October 2022

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Peter Pejacsevich

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PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media, LLC

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kaitlin Hill | kaitlin@middleburglife.com

COPY EDITOR: Victoria Peace

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR | PUBLISHER Christian Bentley christian@middleburglife.com

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Vicky Mashaw vmashaw@middleburglife.com Jennifer Richards jennifer@middleburglife.com

ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR Joanne Maisano

INTERN: Stephanie Wright

DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Nicky Marshok

ON THE COVER

From left to right: Jed Gray, Jenny Travers, Ubaldo Morales, and Ben Comstock pause for a photo during the height of harvest at Greenhill Vineyards. For more on Greenhill Vineyards, turn to page 10. Photo by Callie Broaddus.

ON THIS PAGE

A fall tablescape with gorgeous views, an abundance of flowers, and plenty of wine. Photo by Victoria Heer Photography, assisted by Kiyah Crittendon.

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.

CONTRIBUTORS

Heidi Baumstark has been writing for several lifestyle magazines and newspaper publications since 2005, spe cializing in history-related articles highlighting Virgin ia’s Piedmont. She has been with Middleburg Life since 2014. Over the years, she has featured hundreds of busi nesses, leaders, residents, historical sights, lectures, her itage programs, and museums in her work. Heidi hopes to inspire readers to pause and consider the people, places, and events that have shaped the story of our local history.

Michael Butcher is the owner of Butcher Photography. Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, he resides in Springfield, Virginia, with his family. For the past 15 years, Michael has specialized in portraiture, event, and editorial photography. When not behind the lens, he en joys gardening and swimming.

Lia Hobel is a freelance journalist, known in town for her blog, Uplift Loudoun, which she launched during the start of the pandemic to share uplifting stories. In ad dition to her work for Middleburg Life, Lia writes peri odically for online platforms with articles appearing on GOBankingRates, Forbes, Huffington Post, and Yahoo!

Lia began her career as a broadcast journalist, but left TV news when she moved to Leesburg, Virginia, with her family. She is a Loudoun 40 Under 40 honoree and a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the county.

Dulcy Hooper and her husband Richard moved to the country from Washington, D.C. nearly ten years ago. Shortly thereafter, both began writing occasional articles for Middleburg Life. Dogs are a big part of the Hoopers’ lives and several of Dulcy’s earlier articles focused on the couple’s Chinese crested powderpuffs!

Victoria Peace is a recent graduate of Georgetown Uni versity and holds a degree in French and Art History. On the weekends, she frequently visits her family in The Plains. In her free time, she enjoys playing polo with Twi light Polo Club, riding with the Georgetown Equestrian Team, gardening, walking her family's dogs at Sky Mead ows State Park, and visiting her retired horse, Taco. Her perfect “Hunt Country” day would include a stop at the local farmers market in The Plains, a trip to her favorite Middleburg antique stores, and a sunset trail ride in the Virginia countryside.

Shayda Windle is a freelance writer covering the arts, people, and places that make Hunt Country so special. Her work has been featured in Plein Air Magazine, the Fairfax County Times, and several online media outlets. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors and exploring Northern Virginia with her hus band and two children.

Callie Broaddus is a Warrenton native and graduate of the University of Virginia with a degree in Architecture. After seven years as a book designer at National Geo graphic Kids, Callie founded the nonprofit, Reserva: The Youth Land Trust, in 2019. Callie’s land preservation proj ects and focus on youth empowerment are aided by her talent for storytelling through her camera lens as a professional photographer. In her spare time, Callie enjoys Earl Grey tea, Harry Potter trivia, and dreaming of getting back into the jumper ring.

Diane Helentjaris chose Loudoun as her “forever home” in 1990 after experiencing Ohio, Michigan, Montreal, San Francisco, and New Jersey. Following years as a clinical physician and public health administrator, she returned to her humanities roots. A finalist in the 2020 Icelandic Writers Retreat, her book “The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill” comes out in June. Diane also writes a monthly newslet ter, The Silk Mill, which is dedicated to those in love with fabric in all its glory.

Bill Kent’s journalism has appeared in more than 40 na tional and regional publications including the Washing ton Post, Art & Antiques, Philadelphia Magazine, Balti more Magazine, New Jersey Monthly, and The Hunt. A former correspondent for the New York Times, he taught writing and journalism at the University of Pennsylva nia, Rutgers, and Temple universities, and is the author of seven novels, a Fodor’s Guide, and a history of Atlantic City. After graduating from Oberlin College with majors in English and Religion, he published his first piece in The Georgetowner. When not writing, he enjoys walking his westies on Washington Street.

Will Thompson is a writer and photographer interested in all things related to nature, conservation, and outdoor recreation. He has worked in communications and proj ect management roles in renewable energy, international development, and mission-driven journalism. Will grad uated from the College of Charleston in 2010 with a B.A. in Communications.

Gracie Withers is a local photographer who grew up in the village of Aldie and has been photographing local weddings, portraits, and events since 2016. She was a contributing photographer at Georgetown University for over three years and also has a wide variety of experience in sports photography. Her passion began when she re ceived her first camera in middle school and she contin ued to study the craft in high school and in college. She joined Middleburg Life as a contributor in the spring of 2022 .

Also in this issue: Richard D. Hooper

104

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LocaL Breweries coLLaBorate on FaLL Beer

Written by Diane Helentjaris | Photos by Michael Butcher

Julie Broaddus, co-owner of Old Bust Head Brewing Company, confirms the camaraderie of the experience. “I really like connecting with oth er local breweries. [We] all share a lot of the same challenges. It’s good to help each other out. [We] definitely want to do it again.”

Typically, craft breweries, like Loudoun’s Old Ox, produce small quantities of beer for a mostly local market. Their bottles and cans reach beer lovers several different ways. Locally, customers can drink at the taproom or pick up their beer while passing by. To reach a broader audience, craft breweries use the same distribution sup ply lines as the huge nationwide breweries. Any retailer served by the distributor can order craft brews right alongside the nationwide brands and sell it at their bar, tavern, restaurant, or store.

In August of 2022, six craft breweries from Ashburn to Charlottesville, that all use Premium Distributors of Virginia as their distributor, met at Old Ox Brewery and spent the day formulating a new brew. Others joined in, including represen tatives from the distributor, sharing tips, finding solutions to common challenges, and having fun preparing the ingredients for the new beer. The collaboration was a rousing success even before the first barrel of beer had been tapped.

ChrisBurns had an idea. As the president of Old Ox Brewery, not surprisingly, the idea revolved around beer. Wouldn’t it be fun to get together with fellow Virginia craft brewers to dream up a new brew?

“What sparked this collaboration was that we are all distributed by the same distributing company, Premium Distributors of Virginia. [I

thought] it would be great to get everybody to gether to brew a beer [which would] give us the opportunity to talk shop and have a good time,” Burns says. “Collaborations are pretty normal. The [brewing] community likes to get togeth er, see how different people approach the same problems...We always learn something during these collaboration beer days.”

They chose to brew a lager, specifically a bock beer, and even more specifically, a doppelbock. Lagers originated in Germany and are made us ing a cool fermentation method in contrast to the warm fermentation used to make ales. Bock beers originated in southern Germany as season al lagers. Doppelbocks are historically (or maybe only mythically) tied to beers brewed for monks fasting during Lent and reportedly nicknamed “liquid bread.”

Doppelbocks are rich amber lagers in the Ba varian tradition. “This is a style we would love

Representatives from Virginia-based breweries gather at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn to make a batch of Collaborator.

everybody to [have] an open mind [about] — a classic style with a rich history and a lot of integ rity,” says Dave Warwick, founding brewmaster and CEO of Three Notch’d Brewing Company in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The new beer has been dubbed “Collabora tor.” This is a nod to doppelbock naming conven tions which typically end with the suffix “-ator.” Aldie artist Ryan Danger created the label which

features the logos of the six breweries.

Warwick believes “Beer tells a story. Beer is world history.” Three Notch’d Brewery frequently creates special beers with input from customers for charity dinners, weddings, birthdays, and other events. They even did a beer to celebrate a divorce. “Needless to say, it was bitter,” Warwick says. “When Old Ox approached with the idea of doing a beer together, it was a no-brainer.”

As Broaddus says, “[This is] really a celebra tion of local craft. It’s a statement about how craft breweries are a different type of business. Brewer ies, in general, often have a more community-fo

“There is unity in craft beer…[It will] show ev eryone we’re in this together.” ML

PARTICIPATING COLLABORATOR BREWERIES

2 SILOS BREWING COMPANY

9925 Discovery Boulevard Manassas, Virginia 20109

(703) 420-2264 | 2silosbrewing.com

FAIR WINDS BREWING COMPANY

7000 Newington Road, Suites K&L Lorton, Virginia 22079

(703) 372-2001 | fairwindsbrewing.com

OLD BUST HEAD BREWING COMPANY

7134 Farm Station Road

Vint Hill, Virginia 20187 (540) 347-4777 | oldbusthead.com

OLD OX BREWERY

44652 Guilford Drive, Unit 114 Ashburn, Virginia 20147 (703) 729-8375 | oldoxbrewery.com

OLD OX MIDDLEBURG SITE

(currently closed for renovation)

cused mission… [They] are gathering places for the community, something we’ve been missing, a place you can bring your family, go, and light en up a little bit. What else do we have like this? Coffee shop? Not the same. Bar, winery? Not the same.”

The beer aptly named Collaborator is slated to be released in mid-October and will be avail able from all six breweries in a territory reaching from Roanoke to Richmond to Williamsburg and up into Northern Virginia. It will also be offered by Premium Distributors. Burns describes the flavorful amber drink as a pleasant beverage to “wind down and relax” with after the hurry-scur ry of Oktoberfest.

Charlie Buettner, brewmaster and CEO of Fair Winds Brewing Company in Lorton, Vir ginia, hopes Collaborator will demonstrate that

14 South Madison Street Middleburg, Virginia 20117 (540) 326-8943

THE VIRGINIA BEER COMPANY

401 Second Street Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 (757) 378-2903 | virginiabeercompany.com

THREE NOTCH’D BREWING COMPANY

Craft Kitchen and Brewery

520 2nd Street S.E. Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 (434) 956-3141 | threenotchdbrewing.com

Three Notch’d has taprooms in Richmond, Harrisonburg, and Roanoke.

Top left: Behind the scenes at Old Ox Brewery. Bottom left: Wall of labels at Old Ox Brewery. Right: Prepping the equipment on brew day.

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VINE TO WINE with GreenhiLL Vineyards

“We

have a team that believes in a wine experience that starts in the vineyard, works its way to the bottle, and into the glasses we pour and the information and passion we share,” says Jed Gray, general manager of Greenhill Vineyards. Gray and his team know that more than good soil and the right climate, making an excep tional bottle of wine starts with meticu lous vine care, staying true to the land, and

pride in the final product. Gray, along with David Greenhill, Ubaldo Morales, Ben Comstock, and Jenny Travers, invest their expertise, sweat equity, and an undeniable camaraderie in their craft to produce bot tles as distinct as the property, process, and people on the path from vine to wine.

A sprawling 128-acres, the Greenhill property is the image of Virginia wine country complete with a stylish tasting room, historic stone manor, gorgeous vis

tas, and, of course, rolling hills of diligent ly tended vines. More than the aesthetics, it’s the dedication to the vines that is at the root of the vineyard’s success. “When you are dealing with vines, you are tending to them 365 days a year. It’s personal,” Gray shares. “Each vine is a little different and you can get to know not only a block of vines, but individual vines themselves.” Perhaps no one knows the vines better than

Written by Kaitlin Hill

Greenhill Vineyards from above. Photo by Callie Broaddus.

Morales, who has worked on the property for 19 years. “I started on this land in 2003…When Mr. Greenhill bought the farm, I started working for him full-time. And, I’m still here.”

Nearly two decades on, Morales has seen the quality of the landscape improve. He notes, “The vines look nice, and the fruit grows different

ly than before.” And Gray adds, “Over the years we have implemented more sustainable vineyard techniques that produce a healthier canopy and healthier fruit. Everything we do is to make a healthier vineyard and we have seen the results over the past couple of years.”

Part of achieving optimum vineyard health is down to understanding the environment of the Middleburg American Viticultural Area. “We really try to understand what is happening in [our] unique microclimate,” Gray shares. He expands, “We plant varietals that thrive in [this] unique microclimate. Now that we have revital ized the land and learned what works best and what doesn’t, it has resulted in some unique fruits from our vineyard.”

Sustainable practices are aided by Morales’ vigilance in the field. Gray shares, “Ubaldo has

this immense attention to detail and pride in his work. Growing the vine from bud break in the spring, watching the fruit mature, taking care of the vine to produce the highest quality fruit, when you pick it and know it is as perfect as you can make it, it's insanely gratifying.” He adds with a laugh, “Essentially, he enjoys the fruit of his la bors.”

The result of Morales’ dedicated tending and the vineyard’s agricultural practices are grapes ripe for picking and producing award-winning wine. This next step benefits from the talent and experience of Ben Comstock, Greenhill’s head winemaker. Comstock got into the wine world when a friend with a winery in Loudoun Coun ty needed help with his harvest in 2009. “When I started, I didn’t necessarily have a passion for

Left: Ubaldo Morales. Right: Morales during harvest. Photos by Callie Broaddus.

wine. I actually fell in love with the work first, and then got to fall in love with the industry itself as the years went on.” Comstock brought that love to Greenhill Vineyards in 2018.

At Greenhill, producing premium vintages is as much a practice in adaptability as it is in stan dardized methodology, all while reflecting the relative newness and distinct terroir of the region. Of Comstock’s approach, Gray says, “Every single vintage is different, and the fruit that comes in is different. Ben allows the fruit and then the juice to speak to him [about] how he is going to ulti mately create a final product.”

“Our goal, our ideal, is to make a wine from Virginia,” explains Comstock, understanding that in making it, Greenhill is helping define it. “There is no definition of what Virginia wine is supposed

to be,” offers Jenny Travers, the assistant gener al manager at the vineyard. “So, we are part of a process of defining what Virginia wine actually can be.”

Crucial to defining Virginia wine is harness ing the terroir. “Everything [the team] does, they do in accordance with the terroir,” shares Greenhill’s owner, David Greenhill. “It’s not just the land, but the soil, the climate, everything that goes into the wine…We actually care for the vines in accordance with the elements that are here and not techniques from other areas that don’t neces sarily apply,” he adds.

“It’s an evolutionary process where we are constantly educating ourselves with the fruit ev ery single year and always striving to make a bet ter product,” Gray says.

Top left: Grapes are loaded and juice is extracted. Bottom left: Winemaker Ben Comstock. Bottom right: Juice from freshly crushed grapes. Photos by Callie Broaddus.

“Each vine is a little different and you can get to know not only a block of vines, but individual vines themselves.” – Gray

Top: The barrel room. Photo courtesy of Greenhill Vineyards. Bottom left: Evidence of a successful harvest. Photo by Callie Broaddus. Bottom right: The tasting room. Photo courtesy of Greenhill Vineyards.

“We are part of a process of defining what Virginia wine actually can be.” – Travers

Top left: Greenhill glass and bottle. Top right: Greenhill team member, Trey Windwehen. Bottom: The manor house. Photos courtesy of Greenhill Vineyards.

11

The result? Numerous award-winning and, as Travers says, “cult favorite” wines with something for every preference from Chenin Blanc to Cab ernet Sauvignon. “Our sparkling is something that people know Greenhill for. Our Cabernet Franc is amazing. Our Merlot is fantastic. And then we make two or three iterations of Char donnay. Oh, and Petit Verdot. Those are some of the wines we are known for making exceptionally well,” Travers lists. When asked, Morales says his favorite is the Merlot.

Beyond the wine, the team at Greenhill ap plies the same laser focus when nurturing team camaraderie and guaranteeing customer enjoy ment. “Me, Ben, Ubaldo and Jed, we all have sep

arate roles, but we all work collaboratively. And we all like each other. I mean, genuinely like each other,” Travers emphasizes.

Just a few minutes in the tasting room or a walk around the grounds reveals an inter-em ployee warmth that spreads to each customer with whom the team members interact. “Every thing we do is about an experience…And every touch we have with the customers is extremely important to us. It is something that every single person that works here takes pride in,” Travers says.

“We are not [only] successful because of our pride, but [also] because of our passion. If you can look someone in the eye and pour them wine and speak passionately about it, that resonates

with the customer and their enjoyment and ap preciation of the product is endless at that point. We have pride and passion in everything that we share with our [guests] and we stand behind that 100%,” Gray says. Travers finishes, “And that’s 100% from vine to bottle to glass.”

Pride, passion, and a spirit of camaraderie are served in abundance at Greenhill Vineyards making it a must-visit during Virginia’s wine month and beyond. Perhaps Travers puts it best when she says, “The celebration around the time you spend with people when you are drinking, that connection you make, that is extremely im portant [to us]. It’s extremely important to the business and it is extremely important to the ex perience.” ML

Jenny Travers and Jed Gray behind the bar. Photo by Callie Broaddus.

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ceLeBration in hartLand:

Old Farm Winery’s First Anniversary

Written by Bill Kent Photos by Michael Butcher

We’ve

all seen it, somewhere in our lives: that house on the hill.

Jon Hickox first saw Longfield Manor when he was a teenager. It stood on a rise along what he and his friends called the “cut through” connecting Evergreen Mills Road with Route 50.

He would look at the house on his way to car pentry jobs or farm work. As one of eight chil dren born to a Navy captain, he worked for ev erything, up to and including a business degree at George Mason, his first jobs as a contractor, and then, a residential and commercial developer.

He would see that same house during hunt ing season, when, after a long day in the woods, he made a habit of gifting his kill to families who lived along the road. He was intrigued to know that the farm itself dates back to the 1700s and that much of the land had once belonged to Hunt Country legend Randolph “Randy” Rouse, for mer Master of the Fairfax Hunt.

“Every time I saw that house, I imagined that whoever lived there was happy in some way. Don’t get me wrong —I had a great childhood growing up in Burke Centre in Fairfax. I’ve seen

Celebration

plenty of great places to live. I’ve even built some. But this house was special.”

Twenty-five years later Hickox bought the house and the surrounding 35 acres. “I had put a bug in the ear of the developers that we should essentially get rid of the golf course community concept and put in a winery, kind of like farmto-table but grape-to-glass. After I closed on the deal, I drove out again [and] stood right where I was when I first saw the house. [I] said to myself, ‘I have to turn this into something amazing.’”

It’s been nearly a year since Hickox opened Old Farm Winery at Hartland. It is his fourth Vir ginia vineyard, second winery, and the first win ery in Loudoun County to act as an event cen ter and community focal point for the Hartland community, an 800-acre Aldie luxury residential development.

For Hickox and his staff of eight, it has been a year of successes, lessons, and “moments so spe cial that, for me at least, there’s so much more in being part of a community.” He continues, “It isn’t enough to put a good wine in a bottle and sell it at a fair price. I don’t see us as making wine. I see us making happiness.”

As he did when building houses, Hickox has done every job at Old Farm Winery from plant ing the vines, to working the tasting room, to re storing the farm’s main house.

His favorite job? “The crush. That’s spending twelve hours to harvest grapes, crush them all, send the juice to tanks, then cleaning everything up. It is extremely intense. To work with a team and to endure the great physical non-stop efforts all working towards a common goal in such a set ting is an amazing experience. It’s like running a marathon but nobody can finish alone.”

All that crushing happens at The Winery at Bull Run, Hickox’s first foray into wine making. Currently celebrating its tenth year, Bull Run was born when the 2008 recession doomed an other developer’s Centreville residential project. Hickox bought the land and decided that the region may not need more houses as much as a more attractive use of the countryside.

“I like wine but I don’t have a complex palate. What I enjoy is getting out into the open areas with my family and experiencing the history, the scenery, the flavor, and character of a place. You can do that with wine. It was enough to get me interested.”

He planted grapes, sited the tasting room to take advantage of the landscape, hired an expert winemaker, and promoted the winery to both nearby Washington, D.C. residents and Hunt Country locals.

He wasn’t sure if the winery was going to suc ceed until one day when he visited it anonymous ly on a summer weekend. “I saw that one wom

an was sitting by herself and seemed very sad. I asked very discreetly of the tasting room staff if there was anything we could do. They had heard she was going through a difficult breakup, so we left well enough alone. An hour later, I saw her talking to someone and her mood had changed a little.”

A month later Hickox heard that the two he saw chatting had become engaged at the winery. A week after that she came right up to Hickox and asked him if he owned the winery. “I said I did, was there anything wrong? She said nothing was wrong — in fact, so many good things had hap pened to her here, she wanted to ask me if she could have her wedding here. Of course, I said ‘yes.’ That was one of our first, and, as far as I’m concerned, best weddings at Bull Run.”

And it was proof for Hickox that wineries are more than just places to make, taste, and buy wine. “We have the opportunity to become part of people’s lives. Those people are a community, whether they’re from out of state or the next town over. From then on, I knew that putting a winery

Celebration | From page 18

Left: Newly renovated Longfield Manor is ready for special events. Right: Jon Hickox.

into a community could be a great thing.”

He admits the challenge of opening a vineyard during the pandemic “was scary at times.” I had to reassure my bankers that the pandemic restric tions would end and that people would one day want to go into an enclosed building and eat and drink. We had supply chain problems for what we needed to build the tasting room and restore the farmhouse. At one point the price of lumber went up 280 percent.”

Throughout his renovations, Hickox was care ful to keep the simple, modest lines of the farm house. Inside, the rooms are slowly being reno vated into meeting rooms and office spaces with a bridal suite taking up much of the second floor.

Hickox wanted to be a good neighbor to those coming into the Hartland development so he planted his vines to give open views to the near by homeowners, and put some distance between them and the areas of the winery where festiv ities occur. Two older structures dating back to the 1700s will be converted into wine making and storage areas. A “family-friendly” area is located

on a rise above the tasting area.

His wife suggested that he offer a Hunt Coun try-themed wine. Created by Bull Run Winery winemaker Ashton Lough (with a tip of the hat to Randy Rouse), the mildly sweet white “Tally-Ho” has been this year’s best seller. “Our Tally-Ho, a white Virginia blend with Vidal Blanc, Traminette, and Seyval Blanc has been our flagship white. [It’s] named after a foxhunting term and our very rich foxhunting history in Loudoun County,” CJ Evans, the tasting room manager at Old Farm, explains.

“Then it was all about putting our place on the map. Ours isn’t like the wineries on major roads. People have to know where we are and want to find us.”

He sought a balance between themed nights for the neighbors and weekend events that would draw visitors from further away. Movie nights, trivia nights, and wine pairings with cookies and barbecue gave way to weekend gatherings for Jeep owners and six charitable fundraisers for causes ranging from breast cancer research to environmental preservation. “We reached out locally to find out what our community wanted

to support and offered our facilities as a way of supporting them.” Hickox shares. Evans adds, “We had a Lū’au-themed event with a pig roast, and fun and games for all. It was the first time … where I saw the promise in the space that we are fortunate to have here.”

On Valentine’s Day, the winery offered a spe cial contest for military personnel and first re sponders: a drawing in which the winner got a free wedding at the winery.

And it was at that August wedding of Army officer Nicholas Andrew Greene and Jordyn Emma Buckingham that Hickox felt that Old Farm Winery was going to be a success.

“I walked around and, believe me, I was as nervous as a bride’s father. This was the most im portant moment in this couple’s life and every thing had to go right.”

Did it?

“Yes, it did, for them. For me, I walked around and I was surrounded by people who were having a good time. Even the ones that cry at weddings — it was all good. We made some happiness that day.” ML

“We have the opportunity to become part of people’s lives. Those people are a community, whether they’re from out of state or the next town over.” - Hickox

Left: A lineup of Old Farm favorites including the rosé, hard cider, and Tally-Ho. Right: The outdoor bar has a great view of the vines with Longfield Manor in the background.

Annual

12th St

VA 20132 540-338-2265

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and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are

Littleton Farm

153 acres $8,300,000

Upperville – This premier estate is a para dise with the main house for grand living and entertaining; 2 horse barns, riding ring and trails to ride out. Multiple outdoor living spaces perfect for enjoying the stun ning landscape of Virginia’s horse country.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Alnell

541 +/- acres $8,000,000

Beautiful rolling hills and pasture located in Flint Hill, Virginia. This scenic property is surrounded by unspoiled countryside and expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a private and quiet escape to enjoy.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Middleburg Country Estate

30 acres $5,900,000

Spectacular Country Estate with manicured lawns, lush woodlands and towering trees. Superbly built in a classic Tuscan style architecture, it includes 5 bedrooms 8 1/2 baths, 8 fireplaces and wood, stone and marble floors.

Mary Ann McGowan | 540-270-1124

Hidden Trail

107+ acres $5,750,000

The Plains – Exceptional and surrounded by magnificent countryside with views. Stone and stucco residence, beautiful terraces. Geothermal heating/cooling, heated 20’ x 40’ pool, 8 stall center aisle stable with 14’ x 14’ stalls. Stunning indoor riding arena.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

51+

Middleburg – Charming Country Estate in prime Orange County Hunt Territory. Geothermal heating, salt water pool. Horse facilities include 10 stall stable, 2 wash stalls, feed room and large hayloft. Perfectly sited to enjoy privacy and lovely views.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Wayside

.63 acres $999,999

Upperville – Historic residence in lovely setting. Beautifully updated, high ceilings, 2 kitchens, a conservancy w/brick floors, walled in terrace w/gardens. Ideal for gracious entertaining. Guest cottage w/front porch, comfortable rooms and mountain views.

Mary Ann McGowan | 540-270-1124

Sanctuary

50 acres $2,695,000

In the heart of Virginia Wine Country, 8,300 sq ft house custom built in 1996 by Castlerock Enterprises. 5 BRs / 5 1/2 BAs, 5 fireplaces, 12-foot ceilings, open floor plan. Views of vineyards, woods, mountains and farmland. Very private, yet not remote.

Chris Malone | 540-253-5050

Swain Mountain Farm

$1,799,000

estate

10 acres $1,450,000

from

Isabella Wolf | 703-338-7452

Upperville – Ideally located on a picturesque country road in the heart of the renowned Virginia Horse Country, meticulously updated with extraordinary quality and beautiful detailing, this charming colonial offers privacy in a storybook setting.

Jim McGowan | 703-927-0233

Wilson Road

93 acres $950,000

Marshall – This property is comprised of multiple parcels (4 DURs), includes 32 cleared and fenced acres. And UNDERGROUND

ELECTRIC - No power lines to ruin your views! The lots have significant easement value. Seller is related to the listing agent.

Isabella Wolf | 703-338-7452

Aylor House

5 acres $899,000

The Plains – Pristine brick rambler, wooded and private. Renovated with 4 BR and 4 Full BAs - over 3,300 sq ft. LL walkout suite with kitchenette. 2-car attached garage, rear deck & fenced lawn area, detached workshop/shed.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

.41 acres $845,000

Middleburg – c.1820 remodeled Victorianera frame house with 3 BRs / 3 full BAs. Unique 2-story portico w/ balcony. Many upgrades and renovations. Standing seam metal roof, 4 fire places, wide board pine floors. Fenced back yard. 1 car garage.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

Glatton Folly

Willisville

Lockwood

IDENTITY & RESTRAINT: ART OF THE DOG COLLAR

A New Exhibition at the National Sporting Library & Museum

Written by Richard Hooper

Anothermust-see exhibition will open at the National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) on October 7. The exhibit highlights more than 60 dog collars from the 187 collars donated to the museum by Dr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Greenan in 2014. The exhibition is a collaboration between the NSLM and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Museum of the Dog in New York City which is sending 48 works of art from its collection to accom pany the collars.

The first section of the installment focuses on collars and art from the 17th century into the middle of the 19th century. Among these collars is a very practical hinged, iron collar and another iron collar of flattened disks with upturned spikes connected by iron rings. Both are from the 1600s.

Some collars in the collection are engraved with the dog’s name, the identity of its owner, or both. Others don’t have either but still convey the high status – its own form of identity – of its owner through both design and richness of material. One such example is an extremely large 18th-century collar from India which would have graced the neck of a Tibetan mastiff. The horsehide leather is set with brass-mounted, agate cabochons along with elaborate met alwork. Two other 18th-century leather collars are from Germany; one is adorned with brass seashells and bosses, the other with styl ized initials.

Silver collars conveyed a similar cachet. Of those included in the exhibition, there is one identified as being from the year 1834. It is a simple design, and, although the dog is not named, it identifies the

owners, Miss C. & E. Senhouse. Their names are elegantly engraved above their beguilingly named abode, “Nether Hall,” a structure in Cumbria at the northwest corner of England with portions dating from at least the 1400s.

Pierced metal collars from the 18th and 19th centuries are cer tain to be among the highlights of the exhibition. These were made from wide bands of brass with sections removed leaving dates, let ters, and designs as the surface. Contrasting leather was usually used as a liner, stitched to the collar through small holes near the upper and lower rims. An unusual example in the show has a metal liner

A French bulldog with bat ears by Carl Reichert, oil on canvas, 1874. From the collection of the American Kennel Club.

with round-ended spikes bent over its rims.

The earliest painting on display is “The Lion Hunt,” dating from 1605 by the Flemish artist Paul de Vos. The Dutch artist Abraham Hondius is represented by several pieces including “The Amster dam Dog Market” painted in the early 1670s. The scene is gener ally considered to be an imaginary construct. Nonetheless, it is an amazing painting with more than 40 dogs depicted, possibly to ad vertise Hondius’ expertise in painting them. In the lower right of the painting, an array of collars is laid out for perusal. Among other artists in this section of the exhibition are Philip Reinagle, George Morland, Henry Alken, and two paintings by Sir Edwin Landseer, including the well-known painting “Alexander and Diogenes.”

The other sections of the exhibition focus on particular breeds or types of dogs such as mastiffs, terriers, bulldogs, pointers, and setters. Included here is Richard Ansdell’s “The Poacher at Bay,” de picting a poacher trying to protect himself by desperately clutching to the collar of the gamekeeper’s mastiff. Some of the other artists on display in these sections are Percival Rousseau, Gustave Muss-Ar not, Arthur Wardle, George Earl, and George’s daughter, Maud Earl.

Collars extend through these portions of the show as well, dis played alongside breed types or by use. These collars feature styles that were becoming more broadly available through means of man ufacturing including collars with linked metal plaques or bands and interlocking, delicate chains. Many of these were for simple practi cality; others strove for a high degree of decorative pleasure.

The catalog of the show contains contributions by Dr. Timothy Greenan, Claudia Pfieffer, the deputy director and George L. Ohr strom, Jr. curator at the NSLM, and Alan Fausel, adjunct curator at the AKC Museum of the Dog.

The show will run from October 7 to March 26, 2023, before traveling to the AKC Museum of the Dog in New York where it will be on display from April 5 through September 4, 2023. Finally, it will be at Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville, Georgia, from November 3, 2023, until May 3, 2024.

This exhibition was made possible through the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Greenan, Garth Greenan Gallery, Mark Ans tine, and Marianna Lancaster. ML

Top: An 1834 silver collar from Nether Hall. Second from the top: A pierced brass collar dated 1793 with a red felt display liner. Third: A Victorian pierced brass collar from 1844 with a jagged-edged, metal insert. Bottom: An 18th-century collar from India with agate cabochons mounted onto horsehide leather. Photos by Richard D. Hooper.

Breakfast is Better with Friends

Richard W. Stoutamyer

Richard W. Stoutamyer, age 63, passed away from a long illness on September 3, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kimberly Stoutamyer, a daughter, Kelsie Stoutamyer, a sister, Chris Ann Stoutamy er, and his parents, Raymond and Louise

Rick lived life to the fullest and loved learning new things. This resulted in a vari ety of careers, including 5 years in the auto motive electronics and nuclear power industries, 14 years working as a defense contractor for the National Department of Defense Intelligence Communities, 12 years as a successful retail business owner and proprietor in the antiquarian and rare book trade, and 4 years in library and museum management.

Rick loved spending time with his family, meeting new people, reading good books, traveling to different places, listening to music, and attending

Middleburg had a special place in Rick’s heart. He was the proprietor of Undercover Books/Stoutamyer Fine Books for12 years and served tempo rarily as the Executive Director of the Middleburg Community Center. Rick spent four years in the position of Executive Director of the National Sporting Library and Museum. He launched the NSLM website in 2012 and attracted over 15,000 visitors. He instituted community open houses in addition to do nor-only events, including Concerts on the Lawn and an annual Polo Match.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held in the chapel of First United Meth odist Church in Myrtle Beach on Sunday, September 11,at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick’s memory to the Lewy Body Dementia

Wilma Avery Hoovler

Volunteer & Homemaker

Wilma Avery Hoovler, age 89, passed away peacefully near dawn on September 10th 2022 with her sister, Sue, by her side. She was born on March 3rd, 1933, in the District of Columbia to William Eugene Avery and Lois Hurlbut Avery, both now deceased, and preceded in death by her husband Chuck Hoovler, daughter Cyndy Hair, brothers John and Billy Avery and sister Caryl Felder. She is survived by her sister Sue Richardson (Bobby); her daughters Karen Crane (Michael) and Shelley Payne (George); five grand children: Avery Hughes (Collins), Wesley Hall, Lauren Chakalos (Alex), Austin Payne and Marshall Payne; and three great-grandsons William Hughes, Jr., Bryan Hughes, and Charlie Hughes. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren.

A child of the depression, Wilma and her family moved several times during her early years. In Kansas, with her maternal grandparents, she learned all about life on the farm, and enjoyed sharing many stories from that time with her children. The family also relocated to Pulaski, VA where Wilma attended middle school at Pico Terrace, whose school song she would happily recite for friends and family. Following the conclusion of World War II, Wilma and her family settled in Fairfax County. There, Wilma met her high school sweetheart, and eventual love of her life, Chuck Hoovler at the age of 13. She graduated from Fairfax High School and attended one year at Radford college before marrying Chuck in 1952. While Chuck attended William & Mary, Wilma worked diligently for The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. As a result, it became a favorite game among her children to try to “find Mom” in the background of Colonial Williamsburg postcards. When Chuck began his own business, Communications Inc., Wilma worked alongside him before transitioning to the role of full-time homemaker to raise their three beautiful daughters: Cyndy, Karen, and Shelley.

Wilma dedicated her life to serving others and her community. She was highly active at Highland School and Notre Dame Academy, where her daughters were students, and spent many years giving her time to Fauquier Hospital’s ‘The Thrift Shop’. She was a devoted member of the Middleburg Garden Club, receiving many awards for her beautiful floral arrangements. However, Wilma’s dedication to service was perhaps best displayed after her eldest daughter, Cyndy (and soon after, Cyndy’s younger sister, Karen), fell in love with horses. Wilma quickly became the quintessential horseshow mom: serving for decades as President of The Short Circuit, a series of local summer horse shows, providing a venue where local riders would compete for year-end awards. Wilma’s passion for service was most evident in the time she gave to the Warrenton Pony Show. She made sure all three daughters served on the Junior Committee and was instrumental in bringing the pony show back to Warrenton, after it had been moved briefly to Culpeper. Wilma remained a dedicated servant to the pony show; occupying the role of adviser to the Junior Committee until her failing health no longer permitted her to maintain her standard of excellence. She was also so proud that all three of her granddaughters served on the Junior Committee. Wilma’s legacy was cemented in 2019 with the Centennial Pony Show being held in her honor.

Wilma loved to entertain and would dance whenever a toe-tapping song was played. She and Chuck hosted legendary New Year’s Eve parties for years and her tailgates at every spring and fall race meet were local legend, especially when her signature brownies were on the menu (and they always were). As exemplified in her children, and their children, and all of the accountings of her closest friends and family, Wilma Hoovler personified class, grace, service, motherhood, peerless wit, humor, and so much more.

There will be a public visitation from 4-6 PM at Moser Funeral Home on Sunday, October 2nd. Interment will be private followed by a Celebration of Wilma’s Life on Monday, October 3rd from 2:30-5:30 PM at The Warrenton Horse Show Grounds, 60 E. Shirley Ave., Warrenton, VA 20186. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Warrenton Horse Show Association for the Wilma Hoovler Memorial Tree Fund, PO Box 535, Warrenton, VA 20188. Online condolences may be made at www.moserfuneralhome.com.

New, Noteworthy, or Need-to-Visit: Hunt Country Wineries & Vineyards Off the Beaten Path

Written by Lia Hobel

Withthe cool autumn air comes a de sire to embrace the season and gather with friends and family at one of the many vineyards or wineries throughout the Vir ginia wine region. Luckily, no matter what vin tage or grape varietals you prefer, there’s some thing for everyone in Hunt Country.

We’ve rounded up local wineries and vine yards that are ripe for the picking to consider adding to your fall bucket list or upcoming wine tour.

THREE CREEKS WINERY

18548 Harmony Church Road Hamilton, VA 20158

For a hidden gem just minutes from Leesburg, wine devotees should not overlook Three Creeks Winery on Harmony Church Road. Owners P.J. and John Lawrence are known for their hospitali ty and love getting to know their patrons, making it feel like a truly intimate experience.

The adult-only winery offers vineyard views with outdoor seating in a serene setting. Grab a glass and have a seat near one of the creeks or head into the barn for a tasting to enjoy Europe an-style wines in French varietals grown in Vir ginia’s soil.

The winery offers six reds and four whites, as well as a rosé made with grapes from a selection of Virginia vineyards. Two of the reds include grapes from the state of Washington and North ern California. The 2019 Sur-Lie Viognier, Petit

Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sur-Lie Chardon nay, Cabernet Franc, and Melange Rouge all re ceived silver medals at the 2022 Governor’s Cup competition.

ENDHARDT VINEYARDS

19600 Lincoln Road Purcellville, VA 20132

Endhardt Vineyards is situated on 46 acres of idyllic rolling hills with 11 acres of vines. Lo cated a few miles outside the village of Lincoln near Purcellville, owner Johannes (known as “Hannes”) Endhardt, and his wife, Sarah, opened the winery in 2021. “We are focused on creating memorable, high-quality Virginia wines while providing an incredible atmosphere to connect with family and friends,” Hannes says.

Guests will enjoy the beautiful vista over looking grape vines while sampling their wine selection. Hannes recommends a stainless steel 2021 Chardonnay that is finished on some very light oak. Another popular choice is the 2019 Bordeaux blend that has 50 percent Merlot, 25 percent Cab Franc and 25 percent Petit Verdot resulting in “beautiful notes of red currant and dark cherry with a light pepper finish.”

HOPE FLOWER FARM AND WINERY

40905 Stumptown Road Waterford, VA 20197

Picture meandering around a flower field bursting with color as you enjoy a house-made

wine or cider. You can make this experience come to life with a visit to Hope Flower Farm and Win ery!

October marks the height of dahlia season at Hope Flower Farm in Waterford — the perfect occasion to snip flowers and sip one of the farm’s seasonal drinks. The "cut your own" flowers at

Path

Top: Bluemont Station Brewery & Winery. Courtesy of Bluemont Station Brewery & Winery. Bottom: Hope Flower Farm and Winery. Courtesy of Hope Flower Farm and Winery.

Hope’s harvest fields make it a sought-out des tination for picnics, photo shoots, and outdoor gatherings. Guests can walk around the farm and see the gardens, the animals, and enjoy being sur rounded by the floral beauty.

The farm features flower-inspired wines from around the world including a seasonally driven

fall wine selection. In addition to wines, the farm also makes ciders including the “Jack Cat,” which is a hard apple cider with hints of hops. The new est addition to the menu is the farm’s Strawberry Lavender drink.

Purchased by Holly and Evan Chapple in July 2015, this historic 25-acre estate was the begin ning of an exciting new chapter for Holly’s suc cessful floral and event business, Holly Heider Chapple Flowers.

Holly was able to expand from her homebased studio of 23 years to the rural retreat that now serves as a gathering place to teach and men tor fellow floral designers.

The estate, once a working dairy farm, is named in honor of the Hope family that farmed the land for over 60 years. The farm includes a stone Quaker house built in 1820, three barns, a guesthouse, and a smaller barn which serves as a studio.

Already known as a playground for floral design, Hope Flower Farm is gaining a well de served reputation as a social spot for a glass of vino in a field of flowers.

BLUEMONT STATION BREWERY & WINERY

18301 Whitehall Estate Lane Bluemont, VA 20135

For a total crowd-pleaser, set your sights on Bluemont Station Brewery & Winery, located at Whitehall Estate. Towering 100-year-old trees offer shade and tranquility on this 50-acre coun tryside escape. Their slogan, “Come together and visit often,” accurately captures the ambiance of this Loudoun newcomer. In addition to pours of your choice, guests have the opportunity to sam ple a wide variety of dining options.

The property, a combination of rustic charm and southern elegance, has been owned by David Weinschel and Doug Armstrong since 1993. Pre viously Whitehall Estate, it served solely as a wed ding and events venue until March when it was transformed into a brewery and winery. “Being a wedding venue for years, people would come out, they would enjoy this beautiful property and then we'd never see them again,” says Doug, who is en thusiastic about the new operation. They've been growing Cabernet Franc grapes on the property for 10 years in preparation.

The name “Bluemont Station” is a nod to Blue mont’s rail line past. The line went right across the front of the property, connecting Washing ton, D.C.’s social elite to a mountain “cool air” retreat. While visiting Bluemont Station Brewery & Winery, guests can check out a vintage 1926 train caboose that has been restored and is now a centerpiece of the facility and its brand.

OCTOBER ONE VINEYARD

7 Loudoun Street SW Leesburg, VA 20175

Recently added to the Leesburg scene is a wine tasting room called One October, or O1V. The owners, Bob and Loree Rupy, opened the shop in August after years of experience grow ing grapes and making wine at their vineyard. In 2013, they planted their first grapes for the brand on their 30-acre Bluemont property. At first, the Rupys sold locally at farmers markets and events before expanding to the Leesburg brick-andmortar facility.

One October is open Wednesday through Sunday. O1V wines include a Viognier, Albariño, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Guests can either enjoy a flight or a glass on the outside patio or inside for a modernized, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.

EAGLE TREE FARM VINEYARDS

15100 Harrison Hill Lane Leesburg, VA 20176

Venture off Highway 15 and take the gravel road less traveled to Eagle Tree Farm Vineyards which occupies a beautiful slice of rural Virgin ia. The family-owned, chef-driven winery and full-service restaurant sells estate-grown and vi nified wines.

Eagle Tree is known for blueberry picking in the spring, but to wine enthusiasts and foodies, the place is much more. The picturesque grounds feature an outdoor pavilion with a wood-fired oven for pizzas and a nature trail. The property is open during the weekend and weekday evenings and is also family friendly.

Lori McKeever and Head Chef Jeff Judge are co-owners of the restaurant and vineyard. The restaurant is open year-round. With Chardonnay, Viognier, Cab Franc, Talon, and Tannat, there’s something for everyone in your party. ML

Bottom: Endhardt Vineyards. Courtesy of Endhardt Vineyards.

FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND FOREVER FARM & VINEYARD

Story by Will Thompson

“Each wine in here I could tell a story about,” says Bob Riggs, pouring a glass of Forever Farm & Vineyard’s signa ture label, Boykin Blend, in their tasting room.

The stories seem to flow as easily as the superb wine at this boutique, family-run winery nestled in Purcellville’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Bob tends to the vines and is the winemaker, while his wife, Teri Riggs, manages the business. Together they provide a personable and inclusive venue for sa voring some of the best that Virginia winemaking has to offer.

The walls of Forever Farm’s cozy tasting room are lined with photos from Teri and Bob’s own lives — much of which were spent living around the world. Record covers and other artifacts with personal meaning mingle with bottles of wine adorned with the many gold and silver medals that their impressive varietals and blends have won in local and national competitions.

Forever Farm & Vineyard started when Teri

and Bob decided to move to Loudoun County upon their retirement to be close to their family and friends. When they bottled their first wines in 2017, a harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chambourcin that became Boykin Blend, their intent was to make wine for the same fam ily and friends as a hobby. A few short years saw their skills and their vines growing and multiply ing. They decided to scale up to open a boutique winery for anyone who was interested in expert ly-crafted wine in an inviting, community atmo sphere.

Forever Farm’s roots — making wine based on a passion for the craft and serving family and friends — are still the ethos of their winery today. “It’s a passion,” Bob says. “We’ve won awards. But it’s really not about the awards. It’s about people enjoying and drinking the wine.”

“Being with people is our biggest thing,” Teri agrees.

Visitors can expect a concierge tasting expe

rience with Teri and Bob on hand to match each person to the wine that they will love. Patrons can also expect to be welcomed as part of the Forev er Farm & Vineyard extended family, with Teri and Bob sharing stories about their former lives as world travelers, their parents and children, and the stories behind those photos on the wall (including one of Teri dancing while making her television debut!). But perhaps the most compel ling are the stories behind each cork popped in their tasting room.

Boykin Blend, for example, is a Bordeaux-style blend named for the couple’s beloved Boykin Spaniel, George, who died tragically but inspired them to rescue their current Boykin, 10-year-old Mojo. George peers out from the label of Boykin Blend, blissfully bounding toward his next ad venture. One dollar of each bottle sold of Boykin Blend supports Boykin Spaniel Rescue in South Carolina.

Left: A healthy bunch of grapes waiting to be picked at Forever Farm & Vineyard. Middle: Bob Riggs lovingly tending to the vines. Right: Little markers indicate which varietal is where.

Visioné (Italian for vision), a Sangiovese blend, honors the earliest beginnings of Bob’s in terest in wine: growing up in New Jersey at a time when many of his friends and neighbors made their own wine.

Forever Farm’s Norton is made from grapes that are a product of a chance friendship and business exchange that resulted in a unique, deep purple wine that is evocative of holiday spices and dark fruits.

Among the many awards and recognitions that Forever Farm’s wines have received, each year of Boykin Blend has been awarded by or ganizations such as the American Wine Society, the Loudoun Wine Awards, and the Texas Int’l Awards. Visioné and Forever Farm’s Norton were both awarded a silver medal at the 2021 Loudoun Wine awards. And, it was announced that Norton won a silver medal at the 2022 Loudoun Wine awards. Many more of Forever Farm’s wines have been honored with similar accolades.

“It begins with making sure that you have

great fruit to make wine with,” says Bob as Teri explains how he tends to the vines every day. “I even tell them that I love them,” Bob laughs. Perfectly spaced rows of hanging grapes stretch across the bucolic vineyard just outside of the tasting room walls. Teri and Bob’s care extends to all aspects of the winemaking process, from farming to bottling. “We pour the wine into each bottle, cork each bottle, cap each bottle, and label each bottle right here,” Teri emphasizes.

To accept a glass of wine from Teri and Bob is to participate in the Forever Farm & Vineyard story, which is based on the care that Bob puts into every bottle, the hours that Teri works to provide her guests with a comfortable, commu nity-driven experience, and, of course, a really good glass of wine. ML

Forever Farm & Vineyard Winery is located at 15779 Woodgrove Road in Purcellville. The tasting room along with outdoor seating is open every Sat urday from 12 – 6 p.m. and select Sundays and Fridays. Forever Farm welcomes everyone includ ing children and dogs.

Is it time to remodel?

Top: A few Forever Farm bottles. Bottom: A more expansive collection of bottles.

HAUNTED HUNT COUNTRY: Local Ghost Stories

Eachyear, thousands of people travel to Hunt Country to witness its historic char acter. From beautiful old properties, to Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields, to the time-honored sport of fox hunting which has been kept alive here since the 1840s, there is not much around that isn’t heavily steeped in the past. Visitors might even feel momentarily transported back in time while strolling through the streets of Middleburg, Leesburg, or Warrenton.

However, what if historic architecture, memo rials, and traditional pastimes aren’t the only re mainders of a time long gone in the area? What if, when strolling these historic streets or exploring old properties, visitors aren’t necessarily walk ing…alone?

In honor of the Halloween season, we’ve rounded up some spooky local stories that show us that the past may be closer to us than we even realize. Read on (if you dare) to find out more

about the haunted legends of Hunt Country!

BEN LOMOND HISTORIC SITE

Benjamin Tasker Chinn constructed Ben Lomond plantation in 1832 after receiving the property as an inheritance from his grandfather, well-known planter, lawyer, and colonial coun cilor, Robert Carter III. The main house was two stories high and made of red brick, and the out buildings included a smokehouse, a dairy, and quarters for enslaved people. Before the Civil War, the property was leased out to the Pringle family who farmed corn and wheat on the land and kept a herd of nearly 500 merino sheep.

Following the Battle of First Manassas, Ben Lomond was converted into an emergency field hospital for wounded Confederate soldiers. For nearly a month, sick and injured men were crammed into the house and camped across the sprawling grounds. And, when the Confeder

ate army used the property as a winter campsite during the war, once again, the house was repur posed as a hospital to treat diseased men. After the Confederates abandoned the area, Federal soldiers ransacked the house. Today’s visitors can still see remnants of the graffiti they left on the walls. Following the end of the Civil War, the Pringle and the Chinn families struggled to re build. The house went through a succession of owners before finally being restored to its Civil War state.

David Born, Ben Lomond’s site manager, says that staff often experience things that they can’t explain at Ben Lomond. They hear footsteps on the stairs even when they are alone in the house, and multiple people have reported hearing some one whispering what sounds like the word “Geor gia.” Many of the men that died at the Confed erate field hospital and were subsequently buried

Written by Victoria Peace | Photos by Michael Butcher

Ben Lomond Historic Site.

Haunted | From page 34

on Ben Lomond’s grounds originally came from Georgia. However, for Born, the most chilling paranormal experience came a few years back when he stayed the night at the property.

One night in October, Born decided to stay over at the main house after finishing one of Ben Lomond’s annual ghost story programs. He had to be onsite early the next morning to assist with

a church service that was being hosted there so he thought it made more sense than driving home. That night, he remembers that one of the men at the ghost story program decided to say a prayer to exorcize the house. The man didn’t believe there were any ghosts there — only evil spirits.

Born went to bed around 11 p.m. He recalls that sometime in the middle of the night, some thing grabbed him by both ankles and yanked him straight off the cot he was sleeping on and onto the floor. Born says that everyone always asks what he did next, and they are surprised to

find out that he just decided to go back to bed. “I needed the sleep,” he jokes.

Born also reports that many ghost hunting groups have visited Ben Lomond and picked up strange readings on their equipment. A police fo rensics unit has also chemically tested different areas of the property for blood, including where blood seeped into the floorboards from when the house was used as a hospital.

If you are interested in hearing more about the haunted history of this site, there is a ghost story campfire event coming up on the 28th of October at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person.

THE PINK DOGWOOD

Located in The Plains, The Pink Dogwood is a charmingly-appointed historic house owned by Denise and Michael Godfrey. As soon as visitors step onto its pale pink-trimmed porch, they im mediately feel welcomed by the cheery décor and impeccable landscaping.

Built in the 1880s, the property consists of a large, three-story main house, outbuildings in cluding a summer kitchen and an icehouse, and several garden areas. The main house has been renovated many times so it is ineligible to be on the historic register, but nevertheless, over the years, it has maintained much of its original charm.

Denise and Michael bought the property three years ago. Michael spent over 30 years in the army, and so the couple moved around frequently. The Pink Dogwood is the twentieth house they have lived in together. Denise said that throughout her time in all of her other houses, she never believed in ghosts. However, when they moved into The Pink Dogwood, for the first time, she started to feel differently.

Right after moving in, Denise recalls that every night around 9:35 p.m. for approximate ly three months, she and Michael would hear a thunk coming from the second floor. It wasn’t always the same room, but it was the exact same noise. One night, she decided to try something. She walked upstairs and acknowledged the noise. She said, “We know you’re here. We’re here, and we’re trying to make the house lovely. We can all live together.” And after that, they never heard the sound again.

The attic of the house is another area where

Haunted | Page 36

Top left: Ben Lomond Historic Site framed by one of the many ancient trees on the property. Bottom left: A close-up of a spooky window. Right: The historic site has plenty of old buildings for haunting.

Haunted | From page 35

strange things have repeatedly occurred. When her daughter stayed there, she reported that books would fall off the shelves in the middle of the night. She would also hear footsteps creaking across the floorboards, but when she would get up to go investigate, there would be no one there.

Denise and her family are not the first people to have experienced things like this at the property. Before they bought the house, it operated as an inn, and guests would report similar sto ries. One night, the former house keeper who lived in the attic even claims to have seen a ghostly car riage arrive in front of the house pulled by a team of spectral hors es. She was so terrified that she jumped into her car, drove around the entire night, and would not return to the house until the sun came up. Denise says that the house was built during the time horses and carriages would have been in use, and they have found the remains of the carriage house in the gardens.

In Denise’s opinion, the spookiest place on the prop erty is the small cottage that used to serve as the sum mer kitchen. It is now her floral studio, but occasionally when she is working there she will get goosebumps for no apparent reason. “I have never encountered anything like this,” she emphasizes. “I think that there could be something here, but so far we’re just existing here to gether. There’s no malice.”

If guests are interested in booking a stay at the con veniently-located and beautifully-renovated Pink Dog wood, they can make arrangements over Airbnb.

HISTORIC PROPERTY IN BLOOMFIELD

Middleburg Life’s accounts administrator, Joanne Maisano, had her own haunted Hunt Country experi ence a few years ago while housesitting a property built in the late 1770s. As she was trying to go to sleep, she heard what sounded like several footsteps in the front hall, like a basketball game was going on. She looked

Haunted | Page 37

Top: Hickory Grove Chapel in Haymarket has been left in ruin. Middle left: “Repent” is scrawled above a pile of debris. Middle right: An abandoned piano decays on the floor. Bottom: Hickory Grove’s porch is overgrown and definitely creepy.

at the dog laying down at the foot of her bed and heard in her head “They’re here all the time, they just want to know who you are.” She was so un nerved, she grabbed the dog, got dressed, and ran through the front hall to the back of the house which was a new addition. She left the dog in one of the back rooms and drove home. The next day, when the owner came home, Maisano asked her about the spirits. The owner said that she only knew of one and that it was probably wondering who Maisano was because she was new to the house. The property’s housekeeper believed that the spirit was a Revolutionary soldier who died on the stairs leading to the front hall.

Maisano later found out that while watching the property, other house sitters had heard foot steps climbing up the stairs but never reaching the top. “Needless to say, I never stayed there again even though the spirits were benign,” she says.

HICKORY GROVE CHAPEL

Hickory Grove Chapel is a small, one-story white chapel off Logmill Road in Haymarket. Abandoned for decades, its white, channeled siding and gabled-roof porch have been slowly reclaimed by thick vegetation over the years – a Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission sur vey from 1999 described the property as “well protected by poison ivy, ticks, and snakes.” There are rumors of a graveyard being located on the property, but it has become so overgrown that this has never been confirmed.

Historically known as the “Bull Run Chapel,” the building was constructed between 1914 and 1917 as a memorial chapel to the Civil War dead

of Virginia’s 8th regiment. It was used as a meet ing place for the United Daughters of the Con federacy before it fell into disrepair sometime in the 1960s. All of the pictures and museum exhib its were stolen and the red stained glass window panes were shattered. Today, nothing remains in the interior besides graffiti and broken furniture.

Upon visiting the property, some locals have reported hearing footsteps and disembodied voic es. Others who drive by the chapel at night claim to have seen balls of light floating in the road. While Hickory Grove has continuously attracted atten tion from paranormal investigators and curious passerby, there are no specific ghost stories or leg ends associated with the chapel. For now, it appears that it will remain as it has been for over half of the last century - an eerie relic that is slowly sinking into oblivion as it is reclaimed by the countryside. Middleburg Life would like to caution readers who choose to drive by the chapel not to go inside as it is not open to the public.

If you are looking for more haunted sites to visit this fall, consider stopping at Abram’s De

light in Winchester, or The Winery at La Grange in Haymarket. Abram’s Delight is a historic home constructed before the Revolutionary War that now serves as the headquarters of the Win chester-Frederick County Historical Society. The property is home to the spirit of a former resident named Mary Hollingsworth who has reportedly knocked over vases, moved furniture, and turned on appliances in the building. The manor house at The Winery at La Grange has also been the site of several paranormal occurrences over the years including ghostly piano music with no apparent source and sightings of the ghost of a young girl who lives in one of the upstairs rooms. As the leaves begin to change color on the trees and a chill enters into the air, here at Middleburg Life, we wish you happy haunting! ML

If you know of any local Hunt Country haunted legends, we would love to hear from you! Through out the month, we plan to continue to share your stories on our website and over social media. Please reach out to victoria@middleburglife.com.

Above: The winery’s exterior on a cloudy day. Left: The Winery at La Grange’s basement is rumored to be haunted.

the red carpet comes to hunt country: 10 Years of the Middleburg Film Festival

Written by Will Thompson | Photos Courtesy of Middleburg Film Festival

Forthe past 10 years, the Middleburg Film Festival has celebrated the best of film, con necting the Hunt Country community with the visual arts as a major stop on the path to the national awards circuit. Since its inception, the festival has become home to world and regional premieres, established itself as a recognized and celebrated destination for the arts, and welcomed some of the world’s most talented actors, direc tors, and filmmaking professionals.

This October will mark the festival’s 10th an niversary and attendees can anticipate more of what they have come to love over the past decade. As the air begins to crisp and the trees burst with fall colors, downtown Middleburg will be trans formed into a hub for film in an event that Town & Country called “one of the most interesting (and influential) on the road winding toward the Academy Awards.” The four-day festival will fea ture carefully curated selections of films includ ing buzz-worthy blockbusters like, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” “Somewhere in Queens,” and Brendan Fraiser’s highly-anticipated return to film in “The Whale.” The 2021 festival boasted 42 Oscar nominations among its selections in cluding Best Picture nominee “Belfast,” Best Ac tress contender Olivia Coleman from “The Lost Daughter,” and Best Documentary Feature “Flee” — a record that organizers have set out to beat during the 10th anniversary.

Complementing the many films, the festival will also feature Q&A sessions and conversa tions with many of its previous special guests –a list that has included names such as Kenneth

Branagh, Dakota Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Emma Stone, and Viggo Mortensen – as well as artists who are new to the festival.

Attendees can expect to hear from the movie stars, visionaries, and artists who bring storied passion, humor, and drama to life on the silver screen during intimate “Fireside Chats” at festival venues, “Wine & Conversation” events at local vineyards and breweries, farm-to-table dinners, and parties that promise to mix some of Holly wood’s brightest stars with local festival patrons. Among the festival’s out-of-town attendees will be many composer and songwriter honorees who are coming together for a once-in-a-lifetime con cert featuring selections of their most memorable work.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be celebrat ing our 10th anniversary,” says Susan Koch, the festival’s executive director. “When Sheila John son founded the festival in 2013, it was with the mission to use the power of film to inspire, ed ucate and engage our community and through this, increase our understanding of the world and one another – and our mission hasn’t changed since then. I think what makes the festival special

is not only the quality of the films and conversa tions, but the sense of community that’s created.”

“We’re also committed to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives from all over the world,” Koch adds.

To prepare for the festival, the Town of Mid dleburg is planning a 10-day lead up to the event beginning on Monday, October 3 at Salamander Resort & Spa and ending on October 12 with a block party at Old Ox Brewery. “We’re very ap preciative of all those who helped us along the way including our Board of Directors, Film Ad visory Board, sponsors, the film community, and of course, the Town of Middleburg,” Koch says.

The 2022 festival promises to bring the red carpet experience to Middleburg while giving Hunt Country community members the oppor tunity to be educated, inspired, and entertained by some of this year’s most powerful films and talented filmmakers.

The festival is scheduled for Octo ber 13 to 16 with Noah Baumbach’s “White Noise” starring Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig and Don Cheadle as the opening film. Ad vance festival passes and individual tick ets are on sale now on the festival’s website, middleburgfilm.org ML

Left: Kenneth Branagh addresses a crowd at the 2021 Middleburg Film Festival. Photo by Shannon Finney. Middle: Sheila Johnson. Photo by Drew Xeron. Right: Dakota Johnson sits down for an interview with Variety awards editor, Clayton Davis, at the 2021 festival. Photo by Shannon Finney.

happeninG in hunt country:

Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Gala

Middleburg, VA - September 17, 2022

Photos by Joanne Maisano

Our Favorite Local Gifts for Wine Lovers

Photos by Callie Broaddus

Wine Bottle Umbrellas, $28, Available at Chloe's of Middleburg

Knead Wine Gift Cards, $20 & $45, Available at Knead Wine

Working Nine to Wine Notepad, $12, Available at MODA Lookbook

Dessau Chippendale Wine Cooler, $280, Flutes, $12 each, Champagne, $58, Available at The Town Duck

Phoenician Wine Glasses from the West Bank, $39, Available at Latitudes

Kentucky Derby Bottle Stopper, $14.99, Glass Grape Wine Charms, $9.99, Available at The Grapevine

Coasters, $10 for a set of 4, Available at Atelier Design & Decor

The Essential Wine Book by Zachary Sussman, $19.99, Available at Lou Lou

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SHADES OF AUTUMN AT THE BYRNE GALLERY

October 5 - 30 | thebyrnegallery.com

The Byrne Gallery presents Shades of Autumn, the latest series of plein air landscape and garden oil paintings by noted Virginia painter, Robert Thoren. The exhibition will feature impression istic views that showcase the beauty of the Vir ginia countryside as well as scenes from Italy and France. Goose Creek and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains are both represented in the splendor of the autumn season with color and majesty. For more information and tickets call the gallery at 540-687-6986, or visit thebyrnegal lery.com

THE 78TH WATERFORD FAIR

October 7 - 9 | waterfordfairva.org

The Waterford Foundation and the village of Waterford welcome neighbors, friends, families, craft collectors, local food and drink enthusi asts, and history lovers to come, shop, play, tour,

learn, taste, and make memories. Tickets are now available at waterfordfairva.org or by calling 540882-3018 during office hours, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Purchase in advance and save up to 50%. Tickets at the gate are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $15 for students, and free for children 12 and younger. Early Bird special, 3-day pass, and group rates are also available.

THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS IN CONCERT AT SHOCKTOBER™ HAUNT PARTY

October 8 | 8 p.m. | shocktober.org

Join Shocktober’s ghoulish ghosts for this spooky extravaganza where haunt-themed costumes are encouraged! They Might Be Giants and their barnstorming live band will deliver fan favorite songs plus some unexpected surprises. Food and beverages will be available for purchase onsite. General admission tickets are $40.

MARY KAY ASH FOUNDATION TRAIL RIDE

October 10 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. |

liveridelearn.com/mkftrail/

Bring your own horse, wear pink, and ride for a good cause benefitting the Mary Kay Ash Foun dation’s cancer research. The trail ride will take place at Camp Highroad in Middleburg. The admission fee is $40 per horse and a light lunch will be provided. Riders are encouraged to ride at their own pace. There will be raffle prizes. Regis ter online to secure your spot.

HAUNTED TRAIL AT SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA

October 26, 27, 29, and 30 | 7 - 9 p.m. |

The family-friendly Haunted Trail is a .6 mile trail that will feature 10 scenes with live perfor mances. The walk is geared towards children 4 through 12 years old. Children wanting to walk through the trail without the actors in the scenes can do that promptly at 6:30 p.m. Last entry onto the trail is 8:30 p.m. sharp. Food and beverages will be available for purchase a la carte. The menu

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CARS AND CAPPUCCINOS AT CREIGHTON FARMS

will include hot dogs, pulled pork, s’mores kits, caramel apples, mac ‘n cheese, and veggie wraps. Tickets are $16 per person. Children under three can participate for free.

CHERRY BLOSSOM BREAST CANCER

FOUNDATION TENNIS & PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

October 22 | 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. | cbbcf-tennis.eventbrite.com

Join the Cherry Blossom Breast Cancer Founda tion at the Middleburg Tennis Club for a tour nament to support a good cause. There are spots for all level tennis and pickleball players. The admission fee is $45 and includes a hat, awards ceremony, dinner, and live music. For more in formation, contact Verna Stern at 540-878-1815, Jennifer Austell at 540-272-4037, or Kevin Brun dle, General Manager/Tennis Director of Mid dleburg Tennis Club at 540-687-6388. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

October 22 | 8 - 11 a.m. | destinationmiddleburg.com/mm2022

Cars and Cappuccino will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. and will include a “Then & Now” auto show case featuring spectacular vehicles from Ferra ri, Lamborghini, McLaren, Bentley, and other examples of the world’s most iconic automotive marques. Spectators may also watch the Official 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA Time Trial event. Tickets are $75 and include a full breakfast buffet. Children 12 and under are complimentary. Tick ets are limited and must be purchased by Oct. 19.

OLD BUST HEAD BREWING COMPANY

BENEFIT 5K

October 29 | 11 a.m. | oldbusthead.com/ brewery-events

Join Old Bust Head Brewing Company for fam ily fun on a fast and rolling course through Vint Hill. This is the brewery’s 9th annual race bene

fiting Finley’s Green Leap Forward (finleysgreen leapforward.org) and will be held rain or shine. This race is intended for all-level runners and walkers too. Dogs and costumes are welcome. The races will be timed by RaceWire. The entry fee is $35 and includes a t-shirt and one Old Bust Head beer (ID required must be 21 or over) or root beer.

HALLOWEEN DOG COSTUME CONTEST AND PARTY

October 30 | 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. | lostbarrel.com/ calendar/

Join Lost Barrel Brewing for the Dog Costume Contest! Sponsored by McEnearney AssociatesMiddleburg and Luv My Dog. There will be priz es and lots of fun! Admission and contest entry are free. You must be present to win! Please keep all dogs on leash. No dog, no problem! This event will be a good time for all. There will be plenty of beer, hard seltzer, wine, and food! ML

"SHE SAVED MY LIFE"

Loudoun county resident Dawn R. had been experiencing the painful side effects of Peripheral Neuropathy, “my feet and legs were extremely painful and my doctor told me there was nothing they could do. That I would have to take Gabapentin for the rest of my life.”

Then she met Ashburn's very own Rachal Lohr, L.Ac.

Peripheral Neuropathy is the pain, discomfort, and numbness caused by nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system. Dawn explained that daily tasks like opening doors and using the bathroom were overwhelmingly painful

“How can you live for the next 30 years when you don’t even want to get out of bed to do simple things?”

She was experiencing the burning, numbness, tingling and sharp pains that those suffering from neuropathy often describe. “The way that I would describe it, it’s equivalent to walking on glass.” Dawn hadn’t worn socks in five years and was wearing shoes two sizes too big so that nothing would ‘touch’ her feet.

Unfortunately, Dawn’s story is all too familiar for the over 3 million people in the U.S. suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy.

If you’re unfortunate enough to be facing the same disheartening prognosis you’re not sleeping at night because of the burning in your feet. You have difficulty walking, shopping or doing any activity for more than 30 minutes because of the pain. You’re struggling with balance and living in fear that you might fall. Your doctor told you to ‘just live with the pain’ and you’re taking medications that aren’t working or have uncomfortable side effects.

Fortunately, two months ago Dawn read an article about Rachal and the work she was doing to treat those suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy, without invasive surgeries or medications

Rachal Lohr, founder of Firefly Acupuncture and Wellness, in Ashburn, is using the time tested science of Acupuncture and a technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat this debilitating disease

“Now when I go to bed at night I don’t have those shooting pains. I don’t have that burning sensation. I don’t have pain coming up my legs,” Dawn enthusiastically describes life after receiving Rachal Lohr's treatments. “I can wear socks and shoes!”

Dawn and her sister now operate a successful dog walking business, sometimes covering up to 5 miles a day.

“It’s life altering. As far as I’m concerned Rachal saved my life!”

Rachal has been helping the senior community for over 14 years using the most cutting edge and innovative integrative medicine. Specializing in chronic pain cases, specifically those that have been deemed ‘hopeless’ or ‘untreatable’, she consistently generates unparalleled results.

What was once a missing link in senior healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents of Northern Virginia.

If you’ve missed too many tee times because of pain or you’ve passed on walking through the town centers with friends because you’re afraid of falling, it’s time to call Rachal and the staff at Firefly

It’s time you let your golden years BE GOLDEN!

Rachal Lohr, L Ac is once again accepting new patients. And for a limited time will be offering Free Consultations so call (703)263 2142 to schedule a consultation.

Find what moves you to Middleburg life

Find what moves you to Middleburg life

Andrea Dalrymple, McEnearney Associate

Andrea Dalrymple, McEnearney Associate

For Andrea Dalrymple and for so many, her move to Middleburg from Louisiana was simple; she was drawn to equestrian life, the Blue Ridge mountains, and its southern charm. But every family has a unique story to tell, and Andrea makes it a priority to listen carefully so that she can help find what moves them to Middleburg. At McEnearney, we built our business on understanding our clients because it’s never about us; it’s always about you.

For Andrea Dalrymple and for so many, her move to Middleburg from Louisiana was simple; she was drawn to equestrian life, the Blue Ridge mountains, and its southern charm. But every family has a unique story to tell, and Andrea makes it a priority to listen carefully so that she can help find what moves them to Middleburg. At McEnearney, we built our business on understanding our clients because it’s never about us; it’s always about you.

Andrea Dalrymple, Realtor® I 11 West Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20117 I tel. 703.244.7457 I ADalrymple@McEnearney.com

Andrea Dalrymple, Realtor® I 11 West Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20117 I tel. 703.244.7457 I ADalrymple@McEnearney.com

Middleburg I Leesburg I McLean I Alexandria I North Arlington I Clarendon I Vienna I Spring Valley I 14th Street I Kensington I Equal Housing Opportunity

Middleburg I Leesburg I McLean I Alexandria I North Arlington I Clarendon I Vienna I Spring Valley I 14th Street I Kensington I Equal Housing Opportunity