Middleburg Life | May 2020

Volume 37 Issue 5 | May 2020 | middleburglife.com

MIDDLEBURG

LI F E Class of 2020 Gains New Perspective + Modern Day Heroes: Nurses & Doctors & Curbside and Community

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

MIDDLEBURG REAL ESTATE

ATOKA

PROPERTIES

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

JUST LISTED

JUST LISTED

10000 MOUNT AIRY RD | UPPERVILLE

20858 GREEENGARDEN RD | BLUEMONT

$2,775,000 | Extraordinary brick colonial on 50+ gorgeous acres in prestigious Greystone. Over 9,000 sq ft of spectacular living space featuring three beautifully finished levels. Heated pool, tennis court and brilliant gardens overlook a picturesque pond with fabulous mountain views in a private location.

$1,800,000 | 120+/- acres of beautiful land with far reaching pastoral views in a peaceful, private location! Multiple outbuildings including a shed, run-in and barn.

Cape Cod/Bungalow home with 2 full beds, 1 full and 1 half bath. An incredible opportunity! The property is in land use and conservation easement..

Peter Pejacsevich 540.270.3835

Peter Pejacsevich 540.270.3835

Scott Buzzelli 540.454.1399

JUST LISTED

Scott Buzzelli 540.454.1399

COMMERCIAL

3251 MOUNTAIN RD | HAYMARKET

17 W FEDERAL ST | MIDDLEBURG

$1,575,000 | Country estate on Evergreen Country Club's 18th fairway showcasing seasonal mountain & golf course views! This custom-built home on 11 acres provides serenity on one of the finest lots. Bright, spacious home with upgrades galore: gleaming HW floors, fresh carpet, wood blinds, plantation shutters & updated baths.

$1,300,000 | Beautiful, modern open 2 story office offering in the heart of historic Middleburg. Large open workspace for communal work environment, as well as individual office spaces to accommodate for multiple types of work preferences. Bright and open throughout. Small kitchen space, 2 bathrooms, and back patio.

Scott Buzzelli 540.454.1399

Peter Pejacsevich 540.270.3835

Peter Pejacsevich 540.270.3835

Scott Buzzelli 540.454.1399

JUST LISTED

COMING SOON

23443 MELMORE PL | MIDDLEBURG

LOTS 1 & 2 | HARRISON HILL LN | LEESBURG

$898,000 | Spacious 3,500 sqft Colonial on largest lot in subdivision! Includes lovely creek & woods. Spacious & sunny w/ HW floors & slate foyer. Many updates include: kitchen appliances, windows, roof & gutters, master bath, refinished basement & more. Well maintained lot only minutes from the village of Middleburg.

$149,000 per parcel | Build your dream house in an idyllic and private wooded setting! Raw land just north of the historic town of Leesburg. Pass Temple Hall Park & three wineries on the way home. Near Lucketts Store, Roots Market, and so much more! Loudoun County approval for 5 bedroom septic per lot on file (2002). See MLS# VALO408566 & VALO408570 for moree information.

Scott Buzzelli 540.454.1399

Scotti Sellers 703.929.2324

Peter Pejacsevich 540.270.3835

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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Middleburg, VA 540-687-4646

Charlottesville, VA 434-245-2211

Annapolis, MD 410-990-1700

Greenbrier, WV 304-956-5151 M AY 2 0 2 0

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MIDDLEBURG

LI F E M AY 2020 middleburglife.com

PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Gray | editor@middleburglife.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Laura Pizana COPY EDITOR: Chelsea Rose Moore ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Christian Bentley | christian@middleburglife.com ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Rebekah Greenhill | info@middleburglife.com Vicky Mashaw | vmashaw@middleburglife.com Jennifer Richards | jennifer@middleburglife.com Andrea Ryder | andrea@middleburglife.com ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR: Joanne Maisano DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR: Laticia Headings DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Nicky Marshok ON THE COVER Middleburg Life worked with Hill School to find three high school seniors to feature as representatives for the class of 2020. Since each senior attended Hill School (which offers K-8) in Middleburg, we planned a socially distant photoshoot at the campus. It might not be the ending these students had expected, but we hope this allows each senior to feel celebrated for their accomplishments, discipline and hard work.

Photographed by Jennifer Gray.

ON THIS PAGE The town of Middleburg shown with nearly empty streets photographed in April of 2020 during the midst of the quarantine due to COVID-19.

Photographed by Joanne Maisano.

CONTRIBUTERS Dulcy Hooper, Heidi Baumstark, Chelsea Moore, Richard Hooper, Kaitlin Hill, Joanne Maisano, Laticia Headings, Patrick Mulrooney, and Shayda Windle 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.

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Field Master for Orange County Hunt Opens

Larkins Leather Repair in Marshall

By Kaitlin Hill Photos by Joanne Maisano

L

ifelong equestrian experts and longtime friends, Maryalice Larkin Matheson-Thomas and Luke Berg opened Larkins Leather Repair in Marshall on February 21, 2020. At their Main Street shop, they specialize in restoration, custom design and quick turnaround times—even during the evolving COVID-19 situation.

Matheson-Thomas explains, “This was a dream of mine from a long time ago, but I did other things. As I got older, I thought, ‘Maybe I better start thinking ahead a little bit.’”

“Other things” includes 30-plus years as a household name in the equestrian community, including time as the head trainer at Bowler Hill and a field master of the Orange County Hunt. Her knowledge of all things equestrian, especially equipment, made opening Larkins a natural next step.

Matheson-Thomas continues, “I saw the building for rent, and I got on the phone and conned Luke into coming up here.”

Berg is similarly well known in the horse sports world for his work as a master saddler.

For Berg, it’s a labor of love and longevity. He says, “There is multigenerational saddle making in my family. I worked with my father since age 5. This is all I’ve ever done and all I ever wanted to do.”

As for what he can do? The sky’s the limit in terms of repair and custom creations. “We do a full gambit of leather repair and custom leather items, everything from new saddle seats, new knee pads, boot repair, blanket repair,” he says. “Pretty much any custom leather items you can think of, we can produce.”

Not only can the team at Larkins handle a multitude of projects, but their swift turnarounds are also impressive.

“Luke is an extreme professional who does beautiful work, and we can get it out to the client very quickly,” says Matheson-Thomas.

“If someone comes in with an emergency, we’ll tell them to go next door and get a cup of coffee and something to eat, and we’ll have it done by the time they get back.”

Their brand of customer service also includes adaptability, which is especially important in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“When [customers] call, we tell them that if they are hesitant to come in, they can just leave [their item] outside the door, and we will go out and get it,” Matheson-Thomas explains.

Shipping is an option, too. Matheson-Thomas says, “We will take shipped items in. Luke is pretty well known, and I’m sure we’ll probably start getting things from across the nation, once they realize where he is and what the address is.”

If you do visit, you’ll be greeted with the inviting aroma of leather, antique racks of finished strap goods, walls covered by works of local artists, and, Matheson-Thomas believes, safe spacing in the roomy shop.

“There are just two of us here, and the door is eight feet from the counter, and the counter is three feet wide,” Matheson-Thomas says. “I think we’re covered as far as spacing goes.”

Berg adds, “She works at one side of the shop, and I work at the other, and my table is six feet wide.”

With equestrian events on pause for the foreseeable future, Matheson-Thomas says, “It is a good time for people to go through their tack rooms and see what repairs they’ve been putting off. Or if they want a custom belt or something, we can do that too.”

Their years of experience, impeccable repairs, beautiful custom designs and flexible customer service make them a welcome addition to the Hunt Country community. ML Larkins is located at 8302 East Main Street in Marshall, Virginia. The shop is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Saturday and can be reached at 540-364-8297.

Top: Maryalice Larkin Matheson-Thomas and Luke Berg. Bottom: Luke Berg at work in the shop.

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SACRIFICES & SILVER LININGS LOCAL NURSES TELL THEIR STORIES Story by Kaitlin Hill Photographs by Jennifer Gray

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s cases of the global pandemic COVID-19 spread nationally, so do fear and frustration. Separation from friends and family, food insecurity, unemployment, and worry for sick loved ones are a few concerns that weigh heavily on us. And with life so limited, many Americans wonder what more we will have to sacrifice, and where we can find silver linings.

Frontline workers Evie Sillex, a healthcare professional in Fauquier County, and Brianne Casey, an emergency department nurse in Aldie, share stories of how COVID-19 has impacted their lives.

One of the biggest challenges Sillex and Casey face shouldn’t come as a surprise to readers. “Everything you see on the news about the PPE [personal protective equipment] shortage is real,” Casey explains, “The goal is to use as few masks as possible because there are limited resources.” Nationwide, a lack of PPE has been one of the most difficult hurdles for healthcare workers to face when fighting this pandemic.

“We are trying to help the patients, but we don’t have the proper equipment to be able to do our jobs without putting ourselves at risk,” says Sillex.

Lack of testing and delayed results are also concerning and make identifying and containing the disease a complicated task. Casey shares, “Not everyone can get tested for the virus because there is a shortage of tests.”

Even for those who can get testing, results are sometimes delayed, presenting its own set of problems. Sillex says, “Now with overload Brianne Casey.

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at the labs, sometimes it is taking a week to get results. That’s another problem because if someone comes in [contact] with a family member, that family member will have to self-isolate or quarantine until we get the results back or they start showing symptoms.

Sometimes, the family member [that accompanied the patient] ends up coming back to the hospital, and we have to isolate them until their test results are back.”

The cycle of symptoms, results, isolation, and treatment leaves the nurses, doctors, and hospital staff working overtime and risking their lives to break it.

“We are having to pull 12 to 16-hour shifts because there is just an overload of people coming in. You are stressed and overwhelmed that you don’t have enough manpower for some of the overload of people coming in and needing help,” Sillex notes.

And though risk and long hours can be routine for healthcare personnel, the communicability of COVID-19 has healthcare workers keeping their distance from their families and friends. Many healthcare workers fear they are disease carriers and self-quarantine, adding loneliness to the list of daily stressors they already juggle. Casey confides, “One struggle that I am having is that I feel I have a high potential to be patient zero…I’m very close with my family, so I worry about them.

I haven’t seen my parents or hugged my mom since this whole thing started and that’s very hard.”

For Sillex, it’s her kids that she worries about most. She confesses, “It’s hard for them to cope with this. They’re old enough to know

what’s going on…You don’t want your kids in a situation where they could possibly end up with this virus that we don’t have a cure for.”

For all who have to isolate, it can take its toll, mentally and physically. Casey says, “It’s very lonely, and what I see happening is people come in that are having chest pain and shortness of breath that think they have it [COVID-19]. But a lot of the time it’s not. It’s anxiety because wandering around and only talking to your cat is difficult because people are social animals.”

Despite the long hours, distance from family, fear of infection, and lack of equipment, Sillex and Casey believe most of their challenges have silver linings.

Casey hopes the disastrous shortages in PPE will inspire improvement for the future and a renewed focus on sustainability. “I am looking at this terrible thing as an excellent catalyst to encourage us to think outside the box and continue to improve,” she says. “And resources should not be taken for granted, that is a lesson worth learning.”

She has also seen her community meet the needs of healthcare workers. From temporarily closed dentist offices donating their unused masks, to local restaurants feeding the frontlines, she says, “Everybody has been super supportive. It’s an amazing community.

I have not had to buy food in weeks because all of the restaurants in the area…just send food over to the hospital.”

Sillex has felt the love from her neighbors too. “We have tremendous support in the community for all our medical personnel,” she says, “Churches and community centers are donating gift baskets. We had one church that made a bunch of cloth masks for us. We had one teacher and a bunch of students make a video card for us, telling us they really appreciated us and to keep up the good work.”

She adds, “Some people might see it as something small, but to us just knowing that somebody cares…means so much to us. And we are just happy that they are healthy and home safe.”

Casey notes that support is also found within the walls of the hospitals, and that a silver lining of this pandemic might be an increased focus on mental health. She shares, “You can get PTSD working in the ER, even under normal circumstances. The company that I work for has always had resources, and

you just have to reach out. Now, with this at the forefront of everyone’s mind, they send out a reminder that we all have access to help.”

Though even more, she appreciates the sense of camaraderie within the team she works for and the support they give to one another.

“The team that I work for is truly family. It has been amazing to work with them…. It’s a really tight-knit group of people that are always there to help.”

A final thought Casey shared is her belief that this pandemic will spur a cultural change. “Today everybody is a workaholic.

You get up and it is go, go, go. And now, all of a sudden, everybody has a mandatory stay at home order. With people staying home, they remember to enjoy each other’s company. They are getting to know their babies and spend[ing] quality time with their spouses. It is a time for slowing down and self-reflection, even with an unfortunate background.” For

Casey, that is time spent riding her horse and even mowing her lawn.

For the rest of us, perhaps part of that self-reflection is an increased appreciation for people like Casey and Sillex, and an enduring consideration for one another. Sillex shares, “In the healthcare community we are doing everything we can to the best of our ability with what we have. And we just want you all to know that we’re always going to be here to keep everyone safe. It doesn’t matter who they are.”

As Casey and Sillex work to keep us safe, the least we can do is follow their example by making sacrifices to benefit the greater good, showing compassion for those in need, and being grateful for all we have. As Sillex puts it, “At the end of the day, we all need to try to support each other and keep each other safe.

If we can do that, I think we can get through anything.” ML

Evie Sillex.

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Thank you to our local restaurants who continue to provide take-out and delivery services to the community. We encourage you to support your local restaurants and to tip generously to support the local workforce.

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GEORGETOWN $7,900,000 2804-2806 Q Street NW, Washington, DC Michael Rankin +1 202 271 3344

ELWAY HALL $10,500,000 8394 Elway Lane, Warrenton, VA | 300 acres Will Thomas +1 202 607 0364 Mark Lowham +1 703 966 6949

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BEACON HILL $1,999,000 16717 Whirlaway Court, Leesburg, VA | 3.04 acres Francie Baroody +1 703 622 8550

MARSHALL $750,000 6480 Fireside Place, Marshall, VA | 17 acres Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680

DELAPLANE $1,250,000 3354 Winchester Road, Delaplane, VA | 28 acres Carole Taylor +1 703 577 4680

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Equal housing opportunity. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Price and availability subject to change. US dollar conversion as of 05/28/19.

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CLASS OF 2020 GAINS NEW PERSPECTIVE Hill School alumni now attending Foxcroft, Middleburg Academy and Loudoun Valley share stories of the final semester they’ll never have.

By Chelsea Rose Moore Photos by Jennifer Gray

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or high school seniors, May is usually filled with AP exams and proms, while graduation parties, senior banquets and baccalaureate ceremonies grow closer. Caps and gowns hang in the closet, ready to be worn for the ceremonious walk across the stage. But the coronavirus has cancelled all such traditional events for the class of 2020 and is requiring them to find unique ways to commemorate their senior year.

Middleburg Life worked with Hill School to find three high school seniors to feature as representatives for the class of 2020.

Since each senior attended Hill School (which offers K-8) in Middleburg, we planned a socially distant photoshoot at the campus.

It might not be the ending these students had expected, but we hope this allows each senior to feel celebrated for their accomplishments, discipline and hard work.

Abby All, a senior at Foxcroft School, says one of the hardest things about this time is the lack of closure. Foxcroft typically celebrates seniors in the spring with special events rewarding them for their hard work and allowing them to “pass on the torch” to underclassmen.

Foxcroft is tentatively planning a modified graduation ceremony in August, as well as alumni celebrations next year, when the class of 2020 could return and be rewarded for their accomplishments. In the meantime, they’re finding other ways to celebrate today, with activities such as a virtual senior slide show and Bingo game.

As head of the Activities Committee, All is involved in planning the Bingo game, which has prompts such as “attend an online meeting with a teacher,” “bake something,” “send a letter to a senior,” and “add a recipe to the Foxcroft cookbook.” All has been brainstorming other prompts that encourage girls to “do stuff that’s not online or on Zoom,” like reading a book or spending time outside. Winners will receive e-gift cards.

Abby All.

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“I keep telling all my friends that we can make the best of what is in our control, because there is so much that’s not in our control,” she says. “Sending this Bingo out, I feel like I accomplished something.”

All is involved in many leadership roles on campus, from hound captain to student council member. Now, she’s found creative ways to stay connected with friends by writing snail mail letters and participating in virtual hangouts and Zoom calls. She and her family have been playing board games at night, and she’s been running at the Hill School campus.

“My heart breaks for all the seniors everywhere, college and high school,” she says.

“It’s so easy to get bogged down on your graduation being cancelled, but it’s almost comforting to know you’re not alone in this because it’s affecting so many seniors just like you. We’ve all worked so hard to get to this point in our lives, and we all have those special things we’re missing, but we’re also all grieving together, and we’ll get through it together.”

Foxcroft’s goal is to raise strong women who are leaders in the world, and the COVID-19 pandemic has given All and her classmates an opportunity to put what they’ve learned into practice. “At first we were devastated, but now we’re saying, ‘How can we make the best of it?’” says All, who will be attending Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, in the fall.

Grayson Alto, a senior at Loudoun Valley High School, is captain of the tennis team and is the Loudoun Valley DECA President.

He says the thing he’s missing most is his sense of team.

“There’s definitely no closure with the people around me,” he says. “I was expecting to at least have a few more months with the people at my school. The team was really important to me, and that got cancelled.”

Alto is one of five siblings, and his family has found a good rhythm in working together around the house. Alto has been mowing the lawn, while one of his brothers cooks meals; his sisters bake, and his other brother does wood working.

“I’m definitely happy to be home and be able to relax and spend time with my family,” he says. “The burden is eased for my parents.

The kids are taking care of them.”

He says Loudoun County has promised seniors an in-person graduation ceremony during the summer before he heads to Clemson University in South Carolina this fall.

Charlotte Ruth Zaback, a senior at Middleburg Academy, has played tennis for the last four years and soccer for the last three years. She co-founded and has co-led the school photography club and is on the prom committee. She was accepted to her firstchoice college, University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and she says it’s “pretty likely” she’ll attend in the fall.

Middleburg Academy recently informed seniors that teachers will make and send videos about each of them. The Headmaster and Academic Dean are giving each senior the choice of having a diploma delivered to their home or meeting at the school to receive them.

“Speaking from the perspective of a senior in high school, it’s definitely not how any of us would expect the year to end,” she says. “[I’m] missing the last bit of being on campus with my friends. In some ways, you are doing the same things [like coursework and college preparation], which is nice. [Schools] have been doing virtual tours for colleges.”

Although Middleburg Academy officially cancelled this year’s prom, students have been speaking about possibly putting together their own prom over the summer.

While many students have been making the best of this time, their parents have been mourning this lost season as well. What was supposed to be a time to celebrate their child’s accomplishments has been replaced with cancellations and uncertainty.

In her piece published on Grown & Flown, Jennifer Handford, a Wakefield School teacher and mom of three Wakefield students (two of whom are seniors), shared her own disappointment while encouraging her readers not to lose heart.

She writes, “We might get what we want, and we might not. My girls might get a graduation in June, the middle of the summer, next fall, or they might not get one at all.

Not losing heart means accepting whatever outcome we get with the knowledge that our happiness doesn’t hinge on a condition.”

Class of 2020, we are proud of you for weathering this storm with grace. We are certain that together you will come out stronger when this is all over. ML

Top: Grayson Alto. Bottom: Charlotte Ruth Zaback.

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

WIND FIELD FARM

ARLINGTON FARM

AQUINNAH

SPRING GLADE

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

Circa 1853 colonial of stone and frame construction | House and property have been meticulously restored and maintained | 8 BR, 9 full BA and 3 half BA | 9 FP, antique pine floors, high ceilings, detailed millwork, gourmet kitchen | 466 rolling acres with mountain views | Long frontage on Goose Creek | Guest house, office, 8 stall center aisle barn with apt, 4 additional stalls, lighted sand ring, numerous tenant houses, greenhouse, circa 1800 lime kiln cottage | Property is fenced and cross fenced, ponds, creeks and mature woods with trails

296 acres of beautiful farmland off the Atoka Road | A working farm in crops and hay and improved with multiple large farm buildings and 3 cottages | Beautiful building site for a main house if desired | Property is in conservation easement which allows for 1 division and permits construction of an indoor area and additional equestrian and farm buildings | Beautiful mix of open land, creeks, pond, woods, pasture, crops and rolling topography - western views of the Blue Ridge Mountain.

SPRING GLADE

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

French Country home, with renovations in 1999 $4,950,000 $14,500,000 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 halfHelen BA,MacMahon 5 FP, hardwood 540 454 1930 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Improvements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres

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$3,900,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 acMahon 540.454.1930 helen M LANGHORNE FARM HALCYON HILL UPPERVILLE, VIRGINIA

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

$3,300,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

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RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA

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

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

French Country home, recent renovations | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop setting overlooking lake & mountains | Improvements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | 79.89 acres

SALEM HILL

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA $3,900,000

Well protected Fauquier location 6 bedrooms | Paul |MacMahon 703.609.1905 $4,850,000 Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930 4 Paul fullMacMahon and 2 half baths | 3 fireplaces | Great views 703.609.1905 | Pool with large flagstone terrace | Large county kitchen | 4-car detached garage with apartment/ office | 9-stall barn | Covered arena | Outdoor ring | 4 stall shed row barn | 51 fenced acres

$3,690,000 HILLCREST

BICKERING OAKS

UPPERVILLE, VIRGINIA

HAYMARKET, VIRGINIA

Spectacular hilltop setting, bold mountain views and Paris valley views | Home updated in 2017 | 4 BRs, 4 BA, 3 FP, gourmet kitchen, vaulted ceilings, skylights, lovely gardens, walkways and terrace | Improvements include in ground pool with spa | 2 stall barn with tack room, room for horses, spring fed pond |13.37 acres next to parkland surrounded by large estates

$1,425,000 Paul MacMahon 703 609 1905

Endless possibilities for working from home or creating cottage industry on this tranquil 18 acre property | Residence & outbuildings including 8 stall barn, stable converted to home office, 80 x 100 car barn and picnic pavilion |Enjoy the open space, fresh air & sunshine in the best of both worlds | Country Living at its finest but close to major commuting routes | Beautifully appointed sun-filled 4 BR main residence in park-like setting | Two-story living room w/ picture windows, recently renovated eat-in kitchen with top of the line appliances & finishes, spacious family room w/bar, separate laundry room, wrap around partially covered deck w/ stunning views of Bull Run Mountains

$1,175,000 Alix Coolidge 703 625 1724

HALCYON HILL

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

$2,650,000

helen MacMahon 540.454.1930 m i d d l e b u r g l i f e . c o m • M AY 2 0 2 0

20 Riv 4 fu Gun and | pad

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

GAME CREEK A remarkable property located within a private BUST HEAD ROAD OLD ALDIE RECTORY enclave just minutes from town | ALDIE, StoneVIRGINIA and stucco THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA house with main level master suite | of7 Aldie | 82.69manor acres | Mostly wooded, mountain Historic home circa 1803, in village views, bold stream in very protected area Originally a parsonage, part of land surveyed by additional BR | Beautiful gardens, | Conservation easement | Can |not5bestone FPGeorge Washington | Four bedrooms, two full subdivided | Prime salt Orangewater County Hunt and one half bath, six fireplaces and old& wood terraces, pool, cabana, carriage house location | Halfway between Middleburg floors | Front and rear porches, garden, in-ground stable with paddocks | Lovely throughout and The 2 Plains pool,finishes hot tub, entertainment area, gazebo, walkways and patios | Large studio or office | $1,100,000 & sweeping lawn to private trails to Goose Creek | Conservation easement | B & B potential Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 31 acres | Private, elegant & convenient $995,000

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Residence circa 1850 has been completely updated | 8 bedrooms, 8 1/2 baths, 6 fireplaces | Mountain views | Gourmet kitchen with gas range, subzero fridge | Master suite with balcony | Indoor heated pool, attached gym, par terre garden, greenhouse, tennis courts | Separate building office or guest house | New 8 stall center aisle barn with office and tack room | Riding ring, new fencing, 200 degree mountain views with unbelievable sunsets

17 acres of rolling pasture land in the village SOMERSET MAGNOLIA COTTAGE ofMIDDLEBURG, Rectortown | Convenient toMIDDLEBURG, both Routes 50 VIRGINIA VIRGINIA & 66living| charm Newly renovated | Private setting with Southern | Colonial minutes from One story living close to town | Stone home with Middleburg on 3.2 acres with front balcony and new roof, new windows, new kitchen and hardwood magnificent mountain 4west bedrooms, front porch | Sunlight entrance hall | 4 bedrooms, 3 views floors| just of town | Quiet no - thru street | 1/2 baths, and gas 2 fireplaces Lovely plantings and large patio- almost 1 acre with 4 country full kitchen bath,with1 center halfisland bath, | Heated cooktop | Family room with stone fireplace, antique a huge fenced in back yard | 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, &| 1-car spagarage, | 2in-ground bedroomlargeguest house | living room dining pine floors,pool 2 fireplaces open versatile combination heated pool & 2 stall barn with large windows and built ins.

Large shed & 2-car garage $956,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

$535,000 Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

$2,475,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

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MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR

Doc At Your Door

PERSONALIZED, COMPREHENSIVE, CONVENIENT AND RESPONSIVE CARE

By Dulcy B. Hooper Photos by Joanne Maisano

W

hether you are sheltering in place, social distancing, self-quarantining, or simply taking the time to explore new ways of doing things, Doc At Your Door has much to offer.

Founded in 2018 by William L. Simpson, MD, Doc At Your Door couldn’t be more timely and relevant. “Staying at home to receive care, particularly wellness and preventative care, keeps you from getting exposed to contagious bacteria and viruses present in physician and hospital waiting rooms, exam rooms and restrooms,” said Simpson.

The doctor speaks from an abundance of experience. Prior to founding Doc At Your Door, he had cared for patients for over 25 years in the traditional setting of a physician’s office. In the course of that experience, Simpson increasingly found that patient care was suffering from the burdens of an ever more complex healthcare system.

“It got to the point where a 15-minute patient visit boiled down to five minutes of irrelevant data collection, five minutes with the patient, and five minutes of cumbersome computer documentation and coding,” he said.

The traditional code-based reimbursement system imposed by insurance companies on the medical profession “forces providers to jam more and more patients through their offices in shorter and shorter amounts of time,” he said. “These were all obstacles to providing quality care.” Simpson believed that along with the system-driven necessity to treat higher and higher volumes of patients, insurance companies, government and healthcare systems were all requiring more and more tasks, many clerical in nature, that “robbed even more precious care time from each patient encounter.”

Simpson believes this traditional arrange-

ment is a “no win” for physicians and patients alike. “I wanted to get back to focusing on quality of care over quantity of care,” he said.

“I wanted to focus on prevention over treatment, delivering care over documenting that care, and optimizing health over maximizing profits.”

All of the services Simpson provided in his earlier practice are available through Doc At Your Door – onsite testing and treatments; medication management; wellness care, such as physicals, labs, vaccinations and screenings; illness care, including acute illness, acute injury, or chronic illnesses. Simpson said that studies are currently underway confirming that home-based care is of higher quality and that individualized, rapid, on-site intervention available to home patients when they become ill can reduce expensive hospital visits.

“This new model allows me adequate time to focus on what matters to patients and to me, without the unnecessary distractions and burdens.” There is no medical office, no brick and mortar. Rather, Simpson sees patients in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties and “every county that touches Fauquier” exclusively at their homes or offices, providing a full spectrum of portable care for patients in the location they prefer.

“Hundreds of people in the region have enlisted my mobile services for their primary care needs – some acute, some chronic and some preventive,” Simpson said. “Some appreciate these services due to immobility, but far more seek them out for the privacy, convenience, and personalization they offer.”

Simpson said around 70 percent of his day is spent seeing patients in their homes or offices, and the other 30 percent in providing telehealth services via phone, text, fax, email and video exchanges.

Regular services provided by Doc At Your Door include wellness care, treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, on-site testing and treatments, and medication management. Simpson says that not all care requires

a site visit, particular given modern, widely-available technology that allows patients to communicate with their physician by telephone, text, e-mail, and video. (His telehealth services are available only to established patients who have been seen at least once in the previous 12 months.)

“We charge for the care you receive based solely on time, so you are in control,” said Simpson. Doc At Your Door can provide all of a patient’s primary care or work with a patient’s office-based primary care provider.

“Any combination works, and if another provider is involved, we pledge to do an excellent job of keeping them informed about any care we provide.”

Dr. Simpson

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Simpson also offers transitional and navigational care. “One of the biggest challenges patients face in our current health care system is the changing of care settings, such as from home to hospital or hospital to rehab facility,” he said, “Doc At Your Door provides patient care that can be fully coordinated and managed from one setting to another.”

Simpson also wants to debunk four common myths about house call practice: • Patients do not have to be homebound to be seen – most of my patients are fully ambulatory.

“I wanted to get back to focusing on quality of care over quantity of care.”

• Patients do not have to give up their office physician. Many of my patients keep their office doctor and just call on me when needed.

• Patients do not have to pay concierge fees to see me.

• Patients do not have to forego insurance for labs, X-Rays, medications and therapies that I order. Only my time is private pay.

In these days so dominated by coronavirus, Simpson says he is even busier and the response to Doc At Your Door has been tremendous. “I am not really seeing many people suspected of being infected with CoV-2,” he said, “but rather seeing a lot of patients who simply want to avoid medical offices, urgent care facilities and hospital emergency rooms in an effort to limit exposure to others who may be infected with the virus. There is a lot of reward in being able to offer this kind of community care.” ML

Dr. William L. Simpson founded Doc At Your Door in 2018. He is board certified in internal medicine and has been providing general primary care since 1993. In addition to serving for 25 years as Medical Director for Piedmont Internal Medicine, Simpson has also provided leadership to the Fauquier County Medical Society and served for over ten years as a volunteer for the Fauquier Free Clinic.

paused to obtain a master’s degree in health services administration. Simpson has advanced training and experience in geriatric care, wound care, nursing home care, rehabilitation care, home care, and health services administration. Simpson’s wife, Patty, operates her own geriatrics care management company and provides him with her insights into home-based medical care.

Simpson was born in the Shenandoah Valley, grew up in Fairfax County and attended the University of Virginia for both college and medical school. Between college and medical school, he

The benefits of Doc At Your Door include a licensed, board-certified physician in your home for as brief or as long a visit as desired or needed. While physicians have been converting to concierge

Dr. Simpson with his wife Patty Simpson

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practices in numerous urban areas around the country, Simpson reports that many of his patients say Doc At Your Door is better than concierge care – and without the concierge fees.

Simpson offers 24/7 access via telephone, text, email, fax and video and responds to messages within hours. His model is based on “billing for time,” which he says is consistent with how most professionals receive compensation in exchange for their services. Pricing is based on time spent, with fees typically ranging from $25 to $500, at an average of under $100.

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Open House www.greersconservation.com www.greersconservation.com November 8 & 9, 2014 Open 37627 Allder School Road, Purcellville, VA 20132 House www.greersconservation.com 37627 Allder School Road 10am-4pm 540.338.6607 | greersant@gmail.com November Purcellville, VA 20132 8 & 9, 2014 37627 Allder School Road 10am-4pm 540.338.6607 Open Monday - Friday 9-4 &VAWeekends

by Appointment Purcellville, 20132 www.greersconservation.com greersant@gmail.com Museum Level Conservation and Custom Furniture for 44 years 540.338.6607 n

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Open Monday - Friday 9-4 & Weekends by Appointment n Museum Level Conservation and Custom Furniture for 44 years Open Monday 37627 Allder School Road - Friday 9-4 & Weekends by Appointment Museum Level Conservation and Custom Furniture for 44 years

Purcellville, VA 20132 37627 Allder School Road 540.338.6607 Purcellville, VA 20132 greersant@aol.com 540.338.6607 greersant@aol.com Regular hours are by appointment only

Regular hours are by appointment only

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FINDING JUST THE RIGHT

“PLACE TO BE” DURING CRISIS Photos and story by Laticia Headings

L

ike many other Middleburg businesses, A Place to Be found itself in jeopardy of an uncertain future in March amidst a global pandemic. However, with strategic planning, thoughtful execution and a generous donation from a board member, the musical therapy non-profit has recreated itself during the COVID-19 crisis.

When APTB was co-founded by Tom Sweitzer and Kim Tapper in September of 2010, it was meant to help an underserved population - people with disabilities, medical and mental challenges, and at-risk youth – using scientifically-based music therapy practices, as well as therapeutic and expressive arts.

Though the mission has evolved over a decade, the main tenants of the organization remain the same: to help people face, navigate and overcome life’s challenges through music. “We use music therapy as an intervention tool to help people who have any kind of challenge in life to find some sort of healing,” says Sweitzer, who worked at The Hill School as a theater teacher for 15 years prior to founding APTB. With a staff of 23, APTB sees roughly 180 clients every week at their Middleburg center, ranging in age from three to 90. “Some clients see us two to three times a week. We have a large population of children and adults with autism that really depend on a schedule and this (pandemic) has blown that out of the water. Putting us back into their lives is key.”

When the statewide, stay-at-home order was given on March 30 by Governor Ralph Northam, a week after non-essential businesses were ordered to be closed, 12 fulltime music therapists found themselves at home unable to work. Sweitzer admits, “Being a small non-profit, the immediate fear is ‘What is going to happen to the company?’ but because of our board and executive director we had enough resources to at least

begin this journey of being closed…we were smart enough to prepare for a rainy day. This is not the rainy-day fund I thought we were preparing for.”

“The first couple of meetings I felt scared,” says the music therapist, who has a BFA in music theater and a graduate certificate in music therapy from Shenandoah University,

Sweitzer, who is the creative director, Tapper, who serves as director of family & client services, and John Tong, the executive director, were determined not to lay off or fire staff members. Together with board members, they put their heads together to discuss ways to work virtually and keep the staff busy.

and a master’s degree in music therapy from Berklee College of Music. Sweitzer wanted to provide ongoing virtual support and services to APTB clients during a time of uncertainty and high anxiety. In fact, he wanted to make services free of charge for two months and

Tom Sweitzer and Kim Tapper holding a virtual parent’s night on Zoom.

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open it up to the community at large as a short-term program.

After expressing his idea to the board, one member (who wishes to remain anonymous) generously donated $100,000, allowing the newly-minted program to be initiated on April 7. Because of the bequest, APTB is able to provide free music therapy sessions to all existing clients, plus 150 new people from high-risk families in Loudoun County who

kids suffering from emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and isolation are able to get therapy that otherwise might not be available.

Sweitzer continues, “The main goal is to create a place where anxiety can be squelched through breathing techniques, communication, and expression of fear. To have students engage in something outside of their house.

For a lot of these kids, having something to look forward to is a big deal.”

Even with the technical difficulties that

may need it, all for free. “We are partnering with Loudoun County Public Schools who put it out to the counselors at each school to see if they have families who need services during these eight weeks,” says Sweitzer.

By opening it up to the schools, high risk

come from working through a computer, the team is flooded with requests. “We are seeing 300 families a week virtually. We work with executive functioning, giving clients tools musically that they can use to decrease anxiety or use when depressed to alter their

mood,” comments Sweitzer. In addition, APTB has four Facebook Live sessions a week for students - one each for elementary, middle and high school, plus one for parents.

Sweitzer offers, “We are music therapists, and this is what we know. We’re not psychologists or psychiatrists but this is our tilt on what we can offer the community at this time.”

A Place to Be will soon be sharing something else with the community. Behind These Trees is a commissioned musical for Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts written by Sweitzer. The performance was scheduled for May 12 but is now pushed back until July. Virtual rehearsals are happening through the popular video communication platform, Zoom. “We have a cast of 20 kids with varying talents and abilities and they all meet on Zoom,” he says.

The first day of rehearsals, Sweitzer heard from the father of a 17-year old cast member with autism. “His dad said he was so excited that he got all dressed up that morning for his 2 p.m. rehearsal with castmates. It was like Christmas for him. Giving these people something to look forward to is just huge. For a lot of them, socialization is tough anyway so even having Zoom is a bright spot in their day.”

Currently, the non-profit has clients predominately in Middleburg, Purcellville, Leesburg, Sterling and Chantilly. APTB will continue to have a permanent home in Middleburg but future expansion plans are in the works. Sweitzer remarks, “In the last two years of growth, I could really see the trajectory of where APTB was going in the next 1020 years. We have a plan for the fall called The Next Decade Fund, which will give us a platform to launch the next 10 years.” Outreach will allow them to broaden their client base and help more people.

On the precipice of their 10-year anniversary, APTB didn’t imagine they would be here - working virtually from home during a pandemic. But the non-profit has risen to the challenge and is getting creative in the face of adversity to help people, pioneer a new frontier and stay vital.

For more information on A Place to Be, visit aplacetobeva.org. ML

Tom Sweitzer and Kim Tapper holding a virtual parent’s night on Zoom.

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Hill at Home

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How One Family’s NinthGeneration Cattle Farm Was Saved

By Tracy Lind Photos by Hugh Kenny

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n a crisp spring morning, Dean and Carina Elgin and their border collie Jenny walk across the rolling hills and past the barn and cattle at Mountain Hollow Farm, nestled in the Bull Run Mountains.

Along four streams that flow across the property into Little River and Goose Creek, new fencing is going up to keep cattle and their waste out of the waterways. Around the farm, new fencing crosses the land, dividing it into smaller pastures.

The Elgins believe they’re lucky to live here in northern Fauquier County. If not for The Piedmont Environmental Council’s short-term loan and a state cost-share program that helped pay for the new fencing, the old would have just deteriorated.

“We couldn’t have afforded it otherwise, when all the fences fall down,” Carina says.

“Dean would’ve had to give up the cows and farming. This lets us start anew.”

Dean and Carina are ninth-generation Elgin farmers. “My great-grandfather was a cattle dealer and a cattle raiser,” says Dean, who helped run the dairy farm with his father and three brothers before returning to the cattle operation he runs today. “And then my father took over his operation and got into the dairy business around 1955. It was a good way to raise a family.”

Land in this valley has been in the family since the late 1700s, and centuries of farming have taken their toll. Historically, all the cattle had access to the creek.

“That was our watering system. That was the norm in that day,” Dean says.

The streambanks eroded under the daily foot traffic of generations of cattle, and the pastures struggle to remain productive for grazing. In 2015, the Elgins wanted to restore the land and improve the overall farm operation by deploying some agricultural management practices that weren’t known to their ancestors.

But there was one problem.

Although the Elgins qualified for a costshare program through the John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District—one that would pay for fencing, gates, hardened stream crossings, water pumps and water troughs for livestock—those programs only reimburse landowners after a project is completed. Like many working farmers and land-

owners, the Elgins couldn’t afford the more than $120,000 upfront cost, especially as Dean faced health issues that led to a successful heart transplant in 2018. The projects were put on hold indefinitely, and the pastures and streambanks continued to deteriorate.

Mountain Hollow Farm got its new lease on life last year, when PEC offered a loan to help the Elgins take advantage of the costshare program. Now, the Elgins are fencing out over 4,100 feet of streams and installing a new well and watering system for livestock.

Dean says he’s looking forward to seeing what will happen now that the cattle can’t access the water.

“There’s something to clean water,” he says. “All of a sudden the cattle are drinking well water versus stream water. They’re not

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smart enough not to drink downstream from their friends upstream.”

New field cross-fencing will also allow the Elgins to do rotational grazing. “One thing we’re hoping by doing this cross-fencing is we’ll have more lots, smaller, but more manageable,” Dean says. “[The cattle can] go and graze in this field for a while, while the other [field is] coming back. That’s some of the hope about how it’s going to help me with my cattle operation. I can get a little more out of each acre.”

The Elgins will repay the PEC loan after being reimbursed from the cost-share program, and in the end, will have incurred no out-of-pocket expenses.

PEC’s short-term loan was made through the organization’s James M. Rowley Goose Creek Conservation Fund with a grant from the Land Trust Alliance Land and Water Initiative. The fund supports on-the-ground projects that improve water quality and habitat within the Goose Creek watershed, covering about 247,000 acres in Loudoun and Fauquier counties.

Dean and Carina believe the loan program will help other farmers take advantage of cost-share programs as well. “Most people who are making a living in agriculture these days aren’t gonna have the bank account for the upfront costs,” says Dean.

Carina agrees: “It’s saving the family farm and allowing our 10th generation to inherit it.

Property values keep going up, and we don’t want to have to move. This helps us keep the family farm.” ML PEC’s James M. Rowley Goose Creek Conservation Fund has helped protect 14,000 acres, including Gilberts Corner Regional Park and Sunnybank Farm. PEC manages 11 conservation funds that support on-the-ground conservation and habitat restoration projects within PEC’s nine-county region. Most operate with an advisory committee that helps identify projects and provide information to landowners. All provide cost assistance for protecting land with a conservation easement or through fee-simple purchase. They also offer short-term loans to landowners, like the Elgins, who want to work with their local soil and water conservation district on land management cost-share programs. For more information on the PEC conservation funds, email conservation@pecva.org.

Dean and Carina Elgin. Photos by Hugh Kenny.

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“It’s saving the family farm and allowing our 10th generation to inherit it.

Property values keep going up, and we don’t want to have to move. This helps us keep the family farm.”

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John Coles 540-270- 0094 Rebecca Poston 540-771-7520 Specializing in Large Land Holdings

HERONWOOD

Upperville ~ Heronwood Farm & Golf Course is on the market! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own 501 magnificent acres of breathtakingly beautiful property in the heart of Virginia’s Hunt Country. Its stunning setting with a private 18-hole golf course, world-class horse facilities, main house and tenant houses is located on renowned Rokeby Road. This property is an incomparable treasure with easy access to Washington DC and Dulles $24,500,000 International Airport.

CLEREMONT

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

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

MUSTER LANE

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

R T DE RAC UN NT O C

Our hearts go out to al

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TULEYRIES & WESTFIELD FARM

Boyce ~ The Tuleyries, (168 Acres) Exquisite Federal Style Mansion, c. 1833 features grand rooms, high ceilings, 5 en suite BRs, extensively renovated in 1990 and beautifully maintained. $3,000,000 The adjacent Westfield Farm includes 2 parcels (237 Acres) with $2,000,000 a one level residence, tenant house and stables.

The Tuleyries and Westfield Farm may be purchased together or separately. Conveniently located 10 Minutes to Winchester Regional Airport.

SMITTEN FARM LANE

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

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During this difficult time in our Estate’s virtual doors remain ope remotely, given the nature of o to provide the highest service a This rural life has neve

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MORELAND FARM

MOUNTVILLE

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

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

DESTINAIRE FARM

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

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

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.

2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | Fax: 540-687-8899 | thomasandtalbot.com

All Pages m i d d l e b u r g l i f e . c o m • M AY 2 0 2 0 2004-22_ML_JohnColes-DT.indd

John Coles 540-270- 0094 Rebecca Poston 540-771-7520 Specializing in Large Land Holdings

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CHUDLEIGH FARM SECTION 2

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

OATLAND VIEWS SECTION 1

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

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r country Thomas & Talbot Real en. Being familiar with working our business, we will continue and support in Hunt Country. er been more desirable.

CHILLY BLEAK

Marshall ~ This 152 acre horse farm features beautiful open gently rolling pastures and fields in prime Orange County Hunt Territory. The historic fieldstone home dates to 1820 with later additions creating a 5 BR / 5 BA home with stone terrace and pool. Two Stables - 15 stalls and 6 stalls, Kraft Walker, 8 paddocks, 6 fields, 3 cottages. The home is perfectly sited for privacy with easy access to I-66 and Rt. 50.

VOF Easement. Shared listing with Sotheby’s. $3,750,000

CLEARWATER FARM

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

POTTS MILL FARM

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

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Sited at the end of the private drive is the historic Stone residence, c.1791 with additional stone cottage for guests or office and tucked into the woods, beyond the home, is a charming and beautifully restored 2 bedroom log cabin.

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CROSSWINDS

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

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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.

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MIDDLEBURG ART COMMUNITY EXPANDS THEIR SKILL SET WITH A UNIQUE LOOK INSIDE THEIR STUDIOS

By Shayda Windle

T

here is no doubt the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has impacted every industry imaginable, and the arts are no exception. For businesses that weren’t prepared to close their doors for an extended period of time, there has been a saving grace: technology. As soon as the stay-at-home order was put in place, galleries and individual artists swiftly moved exhibits and events to an online format, with many citing positive experiences.

That said, there’s nothing that can replace the human connection of walking into a gallery and attending an event. Meeting the artists themselves, seeing the works in person, and hearing the stories behind the art cannot be substituted with an online platform.

In-person workshops and classes also provide In the Studio, Jill Garity.

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something irreplaceable.

Local artist Jill Garity says, “Artists get a lot of synergy from painting with other artists, which is something that cannot be replaced online.”

Garity is one of the artists represented by Artists in Middleburg (AiM), a local nonprofit whose mission “is to nurture, develop, and provide arts educational opportunities for all.” After the stay-at-home order was put in place, AiM quickly moved their most recent exhibit “MORE Things Considered” online through a virtual gallery. These changes had us begging the question: What are artists doing during this time of social distancing, canceled events, and economic uncertainty?

After all, for artists who normally work solo, times like these could present opportunities to create new works, learn new mediums, or find inspiration from places unimagined.

Garity couldn’t agree more. The quarantine has allowed her to diverge from her usual impressionistic style and delve into abstraction.

“Coincidentally I had signed up for an online course in abstraction that started on March 1st,” she says, “In pursuit of that, I started two abstract pieces using an oil paint and cold wax process that’s made for layering of translucent layers, something I always strive for in my work.”

Garity has been amazed at how quickly the art community, and everyone else, has jumped on the “online bandwagon.”

“You could spend all day just watching free webinars and tutorials as various teachers take the opportunity to introduce themselves and generously offer something of value,” she says.

Jessica Wilson, another artist represented

by AiM, mostly focuses on landscape paintings, but also finds allure in architecture and figurative works.

“No matter what the source, my choice of subject lies in the geometry and structure of things,” Wilson says, “During this time of quarantine, I feel a door has opened to observe and discover more. Watching winter turn into the brilliance of spring is a reminder that mankind has the same will and determination. In its own way, the pandemic is forcing us to adapt and use what’s at hand.”

Then there is Laura Hopkins, a local artist inspired by the rolling hills, open country, and stone walls of Middleburg. “Much of my work is inspired by the American Tonalists of the 19th century, whose moody and atmospheric landscapes were popular in the decades between the Civil War and World War I,” she says, “Their paintings of fields, pastures, and marshes in the soft light of dawn and twilight are thought to have brought solace to the nation in the years following the Civil War.” Hopkins tells us that despite these uncertain times, she still strives “to capture the mood and emotion of a scene that offers the viewer a respite from the difficult realities we all face.” During this time of quarantine, she’s been spending more time in the field drawing and painting. She adds, “Without the pressure to paint for upcoming shows, I’ve had the opportunity to renew my studies of the historic Tonalists. I’m taking part in an online landscape drawing class at the Landscape Atelier, and as a result, am drawing in graphite, charcoal, and pen and ink as part of my process. I’m also painting many small oil studies that allow me to explore compositions and color harmonies. The drawings and small studies inspire larger works.”

Despite the adversity this quarantine and pandemic have presented, it’s truly inspiring to see what local artists are doing to further their practice, become better artists, learn new techniques, and most importantly, continue to see the beauty of this world in a time of darkness.

“We’ve seen entire communities come out to sing and play instruments from their balconies. Art never loses its power to communicate and bring people together,” Wilson says. ML Top: “Small 5X7 Studies,” Laura Hopkins. Middle: “Beginning Stages,” Laura Hopkins. Bottom: “Approaching Storm,” Jill Garity.

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THEN & THERE

John Solomon Rarey, Horse Tamer Story and photos by Richard Hooper

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n January 13, 1858, John Solomon Rarey displayed his horse-taming abilities before Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, along with their royal party, at Windsor Castle. The royals were curious about the reputed talents of this man from Groveport, Ohio, a town outside of Columbus.

Born during the waning days of 1827, John Rarey broke his first horse, at nine or twelve years of age (accounts differ), thus premiering a reputation that would provide him with a prosperous business, even as a teenager. As his business grew, Rarey traveled to Texas, studied and tamed wild horses, and trained a team of elks to pull his carriage. In 1856, back in Ohio, he published “The Modern Art of Taming Wild Horses.” There were at least five pirated editions (one with the title changed to the more exotic “The Arabian Art of Taming and Training Wild & Vicious Horses”) that same year. Seeking legal actions against such editions would occupy Rarey for

years to come.

With a letter of introduction from the governor of Ohio, Rarey demonstrated his method before the governor-general of Canada and a number of British army officers in Toronto. Obtaining further endorsements from this endeavor, Rarey set sail for England, arriving at Liverpool on November 29, 1857.

Rarey’s abilities and letters of recommendation quickly made their way up the chain of social networking, coming to the notice of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. At Windsor Castle, Rarey demonstrated the results of his techniques on three horses. The queen and prince were clearly pleased, and, the next day, he was delivered a check for $125 from the queen, along with her thanks for his entertainment.

The wedding of Princess Victoria, the Royal Family’s eldest daughter, to Prince Frederick William of Prussia was to occur on January 25. Queen Victoria had been so pleased with Rarey’s talent that he was invited to give a demonstration at the riding-house

John Solomon Rarey at Buckingham Palace. From The Illustrated London News.

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adjacent to the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace on January 23, just two days before the wedding. It would be an intimate audience comprised of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, the bride-to-be, the groom, the Prince of Wales, Prince Alfred, other members of the Royal Family, the ladies of the court, most of the foreign princes and princesses, and distinguished visitors then in London.

Rarey was familiar with the first horse in this demonstration, having already tamed it, but the next two he had never seen, both belonging to Prince Albert. The first of these was a colt that had never been handled, and the next was a charger known for its high spirit, restlessness under saddle, and constant tendency to be spooked. After about 15 minutes, the colt had become a calm, manageable animal and, shortly thereafter, the audience was delighted to find Rarey lying on the ground with the charger, variously crawling between its legs, sitting on its shoulder and hip, and, holding the horse by its legs, knocking its hooves together. After bidding it to rise, he

jumped on its back, opened an umbrella over its face, and furiously beat a drum, the horse standing calmly and as still as a statue.

Rarey did not reveal his methods during the demonstrations. Rather, he would remain alone with the horse for about 15 minutes before inviting the audience to see the results.

His plan was to sell subscriptions for private lessons, with pupils swearing not to reveal what they were taught. To gain credence and to show that his method was teachable, Rarey showed his method to Lord Alfred Paget and two military officers, prior to his exhibition at Buckingham Palace. They too were sworn to secrecy. Lord Paget displayed his own satisfactory results in taming a pony belonging to the Prince of Wales.

The subscription list of potential students began filling up in February. The fee was 10 guineas per person, with 500 subscribers required before Rarey would begin his classes. Payment was held in escrow by Messrs.

Tattersall, the famed horse auctioneers. In March, Rarey began giving lessons at the Duke of Wellington’s private riding-school, his students comprising a roster of the who’s who among the aristocracy. The next month, Rarey would face his most difficult training challenge: Cruiser.

Foaled in 1852, Cruiser was notorious as the most vicious horse in England. Belonging to Lord Dorchester, the stallion had always been prone to showing his temper, going down on his knees and tearing up the ground with his teeth, screaming and kicking his stall for long intervals, and not letting anyone approach him. Having such a temperament, a racing career proved impossible. Put to stud in 1855 in service at the Rawcliffe Stud Company, he was returned to Lord Dorchester as too dangerous to handle. For several years, he wore an eight-pound bridle with a muzzle of iron that had a bar across the front so that Cruiser could only eat by licking in his feed.

It was a contest of wills, pitting patience and gentility against mistrust and anger.

Eventually lifting the left front hoof up, Rarey was able to secure the pastern up under the elbow with a belt. With Cruiser on three feet, Rarey cinched another belt around Cruiser’s midsection. A third belt was fastened around the right front pastern and let through the belt around the midsection. By pulling on this belt, Rarey was able to slowly bring Cruiser to

his knees and then onto his side. Rarey gently stroked the horse, gaining its trust. After three hours, both Rarey and Doncaster rode Cruiser.

Rarey’s reputation went viral. His subscription list soared to 2,000 students. Sonnets and poems were written about him and “The Rarey Waltz” was performed at Her Majesty’s State Ball. By that autumn, he had given lessons in France and would go on to give lessons throughout continental Europe and into Russia, the Middle East, Scotland, Ireland, and perform twice more before Queen Victoria. On October 27, 1860, Rarey gave a lecture at the Crystal Palace in London, to an audience of 8,000. The next month, after nearly three years of traveling much of the world, Rarey returned to the United States.

Cruiser arrived on another vessel a week later.

At the beginning of 1861, Rarey was giving demonstrations in New York. Towards the end of February, he was in Washington, D.C., where he gave three exhibitions. The last of these was presented at the National Theater, occurring on March 4, the day of Abraham Lincoln’s first inauguration. An advertisement for Rarey’s event stated that it would conclude in time for members of his audience to attend the inaugural ball.

Rarey’s demonstrations in Washington were not his last. However, the Civil War, which broke out six weeks later, limited his schedule. He built a handsome mansion in his hometown, Groveport. Not yet 39 years of age, John Solomon Rarey passed away in October of 1866 from complications from a stroke suffered the previous year. His will provided for Cruiser, who lived on for another nine years, gradually returning to an unruly state.

Rarey’s methods gave impetus to a gentler attitude toward the taming of horses, in which many brutal methods still persisted.

He was an inspiration to Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He gave lectures before assemblies of carters and cabbies on the better treatment of their animals.

His methods were adopted by the cavalries of Great Britain, France, and the United States.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said that Rarey “had turned a new leaf in civilization.”

A more sweeping statement describing Rarey’s legacy came from Sara Lowe Brown, an early biographer of Rarey: “In kindness there is power.” ML

Top: Cruiser untamed. From Harper’s New Monthly Magazine. Middle: Cruiser’s bridle with iron muzzle.

From Harper’s New Monthly Magazine. Bottom: Cruiser tamed. From Harper’s New Monthly Magazine.

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The NSLM is temporarily closed and looks forward to seeing everyone once we reopen.

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27

CURBSIDE AND COMMUNITY:

THE MARKET AT BLUEWATER KITCHEN Story by Kaitlin Hill Photos Courtesy of Bluewater Kitchen

O

rson Welles once famously said, “Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch.” Welles’

Kozich Family.

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edit of JFK’s call for patriotism may seem silly or even unpatriotic, but food service and community service are frequently brought to the table in tandem. This is perhaps most true in times of crisis. Nourishment is often an overlooked but essential medicine for dark

days and roots us more deeply to our own community.

In Upperville, Bluewater Kitchen owners, chef Michael Kozich and his wife Christina, understand the connection between

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kitchen and community. The husband and wife team opened their catering operation in 2013 with a shared vision of building a bridge between producer and patron. Christina Kozich explains, “We saw it as an opportunity to connect the people back to where their food comes from…making that connection between farms and what people are eating, specifically at special events.” They built their reputation on exquisitely executed events focused on showcasing Shenandoah’s finest ingredients and chef Michael’s Michelin kitchen-training.

More recently, in November 2019, they expanded their vision to include The Market at Bluewater Kitchen, their reimagination of the old Upperville country store with the same focus on local producers. Christina says, “We wanted to take the country store and put our spin on it, offering really awesome local products that people in the area need, along with delicious, yet affordable meals.” Part grocery, part takeout spot, and a few things in-between, The Market allows customers to experience chef Kozich’s cooking in different formats. From a daily hot order menu, graband-go items, locally-sourced pantry staples, and delivered meal subscription plans, the Kozich’s are driven by the idea that everyone deserves access to good, fresh food.

This fundamental belief still drives them.

Even in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, where business looks a little different, their desire to feed the community remains the same.

“We had no choice but to figure out how to make this work for the community and for us,” Christina says, “We are doing the same thing but just in a different form.”

Though catered events and onsite eating have given way to curbside pickup and contactless delivery, the Kozichs’ connection to the community has remained.

“We just try to listen to what the people have said [and] their feedback about things they need,” Christina says, “We are open, but doing curbside service and deliveries, especially for older people who are just cocooned in their home right now. My heart goes out to those people and we’ll help however we

can help. At some point, my husband and I stopped thinking about the business. I mean you still have to, but I really think that when you put your heart in the right place, good things happen. That’s what we are leaning on.”

They also desire to help other businesses, mainly farms, hit hard by the economic consequences of the pandemic. “We are really trying to move local farm product as much as we can because we want to highlight them as well,” she says.

In The Market, Christina says, “We currently have Long Stone Farm kielbasa, cured meat, bacon and breakfast sausages (Lovettsville) and Whiffletree Farm chicken (Warrenton), along with produce from Root and Marrow Farm (Lovettsville), Chilly Hollow Farm (Berryville) and Lydia’s Field Farm (Purcellville). Additionally, we have George’s Mill Farm (Lovettsville) cheeses…and other products like their soap and delicious goat milk caramel. We are always looking for new farms to support and bring their product in.”

And in these difficult times, Christina is thankful the support goes both ways. “Without [our customers] we would have to close our doors and let people go. We are able to keep people employed in the hospitality industry, which many businesses are unable to do unfortunately. We just feel blessed.”

She adds that even in times of social distancing, it is still so important to build relationships. “Since we are one of the only places open, I see a lot of new faces and we’ve made relationships. And I think that’s the basis of any good business. It’s all about relationships and genuine relationships. For them, we are determined to come out on the other side of this better and have better relationships.”

The Kozich approach to business gets to the heart of the idea that food service is community service. For many in the food industry, the work they do every day is so much more than the meals they make: It’s the ability to nourish customers and champion other businesses. Perhaps Christina puts it best, “I really feel that for us, as people, contributing to the community is what people want us to do. That’s success, if you are contributing to something bigger than yourself…you just got to put your head down and do the right thing right now. And it’s all going to be okay.” ML

Top: Deli Case. Second: Short Rib. Third: Store interior. Bottom: Drinks Case.

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GOING NATIVE:

NOT WHY, BUT HOW Written by Patrick Mulrooney, ASHS Certified Horticulturist, ISA Certified Arborist Photos by Joanne Maisano

A

s temperatures rise, the month of May presents itself as the last opportunity to install plants before the heat of summer, so why not give back to the environment and go native?

We already know development has fractured natural habitats and that birds, one of our best ecological indicators of environmental health, have declined by about one-third of their population in the last 50 years, pointing to the notion that the insects and plants that feed this upper level of the food chain are threatened. Creating habitat in our own yards is one way to create habitat “corridors” that allow native animal populations to travel to and from food sources.

Since native gardening is becoming more popular and there is no shortage of articles explaining why to do it, I wanted to set this one apart by offering a more specific set of guidelines about how to do it. We will discuss some of the common non-native plants and let you know good natives to use instead, while discussing the habitat benefits of “nativars” (native varieties), a somewhat new concept too.

To pick on one of the most overused landscaping plants, I will first set my sights on nandina, an East Asian plant gradually being added to invasive plant lists across an ever-growing number of states. Aside from its invasive growth habits, it produces toxic berries which contain cyanogenic glycosides

Top: Catawba Rhododendron. Middle: Oakleaf Hydrangea. Bottom: Ostrich Fern.

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that have been known to poison pets and birds. To replace this brightly colored evergreen, you could use Catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense) or a mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), both of which are evergreen like the nandina. The dwarf varieties and the slow growth rate of these two plants make it comparable to the nandina for landscape purposes. However, it is the resources they provide to bumble bees and butterflies which make these plants far superior for creating habitat. Other substitutes include inkberry holly (Ilex glabra), winterberry (Ilex verticillata) and leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana), which offer many resources for birds, butterflies and bees.

Other widely used but resource-poor shrubs are cypress and Japanese holly. Better native choices would include oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), Carolina allspice (Calycanthus florida) or one of our many native viburnums. These three plants offer pollen and nectar; additionally, the allspice is a favorite food source for many native sap beetles, which feed on the pollen and pollinate the flower. How is that for diversity? A beetle-pollinated shrub?

When choosing native plants, it is possible to inadvertently purchase beautiful varieties that produce sterile flowers, which offer little to no benefits to wildlife. I made this mistake when I purchased my “Snowflake” Oakleaf Hydrangea; however, the double flowers are so gorgeous I am not complaining. The Carolina allspice variety “Aphrodite,” which is a hybrid between our native species and the Asian species, does not seem to have this problem, as bees and butterflies are regular guests at the two shrubs in my backyard. More research must be done on how these native cultivars, or “nativars,” as they are commonly called, differ in their production of pollen, nectar, and fruit. For instance, one study saw a three-to five-fold decrease in insect foraging on nativars that were bred to have red, blue or purple leaves. The theory is that pigments in the leaves produced chemicals that were distasteful to insects. This illustrates the unforeseen reactions that may take place within the plant when breeding to create new plant varieties.

Tired of your crape myrtle? Try installing a serviceberry (Amelanchier spicate) or hawthorn (Crataegus spathulata) in its place.

The trees offer berries to birds and the leaves are a larval host to many moths and butterflies. Frustrated by the rapid growth of your Bradford pear? Try an American holly (Ilex opaca); it will grow at a moderate rate until it reaches a height of 15 – 40 feet while offering shelter and food to native birds. Also consider the redbud (Cercis canadensis), or dogwood (Cornus florida), which benefit both pollinators and butterflies.

Another effective strategy when creating habitat is to choose native plants that can be aggressive and will spread through your garden without much help. In the still-forested back corners of my yard, invasive honeysuckle vine and multiflora rose still have a good foot-hold. To help out-compete these bossy weeds, I have added several dozen ostrich ferns (Matteuica struthiopteris) and celandine poppy (Styllophorum diphyllum), both of which have proven to be one hundred percent deer-proof. In addition to adding beauty to the warscape of thorns and tangled vines, the ferns are a larval host for the ghost moth (Sthenopis pretiosus) and the poppy produces seed pods which are a great food source for

chipmunks! Who doesn’t love a good chipmunk? After a few seasons of growth in the leaf-litter, and with the help of other natives that are naturalizing quite well (mayapple, Virginia bluebells, white wood aster) these plants will form a blanket over the forest floor, creating habitat and moist, shaded conditions for animals and insects, as well as for plant roots.

There are so many benefits to going native in your garden, each plant offering a small list of services. Whether it is a lush blanket of fern fronds to shelter small animals and plant roots, a fresh bloom of spring flowers laden with nectar for emerging insects, or a vital set of fruit that only ripens during the dire winter months, all play crucial roles for something in our ecosystem. While it may be overwhelming to keep track of all these facts, we can unburden ourselves of this study by just remembering that our native animals coevolved with our native plants, and over millions of years, bound their survival together.

As we sometimes forget, nature has it figured out for us. All we have to do is plant native and encourage diversity. ML

Celandine Poppy.

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We have not closed our doors or stopped our mission to help animals! Thank you for your support!

All of these animals are up for adoption! To learn more visit www.middleburghumane.org

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

Follow, Watch The The Follow, share share and and read read your your favorite favorite stories! stories! Watch MiddleburgLife LifeTV Monthly to our Middleburg series,Docu-Series, subscribe tosubscribe our print edition, print edition, shop merchandise, and more! shop merchandise, and more!

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A Look at

Civil War Diseases and Today’s Pandemic

By Heidi Baumstark

W

ar. Invasion. The enemy. That’s what’s been said about the worldwide Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. News media consistently refers to it as the “invisible enemy,” a “global war” and “the plague.”

The troops? It’s the medical community and first responders united as one force, heroes on the front lines. Similarities can be drawn between today’s medics battling COVID-19 with doctors and nurses fighting diseases and injuries during the 19th century—specifically during the 1861-1865 Civil War. Just like then, today, make-shift field hospitals have popped up to serve the sick, and local communities have rallied.

Tracy Gillespie is the site manager for NOVA Parks sites including Mt. Zion Historic Park (site of the restored Mt. Zion Old School Baptist Church), Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park, Aldie Mill, Mt. Defiance Historic Park, and Goose Creek Bridge. During the Civil War, Gillespie said churches became hospitals, including Aldie’s Mt. Zion Church on current day Route 50, but during Civil War days, it was known as Little River Turnpike, from Aldie Mill, east. (West of the mill, Route 50 was known as Ashby’s Gap Turnpike, now John Mosby Highway.) Union troops used the church after the 1863 cavalry battles of Aldie (June 17), Middleburg (June 19), and Upperville (June 21); graffiti on the church’s walls prove evidence of soldiers’ days spent there in recuperation.

The barn of a nearby neighbor, Alexander and Eliza Davis—whose farm was on the current Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park property on Route 50—was used as a hospital and dead soldiers were buried behind the barn.

Alexander is known as “Yankee Davis” for his efforts guiding Union troops in the area.

In February 1865, Eliza wrote a letter to her

mother-in-law who lived in Yankee territory, Connecticut, and describes the sites she witnessed. Portions of Eliza’s letter reads: “… you can only know war by reason I have lived on the battle field for the last four years have seen the dead & dying all around me the wounded brought in numbers to die on with amputated limbs to recover crippled for life just as an all Wise Providence should see fit[.] Our barn on one side and the [nearby Mt. Zion] church on the other have as hospitals … been full of wounded dead and dying at the same time. An army of men encamped about on every side in every direction as far as the eye could see …

One that died in the barn said when he was dying, ‘Oh, my poor wife and child.’ I don’t know who he was or where his wife and child are, but his body is buried in a grave with two others, just back of our barn, all three buried without coffins …”

On Sunday, July 21, 1861, Washingtonians came out to the rolling fields of Manassas to witness the Union army whip the Confederates in what they thought would be a one-day quick victory, arriving with picnic baskets inhand. Instead, they witnessed the first major land battle of the Civil War that day, known as the First Battle of Manassas (or First Battle of Bull Run), a win for the Confederates.

History of wars, as they knew it then, was entirely “romantic” and “dramatic.” They had a skewed view of what to expect, explained

Field hospitals were often located in barns near a battlefield. Courtesy photo of the Library of Congress.

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Richard Gillespie, public historian and historian emeritus for the Mosby Heritage Area Association (MHAA) and volunteer guide at NOVA Parks (and husband to Tracy Gillespie).

Jim Burgess, museum specialist at Manassas National Battlefield Park, pointed out that Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) should have had nearly 5,000 men in his brigade at First Manassas, but most sources indicate Jackson only had 2,500 men on Henry Hill that day. “How did all those troops disappear? Most of his losses can be attributed to sickness and disease well before any of his troops saw combat,” according to Burgess.

About a mile south from the Manassas battlefield was Ben Lomond, an 1832-built house that was used as a Confederate hospital. Because it thunder-stormed the night of First Manassas, the house would have been packed with suffering soldiers, but with a lack of medical supplies and limited medical staff.

First Manassas resulted in about 3,500 casualties and the area wasn’t prepared. So, homes, barns, churches, and fields turned into makeshift hospitals.

After First Manassas, Confederates eventually evacuated most of their wounded from local field hospitals, like Ben Lomond and St. Paul’s Church in Haymarket, to

general hospitals set up in Warrenton, Culpeper, Gordonsville, Charlottesville, and Richmond. Confederate troops remaining in Northern Virginia continued to be plagued by disease, Burgess noted.

The next year brought Second Manassas, a three-day battle Aug. 28-30, 1862 back on the same Manassas fields, and another victory for the Confederacy. Richard Gillespie said that after Second Manassas, Middleburg, which was less than 20 miles west, became a major hospital town. Houses, churches, barns, and fields turned into hospitals with some 1,800 patients in town, which had a population of only 600. “These were mostly southern casualties; the ratio of soldiers dying from disease versus battle wounds was about two to one,” Gillespie said.

“Total mayhem” is how it can be described in late August through early September 1862. After Second Manassas and the Battle of Chantilly (Sept. 1, 1862 in Fairfax County) over 3,000 wounded Union soldiers were brought from these battlefields to the 1852-built train depot in Fairfax Station to wait for rail service to hospitals in Alexandria and Washington, D.C. Clara Barton, who later founded the American Red Cross in 1881, entered the war scene helping to transport soldiers by rail. In 1862, she became known

as the “Angel of the Battlefield.”

Jake Wynn, director of interpretation at National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, Md., said the main battles in the Manassas area (First and Second Manassas and Battle of Balls Bluff, Oct. 21, 1861 in Leesburg) were Confederate victories. Farmhouses, barns, churches, businesses were used as hospitals. “About ninety-five percent of surgeries were done under chloroform or ether, used as anesthetics by both Union and Confederates. The Union side had preexisting labs manufacturing anesthetics, but Confederates built about eight labs of their own during the war. These labs were created at key junctions; the closest one was in Richmond. They didn’t want one too close to D.C., so they didn’t build one near Manassas,” Wynn said, “The pharmaceutical industry gets jumpstarted during this time.”

Wynn said people thought the war would be quick. He added, “They didn’t have a frame of reference; there wasn’t a playbook, which is similar to today’s COVID-19 pandemic.

There had never been something like this.

The Revolution was fought decades earlier and anyone who lived through that was already gone. And the Civil War was between your ‘own people.’ There was a naïve mindset.”

The concept of hospitals derived directly from the war; before, doctors came to homes.

Another outcome: the ambulance system.

Wynn said, “We’re still using many of the ideas that originated out of the war, things like triage. They didn’t call it that back then, but decisions had to be made regarding who gets immediate care. They set up field hospitals like they’ve [been] doing in New York’s Central Park for COVID-19 patients. We can trace those things back to the Civil War.”

Top right: Cropped version of Eliza Davis’ letter from February 1865; she lived near what today is Gilbert’s Corner in Aldie. Courtesy photo from Tracy Gillespie. Bottom right: Catherine Barbara Hopkins Broun (1820-1903) of Middleburg with her son, Eddie Lee, born March 7, 1854. Courtesy photo from Lee Lawrence.

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Lee Lawrence, of Lincoln in Loudoun County, is the editor and transcriber of “Dark Days in Our Beloved Country,” the Civil War diary of Catherine Barbara Hopkins Broun (1820-1903). Broun describes conditions during and after the war near her home called Sunny Bank on the southeast end of Middleburg on current-day Sam Fred Road. Lawrence has also researched Catherine Mary Powell Noland Cochran’s Diary and Memoir of the Civil War. Cochran (1814-1895) was the great granddaughter of Revolutionary War figure and Middleburg founder, Lt. Col. Leven Powell (1737-1810), and she was born and raised at Glen Ora outside of Middleburg, later, the country retreat of the Kennedys.

Lawrence said the diaries include terms like “camp fevers,” cholera, measles, typhoid.

Soldiers were cared for in camps; doctors came to the home where people often died.

The culture they lived in was so different.

They were intimately acquainted with death; it happened all around them in their homes.

Lawrence added, “Back then, illnesses like typhoid, cholera, septicemia, gangrene, dysentery killed so many because there were no antibiotics or penicillin—like today’s missing cure for COVID-19. Like those diseases in the 19th century, we are at the mercy of this current virus with no known cure.”

Broun’s diary includes entries about Union and Confederate armies occupying their town, their farm, even their parlor. A June 3, 1861 (one month before First Manassas) entry reads: “These are dark days in our beloved country. All business is suspended.”

On July 23, 1861 (two days after First Manassas), Broun writes: “We witnessed today to an awful scene, the burial of those young men.

Their mothers could not see them. They embraced their coffins in the cemetery. So much more awful than if they had died a natural death. … They say the sight is awful to behold. So many numberless, lying dead, the carriages cannot pass over the turnpike, for the dead. … And in one pile there were 1500 counted by Mr. L. Noland [reference is likely to Colonel Lloyd Noland of Glen Ora Farm outside Middleburg].”

In early September 1862 after Second Manassas, Broun writes: “The horrors of war are upon us. Middleburg is full of the wounded. In all the churches and vacant houses and laying about in the streets. Our new elegant church [referring to new Methodist Church

on Washington Street built 1859] is crowded with the most pitiable objects that anyone could possibly conceive of. The stench is terrible. One died yesterday. The inhabitants are doing all they can, but it is but a drop in the bucket.” Lawrence spoke about Middleburg’s Historic Asbury Church built in 1829 at 105 N. Jay Street, which was Middleburg’s original Methodist church and was used as a Civil War hospital for Confederates; it is the oldest standing church in town.

Upon returning home after caring for wounded soldiers, Broun writes of having to “take off her clothes and shake out the lice.”

But she doesn’t complain; instead just wonders, “How those men can stand them I cannot tell.” Wounds from battle often turned into diseases like typhoid, blood loss, gangrene after amputations, pneumonia. In fact, Lawrence added, “Pneumonia is what killed Stonewall Jackson May 10, 1863 after his [left] arm was amputated on May 3 after the Battle of Chancellorsville.” He was mistakenly shot the night of May 2 by his own men. His physician, Dr. Hunter McGuire, amputated his arm at a field hospital. “If the battle didn’t kill you outright, disease would get you,” Lawrence said.

Now a look at Cochran’s diary. Comments about the latter part of the war include the state of the economy and government. She writes: “1864 opens dark and dreary—supplies diminishing and prices daily rising, Congress floundering hopelessly, aimlessly, nothing but talk and such mighty issues at stake. The nation looking anxiously to them for some action … finding them spending precious time in long discussions of frivolous points …”

Cochran’s diary paints a picture of local Fauquier and Loudoun sites: “On the 7th of this month [Sept. 7, 1864], we left Richmond for Loudoun. … The country being clear of Yankees, we took the old Warrenton road, passing the ruins of the once famous Warrenton Springs which the Yankees burnt in the campaign of ’62—a melancholy picture of desolation. The whole country, from the Rapidan to Loudoun has a desolate, forsaken look—fences all gone, houses burnt, dismantled or unoccupied. Villages of log huts, the remains of Yankee occupation remain standing tho hundreds, round Culpeper, have been hauled off for firewood.”

Near the end of the war, a Nov. 5, 1864 entry reads: “Well, we hear that the Yankees have really left The Plains and are moving

down the road. It has been a severe scourge to the country, having them so long, and we doubtless shall hear many tales of hardship from those who have been within their lines all the time.”

A final story is a reminder of the war’s devastating emotional toll. John Chapman owned Chapman Mill (known today as Chapman-Beverley Mill) in Broad Run at Thoroughfare Gap along the Prince William-Fauquier line. His family built the mill in 1742, and over the years, the Chapmans prospered, enabling them to raise the mill to seven stories tall, believed to be the nation’s tallest stacked-stone building. Confederates used the mill as a meat curing center and distribution warehouse, and on Aug. 28, 1862, the Battle of Thoroughfare Gap unfolded in and around the mill.

Broken by the maltreatment by Union soldiers, the destruction of his property, and the certain knowledge that he had lost the mill, Chapman’s business never recovered, and he suffered a mental breakdown. His family said he became a lunatic in 1862, and in 1864, committed him to the Western Lunatic Asylum in Staunton, Va. Two years later he died in Dec.1866.

Wynn said, “What we’re facing now with COVID-19 is a national/global crisis. We can see how people faced issues back then and learn from them today.”

Lawrence said, “It’s important to keep the stories in front of people.” ML

Mt. Zion Church at Mt. Zion Historic Park in Aldie, used as a Union hospital in June 1863 after three cavalry battles: Aldie (June 17), Middleburg (June 19), and Upperville (June 21). Courtesy photo by Tracy Gillespie.

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MEMORIAL DAY VIRTUAL CONCERT

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020

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ur hearts go out to all who have been adversely impacted by the global pandemic.

During this difficult time, Thomas & Talbot Real Estate’s virtual doors remain open and we continue to show properties with social distancing in mind. Being familiar with working remotely, given the nature of our business, we will continue to provide the highest service and support in Hunt Country. This rural life has never been more desirable.

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WEST RIDING

The Plains ~ Old-world charm coupled with a sophisticated, contemporary design. The house is made up of thoughtful additions anchored by a 1700’s log cabin on 25 rolling acres. 4 BRs, 3.5 BAs. Gourmet kitchen opens to a glassfilled Family Rm. Main level Master Suite with luxury bath & walk-in. Paneled library, Den, 4 fireplaces, hardwood floors, all new windows/doors & so much more. Extensive landscaping, mature trees, pool, fenced garden, 2-car garage, guest house, 5-stall barn, paddocks, run-ins, equip. shed & riding ring. Orange County Hunt territory. $2,850,000

Cricket Bedford 540-229-3201

MOUNTAIN FIELD FARM

THE GRANGE

The Plains ~ Stunning addition and complete renovation create a classic and elegant Virginia Manor house with exquisite details throughout. Custom designed Jan Forte gourmet kitchen. Features 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths.

Includes 2-car garage, pool, guest house, 4-stall barn and paddocks on 18+ acres in Orange County Hunt.

Convenient to I-66, Rt. 50 and Dulles Airport. $2,675,000

Cricket Bedford 540-229-3201

Rebecca Poston 540-771-7520

FOX FORD FARM

Jeffersonton ~ Unique country house on 142+ acres with pool and outbuildings. One and a half miles of Rappahannock river frontage. Open rolling fields. Investment, horse farm, brewery, farming or winery potential. All around views, flowering gardens, privacy and peace. 15 minutes to Warrenton. Additional 97 acres available, totaling 239 acres for $1,991,000 $1,443,000

Rein du Pont 540-454-3355

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MADISON & FEDERAL

Cricket Bedford 540-229-3201

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

Cricket Bedford 540-229-3201

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Middleburg ~ Excellent commercial investment opportunity in historic downtown. One commercial building that appears like two buildings which are adjoined on the corner of Madison & Federal Streets. Offers 4 separate entrances and so many options! Zoned for mixed use with Retail & Office spaces. Parking is limited within the town for most businesses, this building includes 7 rare parking spaces off Federal Street! Long time, active retail business in one building. Seller desires to rent back. Three other small offices are currently rented. Priced well below appraised value. Zoned C-2. $749,000

Cricket Bedford 540-229-3201

ARDEN

WOLF DEN

The Plains ~ Nature lovers Paradise! Custom built in 2007, the French Style Country home sits high overlooking Little River and tree tops, absolutely serene. This home provides privacy and security including gated entrance and cameras around home and 4 stall barn with 1 bedroom apartment. The 18.67 acres are in 2 parcels, the home and barn on 17.05 acres and additional vacant 1.62 acre Parcel.

Orange County Hunt Territory. $1,550,000

The Plains ~ 30+ acres horse farm. Custom-built 5 BR/ 3.5 BA home using materials from an 1840’s log cabin logs, beams, hardwood floors, mantels & doors. Extensive hardscaping provides multiple entertainment spaces. Swimming pool & gazebo with distant mountain views. Guest house has a workshop/garage below with a 1 BR/1 BA apartment and sep. Game/Party Room above. 6-stall center aisle barn w/ wash rack & heated tack room, 6 fenced paddocks w/auto waterers, 2 run-in sheds & a riding ring. Storage shed & chicken houses. Great ride out. In 2 parcels. $1,675,000

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MERRY OAKS

The Plains ~ Tastefully renovated, 3 BR/2 BA home feels like an English country cottage. Tumbled stone flooring and custom finishes, exposed beams and fireplace with gas logs.

French doors lead to each living area. The newly renovated kitchen includes AGA stove, Shaw farm sink and soapstone counters. The private setting includes gardens with mature trees and flowering plantings, stone walls, flagstone terraces and garden paths. Located between the village of The Plains and town of Warrenton, with easy access to airports and Washington, D.C.. Comcast internet and cable. $649,000

Emily Ristau 540-454-9083

CLIFF’S MILL

Marshall ~ Open floor plan beautifully remodeled in 2019 with new kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances, 3 new baths, one of which is on the lower level, new flooring, new heating and cooling system. Lower level offers excellent potential for finishing with interior and exterior access. 3 car garage. The 5.34 acres creates a serene parklike setting with soaring trees and gently rolling land.

From the covered front porch one has the perfect place for watching wildlife. Covenants for Cliff’s Mill on Carters Run. Convenient to Warrenton. $495,000

Rebecca Poston (540) 771-7520

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.

2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | Fax: 540-687-8899 | thomasandtalbot.com 04-21_ML_TTRE-BCVR.indd 1

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Opening the door to Hunt Country for generations

Since 1967 Thomas & Talbot’s agents have managed the purchase or sale of almost every property in Hunt Country.

We attribute much of our success to the specialization and expertise of real estate sales exclusively within Hunt Country. And, unlike national real estate chains and startups that have recently arrived on the scene, we have a long history of relationships in the community. Not surprisingly, we were again No. 1 in sales in 2019 by a vast margin.

Today, in spite of challenging times, we continue to open doors to this marvelous way of life in Hunt Country, which has never been more desirable.

THOMAS & TALBOT REAL ESTATE Opening the door to Hunt Country for generations 2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | Fax: 540-687-8899 | thomasandtalbot.com