text is a very unique challenge.

ML: Have you worked with a company that offers this unique interdisciplinary combination of classical music and classical theater prior to this rendition of Romeo and Juliet?

CK: I’ve staged the fights for 48 productions of Romeo and Juliet, from universities to Wolf Trap Opera to high schools to professional productions like the Folger, but this is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to work on a production that brings together the beautiful music and so much of Shakespeare’s text. No other company is approaching Shakespeare this way, and I think it’s an absolutely wonderful way for audiences to get the fullest experience of these artworks.

Casey Kaleba has staged fights for over 500 professional and academic productions, working on performances in the Folger Theatre, the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Ford’s Theatre, and many others. He is a twotime Helen Hayes Awards nominee in fight direction.

Lori Lind runs a private voice studio in her hometown in Haymarket and offers master classes throughout the region. She has received numerous awards and career grants, including First Place in The Annapolis Opera, Violetta DuPont and Licia Albanese competitions and career grants from the Liederkranz, Gerda Lissner, Schuyler-Bender and Tucker Foundations. ML Casey Kaleba, stage combat choreographer for the Folger Shakespeare Library Theater, works with the the Shakespeare Opera Theatre actors on a sword fighting scene for the upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet at Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains later this month.

GREENHILL W I N E R Y & V I N E YA R D S

EVENTS@GREENHILLVINEYARDS.COM | F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

540.687.6968 EXT. 115 â&#x20AC;¢

middleburglife.com

47

origin of a recipe

A PIECE OF GOODSTONE

Story by Aaron Lynch and Amber Sky Photos by Amber Sky

Follow us on a chef ’s odyssey from a home-kitchen Belgian Chocolate Mousse to a stylistic Michelin star worthy concoction.

G

oodstone Inn and Restaurant, located in the gorgeous wine and hunt countryside, sits on 265 private rolling acres. A popular wedding destination, it is known for fine dining, incredible hospitality, and superior service.

Goodstone’s new executive chef brings a distinct European flavor to this recipe of success.

We had the pleasure to sit down with Goodstone’s new award-winning Executive Chef Jan Van Haute to discuss one of his favorite recipes, Belgium chocolate mousse, and the origin of his recipe.

As a child, Chef Jan said he was constantly

48

middleburglife.com

•

creating dishes at his home in Bruges, Belgium.

“I was in the kitchen more than my mom.”

Chef Jan chose to return to his Belgian roots when invited to share one of his favorite recipes. With a smile, he recalled making this mousse as a child with his grandmother. That was his first introduction to making this simple, yet deliciously creamy and rich mousse.

In Belgium, students move into a secondary education phase at the age of 12, which is divided into four branches: humanities, technical, artistic, and vocational. At 14, Jan followed his culinary interest and started culinary school. This was where he discovered the culinary way of making Belgium chocolate mousse.

“My schooling taught me all aspects of culinary arts including the business side.” The young chef perfected this recipe in culinary school, but over time, as he continued to evolve, so did the recipe.

The new Goodstone head chef was formally educated at the Spermalie Hotel and Tourism School in Bruges. Upon completion of his formal training, he became the chef for

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

the Royal family in Brussels.

Michelin, the world’s oldest restaurant guide, recognizes culinary stars across the globe. This young chef is fortunate enough to have worked in multiple Michelin-starred restaurants in Australia, Belgium, and Japan.

This current Belgian Chocolate Mousse recipe was inspired from his time at Hof van Cleve, a three-star Michelin restaurant in Belgium. Hof van Cleve is where this chef mastered the art of properly shaping and plating this mousse recipe.

Ten years ago, he came to the United States to work in Washington D.C. as the executive chef to the Ambassador of Belgium.

There, he served prominent guests from across the globe including Belgian Ministers, United States Supreme Court judges, US Senators and CEOs of multinational corporations. In 2010, he was awarded the title of Best Embassy Chef!

Now, destiny brought him to Middleburg and both Goodstone and Chef Jan find this pairing to be an amazing blessing.

Goodstone | Page 49

Goodstone | From page 48 “Culinary tourism has evolved in recent years with travelers craving more authentic dining experiences,” said Edward Villafane, General Manager. “Executive Chef Jan Van Haute's impressive resume is poised to drive new energy to our community in Middleburg, creating globally-infused dishes that are inspired by his Belgian influences.”

“This is just the beginning here and we plan to go for a Michelin-Star. We have a great team and I am excited to see what we can do together,” the chef said.

Pulling this recipe from such a profound and in-the-moment inspired chef was interesting. We watched in fascination as he gestured, touched, tasted, and formulated the finale recipe to share. Creativity is hard to bottle, even harder to measure. This executive chef truly feels all the dishes he produces, recipe or no recipe.

Chocolate mousse makes a perfect finish to any Valentine’s dinner. Make it your own version by adding cinnamon, lavender, or caramel.

Belgian Chocolate Mousse (serves 6 people) Ingredients: • 240 grams Dark Belgian Chocolate (preferably 60%) •

4 egg yolks

•

100 grams Sugar

•

400 grams heavy cream

•

Milk

Directions: 1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler on low heat.

2. Beat the heavy cream until Irish coffee cream thickness. Set aside.

3. Beat the sugar and the egg yolks together until the color whitens (kitchen aid or by hand).

4. Pour melted chocolate over the egg mixture and nicely incorporate.

5. Add a splash of milk to make the mixture smooth.

6. Fold in the the heavy cream with the chocolate mixture.

7. Pour in cups and put in the refrigerator to set for 3 hours.

8. Enjoy with some fresh fruit!

This recipe is just one small slice of what Goodstone offers. We fell in love with so many aspects! One of our favorites was the extraordinary leadership and camaraderie between all staff members. The execution of

Aaron Lynch is the co-creator of Origin of a Recipe and the chef-owner of Hidden Julles Cafe in Haymarket, Virginia.

Photographer Amber Sky, co-creator of Origin of a Recipe, works alongside Lynch to share the chef 's vision with readers.

Visit originofarecipe.com to read more from Aaron and Amber.

a well thought out vision and mission with a refined team are impeccable and seamless.

Goodstone’s award-winning fine dining restaurant features many intriguing ingredients from the property’s farm and greenhouses. Chef Jan loves to pick fresh radishes, microgreens, and eggs from the farm daily.

Goodstone recently launched the new Farm + Vine series, a monthly dinner that features local farmers and premiere vineyards. January’s delicious Farm + Vine dinner welcomed Ayrshire Farm and Opus One winery.

Something to look forward to is Goodstone’s new upstairs French bistro! Debuting in February, it will offer a modern and more casual dining experience.

The Goodstone culinary team have prepared a very special Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu: a decadent dinner of oysters, caviar, veal, lobster, beef fillet, and Belgian chocolate, held in the gorgeous conservatory!

Reservations required.

As one of Middleburg’s premier all-inclusive wedding destinations, Goodstone offers an exquisite wedding and reception venue complete with in-house catering and guest accommodations in one of their well-appointed rooms.

Goodstone is a beautiful tapestry made of many fine pieces. Take a visit and immerse yourself in what they have to offer. ML

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

49

CLARKE COUNTY

HUNT COUNTRY:

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS

By Jennifer Worcester Moore

I

n Hunt Country, county lines run along the rolling hills and historic stonewalls, going more-or-less unnoticed. One es-

tate may run as far as the eye can see, leaving Loudoun County and pouring over into Fauquier.

However, when one thinks of Clarke

50

middleburglife.com

•

County, one pictures it in the Shenandoah Valley – out in the mountains and along the river. Yet, it follows the same suit – it is simply the western sides of Hunt Country, weaving in and among Fauquier and Loudoun seamlessly.

What are county lines in Hunt Country? Is Hunt Country itself, maybe more of a boundary line than the actual county delineations?

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

Saddle Up: The Horse in Sport and Art of Clarke County In Spring 2019, the National Sporting Library & Museum will collaborate with the Clarke County Historical Association and Historic Long Branch to present an exhibition, called Saddle Up: The Horse in Sport County | Page 51

County | From page 50 and Art of Clarke County, on view at Long Branch’s historic mansion starting on May 11.

The exhibition installation will feature literature and material culture focused on the rise of equestrian sport in Clarke County and the surrounding areas from the early 20th century to present day.

An equestrian community at its founding, the Northern Piedmont bred, raced, and hunted with their horses from the mid18th century. After the Civil War, the area experienced a foxhunting boom thanks in part to the “Great Hound Match” of 1905, which pitted American and British foxhounds against each other in the rolling hills near Middleburg. In the subsequent decades, sportsmen and women

flocked to the Northern Virginia Piedmont, reinvigorating the area’s longstanding pastoral culture. This culture is still evident in the rolling hills and mountain gaps that span the state between Leesburg and Winchester. Throughout the year, equestrian sports – particularly flat racing, steeplechasing, and foxhunting – celebrate the landscape and heritage of Northern Virginia.

Clarke’s Founding History: Thoroughbreds and Tidewater Cavaliers Horses were first brought to Virginia in 1609, and the colony developed a rich equestrian culture worthy of the Old Dominion.

Virginia gentlemen were some of the first to import fine Thoroughbreds to the new terri-

tory, bringing the bloodlines of the Godolphin Arabian across the Atlantic. These Thoroughbreds were prized for their speed, and they were tested in races against their peers in matches that mirrored their English counterparts. Many historians believe the first American races were run in the streets and fields of Henrico County, Virginia, in 1674.

Further north, Lord Fairfax came to his estate, Greenway Court, in Clarke County, near White Post, in 1749. An avid foxhunter, he shipped foxhounds from England to arrive before he did. Fairfax is often credited with turning young surveyor, George Washington, and the rest of Virginia, on to foxhunting.

Washington kept a diary noting several hunts in 1768 in which he accompanied Lord FairCounty | Page 52

P

GE NA

V

MA

FINANCIAL PLANNING

N

T S E

D E Z I L

LA

ANA

Let Us Help You Race to the Finish Line Share your wealth of knowledge with our community. What they don't know, CAN hurt them when it comes to financial planning.

Promote your business in the March issue.

Spring Races, Finance & Small Busines Reserve Space by 2/25/19 Copy is due by 2/26/19

IN

For more information on how to advertise, visit www.middleburglife.com or email info@middleburglife.com.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

51

County | From page 51 fax, who was then 75 years old. With the area filling with Tidewater gentry “second sons” inheriting large acreages in the 18th-century, bringing Thoroughbred breeding and racing into the region, and establishing large plantations, it is no wonder Clarke’s earliest history is that of fine horses and field sports. Estates that you drive past even today - Milton Valley, Clay Hill, Carter Hall, Saratoga, and Rose Mont - were active in Thoroughbred breeding dating back to the earliest years of our own Nation-forming. In fact, some of the largest landowners were veterans of the Revolutionary War who came to the fertile fields along the Shenandoah to breed and train horses.

It is no wonder, then, that the first horse

52

middleburglife.com

•

show in the United States was founded in nearby Fauquier County, Virginia. At the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, modest farmers and well-to-do gentlemen could demonstrate the superiority of their stock and promote good horsemanship throughout Clarke, Fauquier, and Loudoun counties.

According to the historic preservation consultant who wrote the Historic Reconnaissance Survey for Clarke County, Maral S. Kalbian, “Clarke County’s abundance of blue grass has long made it a desirable location for horse breeding.” Kalbian also notes that Clarke County has a fascinating past time, jousting tournaments, which allowed the wealthy Clarke men “to test their equestrian skills while engaging in a social activity.”

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

Civil War and Depression Of course, the ruination of Clarke’s wealth during the Civil War and a subsequent financial depression led to a stagnant period in the mid-to-late 19th-century. Landed gentry families that once found time and money for leisure activities, horse racing, and lavish entertaining now found themselves in very hard times indeed. Wealthy sportsmen, like Rozier Dulany of Welbourne, sent prized studs and mares to Pennsylvania or other northern states to wait out the conflagration. Men, including grooms, trainers, and stablehands, were lost on battlefields, those who made it home were permanently disfigured or diminished, and many families suffered County | Page 56

Join Us for the 99th Running of the MIDDLEBURG SPRING RACES Join Us for the 99th Running APRIL 20, 2019 of the MIDDLEBURG SPRING RACES

APRIL 20, 2019

540-687-6545 MiddleburgSpringRaces.com Photo Courtesey of Middleburg Photo

540-687-6545 MiddleburgSpringRaces.com Photo Courtesey of Middleburg Photo

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

â&#x20AC;¢

middleburglife.com

53

2/5

Wine & Painting Class (7 9 p.m.) Enjoy a fun way to paint and create your ow n or ig ina l piece of work while sipping on different local wines at Salamander Resort & Spa on Tuesdays this month. $85 per person.

Reser vations required, please call (540) 3264060. Two person minimum. Participants must be over the age of 21. Ongoing.

2/6

Gallery Talks (2 - 2:30 p.m.) Join the National Sporting Library & Museum every Wednesday for a personalized peek at traveling exhibitions, new acquisitions, or permanent collections pieces.

No two talks are alike. Reservations are not required and admission is free. Ongoing.

2/8

Carriage Rides with Molly & Doc (1 - 4 p.m.) Grab some sparkling Blanc de Blancs and your favorite cheese plate and enjoy a ride with driver Molly and “Doc Holliday” at Greenhill Winery & Vineyards on Fridays. Rides are free, and first come, first serve and seats up to three. Note that there are breaks between rides to give Doc a rest. Ongoing.

2/9

MCC BINGO Night! (6:30 9:30 p.m.) Enjoy BINGO at the Middleburg Community Center! Tickets are $35. Includes bingo cards, chili dinner, raffle ticket, and drink ticket. Additional drink tickets, bingo cards and 50/50 raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Prizes awarded to Bingo Winners. RSVP by Feb. 6 by contacting olivia@middleburgcommunitycenter.com or (540) 687-6373.

2/9

Spay-ghetti & No Balls Dinner (6 - 9 p.m.) Hosted by Middleburg Humane Foundation and Barrel Oak Winery, 3623 Grove Ln., Delaplane. Proceeds from this fun Italian dinner and raffle will support the MHF Community Cats Trap/Neuter/Return program and low-cost

54

middleburglife.com

•

spay-neuter program for low-income families. Register at https://bit.ly/2RQpNOV.

2/9

FOHA Adoption at Kriser's Natural Pet (12 - 3 p.m.) Drop by Kriser’s Natural Pet, 5B East Washington St., Middleburg, to meet all of the available pets from Friends of Homeless Animals looking for their forever families. For more details, visit www.foha.org.

James Bond/hunt fashion, boudoir photography tips, Bond-themed hors d'oeuvres, and a raffle with luxury lifestyle prizes. Meet Team 007, Bond Girl Volunteers and learn more about 9th 007 Black Tie! $70 per person. Dress Code: Bond Sophisticate. Tickets available thru Feb. 10. RSVP by contacting (703) 406-8539 or info@007benefit.org

2/9

Ballroom Dance Class (5:30 - 6:30 p.m.) Grab your sweetheart for a lesson on various styles of Ballroom Dancing. Dance the night away, learn all the right steps and spend the evening having a ball at Salamander Resort & Spa. Cost: $30 per couple. For reservations, call (540) 326-4060.

2/9,10

Célébrer L'amour : Valentine Tasting (4 5 p.m.) Enjoy a selection of cheeses, charcuterie and hand-crafted sweets from local confectioner Robert Kingsbury at Boxwood Estate Winery. What a perfect segue into a romantic dinner in the ‘burg!

2/9,16

Jazz in the Hills (11 a.m.

- 6:30 p.m.) Beat the winter blues and join 50 West in February for Jazz in the Hills. Enjoy music by Mangione and Benton Jazz on February 9th and Bergamot Rose on February 16th. During Jazz in the Hills, enjoy soups and charcuterie paired with wine.

2/9

Truffles & Bubbles Pairing (2 - 4 p.m.) At Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, Executive Pastry Chef Jason Reaves demystifies beautiful chocolate candies in this indulgent class. Chocolate tempering, fillings and dipping will all be covered in this interactive class along with sparkling wine to enjoy with your truffle creations. $79 per person. Reservations required, please call (540) 326-4070.

2/10

Première Pre-Valentine Lingerie & Cigar Social (4 - 6:30 p.m.) Experience the Pre-Valentine's Lingerie & Cigars Social at Le Boudoir in Middleburg. All Secret Agents and guests will rendez-vous at Le Boudoir to learn Red Carpet,

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

2/10

Blue Valley Vineyard and Winer y : Wedding Open House (2 - 4 p.m.) Join Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery in Marshall, and Purple Onion Catering for their Annual Wedding Open House. Enjoy award winning wines, delicious hors d'oeuvres, delectable desserts, and mingle with wedding professionals. Free and open to the public. For any questions, please inquire at events@blueValleyVA.com or (703) 819-4322. Door prizes & complimentary refreshments will be available for all attendees.

2/12

Biz Buzz at The Hill School (5:30 - 7:30 p.m.) Biz Buzz is a monthly networking event held by the Middleburg Business and Professional Association on the second Tuesday of the month.

February’s Biz Buzz will be held at the Hill School. Please RSVP via Facebook or by e-mail to info@visitmiddleburgva.com.

2/14,16

Va l e n t i n e ' s D a y Dinner (5 - 10 p.m.)

Make this romantic holiday unforgettable and treat your Valentine to an elegant dinner at Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill. Enjoy the views offered by the Virginia countryside while indulging in a five-course dinner created by Executive Chef Ryan Arensdorf.

After dinner, enjoy a custom confection for two created by Executive Pastry Chef Jason Reaves. $146 per person. Reservations required, please call (540) 326-4070. Price does not include tax and gratuity.

2/14

Valentine's Dinner at The Red Fox (5:30 - 9:30 p.m.) Treat your sweetheart to a Five Course Game and Seafood Dinner this Valentine’s Day at The Red Fox Inn & Tavern. $175 per person. Details & reservations at redfox.com/valentines.

2/16

Dinner & Jazz (6 - 9 p.m.) Jazz up your Valentine’s Day and join Salamander Resort & Spa for a romantic dinner and live performance by Marcus Johnson. The ballroom will transform for an evening of live music, dancing and a multicourse culinary experience. $98 per person.

For reservations, please call (540) 326-4070.

Price does not include tax and gratuity.

2/16,17

Around the World Tasting (11 a.m. - 6 p.m.) During Valentine’s weekend 50 West Vineyards will highlight their wine feature of the month with a special around the world tasting. Wines include the 50 West Sauvignon Blanc, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, White Bordeaux, and Sancerre. The featured wine will be available for purchase while supplies last. Purchase the 50 West Sauvignon Blanc as a two or three pack with any of the other featured wine and receive an additional 10% discount. Tasting fee - $15 (reservations under 8 people not required).

2/17

Live Sidesaddle Sketch with Anthony Barham (1 - 5 p.m.)

National Sporting Library & Museum and The Artists In Middleburg are holding a oneday drawing clinic with professional artist Anthony Barham. The class will include time sketching in NSLM's exhibition, “Sidesaddle, 1690-1935,” with model Bernadette Boland attired in authentic sidesaddle turnout. Cost: $125 ($112 NSLM or AiM members). Attendees to provide own materials. To register, visit theartistsinmiddleburg.org/sidesaddledrawing-class. Read more about Anthony Barham at: middleburglife.com/middleburg-artist-anthony-barham/.

2/17

Brunch with Marcus Johnson (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.) Join Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill and Marcus Johnson and toast the last event of the weekend at brunch. Harrimans will have a full buffet featuring brunch favorites

including chicken and waffles, French toast, a full raw bar, make-your-own omelet station and more. Top off the experience with bottomless mimosas throughout the entire event. $45 per person. For reservations, please call (540) 326-4070. Price does not include tax and gratuity.

2/21

Greenhill Winery & Vineyards Wine Dinner at The Conche Join Greenhill Winery & Vineyards for an exclusive delectable 3 course wine dinner at The Conche in Leesburg. $135 per guest. Find the full menu and RSVP on Greenhill’s Facebook page.

2/22

GCA & LTV Presents “Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman” Film (5:30 - 7:30 p.m.) Join Goose Creek Association and the Land Trust of Virginia for light refreshments and a viewing of “Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman,” an acclaimed conservation documentary. Held at the Hill School, this event is free and open to the public. Register at www.landtrustva.org/events.

2/22

Art of the Piedmont Art Auction & Reception (6 - 8 p.m.) Distinguished works of art will grace the Middleburg Community Center in an auction of original artwork from select local artists. Proceeds will benefit the Middleburg Montessori School. For more visit http://artofthepiedmont.org/.

2/23

The Conche presents: The Art of Cocktail Making with Master Mixologist (12 - 2 p.m.) Visit The Conche in Leesburg, for an educational and fun two-hour class, and learn the history of cocktails and how to create what are sure to become your favorite drinks. Enjoy a welcome cocktail prepared by master mixologist, Samet Yuksekgonul. Learn how to stir, shake, and muddle properly and develop an understanding of the perfect garnishes. Create three classic cocktails: daiquiris, martinis and old fashioneds with three modern twists on those classics. $75 per person. Please reserve your ticket through Eventbrite: https:// bit.ly/2FPA0EZ.

2/23

Coffee with the Curator: Sidesaddle, 1690-1935 (10 11:30 a.m.) Join the National Sporting Library & Museum for a very special edition of Coffee with the Curator, in celebration of Sidesaddle, 1690-1935. Enjoy a Coffee reception and tour of the exhibition with Claudia Pfeiffer, the George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Curator of Art, and Adelaide de Savray, coauthor of "Cavalieres Amazones." Attendees will have an opportunity to sit in a contemporary side-

saddle (mounted on a frame) $5 admission, free to NSLM members. RSVP to Anne Marie Paquette, the Clarice & Robert H. Smith Educator, APaquette@NationalSporting.org, (540) 687-6542 x25.

2/24

“Time After Time,” a special program with Rudy Hoglund (3 - 5 p.m.) The Artists in Middleburg invite you to a special program with Rudy Hoglund, the former Art Director of Time Magazine, as he gives a presentation about his prolific career as an art director and illustrator. At Time, he held his position longer than anyone else, designing over 1,000 of the magazine’s covers.

The event is held in the Wine Cellar (lower level) of Tuscarora Mill Restaurant in Leesburg. The cost is $25 ($20 for AiM members) and includes wine and hors d’oeuvres. This event commences a new series of art and cultural presentations to benefit AiM' s mission for educational programming, especially for the children, and supporting operations.

Learn more by visiting theartistsinmiddleburg.org.

2/24

Free Community Day at NSLM (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) The National Sporting Library & Museum offers free admission the last Sunday of each month.

Visit the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions! Exhibitions on view include: “Sidesaddle, 1690-1935” and “On Fly in the Salt: American Saltwater Fly Fishing from the Surf to the Flats.”

2/26

Loudoun on Tap (5:30 - 7 p.m.) Mark your calendars for this quarterly networking event. Hosted by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce at the beautiful Salamander Resort & Spa. Socialize and share your business with an extensive network of people. Bring your business cards and create new connections while enjoying food and spirits local to Loudoun. $35 for members, $50 for future members. Register at www.loudounchamber.org.

2/27

For the Love of Dogs (6 - 7:30 p.m.) Celebrate your canine Valentine with the National Sporting Library & Museum and Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Stories, poems, and songs will honor mankind's relationship with working dogs and hounds, service dogs, and beloved pets. $10 admission, free to NSLM members RSVP to Anne Marie Paquette, the Clarice & Robert H. Smith Educator, APaquette@NationalSporting.org, (540) 687-6542 x25.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

•

middleburglife.com

55

County | From page 52 losses, material or otherwise.

Polly Randolph, a 13-year old during the Civil War, wrote letters from her family home in Millwood, New Market. With her brothers fighting for the Confederate Army, she was lonely, frightened, and quickly became an adult during these years. She wrote to a friend, Maria, in 1865, “A Regiment came down to Millwood day before yesterday sent by order of Gen. Sheridan to take all the plank fence from Millwood down to the river, for kindling wood.”

Some fine, early homes were burned by the Union, including the c.1827 Springfield and four others, to say nothing of the barns and crops. Mosby’s Rangers were waging their own war with George Custer’s cavalry, which ended in a gruesome hanging scene west of Berryville. In addition to these more extreme events, the daily life for Clarke Countians during the Civil War was full of fear and surprise. Troop movements along the roadways resulted in multiple battles, some of a rather large magnitude such as the 1864 Battles of Cool Spring in July and of Berryville in September. When the Civil War finally came to a close in April of 1865 and Virginia became a ‘military district,’ most of the ostentatiousness of Clarke County equestrianism was placed necessarily on hold.

But with the closing of the 19th- century, a revival launched the successful return of Thoroughbred breeding and Hunt Country culture in Clarke County. The year 1869 saw the reinstatement of the Upperville Colt and Horse show, and in the 1880s, the Berryville Horse Show (held in the now Clarke County Fairgrounds) was a popular venue for racing and other equestrian competitions. Thanks in part to the new Shenandoah Valley Railroad, farms such as Audley and Kentmere were on the rise. Additionally, the famous 1905 “Great Hound Match” rejuvenated foxhunting and brought national spotlight to this area as a suitable place to pursue the sport.

The 1905 competition inspired a great number of equestrians from New York to abandon the quickly urbanizing Long Island area and resettle along the Ashby Gap Turnpike, now

56

middleburglife.com

•

Route 50. Colonial Revival mansions, including Scaleby and the newly restored Carter Hall in Millwood and North Hill near Berryville, played host to hunt breakfasts and to elegant and lively soirees for the Blue Ridge Hunt, formed in 1888 by an Englishman named Archibald Bevan who came to Clarke for the Hunt.

Hunt Country of Today In the 1920s and ‘30s, Thoroughbreds from Audley farm won hundreds of races across the Nation, including nabbing the first Triple Crown title, which went to Sir Barton.

As the lingering glow of the extravagant preWorld War II years continued among horse farms in Hunt Country, noted families picked up the trend and began to visit the area specifically for equestrian sport.

There were New England families who found that some of the landscapes here reminded them of England and they scrambled to buy up horse farms for foxhunting. There were notable Washington, D.C. personalities who found the quick drive for top-rate foxhunting attractive, including George Patton, Teddy Roosevelt, “Wild Bill” Donovan, and Billy Mitchell.

And, of course, there were the Hollywood set — the young and beautiful who enjoyed parties at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jock Whitney, Llangollen, the vast estate stretching across three counties (Loudoun, Clarke, and Fauquier). All of the notoriety of the Hunt Country lifestyles, founded on horses, even has led to more recent celebrity ‘weekenders’ including of course Jackie Kennedy, who loved antiquing with Bunny Mellon in Millwood, Phil and Kay Graham (of The Post fame), and Averill and Pamela Harriman, among many others.

The trend continues today, as we find that celebrity visitation and weekend residences lead to ever-increasing interest in equestrian sport. While it may be on-trend and a favorite of the ‘jet set,’ breeding and racing horses was a way of life for Virginia, even while still a Colony.

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

The Horse Connection Though living in different locales, technically, horse farms and rambling estates share a dedication to the open space and traditional backdrops of the stone walls and historic mansion houses regardless of which county they pay taxes to. It is the undulating vista of Hunt Country and the love of the horses on the landscape that brings together a setting, not just a county name.

The Clarke County Historical Association is a Hunt Country neighbor, just over the mountain, and is the proud owner of the Burwell-Morgan Mill located in Millwood, across from the Locke Store. The Burwell-Morgan Mill is open most weekends, milling grain into flour and pancake mix and offers multiple weekends each year that the public can help out - “Colonial Kids Day” and “Clarke County Heritage Day.” Clarke Historical, in addition to the Burwell-Morgan Mill, has a museum in downtown Berryville, which includes an elaborate archives collection. Best of all, the archives collection is free for members of Clarke Historical to use. Many property owners find the archival collection handy in researching the history of their estate, either in historic photographs or letters or even deeds. Also while visiting the Clarke Museum, check out Lord Fairfax’s wooden chest, which no doubt accompanied the original foxhunter on excursions by horseback.

Jennifer Worcester Moore is the president of the Mosby Heritage Area Association.

For more information on the group, visit Mosbyheritagearea.org.

Page 50: Saratoga, Boyce, Virginia. Photo courtesy of Stuart Bell Archives, Handley Library. Page 52: Greenway Court Office Building of Lord Fairfax, White Post, Virginia. Photo from the Library of Congress.

Perfect any night.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winter which means comfort food is in season.

Come by and delight in our new delicious seasonal menu with friends and neighbors, all winter long.

R E S E RVAT I O N S AT H A R R I M A N S G R I L L.CO M O R 877.840.2063. middleburg, virginia

AT

S A L A M A N D E R

F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

â&#x20AC;˘

R E S O RT

&

S PA

middleburglife.com

PROPERTIES IN HUNT COUNTRY ED

C DU

RE

FOX FORD FARM

STONYHURST

Middleburg ~ Meticulously renovated c. 1890 VA fieldstone Manor house on 94 Acres just 1 mile from town. 3+ Bedrooms, 3 1/2 Baths. Pool, 2 barns, workshop, fenced paddocks and old tenant house. Professionally landscaped. $4,425,000

Cricket Bedford (540) 229-3201

KENTHURST LANE

The Plains ~ Custom Federal style residence with 6+ Bedrooms, 7 Baths on 2+ acres. Stunning Clive Christian Kitchen. Marble and antique ceramic tile floors. 7 fireplaces.

Attached 3-car garage with apartment/office above. $1,999,000

Cricket Bedford (540) 229-3201

Jeffersonton ~ Unique 4 BR country house with pool and outbuildings. One and 1/2 mile of Rappahannock river frontage. Open, rolling fields. Investment, horse farm, brewery, B&B, farming or winery potential. All around views, flowering gardens, privacy & peace. 15 minutes to Warrenton. $1,991,000 on 239+acres or $1,443,000 on 142 acres

Rein duPont (540) 454-3355 L

IA

EW

N

RC

E

M

M

O

C

FEDERAL & MADISON

WISDOM GALLERY

HANDSOME COMMERCIAL BUILDING + TURN-KEY ESTABLISHED BUSINESS & INVENTORY in the center of Historic Middleburg. Stunning upscale home items, crystal, unique gifts, cards, custom stationery, gourmet chocolates & much more. Approx. 1/2 of inventory is off site and included in the sale. $1,400,000

Rebecca Poston (540) 771-7520

ED

OLD BARN ROAD

Rixeyville ~ 23 Acre horse property! New center aisle stable with rubber tiles in center aisle & 4 matted stalls, wash stall & tack room. Big new arena. Two Story 4 BR colonial with new KT appliances, new HVAC & waterfall feature at swimming pool. Stone flooring in First Floor master suite. Hardwood thru out LR, DR & KT. $875,000

Susie Ashcom (540) 729-1478

D

LA

RE

Cricket Bedford (540) 229-3201

EW

N

C DU

Middleburg ~ Bring your company to Middleburg. Excellent commercial investment opportunity in downtown. One commercial building which appears like two that are adjoined on the corner of Madison and Federal Streets. Offers 4 separate entrances. Mixed Use includes retail & office spaces. Includes 7 parking spaces off Federal Street. Established business in one building. Seller desires to rent back. Priced well below appraised value. Zoned C-2. $799,000

N

SALLY MILL ROAD – 3 Lots! 3 or 4+ acre separate parcels just East of Middleburg. $285,000 – $299,000

Cricket Bedford (540) 229-3201

UPPERVILLE HOUSE

Upperville ~ Fully renovated c. 1843 Greek Revival style home in the historic village of Upperville. 4 BR, 3 BA, enclosed Sun porch, georgeous fenced yard with gardens.

2-car detached garage and potting shed. Can be Commercial or Residential. Priced below appraised value. $769,000

Cricket Bedford (540) 229-3201

WEAVERSVILLE ROAD – REDUCED 29.25 acres of open and rolling land bordered by woods. $295,000

Catherine Bernache (540) 424-7066

FOREST HILL Two wooded parcels totaling 27.4 acres in the heart of Loudoun County. $225,000

Mary Ann McGowan (540) 270-1124

BEAVERDAM BRIDGE

Middleburg ~ 7 Unique acres near Philomont. Surrounded by big farms and in hunt territory. Long frontage on Beaverdam Creek. Owned by the same family for 200 years! $250,000

Cary Embury (540) 533-0106

Please see our fine estates and exclusive properties in hunt country by visiting THOMAS-TALBOT.com

THOMAS & TALBOT REAL ESTATE Susie Ashcom Cricket Bedford Catherine Bernache Snowden Clarke John Coles Rein duPont Cary Embury

A Staunch Supporter of Land Easements LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967 Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687-6500

Phillip S. Thomas, Sr.

Celebrating his 57th 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.

01-23_ML_TTRE-BCVR.indd 1

1/24/19 2:15 PM