Middleburg Life | February 2021

Volume 38 Issue 2 | February 2021 | middleburglife.com

MIDDLEBURG

LI F E Best of Hunt Country Weddings MEET

MR. & MRS. MULLER

FROM PARIS TO NYC TO MIDDLEBURG

KEEPING UP WITH Wellington

Rectortown Slaves Set Free OUTDOOR GLAMPING IS A GROWING TREND

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

MIDDLEBURG

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

REAL ESTATE

2020 Closed Transactions

2020 Sales Volume

MIDDLEBURG REAL ESTATE: 195

MIDDLEBURG REAL ESTATE: $136,082,212

WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES: 105

THOMAS & TALBOT: $120,842,500

THOMAS & TALBOT: 83

WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES: $99,011,019

SHERIDAN-MACMAHON: 55

SHERIDAN-MACMAHON: $69,163,300

HUNT COUNTRY SOTHEBY’S: 27

HUNT COUNTRY SOTHEBY’S: $24,635,300

LONG & FOSTER: 24

LONG & FOSTER: $15,504,600

Middleburg Real Estate has been proudly serving our Hunt Country community since 1939. Visit our site middleburgrealestate.com to see how the leading real estate firm in Middleburg is doing things differently - even now - so that you can have a better, simpler real estate experience. *Statistics taken from BrightMLS 1/1/2020 - 12/31/2020.

Transaction totals based on Middleburg office locations only.

1 5 67 82

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

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

Strong Agent Presence Our 67 agents are full-time professionals, masters at their craft, who loyally serve the communities they love.

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

M I D D L E B U R G R E A L E S TAT E . C O M MIDDLEBURG: 540.687.6321 | PURCELLVILLE: 540.338.7770 | LEESBURG: 703.777.1170 | ASHBURN: 703.436.0077 CORPORATE: 10 E WASHINGTON ST, MIDDELBURG, VA 20117 | 540.687.6321 | LICENSED IN VA + WV

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SAVOR MIDDLEBURG SAVOR MIDDLEBURG THE CONSERVATORY AT GOODSTONE HAS REOPENED FOR FINE THE CONSERVATORY AT GOODSTONE HAS REOPENED FOR FINE D I NEI N VO ITE YOU TO SA V ON R EXA E C URTEIOVPEE C E FF JOARN FVI N AN TH CG O ..N SW EE R VII N AT ST NH ED E D ININ G W E N V I TREY YAOTUGTOOO D SA V O R EE H XES CUTIVE C H EF JAN VAN UTE'S W H OTM GROW T TING MEN . JAN VAN DINING. H WA I TN EE OE RN XA ES HU EF H AEUITNEV' S N EYWO U HOM ESGARVOOW NE T A SCTUITNIGV EM C EN U .

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MIDDLEBURG

LI F E FEB. 2021 middleburglife.com

PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Gray | editor@middleburglife.com COPY EDITOR: Chelsea Rose Moore ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Christian Bentley | christian@middleburglife.com ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Rebekah Greenhill | info@middleburglife.com Vicky Mashaw | vmashaw@middleburglife.com Jennifer Richards | jennifer@middleburglife.com Andrea Ryder | andrea@middleburglife.com ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR: Joanne Maisano DIGITAL SALES & MARKETING SPECIALIST: Laura Luck DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR: Laticia Headings DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Nicky Marshok ON THE COVER Middleburg’s newest residents Mr. & Mrs. Marlon and Jackie Muller. Photo by Kyla Jeanette Photography. See the full story on page 10.

ON THIS PAGE Garden details at The Red Fox Inn & Tavern in Middleburg, Virginia taken during Britton and Kristen Wight’s wedding.

Photo by Karis Marie Photography.

CONTRIBUTORS Heidi Baumstark, Chelsea Moore Kaitlin Hill, Laticia Headings, Shayda Windle and Kailey Chengv ADVERTISE IN MIDDLEBURG LIFE Greenhill Media, LLC P.O. Box 328 | Middleburg VA 20118-0328 540.687.5950 | info@middleburglife.com All editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All unsolicited manuscripts and photos must be accompanied by return postage; the publisher assumes no responsibility. Middleburg Life reserves the right to reject any advertising. Distributed in Aldie, Alexandria, Ashburn, Boyce, Delaplane, Dulles, Front Royal, Gainesville, Haymarket, Leesburg, Manassas, Marshall, Middleburg, Millwood, Paris, Purcellville, The Plains, Rectortown, Reston, Tysons, Upperville, Warrenton, Washington, D.C., and Winchester.

FIND US ON: Instagram @middleburglife Twitter @middleburglife Facebook.com/middleburglife LOOKING FOR MORE?

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GET ADDITIONAL CONTENT ONLINE!

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This Valentine's Day...

Give them something sweet.

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Nantucket Treweryn Beagles Photos by Joanne Maisano

Above: Danielle and Ron Bradley (owners of Locksley) with Denise Kazmier.

Below: Huntsman Russ Wagner with beagles.

Huntsman Russ Wagner at Locksley Manor in Millwood.

Below: The beagles hunting for rabbits at Locksley Manor in Millwood.

Design-Build • Remodeling • Additions • Custom Homes • Showroom GoldenRuleBuilders.com | 3409 Catlett Road, Catlett, VA | 540.788.3539 F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 1

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No Lodging Available Within The Piedmont Meant Creating Their Own Written by Kailey Cheng

“Glamping is perfect for any occasion, but extra special for weddings as it provides a unique lodging opportunity for guests, creating an unforgettable experience.”

— Converse

W

hen one imagines camping, they might envision stuffing backpacks with supplies days in advance, hauling a tent through the wilderness, and curling up in sleeping bags. A Loudoun County couple has added the “glamorous” to “camping,” bringing luxury tent accommodations to the DMV area.

Theresa Converse and Brian Schram have taken camping to the next level with their own “glamping” business, Outdoor Eventures. It’s camping without the hassle and more fun than the standard hotel. Glamping is perfect for hosting a wedding, a retreat, sleepover, or getaway.

“The idea of Outdoor Eventures and glamping is you get the outdoor experience

without all of the nitty gritty stuff,” Converse said.

All you have to do is reserve the tents, tell Outdoor Eventures where you want them, and show up.

When one goes glamping, they step into a large, comfortable cotton bell tent that comes with everything needed for lodging. The basic package includes a queen-sized bed, bedding, a throw blanket, a bistro set of tables and chairs, an area rug, a battery-operated lantern, fan, and device charger, a mirror, a waste basket, an ice bucket, a luggage rack and a shower pack.

Some a la carte options include climate control (AC or heat), electricity, a check-in/ welcome team for guests, dog supplies and a

Above: Kelsey and Mark’s wedding tent. Photo by Peyton Curry.

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clothing rack — perfect for wedding attire.

Like many couples, Converse and Schram postponed their marriage due to COVID-19.

But before rescheduling their wedding date, they were searching for lodging in remote areas that didn’t have many hotel options — the nearby hotels were already booked more than a year out. They were also trying to avoid having guests take a long bus or car ride to their wedding, and striving to create a weekend experience where all guests could spend together.

It was difficult to create the feeling of a “destination wedding” while staying local.

On their planned wedding day in August, the couple ended up launching Outdoor Glamping | Page 7

Glamping | From page 6 Eventures instead. The couple was already in the “events world”; Converse’s background was in festival logistics and large-scale event planning, and Schram’s in hospitality — it just made sense to start the business.

“We definitely thought about it for a long time, and it just made the most sense and we figured we couldn’t be the only people in this situation, trying to look for a unique weekend locally,” Converse said. “We realized that we could not find a glamping vendor that fit our specific needs, so we decided to become our own glamping vendor.”

The couple had gone glamping together recently and described it as “peaceful” and “super comfortable.” Schram said their experience reassured them that starting Outdoor Eventures was a good idea.

“Theresa’s definitely more of the camping type between the two of us,” Schram said. “I definitely love being outdoors for sure, but she has a little bit more experience really getting out there and camping. And so … the concept kind of brings together the two of our desires when it comes to a vacation.”

The business experienced setbacks waiting for COVID-19 to pass during the summer, but the couple soon realized it wasn’t going away anytime soon.

“We realized [we’d] just continue forward and pull the trigger, rather than waiting for everything to pass,” Converse said.

“Because obviously, people were looking for new, outdoor, [and] unique ways to do COVID-friendly activities.”

Schram said glamping may be appealing to those who don’t feel comfortable staying at a hotel during this time. Being completely mobile, Outdoor Eventures is flexible in terms of choosing a location. Whether a client wants to glamp on the water or in the middle of the woods, Outdoor Eventures can make it happen.

“We just need, you know, a space to put a tent and we’re good to go,” Schram said. “I think those aspects of [glamping] are really what set it apart from just your traditional lodging experiences.”

Converse said glamping is perfect for any occasion, but extra special for weddings as it provides a unique lodging opportunity for guests, creating an unforgettable experience. Outdoor Eventures’ tents are spacious enough for people to get ready in, so guests

won’t be sacrificing the comfort of a traditional hotel room.

“We love the idea of guests staying on the property after the reception for a bonfire, some music, and s’mores to end the evening,” Converse said. “It’s a more relaxed atmosphere and another chance to catch up with friends [and] family that may be in from out of town.”

She added that hosting a glamping village is a way for one to make the wedding experience even more exceptional. Outdoor Eventures encourages weekend field days or even spa days for those who want to relax. Villages also offer endless opportunities for unique guest welcome gifts.

The couple’s favorite wedding glamping partner is Tranquility Farm in Purcellville, Virginia. The historic property is Outdoor Eventures’ most frequented glamping venue located in the heart of Loudoun wine country. The company has also done private estate venues and encourages clients to glamp in their backyard or on their farm.

With the world in an unprecedented state, Converse and Schram hope to provide an escape for their clients. They want people to use their glamping services as an outlet to regain a sense of peace and relaxation, allowing them to naturally disconnect from the outside world.

“People are certainly struggling with what’s going on and people need that escape,” Schram said. “You know, and that sense of reality outside of what’s going on, and if we can, we can offer that right now … [The] main focus of ours is making sure people feel comfortable and trusting of what we do.”

As a long-term goal, the couple hopes to build a strong clientele and host larger events such as glamping-style retreats or start a brick-and-mortar. Schram said he sees lots of creativity for the business in the future and looks forward to seeing what their glamorous tents will be able to provide.

“It’s just a really good opportunity to, you know, slow down and actually spend time with the people that you’re there with,” Converse said. “We have board games, we have yard games, fire pits, things like that, so you know, it’s just nice activities and we’re excited to build on that. We’re excited to bring glamping to the Loudoun County community in Middleburg.” ML

Top: Theresa Converse and Brian Schram. Photo by Jennifer Gray. Middle: Kelsey and Mark’s wedding tent.

Photo by Peyton Curry. Bottom: Tent details. Photos by Maddy Williams Photography.

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Having a tent wedding?

AirPac Portable Air Conditioners & Heaters: Are you planning an outdoor wedding or event in beautiful Hunt Country? AirPac’s tent and barn cooling and heating will tame Mother Nature and assure your event is comfortable and memorable for all the right reasons! No need to worry about a melting cake, wilting flowers, uncomfortable guests or worse yet, a medical emergency. COVID is an unwelcomed guest so we installed a UVC germicidal light and MERV8 filter for increased sanitation and filtration in our HVAC units so you can breathe easier. Contact us today: 540-635-5011 ext. 117, tbs@AirPacInc.com Facebook and Instagram @AirPac

Looking for a Vineyard?

Cana Vineyards: Your Memories Blossom Here.

Sweeping hillside vineyard views, flexible event spaces, and striking sunsets set the stage for your happily ever after.

703-348-2458 38600 John Mosby Highway Middleburg, VA 20117 canavineyards.com Facebook @canavineyards Instagram @canavineyards

Looking for a historic property with gardens?

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens: Oatlands is a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation with beautiful gardens, manicured lawns, historic buildings and tented event pavilion creating the perfect location for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and amazing photography.

703-579-4868 oatlands.org Facebook @Oatlands Instagram @oatlandsoriginals

Need catering?

Kevin’s Catering: We are a full service caterer with over 15 years of serving a long list of returning clients. We would love to cater your event.

703-568-2767 kevinscatering.net info@kevinscatering.net Facebook @kevinscateringdmv Instagram @kevins_catering

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A collective of experienced we

HuntCountryCe Follow us on Facebook @ Instagram @H

HUNT COUNTRY CELEBRATIONS

edding and event professionals

elebrations.com @HuntCountryCelebrations HuntCountryVA

Need Catering?

Pure Perfection Catering: Chef inspired cuisine and professional service for weddings, celebrations and all of your catering and event needs.

Contact: 703-579-4868 pureperfectioncatering.com Facebook @pureperfectioncatering Instagram @pureperfectioncatering

Looking for a Vineyard?

Kalero Vineyard: Kalero Vineyard offers a rustic yet elegant venue for your special day with beautiful mountain and vineyard views.

540-717-8119 36140 Charlestown Pike, Purcellville, VA 20132 kalerovineyard.com info@kalerovineyard.com Instagram @kalero_vineyard

Need a planner?

The Finer Points: The Finer Points, LLC is an award-winning boutique event planning and design company specializing in weddings with over 20+ years of experience in hospitality and event etiquette.

Their design location at “A Little Wedding Studio” in Historic Downtown Leesburg is an intimate event décor showroom making it more convenient than ever for their clients to select everything they need to plan and designing their special event all in one location.

Lynn Iannizzi, Owner lynn@thefinerpointsllc.com, 703-431-9494 Laura Billak, Owner Laura@thefinerpointsllc.com, 703-627-9770 thefinerpointsllc.com alittleweddingstudio.com Facebook @The Finer Points Event Planning Instagram@thefinerpointseventplanning

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MEET

MR. & MRS. MULLER

FROM PARIS TO NYC TO MIDDLEBURG

Creative Team: Art Direction: Jennifer Gray

How one couple fled the Big Apple, eloped, and started living their countryside dreams.

Written by Jennifer Gray Photographed by Kyla Jeanette Photography

Photography: Kyla Jeannette Hair: Michelle Lay (Ash Salon) Makeup: Artistry by Lexy Higgins Floral Design: Sarena Floral Designs Vintage Automobile: 1963 Lincoln Continental by Callaway Classics in Marshall Gowns: Designer: Dany Tabet sold at Middleburg Bride Designer: Barbara Kavchok sold at Soliloquy Bridal Couture Jewelry: Mystique Jewelers Venue: Private Middleburg Home

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“During Fashion Week, you expect to fall in love with the clothes and newness that designers and their teams have worked on for months, but during Paris Fashion Week, the unexpected happened, we fell in love,” Jackie Skye Muller says.

Jackie Muller is Middleburg’s newest resident, wife to Marlon Muller, and co-founder of the equestrian lifestyle brand Recreational Habits.

The couple navigated three years of long-distance dating while Marlon split his time between Hong Kong, New York City, and Washington D.C. while working on investments. As Jackie worked as the women’s director at Kith and as associate fashion director of Barneys in New York, the couple reached a crossroads during a year that shook the foundation of everything we once knew.

There’s no denying the pandemic has had a remarkable way of bringing some closer together

despite the fact we are physically separated from so many loved ones. It made Jackie and Marlon re-prioritize everything.

“We always wanted our family to have a robust life, and it became evident that we needed to get out of New York in order for us to make that a reality,” Jackie says.

In fall 2020, the couple eloped in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, with a courthouse wedding and guest list which included only their dog, Dallas.

“It was perfectly intimate and sweet,” Jackie says.

Dreams | Page 12

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“I felt Middleburg was a low-key gem, and after having been in quarantine in New York this past year, Jackie and I began entertaining the idea of moving to Middleburg. So we would take weekend trips down from the city and walk around and look at farms. It didn’t take us long to decide we wanted to build a life here.” — Marlon

Dreams | From page 11 In October, the newlyweds moved to Middleburg, after fleeing New York City like many others during this life-altering year.

“I had discovered Middleburg several years ago when I was invited to the opening of The Salamander Resort,” Marlon says. “I quickly fell in love with the charm of this transient community. I felt Middleburg was a low-key gem, and after having been in quarantine in New York this past year, Jackie and I began entertaining the idea of moving to Middleburg. So we would take weekend trips Dreams | Page 13

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Dreams | From page 12 down from the city and walk around and look at farms. It didn’t take us long to decide we wanted to build a life here.”

Their new life in Middleburg included the launch of their lifestyle brand Recreational Habits (RH).

“We created Recreational Habits to bring the exclusive world of the preppy elite and their hobbies to the historically excluded,” Jackie says. “We believe that all people, regardless of color, should be able to experience the joys of recreational sport and living, from equitation to golf, to hosting and galas.”

Currently, the duo is focused on bringing regular content to their RH following, which highlights the diversity found in these elite sports.

This spring, they will release their first women’s wear apparel collection along with several items for the home. The spring collection is inspired by places like New England’s Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket’s lifestyle of sailing, clam bakes, and sun-bleached dresses.

While building their lives here in Middleburg, the Mullers have not wasted any time, already developing their passion for riding by taking regular lessons.

“I love working with horses — from tacking to mucking to jumping them (only over cross rails at this point!); it’s incredibly fulfilling,” Jackie says.

“Our daughter has also ridden for a few years, so I get to learn a lot from her riding as well.”

Marlon and his son are taking polo lessons too. “I didn’t really expect to enjoy it as much as I have,” he says. “Because I am naturally competitive, I find this sport to be one of the most challenging, and at the same time, fulfilling sports I have ever participated in. Fifty different things are going on at the same time while you have to control a large animal. You have no time to think about anything else, so naturally, I’m addicted!”

In the future, the Mullers plan to create a program through Recreational Habits allowing inner-city D.C. students to participate in camps that will expose them to various activities like riding, sailing, and golfing.

The Mullers will continue developing their horseback riding skills, and have mentioned the possibility of planning a wedding for friends and family to attend when the world is a safer place to be together again. ML Look for more on Marlon and Jackie in the February episode of “The Middleburg Life” docu-series. Visit our YouTube or IGTV channel www.middleburglife.com/igtv/ for special behind the scenes video footage of this cover shoot and additional interviews.

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Lovely Middleburg Office Space Convenient, bright, pleasant shared office space in converted house in downtown Middleburg at 107 W. Marshall St. Office is approximately 150 sq. feet with nice shared kitchen and bathroom. Includes all utilities and high-speed Xfinity internet. Walk to Middleburg restaurants and shops. Assume lease or sublet for $555 per month.

Contact 301-806-9696 for more info.

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Discover your next home at longandfoster.com/luxury

2020 YEAR IN REVIEW:

$1.1B 2,083 98% 1

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CL IE NT SATSIFACTION

Long & Foster Middleburg Office 8 N. Madison St, Middleburg, VA | 540-687-8530 Mortgage | Settlement | Insurance | Property Management | Vacation Rentals Relocation | Development Real Estate Services | Moving 1 Volume & Units reflect sales for Middleburg, Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn, Gainesville, & Warrenton sales offices. Sales based on internal records for contracts written in 2020 for the offices listed.

2 98% based 938 completed surveys in 2020 of clients who worked with an agent based in a Northern Virginia Long & Foster office and indicated they would recommend their agent to a friend or family member

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A BAKER’S TALE: FROM FARMERS MARKET TO BRICK AND MORTAR Written by Chelsea Rose Moore

L

auren Connolly grew up in the kitchen alongside a mother, grandmother, and several aunts who all loved to bake.

Spending time in the kitchen was a normal part of her life, a place to tinker creatively and find joy in something as small as a cookie. As an adult, she worked full time as a purchasing manager for a building material company, but baking was her creative outlet.

Ten years ago, she took a cookie decorating class and became “addicted to royal icing and cookies,” she said. As a result of her newfound passion, she had her kitchen licensed and inspected in 2017. She showed up to the Clarke County Farmers Market with cookies and quickly started selling out halfway through the market.

One Saturday, a customer asked if she made cakes too. She decided to give cakes a

try, adding another component to her business. Over time, she developed a loyal and loving following in Clarke County, marking many special occasions with her desserts. Just two years later, she left her job to bake full time from her house.

Today, she makes far more than just cookies and cakes. Find everything from strawberry cheesecake stuffed waffle cones to decadent brownies and savory quiches in her new bakery in downtown Berryville.

As a Berryville resident, Connolly said having her own space felt like the natural next step in her business. A friend told her about a vacant building on Main Street in April 2020.

Although there was originally a contract on it, the buyer backed out because of COVID— and Connolly was next in line.

“It was an open, blank shell when we pur-

Photo by Emily Marcella Photography.

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chased it,” she said. “It had been an appointment-only photography studio. There was no kitchen, just an employee handwashing station and a small dorm refrigerator. I had to hire a bunch of contractors and put in a bunch of equipment and counters. It took four and a half months. We closed [on the bakery] in the beginning of May and opened [the shop] in September.”

Having a brick and mortar keeps her on her toes. The bakery case must stay filled; custom orders need to be made, and wedding cakes must be baked. Even though weddings look different during this COVID season, couples are still getting married and finding special ways to celebrate with unique COVID wedding trends.

“People are still [having weddings], but it Cookie | Page 17

Cookie | From page 16 seems like a lot of people are scaling it down with a smaller cake or a small cutting cake with cupcakes,” she said. “I’ve been seeing a lot of small, six-inch cakes for [the bride and groom] to cut for pictures and cupcakes for each guest. There are some who still want a small, two-tier cake. The bride and groom will cut the top tier and serve the bottom tier to guests. There are some weddings where they want everything packed; they want each cupcake in an individual box and decorated cookies individually wrapped.”

Although she’ll prepare any style of cake, tiered cakes are her favorite to make. “My wedding designs are very simple, kind of traditional,” she said. “I like the buttercream, and we try to play it up with fresh flowers or greenery.”

The creative side of the business keeps her going day after day. “Everything is handmade,” she said. “There are no two cookies that are exactly alike.” Which, in turn, means no two days are exactly alike.

Connolly is making special Valentine

treats: festive heart cookies and sets of cupcakes. She’s also planning a Valentine’s Day collaboration with Clarke County’s Audley Farm by pairing a six-inch cake with a set of Audley steaks for a “steak and cake.”

She’s done other collaborations with Clarke County businesses. Last spring, during the lockdown, she planned a “breakfast quarantine box” with Persimmon Ridge Farm.

The box included Persimmon Ridge’s eggs

“People are still [having weddings], but it seems like a lot of people are scaling it down with a smaller cake or a small cutting cake with cupcakes.” — Connolly

and breakfast sausage with Sweet Elephant’s English muffins and scones. She made cookie decorating gift baskets in December that were sold at Berryville’s Modern Mercantile. She’s also made gift baskets with Cordial Coffee.

She sells her own private label of Cordial Coffee in her shop. Cordial created the blend and roasts it for her. The coffee contains hints of graham and cocoa — the perfect combination for a baker’s blend.

Currently, she has one full-time employee and two part-time employees. Her mom, who sparked her love for baking, also helps out here and there in the shop.

What else does Connolly love about her shop? “Being able to do pretty much whatever I want and put it on the menu,” she said. ML Located in Berryville, Sweet Elephant Bakeshop is open Wednesday-Friday from 7 a.m.4 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.

They are currently closed Sunday-Tuesday. Her hours may change in the summer. Pre-order baked goods at sweetelephantbakeshop.com, or scroll through Facebook.com/TheSweetElephant/ to see examples of her desserts.

Left: Photo by Bre Bogart Photography. Middle: Lauren Connolly stands in front of her bakery. Photo by Jeff Taylor/Winchester Star. Right: Photo by The Kents Photography.

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BEST OF

HUNT COUNTRY WEDDINGS The wedding industry was turned upside down in 2020, with nearly all spring weddings canceled due to COVID-19. By late summer, couples determined to tie the knot had scaled down their original plans and opted for smaller, more intimate weddings. Many couples live-streamed their ceremonies for guests to watch from home. We noticed the most significant trend for weddings in 2020 was light and airy spring styles that carried over into fall, no doubt due to the cancelations — but nevertheless we are feeling it!

INTIMATE FARM NICK PAIGE & LINDSAY BINGHAM Wedding Date: Oct. 31, 2020, in Delaplane, Va.

With sweeping hillside views highlighting Virginia’s fall foliage, this intimate backyard wedding held at a private farm reminds us why we love hunt country so much. The soft simplicity, romantic touches, and backdrop of this wedding evoke a storybook setting based in the English countryside.

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VENDORS: Photographer: Rebekah J. Murray Wedding planner: Lindsay Bingham Catering: Nani Power Cake: Gateau Bakery in Warrenton Venue: Carrington Farm (private home) Flowers: Free Spirit Floral Music: Brandon The Wandering Bard (fiddle) Dress: MELANIE by Pronovias

HISTORIC CHARM BRITTON & KRISTEN WIGHT

Wedding Date: Sept. 12, 2020, at The Red Fox Inn & Tavern in Middleburg, Va. If you’ve ever been to The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, you’ll know it’s an iconic destination in the center of Middleburg and is oozing with historic hunt country charm. It’s easy to see why we chose to feature this wedding that was initially scheduled for spring, but postponed until fall and scaleddown due to COVID. “But honestly, that made it all intimate and perfect,” the bride said. “And now we’re having a big one-year anniversary party to celebrate with those who couldn’t attend, also at the Red Fox this September!”

VENDORS Photographer: Karis Marie Photography Cake by Salamander Chef, Jason Reaves Florals by (Bride) Kristen Wight of Kukka Flowers Bride Details: Glam: Sara Mabrouk Makeup Dress: Berta Shoes: Marion Parke

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Groom Details: Tux: Bonobos Shirt: Proper Cloth Watch: Omega

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Bolinvar

v Hunt Country Estate

Deerfield Farm

Windsor Farm

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

Riding ring and green house.

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

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

115 acres $4,500,000 Upperville – Horse property specializing in the training of Grand Prix horses. The Manor House dates to the 1700’s and has been expanded through the years.

A gracious home with formal gardens and expansive views. 3 tenant houses, 3 apts.

Mary Ann McGowan | 540-270-1124

Mary Ann McGowan | 540-270-1124

John Coles | 540-270-0094

John Coles | 540-270-0094

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LA

Orchard Manor

Chilly Bleak

Mountville

Spring Hill

33+ acres $3,250,000 Leesburg – Native-stone manor house, over 7,200 finished square feet. 4/5 BRs, 4 BAs & 2 half baths. King Construction Stable: 11 box stalls, wash & grooming stalls, office, bath, tack & feed rooms. 3 large foaling stalls in the Carriage House.

152 acres $3,250,000 Marshall – Gently rolling fields in prime Orange County Hunt Territory. Historic home c. 1820 with later additions creating a 5 BR / 5 BA home with stone terrace and pool. 2 Stables - 15 stalls and 6 stalls, Kraft Walker, 8 paddocks, 6 fields, 3 cottages.

145+ acres $2,465,250 Middleburg – Sought after location on Mountville Rd. near Foxcroft School. Several home sites with wonderful views and vistas yet extremely private, half wooded and half pasture with over 2,000’ of Goose Creek frontage. Middleburg Hunt Territory.

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

Susie Ashcom | 540-729-1478

John Coles | 540-270-0094

John Coles | 540-270-0094

John Coles | 540-270-0094

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ND

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FEB 2021

Stone House Stables

Five Forks Farm

O’Bannon Land

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M

CO

CI ER

Madison & Federal

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

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

50 acres $995,000 The Plains – Conveniently located between I-66 and route 17. The well maintained trails that surround the property make for a great potential ride out. The gently rolling hills offer numerous building sites with amazing views.

REDUCED $699,000 Middleburg – Zoned for mixed use with Retail & Office spaces. Includes 7 rare parking spaces off Federal Street! Long time, active retail business in one building.

Seller desires to rent back. Priced well below appraised value. Zoned C-2.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

John Coles | 540-270-0094

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

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

m i d d l e b u rAllgPages l i f e . c o m • F E B RU A RY 2 0 2 1 2001-19_ML_DoubleTruck.indd

it’s time for some open space

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NE

Fieldstone Farm

Rock Ridge

94 acres $4,300,000 Stone residence, 4 BR, 6 BA, completely updated, located just north of Upperville.

Views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Includes: 3 BR barn apt., 1 BR cottage, 60’ X 20’ pool, 2 ponds, 2 barns and paddocks.

Additional 140 acres available.

94+ acres $3,674,999 The Plains – Magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 5 BR / 6 BA. 5 fireplaces.

1st floor luxury primary suite. 22-stall barn, fenced paddocks and riding ring. 2 tennant houses. Income producing farm. Easy access to I-66 & Dulles Int. Airport.

Mary Ann McGowan | 540-270-1124

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

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LA

Hill Crest

The Orchard

153 acres $1,990,170 Delaplane – Located in prime Virginia Wine Country and Piedmont Hunt Territory. Magnificent views, gently rolling land offers half of the property cleared and the remaining in forestry. protected by an Easement

4.82 acres $1,950,000 Middleburg – Largest residential parcel “in town!” Built by local master builder WJ Hanback. 3/4 BRs, 3 full BAs, details include spiral staircase, built-ins, hardwood floors and fireplaces. Fenced garden extensive landscaping, pond and mature trees.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

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E UC

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Clark House

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E UC

In today’s world we are grateful to live in a place that celebrates open space and the authentic charm of the Hunt Country lifestyle. Contact Thomas & Talbot today so we can help you find your perfect home and introduce you to this wonderful way of life.

D

RE

Old Thos. Hayes

COMMERCIAL RENTAL 900 sf $1,710/mo.

The Plains – Wood floors, high ceilings, half bath and kitchenette. Great WiFi. Garden and ample parking. Ground maintenance and waste removal included.

Walk to nearby ammenities. Also Available: 1,100 sf $2,070/mo. Or both $3,420/mo.

COMMERCIAL RENTAL $995/mo Middleburg – Available for the first time in decades, wonderful corner location at the cross streets on Madison and Federal in historic downtown Middleburg. This street is seeing a renaissance of sorts! Lots of new shops and restaurants.

Rein du Pont | 540-454-3355

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

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

warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

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2:32 PM

GOOD VIBES AJ & JON BAUTISTA

Wedding Date: Sept. 18, 2020 at the Rust Manor House in Leesburg, Va. During such a challenging year, we loved that this wedding brought the feel-good happy vibes! They nailed it with a colorful vintage van as a photo booth, allowing their smiling golden retriever to have center stage during the ceremony and incorporating a bright and airy spring pallet.

VENDORS: Photographer: Samantha Leto Photography @samanthaletophoto

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Florals: @daniellysboutique Videographer: @aplayoflight DJ: @willgralley Caterer: #greatblueheroncatering Hair: @hair.makeup.byvictoria Makeup: @tracytranchi Photobooth: @marigoldbusandbooth Dress: @labellabridalva

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CLASSIC DETAILS REAGANNE LAUREN & PHILLIP WILLIAM SHERA Wedding Date: Sept. 19, 2020, at Goodstone Inn in Middleburg, Va.

We adored this micro fall wedding for the classic yet personal details that incorporated the couple’s interests on a macro scale. “Our bride grew up with fond memories of her mother’s blue and white ginger jar collection,” K Bella Events said. “As a couple, R and P [have] a strong affinity for a more mid-century modern, contrasting style; so, we married both into the design: incorporating blue and white ginger jars with white, matte black, and lattice urns, softened by a light and airy palette.”

VENDORS: Planning and design: K Bella Events @kbellaevents Photographer: @weddingsbyhana Beauty: @laurendiana_MUA

Bridal gown: @reemacraweddings Bridesmaids dresses: @davidsbridal DJ: @a2zmusicfactory Floral designer: @petalsandpromises Groomsmen attire: @generationtux Linens: @nuagedesignsinc Outdoor lighting: @dangoldmanevents Rentals: @whitegloverentals Stationery: @shinewedding Tent: @sugarplumtents Venue and catering: @goodstoneinn Videographer and live streaming: @bowenfilms Teaser video (Bowen Films): instagram.com/p/ CFYSi4sBOZ1/

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MODERN INDUSTRIAL MORGAN HARDING & LUKE BAUMSTARK Wedding Date: Aug. 23, 2020 at The Refinery in Culpeper, Va.

Just off Culpeper’s historic main street, the industrial atmosphere found at The Refinery, with its exposed ceilings and massive windows, allows beautiful light for the perfect touch of drama at this edgy-modern wedding.

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VENDORS: Photographer: Kyla Jeanette Photo Hair/makeup: Tranquility Day Spa and Salon in Haymarket Flowers: LynnVale Studios Catering: My Sweet Thyme Decor rentals: Bride and Joy

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CALLING ALL GOOD DOGS

CANINE BLOOD DRIVES HELP TO BOLSTER VETERINARY BLOOD BANKS Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Andrea Hallett Photography

L

oyal, playful, and undeniably cute, dogs leave little to be desired in terms of the perfect companion. From therapy animals to hunt country sidekicks, our four-legged friends are perhaps most loved for their unwavering support during humankind’s times of need.

TV writer and personality Andy Rooney once said, “The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.” Though in fairness, he may not have considered the people of Middleburg and nearby communities who so often go above and beyond average when working for a worthy cause. In December, a group of charitable locals and their philanthropic pups assembled at Mary B. Schwab’s Stoneleigh Farm for their first monthly canine blood drive to address the seriously low inventory at veterinary blood banks.

Even among dog owners, the idea of donating canine blood isn’t necessarily familiar.

“Gayle Cayse, kennel master of the Snickersville Hounds, alerted me to the need for canine blood,” Nicole Watson says, a founding member of the blood drive and resident of Purcellville. Her dogs now donate once a month. “Until then, I had no idea that dogs had 12 different blood types. I shared the idea with my friends Liz Billings and Mary B. Schwab, and all of us being dog people and charitably-minded we came up with the idea of a blood drive.”

Watson also contacted the Northern Virginia Veterinary Blood Bank and linked up with Casey Mills. “When Nicole learned about the need in the community, she reached out to see if it was something we would be interested in and if we would partner with her

Left: Casey Mills cuddling a dog. Right: Dogs at the blood drive.

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and some other dog owners in Middleburg,” Mills says.

With NVVBB on board, Watson, Mills and company turned to the community in search of donors. Watson notes, “We used a little bit of Facebook, a little bit of word of mouth,” Watson says. “And I’ve been doing flyers that say, ‘calling all good dogs’ because that is the spirit behind it all.”

“Honestly, when we originally talked, I didn’t realize how big the community support would be,” Mills says. “But on our first donation day in Middleburg, we had 15 new donor dogs join the program.”

Held at Mary B. Schwab’s Stoneleigh Farm on Dec. 21, 2020, the all-day, appointment-only, COVID-safe affair offered festive hats and cookies for humans and plenty of Drives | Page 27

Drives | From page 26 toys and peanut butter for the donating pups.

But more than squeaky toys and treats, Watson and Mills focused on creating positive energy during the donation process. “We want this to be a positive experience for [the dogs],” Mills says. “We schedule each dog for a half hour appointment. That starts with getting to know them, we want to snuggle them a little bit and make sure they are happy.”

Once comfortable, each dog starts with a pre-screening to make sure it’s a healthy and eligible participant.

“We have donor requirements we ask them to meet,” Mills says.

“We would like dogs to be between one and seven years old and they are required to be at least 50 pounds to donate a full unit safely. We check all their cell counts and make sure there is nothing weird there.

We also test for infectious diseases. We like to make sure that anything we are passing along is safe for the recipient. If everything looks good and they are not anemic or dehydrated, which we check prior to every donation, they can go ahead and donate the same day.”

After the puppy equivalent of a finger prick, which fulfills the prescreening, each dog then donates 450 ML — about two cups — of blood. Though the process may sound daunting, Mills says they take many precautionary measures.

“We use a numbing cream, so they don’t feel the pinch of the needle,” Mills says. “They get snuggled on the table, and then they sit with a Band-Aid for a few minutes afterward and get whatever their favorite treat is. Then they are good to go.” And while the whole appointment is 30 minutes, the actual process of drawing blood only takes two or three minutes.

Kim Keppick of Rectortown and her three rescue dogs participated in the inaugural December event and in the second event in Upperville on Jan. 18.

“When it came to actually donating blood it was really cute,” she says. “It happened in a horse stall on a masseuse-type bed with what they call ‘a professional dog cuddler’ who basically laid on the bed adoring the dog.” While two of her dogs were naturals, the third was a little timid. “One of my dogs was a little bit nervous, so I had to go in there and help with him. He wanted to do it sitting up. But he is even a baby about getting his toenails clipped. He did have all the moral support he needed, and he really enjoyed his peanut butter too.”

The benefits of the blood drive go far beyond peanut butter. For participants, each dog is given a free blood work up and access to blood for life anywhere in the country.

“I was floored by the detail and quality of the blood chemistry panel they provided,” Watson says. “It’s worth about $500, which is expensive. And, if you donate blood, the blood bank will make sure that your dog has blood if you need it, wherever you are in the country. And they’ll even clip their nails.”

For potential recipients, the impact is even more significant.

“There are a lot of different reasons that can cause a dog to need a blood transfusion,” Mills says. “Whether it is trauma, or surgery, or if a dog gets into certain toxins … rodent poison and sugar-free gum seem to be common things dogs get into, they require a plasma transfusion.

A lot of people who donate know a dog or have had a dog that required a blood transfusion. They really know how hard it can be to find blood especially in an emergency situation.”

“If we in the Middleburg community can increase the blood bank’s capacity by 50% in a month, with one day of effort, that’s amazing,” Watson says. “That is 60 dogs’ lives that are saved.”

While the effort behind the blood drive is completely local, their work has the potential to reach far beyond Virginia.

“We do prioritize the vets in our local community because all of our donors are from the local community,” Mills says. “But we do supply blood out of state when needed. If someone calls us with a patient that is in dire need of a blood transfusion, we’ll send it to anyone who needs it. We are trying to help out as many as we can. And, with so few blood banks it is near impossible to keep up with demand. Middleburg is making a huge impact and helping us keep up with as much demand as we possibly can.”

Moving forward, Watson envisions a few distinct donor pools and rotating venues to avoid putting too much pressure on the hounds or the hosts. There are two events in the books and slots already filling for February.

“I think it will be interesting to see how it evolves,” she says. “It has been heartening to see how the community has embraced it.” She is working on picking an official name for the blood drive and NAVBB has applied for 501 c3 status.

Perhaps the most heartening part of the experience is the connections it creates, person to person, and person to pet. “There’s that feeling of community,” Watson says. “I think everybody loves their dogs and when they feel like their dog is giving back, I could see the pride as some of the donors shared pictures or shared stories. They were just so proud of their animals.” ML For more information or to sign up to be a donor email Nicole Watson at nicole.v.watson@gmail.com.

Nicole Watson and Liz Billings.

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“ W h a t t h e N e w Ad m i n i s t r a t i o n C o u l d M e a n for your Financ es-The Tax Hig h lig hts” President Joe Biden officially became the 46th president of the United States on January 20th, 2021, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris. It was a controversial battle for the presidency, and no matter which side you are on, we now have a new administration, and we need to heed what changes may be ahead of us. Many initiatives are put forth, including a focus on green energy, extending health care, and significant tax, regulatory and legislative proposals important to businesses and individuals alike. These all will no doubt take a back seat to fighting the COVID 19 pandemic.

The new administration has a number of proposed tax law changes to raise nearly $4 trillion in additional revenue over the next decade.

While these are still “proposed” changes, it is important to know what that “might” mean to you as an individual if they are put into motion.

• Raise the top income tax rate back to 39.6% from 37%, which is where it has been since 2018. Keep in mind, this does not affect the Net Investment Income Tax of 3.8% on certain individuals, estates, and trusts with income above specific amounts.

• Increase tax rates on capital gains and qualified dividends on investment income at the new ordinary income tax rate of 39.6% for taxpayers with an income above one million. Currently, ordinary dividends are taxed as ordinary income. Capital gains, however, are taxed at 20%, 15%, or 0%, depending on your tax bracket. In other words, this means the top rate on long-term capital gains would nearly double from 23.8% to 43.4%.

• Restore the Pease limitations and cap the benefit of itemized deductions at 28%. Deductions include mortgage interest costs, charitable contributions, and possible state/local taxes.

• Do away with the step-up in basis loop-hole that allows decedents to pass appreciated investment gains to heirs without capital gains taxes.

• Apply the Social Security (FICA) tax to those with earnings above $400,000. This change would impose a 12.4% tax on Social Security wages and self-employment income on amounts over $400,000.

• Decrease the current unified tax exemption from its current level of $11.7 million per individual to $5.5 million or even less.

• The maximum Child and Dependent Tax Credit would rise from $3,000 to $8,000.

• Relief and forgiveness would be increased for those with student loan debt. This includes immediately canceling $10,000 of federal student loan debt per person as part of COVID relief. Also, proposing free college tuition in some circumstances.

• The first-time homebuyer credit would be reinstated.

• Refundable tax credits for health insurance premiums would be applied so families would not have to spend more than 8.5% of their income on health care costs. There would also be increased tax benefits for the purchase of long-term care insurance.

• There are currently some beneficial tax treatments in real estate, such as 1031 exchanges that may be repealed for taxpayers who earn more than $400,000.

It doesn’t matter what side of the table you are on, nobody likes taxes (no offense to our CPA friends out there!), but we hope this article is helpful. Given the potential likelihood of these changes, it may be prudent to review your existing financial and estate plan. If you have highly appreciated investment assets and real estate holdings, it may be worth considering ideal liquidation timing. If you have a larger estate, you may want to think about using your full exemption (and the additional $120,000 that inflation adjustments added) sooner rather than later. If the Pease limitation is restored, depending on your income, tax on charitable deductions may increase, so it may be worth thinking about the best time to make charitable donations. These are just a few thoughts. Your CPA or advisor is probably already considering the impact of these proposed changes. We are also happy to help you with these questions. As a financial planning firm, it is one of our jobs to work with your CPA and consider the tax code and its implications on our clients’ financial future.

Tom Wiseman

Lucy Zimmerman

SPONSORED CONTENT

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Finding Beauty from Ashes in William Webster’s Art Written by Shayda Windle

M

ost people are unable to see the beauty in something like a steel mill or the dilapidated buildings and lonely storefronts of a small town, but that’s not the case for William Webster. An artist and illustrator based out of Marshall, Va., Webster graduated from Youngstown State University in Ohio with a degree in advertising and illustration.

It was in Ohio that Webster spent time working in a steel mill, where he donned asbestos suits and was subjected to heat and flames on a daily basis. It was also where he found beauty in the steel mill and ashes of the infernos he worked under.

“The steel mills I worked in while attending college became the subject of several noteworthy paintings I completed during this time,” Webster says. “The mills themselves are often grimy, dark places with dirt floors and materials piled on top of each other with little regard. But the process of steel making is something so intense — the light, the heat, and flashes of every color in the rainbow against the dark background of a steel mill is a thing of beauty indeed. If not a bit scary, it’s certainly a dangerous job and one that re-

quires a completely lucid mind — probably why I can recall the images so vividly.”

After college, Webster went on to work for Arrow Shirts, selling to department stores up and down the East Coast. One of his most “treasured works” came from a trip to meet his future boss at The Plaza Hotel in New York.

“I remember sitting in the lobby, watching waiters hustling drinks back and forth where the bartender poured martinis over ice in long stemmed glasses,” he says. “The crystal chandeliers reflected on the marble floors where red velvet chairs cradled businessmen hunched over what must have been important deals. There was a constant buzz in the lobby with elegant women and men dressed in business clothes coming and going with a sense of purpose and urgency. The scene was surreal for a young man whose life up to that point had been the drab streets of a small Ohio steel town. I sketched the scene while waiting for my boss to show up.”

After spending years on the road in sales for Arrow, Webster took an illustrator’s position with Lady Arrow, a division of Arrow Shirts.

William Webster in his home studio. Photo by Jennifer Gray.

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“The steel mills I worked in while attending college became the subject of several noteworthy paintings I completed during this time.

The mills themselves are often grimy, dark places with dirt floors and materials piled on top of each other with little regard. But the process of steel making is something so intense — the light, the heat, and flashes of every color in the rainbow against the dark background of a steel mill is a thing of beauty indeed …”

— Webster

“Most of the assignments were ink fashion illustrations for national publications and newspapers,” he says. “The experience reinforced my love and appreciation for water-based pigments. I eventually moved on from illustration, taking higher paying positions within the industry in various sales and marketing roles. During this time, I continued painting, sketching, and participating in seminars under the tutelage of recognized watercolor artists.”

After reaching his “tolerance with corporate America,” Webster took a year off and supplemented his income with sales from paintings at local art shows and fairs.

“While I would return to the real world of commerce and business, it was liberating to know I could actually make a living selling my paintings,” he says.

He eventually opened a firm in Front Royal designing heavy timber and log homes for “baby boomers fleeing the city to the foothills of the Blue Ridge,” he says. “It was during this time I began to gain recognition for my art in other local events. I had purchased a home Beauty | Page 31

Beauty | From page 30 in Beaufort, North Carolina which has a very active artist community. At the urging of local gallery owners, I began to enter my works in juried events where I won best of show. Most of what I was painting at that time were local scenes like the usual lighthouse, shrimp boats, and ocean sunsets. While these scenes were popular and sold well, I was really more interested in painting those scenes which had little commercial appeal.”

Today, Webster says he paints for “personal satisfaction” and spends time doing so from his own studio, at his own pace. His recent piece, “Snow Fall on Toms Brook,” was painted during a trip to Sperryville, Va. Many of Webster’s original pieces are at Marshall Curated, an antiques and home decor shop located in Marshall. Learn more about his work by visiting his Facebook page at facebook.com/WilliamWebster35574. ML Top: Mill Gate. Bottom left: The Plaza Hotel Lobby.

Bottom right: Fall Hunt.

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Rectortown Slave Becomes Poster Child for Abolitionist Movement Written by Heidi Baumstark

W

hen one door closes, another opens. That’s true for slaves in Rectortown who were freed after the murder of their master Charles Rufus Ayres.

The fatal day for Ayres was Friday, Nov. 11, 1859. The place was Rectortown, Va. The killers? Locals William Wesley Phillips and his oldest son 18-year-old Samuel C. Phillips.

The reason? An argument over a farm gate.

According to an article in the Alexandria Gazette (Nov. 17, 1859), the quarrel between Ayres and William took place that November afternoon about 2 p.m., when the parties casually met in the public road near Ayres’s residence. It started as a misunderstanding about a farm gate that escalated into a verbal dispute using “very offensive language,” the article points out. Then the parties departed.

But before sundown, William and Samuel came riding through Rectortown — armed and ready — hunting for Ayres. Not finding him in town, they proceeded about three-quarters of a mile to Rectortown Station near the railroad tracks; the elder Phillips went into Rector’s Store/Warehouse built

by Ayres’s stepfather, Alfred Rector. Not find-

ing him there, William remounted his horse and the two retraced their steps back to Rectortown.

Finally, they discovered Ayres inside Andrew Cridler’s shoemaker shop where shots were fired by Ayres and then by the elder Phillips. Ultimately, Ayres was struck a fatal blow, first shot by William and then by his son. Ayres “fell and died, in the space of two minutes,” the 1859 article states. The two Phillips men killed Ayres one month before his 33rd birthday. And they were arrested and sent 15 miles south to Fauquier County Jail in Warrenton.

Ayres was laid to rest Sunday, Nov. 13, 1859 in the “church-yard of the village, followed by a large concourse of sympathizing friends and relations.” Funeral services of the

Episcopal Church were performed by Rev. Mr. Shields. The article ends with, “In life, he possessed many noble virtues, his death was an exemplification of one of them.” The church no longer stands, but Rectortown Cemetery on Maidstone Road (Rt. 713), is still there, believed to be where Ayres is buried (though no tombstone has been found) along with many Rectors, including the village’s founder, John Rector (1711-1773).

The events after the killing are where this freedom story starts. For who? For Ayres’s slaves and the several children he fathered with three of his slaves. But little did Ayres know that one of his own daughters — Fannie (also seen as “Fanny”) — would literally become the poster child for the Movement | Page 33

Top: 1934 map of Rectortown shows Rt. 713 (Maidstone Rd.), Rt. 710 (Rectortown Rd.), and Rt. 624 (Lost Corner Rd.). Photo courtesy of Fauquier Heritage and Preservation. Right: Fannie with her adoptive mother, Catherine S. Lawrence, May 1863. Photo by Library of Congress.

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Movement | From page 32 abolitionist movement.

Who was Charles Rufus Ayres?

Born in Fauquier County on Dec. 23, 1826, he was the only son of Charles Wesley Ayres and Catherine “Kitty” A.M. Floweree.

He was orphaned as a young child. When he was 11, his widowed mother married Alfred Rector in 1837, a prosperous merchant for whose family Rectortown was named on land owned by village founder, John Rector of German origin. Originally called “Maidstone,” Rectortown was established in 1772 by an act of the Virginia General Assembly and holds the distinction as the oldest town in Fauquier, located in the rural northeastern part of the county about four miles north of Marshall.

In 1843, at age 17, Ayres attended Yale University for one year. From 1847 to 1849, he attended the University of Virginia and was educated as a lawyer. However, he preferred the life of a farmer and was a prosperous landowner of 500 acres that surrounded the village of Rectortown. His farm included Milan Mill, on Rectortown Road (Rt. 710) and adjoined Rector’s Store/Warehouse located at the intersection of Maidstone Road (Rt. 713) and Lost Corner Road (Rt. 624). When the Manassas Gap Railroad came through in 1852, this 1835-built structure was added onto, housing the railroad station and post office, and still stands today. (During the Civil War, this building was used as a prison for captured Federal troops as shown on a nearby Virginia Civil War Trails marker. This mark-

er includes text stating that the building was headquarters for Union General George McClellan when President Lincoln relieved him of command of the Union Army in November 1862.)

Although a Union man, Ayres owned slaves — at least 12 — according to his estate records. In an article in the winter 2015 issue of Fare Facs Gazette (historical newsletter for Fairfax City), the author writes that though unmarried, Ayres “took full advantage of the relationship and had at least three children by his slaves Mary Fletcher, Jane Payne, and Ann Gleaves. However, unlike most slaveholders, he acknowledged them and provided for them in his last will and testament.”

In his will dated July 28, 1857, Ayres freed all three women and their children, providing “five hundred dollars, or some sufficient sum of money, for their settlement in a free state.” The will stipulated that the two oldest children of Mary Fletcher — Viana (spelled “Vianna” in his will) and Sallie (sometimes spelled “Sally”) — plus the oldest child of Jane Payne and Ann Gleaves, would each receive after reaching the age of ten, “one hundred dollars annually a piece, to be applied in raising and educating them.” (At the time of his 1857 will, Fannie is not mentioned since she was born the following year.)

A Look into Virginia Law A Virginia law passed by the Virginia General Assembly on Jan. 25, 1806 required that manumitted slaves (slaves released from slavery) and free blacks must leave the state “within twelve months” unless they peti-

tioned the Virginia General Assembly to remain. If emancipated slaves remained in the state more than twelve months, they “shall forfeit the right to freedom and be sold.”

Many manumitted slaves chose to remain in the neighborhoods where they were known instead of leaving spouses, children, and other family behind, petitioning for permission to stay in Virginia. Additionally, on Feb. 18, 1856, the Virginia General Assembly passed an act providing for the voluntary enslavement of “free Negroes of the Commonwealth,” allowing free blacks to enslave themselves to a master of their choosing. Though Fletcher, Payne, and Gleaves and their children were now free, all three women faced an unimaginable choice: leave Virginia or return voluntarily to slavery. Since the three failed to choose a new master, they were reduced to slavery because they had remained in Virginia for more than twelve months. So the women returned to the home of Alfred Rector. Here, they were under the charge of “Grandma Kitty” (Ayres’s mother) and Alfred’s daughter, Ann Rector (half-sister of Ayres).

For the purposes of this article, the focus narrows in on one of those three slaves — Mary Fletcher and her children fathered by Ayres: Viana (born 1850), Sallie (born circa 1852), and Fannie (born 1858).

In Mary Fletcher’s petition filed with the Fauquier County Circuit Court on Sept. 5, 1860, she describes the reason for her choice to stay: “That she is married and her husband is a slave who could not accompany her. That she has several children, besides those provided for by the will of her late master [Charles Rufus Ayres], all of whom are young and helpless, and that if she goes away, she parts from all whom she has ever known, and goes a friendless stranger, to a new state encumbered by helpless children. Your petitioner declares that she deliberately prefers slavery in Virginia to freedom outside of it.”

But Grandma Kitty had other plans for her formerly enslaved grandchildren. She told them to remain until her death — then make their way to Union lines. In August 1862, she died, and after her burial, escape plans were underway.

Led by a slave known as Uncle Ben — Ayres’s former personal body servant — the group of escapees walked east toward Fairfax County and Union lines. Narrowly escaping danger, they took turns carrying little Fannie and the other younger children. Keeping off roads for fear they would be captured by Movement | Page 34

Rector’s Store/Warehouse built 1835 by Alfred Rector (Civil War Trails marker in front and circular yellow railroad crossing sign in back). Photo by Heidi Baumstark.

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Movement | From page 33 rebels, they trekked through woods, dreading wild hogs that freely roamed the forests for food, according to the Fare Facs article.

After walking about “forty-two miles” from Rectortown passing through Fairfax Court House (today, Fairfax City), they arrived at Fort Williams, a Union army fortification west of Alexandria, Virginia. But the route was much longer since they had to avoid roads, Confederate cavalry, and enemy pickets. After traveling for two days and nights they arrived at Fort Williams, as Uncle Ben would later state, “mostly dead and starved.”

Now behind Union lines, the story turns.

Just before Christmas 1862, Viana (age 12), Sallie (age 10), and Fannie (age 4) met a woman named Catherine S. Lawrence. She was from New York and worked as a Union Army nurse in the Convalescent Hospital at the Episcopal Seminary (currently, Virginia Theological Seminary) in Alexandria. During the Civil War, it housed 1,700 wounded Union troops.

One day, she “happened to see several white girls amongst a group of freed slaves,” the Fare Facs article states. Lawrence described the smallest child (Fannie): “The little girl had flaxen hair and dark blue eyes, but dark complexion, or terribly sunburned.” Basically, she was shocked to learn that the three girls were actually light-skinned slaves. Unmarried and a staunch abolitionist, Lawrence chose to adopt all three. But eventually, Viana and Sallie were sent to live with families in New York while Fannie remained with Lawrence. At the age of 15, Sallie died on Oct. 21, 1867. Four years later, Viana died at age 21, circa 1871.

In a sworn deposition taken on Oct. 9, 1871, Fannie was asked what became of her sisters after they entered Union lines. She answered: “They came North with Miss Catherine S. Lawrence and myself; Viana lived with John A. Rumsey in his family at Seneca Falls N.Y. until 1867, when she went to live with Dr. Dio [Diocletian] Lewis. Sally lived with Dr. ‘Dio’ Lewis from the time she came North until she died [Oct. 21, 1867] at Lexington Mass. at his house. I was at said Lewis’ house with Miss Lawrence a short time before Sally’s death and saw her there.”

And Fannie?

She would go down in history as the most photographed slave child in history.

Her popularity started on May 10, 1863 at

the age of five when she was baptized by evangelical abolitionist, Rev. Henry Ward Beecher (brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, known worldwide for her abolitionist novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” published 1852). The baptism took place in Beecher’s Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, New York; she was baptized as Fannie (for her birth name) Virginia (for place of birth) Casseopia (for mythological Greek queen of unrivaled beauty) Lawrence (surname of her adoptive mother).

But before baptizing her, Beecher held her up to his congregation, declaring, “This child was born a slave, and is redeemed from slavery!” An audible gasp could be heard from the shocked parishioners who assumed the child to be white.

“A benevolent woman [referring to Lawrence] who was nursing our sick soldiers in the hospital at Fairfax, found her, sore and tattered and unclean,” Beecher said. “The whole force of my manhood revolts and rises up in enmity against an institution that cruelly exposes such children to be sold like cattle.” He was interrupted by spontaneous applause. He concluded, repeating, “Look upon this child, and take away with you the impression of her beauty, and remember to what a shocking fate slavery would bring her! May God strike for our armies and the right, that this accursed thing may be utterly destroyed.” This followed with renewed applause.

After her baptism, Rev. Beecher arranged to have Fannie photographed; in fact, she posed at least 17 different times, often with her adoptive mother, Catherine S. Lawrence.

Basically, little Fannie was “exploited from the pulpit, and later with her image, as propaganda to further his abolitionist aims,” the Fare Facs article states.

It worked.

Little Fannie’s “carte de visite” photographs were widely popular in the north making her the “most photographed slave child in history,” the article claims. It was at this point that her career as a “redeemed slave child” began, funding the abolitionist movement and assisting with education expenses for freed slaves. The reasoning was that people might be more sympathetic to support the cause if one could imagine that child in the photographs was one of their own.

After Viana’s death in 1871, Fannie attended school and grew into a woman. But like her sisters, her life, too, did not end well. The Fare Facs article states Lawrence’s sentiments: “The little one that I adopted and educated, married one whom I opposed, knowing his

Fannie Virginia Casseopia Lawrence at age five in 1863. Photo by Library of Congress.

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reckless life rendered him wholly unfit for one like her. When sick and among strangers, he deserted her and an infant daughter and eloped with a woman, who left her husband and two small children. My three Southern children are all laid away, for which I thank my heavenly Father.” Fannie’s death date is unknown, but she is believed to have died sometime before 1895. Her burial site is also unknown but is believed to be in New York.

And Catherine?

In 1873 at the age of 54, she lost her home in the village of Mexico, New York, for nonpayment of a debt. Two years later in 1875, she applied for and received a pension for her service as a Civil War nurse. She also relied on the charity of friends. In 1893 at the age of 74, she published her autobiography, “Sketch of Life and Labors of Miss Catherine S. Lawrence Who in Early Life Distinguished Herself as a Bitter Opponent of Slavery and Intemperance.” The book’s primary focus was about her life as a Union Army nurse and the adoption of Viana, Sallie, and Fannie. At the age of 85 in 1904, she died, destitute, in Albany, New York. She is interred in the Old Stone Fort Cemetery in Schoharie, her birthplace in New York.

The murder of Charles Rufus Ayres over a farm gate swung wide open a domino reaction of change. What started out as an argument — ended in freedom for slaves. As they say, when one door closes, others open. ML

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Thursday, February 25 | 6pm Free, Live, Virtual Event RSVP for your spot: info@NationalSporting.org or 540-687-6542 x 4

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Thank you to all our clients, colleagues, friends & families that have made all of these sales possible.

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Upperville – A picturesque and private country road, bordered by elegant estates and manicured grounds, leads to this stunning all brick Williamsburg colonial. Brilliant perennial gardens, towering trees and breathtaking views.

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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.

Jim McGowan 703-927-0233

Mary Ann McGowan 540-687-5523

Brian McGowan 703-927-4070

Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

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May you have a healthy and happy New Year!

Jim, Mary Ann and Brian McGowan

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10:49 AM

KEEPING UP WITH WELLINGTON

Above: Lucas Diaz Alberdi, Beverly Polo. Photos by Jennifer Gray.

Polo

Middleburg’s own Beverly Equestrian Polo team competed against Palm Beach Equine during the opening day at International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida. This game was part of the 18-Goal Joe Barry Cup. Beverly Polo players this year include: Bill Ballhaus, Lucas Diaz Alberdi, Jorge “Tolito” Fernandez Ocampo Jr., and Hilario Figueras.

“Beginning the season with two difficult games against Palm Beach Equine, Beverly Polo emerged victorious in the opening game of the Joe Barry Memorial with a thrilling 1211 overtime victory which was highlighted by the impressive game-winning goal from Tolito Ocampo” —US POLO.ORG In these images (above) we see Lucas Diaz Alberdi, a 6-goal polo professional for Beverly Equestrian, racing down the field after the ball as he and his horse take a dramatic tumble only to quickly jump back up and recover!

“Few players have had more success in the Joe Barry Memorial in recent years than Lucas Diaz Alberdi. Winning in 2019 with Dutta Corp and in 2020 with Palm Beach Equine, Alberdi has his sights set on a third consecutive title with Beverly Polo, playing the proto-

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typical number two position. Working tirelessly in the middle of the game to free up space for both Ocampo and Figueras, Alberdi has been a key figure in Beverly Polo’s offense, leading the team with four assists. Adding his two goals, Alberdi has been directly involved on half of Beverly Polo’s field goals, providing a balanced offense.” —US POLO.ORG

Winter Equestrian Festival

The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is the largest and longest-running horse show in the world, attracting national and international competitors, with some preparing for the Olympics or beginning professional equestrian careers. WEF is being held this year from January 6 to April 4 in Wellington, Florida.

Pictured are a few Middleburg locals spotted competing at WEF this year. ML

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David Matisz, M. Holliday, Photo by Olivia Airhart.

MIDDLEBURGers UNDER THE PALMS

Club members and their guests watch the opening polo games at International Polo Club.

Photo by Jennifer Gray.

Guests snap a selfie during the polo match. Photo by Jennifer Gray.

Evan Coluccio, Balmoral. Photo by Pritchard Hill.

Alexa Lowe, Ever D’hoogpoort. Photo by Olivia Airhart.

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Visit the MHF Resale Boutique at 8351 W Main St, Marshall Visit the MHF Resale Boutique at 8351 W Main St, Marshall Visit the MHF Resale Boutique at 8351 W Main St, Marshall middleburglife.com

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Moments that Matter.

Take a moment to play this winter. From billiards at Gold Cup Wine Bar to an outdoor culinary experience in a private dining dome to bespoke in-room dining by the fire. Be sure to dedicate time to calm your mind, body and spirit at the acclaimed Salamander Spa. 855.421.3045

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French Country home, with renovations in 1999 $6490,000 Well protected Fauquier location | 6 bedrooms | $8,000,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood 4 full and 2 half baths | 3 fireplaces | Great views Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 Sandra Bravo Greenberg 202 308 3813 floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop | Pool with large flagstone terrace | Large county stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Imkitchen | 4-car detached garage with apartment/ provements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest office | 9-stall barn | Covered arena | Outdoor house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | ring | 4 stall shed row barn | 51 fenced acres Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres

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A remarkable property located within a private 17 acres of rolling pasture land in the village 11 SOUTH MADISON STREET MOSBY STREET BUNKER HILL enclave just minutes from town | Stone and stucco of Rectortown | Convenient to both Routes 50 MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA manor house Pharmacy with main | 7 1-1/2 bath cape cod on &private 66 street | Newly renovated2 lots| between Private setting with The Old Middleburg | Built in level master suite 3 bedrooms, The Plains and Marshall | Parcel C 1934 | Wonderful old stone building on in the village | 1,764 square feet with hardwood is 3.9 acres | Parcel B is 3.5 acres | Both parcels have additional | 5 stone FP | Beautiful gardens, magnificent mountain views | 4completed bedrooms, Madison StreetBR in Middleburg with endless floors throughout, freshly painted and move in preliminary soil work to obtain 4 bedroom options | salt Main level retail, full basementcabana, carriage house ready | Also & offers room, for growth4 | Quick access septic permits | Both lots are very private and have a terraces, water pool, full bath, 1 half bath, 2 fireplaces | Heated for storage or separate entrance and to 66 for a quick commute or work from nice mix of open and wooded areas | Great convenient stable with 2apartments paddocks pool & spa | 2 bedroom guest house | 3 rental upstairs | | Lovely finishes throughout home | Owner is a licensed real estate Agent location where few lots are available.

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