from throughout | | 6 kitchen | cottage lighted stream, acres
ACRE FARM
SPRING GLADE
MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA
French Country home, with renovations in 1999 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Im provements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres
Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 helen MacMahon 540.454.1930
ALDIE,
hot tub, entertainment area, gazebo, walkways and patios | Large studio or office Conservation easement.
SALEM HILL
MARSHALL, VIRGINIA
Well protected Fauquier location | 6 bedrooms | 4 full and 2 half baths | 3 fireplaces | Great views | Pool with large flagstone terrace | Large county kitchen | 4-car detached garage with apartment/ office | 9-stall barn | Covered arena | Outdoor ring | 4 stall shed row barn | 51 fenced acres
$3,690,000 Mahon
203 acres in River frontage 4 full & 3 1/2 Gunnite pool and private | 5 stall Jim paddocks, pasture | Old d
MARSHALL, VIRGINIA
House front veranda on main level & second story. Craftsmanship & detail throughout |5 BR, 6 1/2 BA, & 4 FP Impressive staircase, moldings & mantles | 14.6 mostly wooded acres, access through stone pillars & hard surfaced driveway. Spring fed pond, walkways, gardens & mature plantings Improvements include greenhouse & workshop.
$1,950,000
Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 BRICQUEBEC
A remarkable property located within a private enclave just minutes from town | Stone and stucco manor house with main level master suite | 7 additional BR | 5 stone FP
$1,200,000
Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905
Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868
RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA
PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA
Hard to find 9.58 acres between Middleburg and Purcellville | Mountain views, woods and pasture with frontage on Beaverdam Creek $600,000
Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905
Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905
Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868
UPPERVILLE LAND
OLD ALDIE RECTORY
SAINT LOUIS ROAD
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ON THE COVER
Lia Hobel chatted with Warrenton native Mollie Thorsen Andrews about her Hunt Country roots and how she is bringing the fight against human trafficking back home. For the full story, turn to page 10. Photo by Shannon Ayres.
ON THIS PAGE
Diane Helentjaris shares the history of and future plans for the African American Grace Heritage Site in Lincoln. To learn more about the grassroots effort, Saving Grace, turn to page 24. Photo by Gracie Savage.
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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, Boyce, Centreville, Delaplane, Front Royal, Great Falls, Haymarket, Leesburg, Manassas, Marshall, Middleburg, Millwood, Paris, Purcellville, The Plains, Rectortown, Tysons, Upperville, Vint Hill, Warrenton, Washington, D.C., and Winchester.
Shannon Ayres is a Reston-based freelance photographer. His work has appeared in Arlington, Chesapeake Life, Northern Virginia, Virginia Business, and USA Today magazines. He has an MFA in fine art photography from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University. His editorial work can be seen at sdayres.com
Callie Broaddus is a Warrenton native and graduate of the University of Virginia. After seven years as a book designer at National Geographic Kids, Callie founded the nonprofit, Reserva: The Youth Land Trust, in 2019. Callie’s land preservation projects and focus on youth empowerment are aided by her talent 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.
Caroline Gray is a D.C.-based lifestyle and travel photographer. A native to Northern Virginia, she holds a MBA from the University of Virginia. In September 2023, she launched her own photography brand after eight years in the fashion industry. When she is not behind the camera, she enjoys hiking with her Labrador retriever, Captain, visiting her retired horse, Cleverly, and trying new restaurants in Washington, D.C.
Diane Helentjaris chose Loudoun as her “forever home” in 1990. A former clinical physician and public health administrator, she has returned to her humanities roots. Diane’s latest book, “I Ain’t Afraid — The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl,” is a rollicking biography. Her novel "The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill” won the 2024 Maryland Writers’ Association novel competition in the historical/romance category.
Dulcy B. Hooper and her husband Richard moved to the country from Washington, D.C., nearly 10 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!
Gracie Savage is a local photographer who grew up in the village of Aldie and has been photographing local weddings, portraits, and events since 2016. Her passion began when she received her first camera in middle school and she continued to study the craft in high school and in college. She was a photographer at Georgetown University for over three years and joined Middleburg Life as a contributor in the spring of 2022.
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 husband and two children.
Heidi Baumstark has been writing for several lifestyle magazines and newspaper publications since 2005, specializing in history-related articles highlighting Virginia’s Piedmont. She has been with Middleburg Life since 2014. 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 enjoys gardening and swimming. More of Michael’s work can be found at butcherphotography.com.
Laticia Headings is grateful to call Middleburg home. She discovered Middleburg by attending the first annual Middleburg Film Festival in 2013 and has come back to the event every year since as a volunteer and attendee. Laticia is the founder of Latitude Media and has 23 years of experience as a producer, writer, and camerawoman for television (Discovery, National Geographic), and for the documentary film
“Everest: A Climb for Peace.”
Lia Hobel is a freelance journalist, known for her blog, Uplift Loudoun. In addition to her work for Middleburg Life, Lia writes periodically for online platforms with articles appearing on GOBankingRates, Forbes, Huffington Post, and Yahoo! She is a Loudoun 40 Under 40 honoree and a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the county.
Bill Kent’s journalism has appeared in more than 40 national and regional publications including the Washington Post, Art & Antiques, Philadelphia Magazine, Baltimore Magazine, New Jersey Monthly, and The Hunt. A former correspondent for The New York Times, he taught writing and journalism at the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers, and Temple universities, and is the author of seven novels, a Fodor’s Guide, and a history of Atlantic City. When not writing, he enjoys walking his westies on Washington Street.
Beth Rasin graduated from Middlebury College, where she studied nonfiction creative writing. She worked as a writer and editor at The Chronicle of the Horse for more than 25 years, including 10 years as the president and executive editor. As a freelancer, she’s contributed since 2015 to Middleburg Life, as well as Northern Virginia magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, the former Loudoun magazine, and many others. She lives in Hume, where she and her husband and daughter run a boarding facility for retired horses. She enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her adopted dogs and cats.
Also in this issue: Kirsten Francis.
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MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR:
Ranata Davis Joins Foxcroft as Dean of Inclusive Excellence
Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photo by Michael Butcher
With the 2024-25 school year already underway, Ranata Davis is settling in as the new dean of inclusive excellence at Foxcroft. She brings with her 20 years of experience, a global perspective, and an undeniable enthusiasm for her profession. Below, she shares her reflections on her career, her ambitions for the job, and what she is enjoying most about the move to Middleburg.
ML: Tell us about yourself! How did you get into the education field?
RD: I am a Southern girl, born and raised in South Carolina. I come from a family of educators, so that has a lot to do with the path I’ve taken in education and how I move in this world professionally. My mom was a kindergarten teacher, my dad was a counselor, and my grandmother was an elementary school counselor. That is a part of my legacy and what drives me as an educator.
ML: Before taking the position at Foxcroft, where did your career lead you?
RD: I was a tennis player. Tennis has taken me a lot of places as a high school and collegiate athlete, and then going on to coach in a couple places. I’ve spent time in Maryland, where my career started in Prince George’s County as a PE teacher. Then I relocated to Arizona and spent 12 years there. That’s where I had time to develop my leadership
skills, as an athletic director and assistant principal.
ML: Most recently you were working in Doha, Qatar. What brought you there?
RD: I worked for the Qatar Foundation. I started out as a physical education teacher, and then I became a grade level leader, overseeing creativity, activities, and service for our 11th- and 12th-grade students. In the last two years, I moved into the realm of professional development, which opened up a new door in education for me.
ML: So how did you get from Doha to Middleburg?
RD: It all started with a LinkedIn post. It wasn’t even in my feed, but someone had liked a post about a job opening for a dean of inclusive excellence. The title alone made me curious. In the last couple of years, I’ve been spending a lot of time in my work around the idea of belonging, culturally responsive practices, and equity. I went through the job description and it was a combination of everything I’ve done in my career. I thought, “Oh, I can do this.”
ML: How are you settling in?
RD: From the moment I walked on the campus, I felt like this was the place. Even riding through Middleburg and coming up through Route 50, it reminded me of my small hometown of York in South Carolina. Then I saw the campus, the buildings, the horses, the deer and
Neighbor | Page 7
Ranata Davis.
Neighbor | From page 6
little foxes; I got to meet the people and I was like, “I want to be here.”
I moved in on campus the first week of July. My husband, Leslie, is with me and we’ve been able to make the house really feel like home. I think the other thing that has really contributed to us settling in is the people. I don’t think I’ve ever been around people that are so genuinely nice, and want to engage and support my transition into the role.
ML: Have you found some favorite spots in Middleburg?
RD: My husband and I are finding time to explore the community. I had Thaiverse last week. There’s the little ice cream shop, [Scruffy’s,] with the creamiest ice cream I have ever had in my life. Then we’ve been to Lost Barrel, Boxwood, and I
love the breweries and wineries. Also, I love to understand the process, so if there’s a tour attached to it, that makes me happy. I also love that everyone waves here as you pass.
ML: Turning back to work, what are your goals for the new role?
RD: I hope I can bring creativity to the job first, and look at what programs and practices I can bring in to contribute to that. I do have some early ideas — one of them is called The Human Library. It’s an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to come together and ask questions without judgment. I think that would be an opportunity to bring in the Middleburg community, too. When it comes to the curriculum, I would love to see how we’re being inclusive, ensuring that the girls see themselves and see others within that curriculum to support that belonging aspect. This is my 20th school year, so I feel like that
is a big number. It’s also my first year being in an independent, all-girls school, and I’m eager to see what that looks like. What are the challenges that need to be faced in an independent school? I like to be a problem solver and come up with creative ways to address challenges.
ML: Any final thoughts? What should our readers know about you?
RD: I am very passionate about traveling. Something that came with being in Doha was being able to visit a little over 30 countries in the last six years. I am so thankful for my travel experiences because they allowed me to see beyond what’s presented in the media and engage with the local populations. It just brings joy to my heart to be able to engage with people from other nationalities and other cultures that have different beliefs from me. ML
MOLLIE THORSEN ANDREWS: LocaL Roots, GLobaL Impact
Written by Lia Hobel | Photo by Shannon Ayres
Warrenton Native Fights Human Trafficking
In October 2016, Mollie Thorsen Andrews registered for the annual Walk for Freedom event in Washington, D.C., with her sister. A21, a global nonprofit, hosts the event every year in hundreds of cities around the world to bring awareness to and combat human trafficking.
When her sister suddenly passed away before that year’s walk, Andrews knew she wanted to keep moving forward in supporting A21’s mission. “A21 was looking for someone to host the walk in 2017 and I thought immediately this would be something I’d love to do, and my family would love to do, also, to honor my sister that way,” she says.
Andrews says becoming involved in the community action event deepened her understanding about human trafficking and her desire to do more to help. “The first walk we did really put Washington, D.C., on the map,” she explains. “After that, things just naturally began to grow, and our efforts [did too].”
Andrews will be at this year’s D.C. walk, which will take place on October 19, though she expresses a desire to be at two places at once, as a simultaneous Walk for Freedom will take place in Ashburn at OneLoudoun.
Following through on her desire to be more involved, Andrews took on launching A21’s public service announcements across United States airports — a common hub for human traffick-
ing. The initiative is known as the “Can You See Me?” campaign. As a Warrenton native, Andrews has worked diligently over the last five years to get the PSAs in her own backyard at the Dulles, Reagan, Norfolk, and Richmond airports. “I just kept wanting to do more because I could see the changes that were happening,” she says.
Along with airport announcements, Andrews worked with Clear Channel Outdoor to spread awareness on highways through billboards. “I think we had over 100 billboards with the PSA on them throughout Virginia,” she says, noting that some of the billboards are on the largest highways in Virginia with the potential to reach an average of one million people each month. The advertisements show different scenarios of human trafficking, as it’s not just kidnapping like what’s shown in the movies. Human trafficking can involve domestic servitude, agricultural labor trafficking, sex trafficking, as well as child exploitation.
After success in the PSA sector, Andrews was asked to join the nonprofit’s leadership. In her role as A21’s U.S. director of corporate engagement and advocacy, she works with global companies to find avenues to get involved and develop best practices to battle human trafficking. She also advises politicians and provides input on legislation for how an organization can work with survivors to protect them and their communities. “A lot of the work that I do in Virginia is not in my job description. I do it because I have a feeling that I have to do it. It’s in my heart,” Andrews shares.
A graduate of the Highland School, Andrews brought her work back home to Warrenton and the surrounding areas. She visits schools across Hunt Country to have community-based conver-
sations about human trafficking and ways to prevent it. “It’s been really rewarding to go back to Warrenton, to Fauquier, and to Loudoun and give kids the tools they need to really protect themselves from online predators,” says Andrews, who cautions that anyone with an electronic device can fall victim.
Andrews says one of the rising trends is online exploitation and extortion, which can lead to online trafficking. In her school talks, kids and teachers are educated on what predators look like, the ways they can target children, and red flags to look out for. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, a nonprofit that A21 works alongside, received 18,400 reports of possible child sex trafficking in 2023. Additionally, the NCMEC has received over 82 million reports of possible child sexual abuse and reviewed over 322 million images and videos, resulting in over 19,100 identifications. Andrews shares this sobering data to point out the severity of the situation.
Becoming a new mother has reaffirmed Andrews’ determination to protect children from predators. “I think about this often. I started doing this work in honor of my sister, but now I think about my son and everything I want to do to protect him and give him the best world to grow up in. That’s been my driving force,” she says. “I’m pretty exhausted raising a newborn and doing this work, but it’s really rewarding knowing that it could impact the world that he grows up in, hopefully.” ML
For more information on A21 and to register for the walk on October 19, visit a21.org.
Mollie Thorsen Andrews.
Grand Opening
Saturday, September 28th • 1pm - 4pm
During the Grand Opening on Saturday, September 28th, we will offer the following:
• “Bank your Botox” & “Bank your Juvaderm” will be offered, to purchase Botox to use for future treatments at a reduced price
Med Spa of Middleburg, LLC is owned & operated by licensed medical professionals. Our mission to provide personalized attention to each and every client so we can achieve their aesthetic goals. Some individuals want to naturally enhance their beauty and others desire a transformative-look. We also use our Med Spa of Middleburg Protocol for Aesthetic Injections to reduce swelling, bruising & pain. This gives the fastest and very best results.
Written by Shayda Windle | Photos by Shannon Ayres
Abernethy & Spencer Greenhouse and Garden Center, nestled on Lincoln Road in Purcellville, is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. As part of the milestone, the new owners are immersed in extensive renovations, breathing new life into this historic gem.
The story of Abernethy & Spencer begins in
the 1920s as a humble plant and vegetable stand owned by E.B. Gregg. Originally named Hill Top Gardens, the business featured a curved eave greenhouse constructed by Lord & Burnam. The Gregg family started their horticultural journey with hotbeds filled with manure from the Charlestown Racetrack. From these beginnings, they nurtured a diverse array of plants, catering to the growing demand for vibrant, flower-filled gardens.
In the 1940s, the business branched out to include cut flowers. Customers could order artistically arranged bouquets in addition to traditional Easter potted plants. Hill Top Gardens quickly grew into a high-volume florist, frequently de-
Bloom | Page
Left: Abernethy & Spencer from above. Middle: Stunning sunflowers. Right: Rows and rows of plants.
15
Bloom | From page 14
livering arrangements to Middleburg and the surrounding areas. In the 1960s, Gregg told the Loudoun-Times Mirror that Hill Top Gardens might have been the last remaining retail greenhouse in the region. With limited retail options, customers traveled from as far as Fairfax to visit.
In 1974, the greenhouse was sold, and the Hill Top Gardens nursery passed through several hands before David Lohman purchased it in 1996. He renamed it Abernethy & Spencer and began restoring the iconic Lord & Burnham greenhouses.
Now, the garden center continues to bloom, preserving its rich history while embracing a new era. Just this year, Jim and Autumn Knowles, Jacob Baker, Hillary Pennington, and Matt Lamberski, a group of friends from Hunt Country, purchased the business.
Almost immediately, the team expanded the parking area, adding 20 new spaces to ensure that
customers no longer have to haul trees across the greenhouse grounds. The team has also started renovating the main greenhouse, taking care to preserve the greenhouse’s historic feel. The new space will feature a gift shop, perennial flowers, orchids, and outdoor seating, with plans to host local coffee vendors and food trucks in the future.
The much-adored Abernethy & Spencer parrots, once housed in the main greenhouse, have been relocated to larger outdoor cages, allowing them more room to spread their wings and enjoy the fresh air. Bird lovers can still visit the team’s rescues: Romeo, Juliet, Lola, Sunshine, Norman, and Maxi.
In addition to the greenhouse upgrades, the team has leased an additional six acres of land for conservation purposes. Their vision is to build an arboretum-style, half-mile nature trail where visitors can learn about local flora and fauna like native wildflowers and butterflies. As new co-owner Jim Knowles enthusiastically puts it, “Where else can you go and grab a cup of coffee while taking a nature hike?” Horticulturists will be invited to speak on topics related to the natural environment and plants that thrive in Hunt Country and beyond.
The new owners still plan to keep the 13 hoop houses which offer perennials, flowers, and shrubs, while the greenhouses will allow for year-round propagation. Even with new ownership and planned updates, Abernethy & Spencer has not lost sight of its original mission of specializing in organic, USDA zone-appropriate flowers, shrubs, and trees, preserving its rich history but also cultivating a bright future for the community. ML
Abernethy & Spencer Greenhouse and Garden Center 18035 Lincoln Road Purcellville, VA 20132 abernethyspencer.com
Middle: Ceramic pots waiting to be filled. Right: In front, Jim and Autumn Knowles. In the back, Jacob Baker, Matt Lamberski, and Hillary Pennington with Lola.
mIsIa bRoadhead & the aRt of taI chI
Written by Dulcy B. Hooper | Photos by Michael Butcher
Misia Broadhead is most known in the Middleburg community for her dedication to art and her talent as an artist.
Along with her husband, Anthony Barham, she works out of Broadhead-Barham Studios in The Plains, creating paintings that have been acquired by collectors and used generously in auctions to benefit any number of local nonprofits.
However, Broadhead has another long-term passion: tai chi, an ancient art that has been around for over 2,000 years and is described as a mind-body practice combining gentle, flowing movements with meditation and deep breathing.
According to Broadhead, tai chi incorporates principles of Taoism, focusing on the balance of yin and yang. “There are various forms of tai chi developed over many generations,” she explains. “Although they have unique characteristics, the basic principles unite them.”
Broadhead has trained in tai chi for over 20 years with local master Bob Gardner, who has dedicated 40 years to the practice and training of martial arts.
“I learned all of the forms from him,” she says. “The focus of my training has been the Beijing-style short-form posture, the Beijing-style long-form posture, the sword form, the saber form, and the staff form.” Broadhead notes that each form comprises a sequence of specific movements done in a slow, methodical manner. “The process releases the stresses that accumulate in our bodies,” she adds. “In doing so, your mind becomes peaceful as you live in the moment.”
After seven years of twice-weekly classes with Gardner and dedicated practice in between, she asked Gardner if she was ready to teach.
“He gave it his blessing,” Broadhead says, “and that’s when I began teaching tai chi myself.” She now teaches at the Middleburg Community Center, with three classes each on Mondays and Wednesdays. She believes the experience of teaching others has helped her further develop her own skills.
While tai chi is practiced today primarily for its health benefits and meditative qualities, its roots and techniques originate in the realm of martial arts, where it was practiced by monks and warriors to maintain fitness and protect against intruders.
“The aim is to balance the body’s vital energy (qi) and improve mental and physical health,” Broadhead shares. “It originated in China and is based on qi, the energy that permeates and circulates throughout the body and gives it life and health.” According to Broadhead, healthy qi is always moving and circulating “through the head and vital organs, into the extremities and then back again.”
“The process releases the stresses that accumulate in our bodies. In doing so, your mind becomes peaceful as you live in the moment.” – Broadhead
The slow and methodical movements of tai chi provide a way to become more mindful and aware. “The movements gain fluidity as the body relaxes, releasing stress and anxiety. Thus, the ‘monkey brain’ slows down and becomes more peaceful.”
About a year ago, Broadhead began teaching
tai chi to her husband. “Of course, he picked it up right away,” she beams. “Bob Gardner was actually his aikido teacher for many years.” Broadhead further explains that “aikido is a nonviolent Japanese martial art that holds the same principles as
Art | Page 17
Misia Broadhead.
“It
Art | From page 16
tai chi.” Barham says that he does “tai chi ‘snacks’ all day,” and describes it as “self-defense against the sofa,” praising the techniques for how timeless and effective they are.
Those who practice report that tai chi leads to noticeable improvements in balance, flexibility, and overall well-being and has the potential to offer numerous improvements to mental and physical health. Recent studies have reported improved cardiovascular health through tai chi and found it to be more effective at reducing blood pressure than vigorous forms of exercise, such as aerobic activities. Other studies suggest
that tai chi can boost the immune system, alleviate chronic pain conditions, improve muscle strength and endurance, and reduce the risk of falls, especially in older adults.
“There is so much I could say about the profound benefits this discipline provides,” Broadhead concludes. “It is very good for balance, and very good as a stress and anxiety reliever. In fact, the more relaxed you become, the more that qi develops throughout your body.” ML
For more information on beginner, advanced, and private classes, Misia Broadhead can be reached at misiabroadhead@earthlink.net or by phone at (571) 206-7501.
Broadhead works through the poses of tai chi.
pReseRvInG the pIedmont & CELEBRATING HOPE PORTER
Written by Heidi Baumstark | Photos by Gracie Savage
Everyone’s drawn to natural beauty. When that beauty comes in the form of sprawling landscapes, majestic rolling hills, and productive farmland, Fauquier County captivates. Though, with the threat of development encroaching on Hunt Country, Fauquier residents have had to fight to keep the area small, rural, and rich with open spaces.
For most of her long life, Hope Wallach Porter has been part of that fight. As a dedicated preservation activist, she was instrumental in founding Citizens for Fauquier County (CFFC) — established in the spring of 1968 as the Mid-Fauquier Association (MFA) — which holds the distinction of being the oldest preservation-minded organization in the county.
Porter is referred to as the matriarch of the local conservation movement, which includes nonprofits like the Piedmont Environmental Council, Goose Creek Association, Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association, Land Trust of Virginia, and Virginia Outdoors Foundation. In December 1989 Porter was named Citizen of the Decade by the Fauquier Times-Democrat, the newspaper writing that “no one has exerted more influence or swayed the course of history in the county over the last quarter of a century.” In supporting editorials, Porter is referred to as “the lady protector of our countryside.”
Over the years, she has garnered support from
concerned citizens who helped blow the whistle on the potential for unbridled development in Virginia’s Hunt Country. CFFC’s tagline is “Protecting Fauquier’s Future” and has earned a 56year track record of doing just that. That Fauquier County is still largely dominated by agriculture and rural vistas is very much a credit to Porter’s legacy.
HOPE AT HOPEFIELD — HER CHILDHOOD HOME
As a child, Porter, née Wallach, moved with her family from D.C. to Chestnut Grove (now called Hopefield), a 260-acre farm north of Warrenton with an 1855 late-Federal-style brick house. The Wallachs had been longtime Washingtonians; in fact, Porter’s paternal grandfather — Richard Wallach — was D.C.’s mayor from 1861 to 1868, during the Civil War and Lincoln’s assassination.
It was her mother who chose “Hopefield” as the new name of the family farm, in honor of Hope. They lived there during the Great Depression and relied on raising cattle and growing wheat, corn, and small grains. This experience made Porter acutely aware of the challenges farmers face.
WAKE-UP CALL: NORTH WALES
For Porter, a self-proclaimed “accidental ac-
Hope Porter. Porter | Page 19
Porter | From page 18
tivist,” her drive to save Fauquier’s farmland began in the late 1960s when an Arkansas-based developer called Cooper Communities purchased a 4,200-acre property called North Wales in Fauquier County. The stone manor house was built circa 1776 and is one of the most historic properties in the Virginia Piedmont. Cooper’s plans
she writes that the fate of North Wales “hung in the balance” and everyone said there was “no way you can win this battle.” Against all odds, the small band of citizens that made up CFFC fought to preserve North Wales, the integrity of Fauquier’s master plan, and the county itself. Porter adds, “It’s enormously lucky that it turned out this way before we’ve been nibbled to death.”
included a community of 10,000 homes on the property to house 31,500 residents. At the time, Fauquier County’s entire population was only 26,000. “So, this would have totally exploded the population,” Porter says, “and this was our wakeup call.”
In her 2004 book, “The Saga of North Wales,”
World War II had ended. He and Porter settled in Fauquier and had two daughters, Anne Douglas Atherton and Feroline Higginson. He served as the director of planning for the Maryland-National Capital Park Planning Commission and eventually became the director of planning for Fairfax County. Realizing that Fauquier was directly in the path of the population expanding from Washington, D.C., he became the chief ad-
PORTER’S BATTLE TO PRESERVE NORTH WALES
In 1945, Porter married Boston native William C. Burrage. Burrage had first experienced Fauquier County from the back of an Army truck, liked what he saw, and decided to return once
vocate of preparing to meet that challenge. “Until then, no one had reason to pay much attention to the land, except for farming or fox hunting,” Porter explained in her book. Burrage was concerned that developers would “worm their way onto the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commis -
Porter | Page 20
Left: The view from Porter’s house. Right: Porter’s beloved garden.
sion, as was happening in other counties, and the County would succumb to suburban sprawl.”
“If I wasn’t married to Bill, I wouldn’t have been so involved,” she says. To get the word out about the threat of development, Porter and a group of concerned citizens published a weekly newspaper from 1971 to 1978 called The Piedmont Virginian.
“I used to deliver the newspapers and drop them off at grocers and little country stores all over the county,” Porter remembers. In its final issue in March 1978, The Piedmont Virginian stated, “It is fair to say that this paper has helped stimulate public awareness of the ‘growth’ issues which continue to pressure this area of Virginia, but whether that awareness will be translated into meaningful action remains to be seen.”
The battle over North Wales continued until 1997 when Michael V. Prentiss and his wife, Patricia, purchased the remaining 1,471 acres, including the stone manor house and its outbuildings. Through the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, the Prentisses placed the strongest possible easement on the property with specifications that no other structures could be built. On June 29, 1999, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
For the preservation of North Wales, Porter gives much credit to her first husband, Bill Burrage, along with a number of strategists and fundraisers, including S. Prentice Porter (whom she married after Burrage’s death), Francis Greene, and George Ohrstrom, who helped found the Piedmont Environmental Council in 1972; John T. “Til” Hazel Jr., a local land-use attorney and developer; and Bill Backer, an advertising executive who created newspaper ads supporting preservation. Ultimately, after a decades-long dispute, development of North Wales was stopped. Porter adds, “It definitely took out a period of our lives.”
YEARS FOLLOWING NORTH WALES’ PRESERVATION — PORTER’S LEGACY
For over 56 years, CFFC has been the guardian of Fauquier’s controlled growth and rural, agricultural character. Today, the nonprofit is led by President Kevin Ramundo, of Upperville. Ramundo describes Porter’s impact as a boon to preservation, education, and awareness.
“That’s been the impact [of CFFC], the notion that we can protect this place,” he says. “With that awareness and vision over the years, people began to think differently; there’s a whole generation of folks who decided to commit themselves to preservation. Hope was a tremendous role model, and quite feisty. … I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for her.”
“Bottom line,” Ramundo concludes, “if we’re going to carry on Hope’s legacy, we need to be a more robust organization. We’ve added new board members who have given us the capacity to do more and continue the work Hope started 50 years ago.” CFFC’s board is committed to building their membership base and inspiring the next generation of conservationists to follow in Porter’s footsteps.
Porter reflects, “I’ve had 100 wonderful years in Fauquier. We’ve fought hard, and it’s been a worth-
while fight to keep this area the special place that it is.”
On September 25, 2024, Porter turns 100 years old. To celebrate, CFFC is hosting a party on September 29 at 4 p.m. at Highland School in Warrenton. The party will include the public premiere of an inspiring video featuring Porter’s early conservation efforts. There will also be music and storytelling by Bess Putnam, who grew up in Fauquier County and has been performing locally over the years paying tribute to the county’s history and culture. For more information on this ticketed event, visit citizensforfauquier.org/events.
ML
Learn more about supporting CFFC and opportunities to become a member or make a donation at citizensforfauquier.org.
“The Saga of North Wales” by Hope Porter. Porter | From page 19
Nothing compares to what’s next.
The Plains – From the Manor house to the manicured gardens, grounds, dependencies and hundreds of acres of land with protected view-sheds, Oakendale is an exquisite horse country estate. John Coles | 540-270-0094
Boyce – Three adjoining parcels with spectacular views and easement potential! Prime open farmland with standing tree cover, forest timber and perennial streams. Clay Hill road frontage. John Coles | 540-270-0094
Marshall – In addition to the classically beautiful brick manor house, ca. 1935, there is a stunning, newly constructed second home, both are perfectly sited for privacy and views. John Coles | 540-270-0094
Delaplane – Exquisite and beautifully sited. Located within the Crooked Run Valley Rural Historic District. 10 BRs/6.5 BAs. Behind the house are a pool, barns, paddocks and mature woodlands.
John Coles | 540-270-0094
Middleburg – The manor house, ca. 1925, is a 22 room home w/ many upgrades, sited to make the most of the stunning natural landscape, with Goose Creek River frontage and Bull Run Mtn views. John Coles | 540-270-0094
the many villages in Horse / Wine Country.
GRACE HERITAGE SITE SEES NEW LIFE IN LINCOLN
Written by Diane Helentjaris | Photos by Gracie Savage
“What really got to me when I first tripped across this building was that no one knew anything about it.” – Dukes
Just down a rutted gravel lane in Lincoln, an old church perched on a knoll comes into view, almost exactly as it was seen by generations who walked this dirt pathway to worship. Though the original purpose of the building — known then as Grace Methodist Episcopal Church — is unmistakable, it is clearly no longer in use. The windows are boarded over. The steeple has lost its point. No bell rings out calling people to prayer.
It’s been more than two decades since Carol Morris Dukes found Grace while out on a walk. “What really got to me when I first tripped across this building was that no one knew anything about it. Walking down dirt roads in the 1990s, [I found it] completely covered by poison ivy … engulfed. I could see a little bit of the cornerstone. Asa Moore Janney told me, ‘It used to be a Black church.’ Intrigued, I wanted to know more about it … this beautiful — I just knew it was beautiful — building under the poison ivy.
“[It] just tugged at me that people seemed to have forgotten all about it. [There are] important people buried there,” Dukes continues. “This is worthy of remembering. We need to honor these people.”
The stone building sits secluded in a green dell fringed by trees and homes. Its lintel is emblazoned with “Grace Heritage Site.” A few massive trees punctuate the cemetery which flows across the green grass to nearby Mount Olive Baptist Church.
The graveyard is mainly a mix of 19th- and 20th-century headstones and unmarked burials. It’s the final resting spot for Samuel and Josie Murray, upholsterers who sparked the 1955 desegregation of the Purcellville Library. Three African American soldiers who served in the Union Army during the Civil War rest here. Billy Pierce, whose career as a journalist and choreographer
Grace Methodist Episcopal Church.
carried him to Manhattan during the Harlem Renaissance, is buried beside his parents.
Pierce’s childhood school can be seen through the trees if one stands on the south side of Grace Heritage Site. Pierce attributed “the greatest factor in shaping my future as to right thinking” to “a fine little Quaker lady, Miss Cornelia Janney,” who read and lectured the students every Friday. The school’s land was donated by a Quaker family, the Rossums.
Quakers — or more formally, members of the Religious Society of Friends — played an integral role in the foundation of Lincoln and Grace Heritage Site, too. Lincoln began in the 1740s as a Quaker settlement centered around their Goose Creek Meeting House. Consistent with the Quakers’ strong opposition to slavery, the village became a center of abolitionist activity and resistance to various government edicts. Not surprisingly, many suspected Lincoln Quakers, like other American Quakers, to be secret participants in the Underground Railroad. In July 1865, with the Civil War over, a post office was opened in the settlement newly named Lincoln in honor of the assassinated president.
Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, as well as most of Loudoun’s other African American churches, sprang to life in the aftermath of the Civil War. Prior to the war, establishment of African American churches was stymied by Virginia law. Founded around 1872 under the leadership of Methodist circuit minister Reverend Henry Carroll, the church was built by freedmen and Quakers working together. In 1885, the marble cornerstone was laid for the church building. When the Rossums donated land for Lincoln School B, they also donated the land for Grace Church. Some records indicate that the congregation also purchased a half-acre to build the
Lincoln | Page 25
“It’s a great building. Just look at it architecturally.”
– Jackson
Lincoln | From page 24
church.
Originally, the building was dual purpose. The lower floor, like a bank barn with a door and windows on one side, served as a vocational school. Quakers taught African Americans skills such as shoe repair, sewing, and cooking. Services took place on the main floor with a low, railed platform for the choir and a platform for the preacher.
A vibrant church life existed at Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. However, over time, like in other parts of the South, much of Lincoln’s African American population moved away. In 1942, at the urging of the church district administration, the congregation shifted its base to Purcellville. They broke ground there for Grace Annex United Methodist Episcopal Church in 1949, and by 1952, use of the Lincoln building had ceased. Wildlife and vegetation edged in and began to take over until Dukes found it on her walk.
In 1999, Dukes organized the nonprofit Lincoln Preservation Foundation. A past president, she currently serves as a board member. The mission of the foundation is to “document and preserve the culturally diverse heritage” of Goose Creek Historic District, a 10,000-acre area in western Loudoun anchored by the village of Lin-
coln. In 2002, the Foundation united with the then-trustees of Grace Church to restore it. Eventually, a second nonprofit, the Friends of Grace Multicultural Center, was formed by descendants of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church congregation.
Jeffrey Jackson, president of the Friends of Grace, grew up in Purcellville. He taught in Loudoun at the elementary level for 33 years and coached at several of the county’s high schools. For him, Grace Church’s history is personal. His parents and maternal grandparents worshipped there, and he has relatives buried in its cemetery. He sees Grace as a place for his grandkids to connect with their family’s story. But also, “It’s a great building. Just look at it architecturally.” He and Dukes serve as the project coordinators of the Saving Grace Project, the effort to restore the old church building to its original form.
Reggie Simms is also a Purcellville native and part of the descendant community. The Army veteran has gathered information on nearly 300 Loudoun African Americans who served in the military. His material dates as far back as the Civil War and includes at least one Tuskegee Airman. Simms is passionate about doing his part to recognize and honor veterans. The plan for the African American War Veterans Project is to have
a display in the lower level of the Grace Heritage Site.
Like many rehabilitation projects, unforeseen obstacles have popped up along the way. Before restoration could be done, ownership of the property needed to transfer from the United Methodist Church to the Friends of Grace. A combination of volunteer work, donations, and grants were tapped over the years to help bring the building back.
In 2018, the historical importance of the Grace Heritage Site was underlined when Preservation Virginia placed it on its annual Most Endangered Historic Places survey. In 2023, Virginia’s Museum of History & Culture awarded the Lincoln Preservation Foundation $40,000 from its Commonwealth History Fund. This money was used to place a new roof on the building.
“We are halfway done,” Dukes believes. “The roof was the biggest project. The rest will happen much more quickly.”
Photographer Sarah Huntington documented the building’s interior and exterior in 2004, prior to the reconstruction efforts. With her video team, she’s created an evocative five-minute
Lincoln | Page 26
Left: The marble cornerstone dated 1885. Right: Jeffery Jackson, president of the nonprofit Friends of Grace.
“I applaud everyone who has helped this most important restoration project come to fruition.” – Huntington
film. Jeffrey Jackson and other descendants can be seen in it, portraying their forebears as they walked down Brooks Lane to church. The piece can be viewed on the Lincoln Preservation Foundation’s website.
Huntington says, “I’ve been photographing Grace Church since the early 1980s when it was a forgotten relic in what was once a thriving African American community in the nearby village of Lincoln. In 2002, the Lincoln Preservation Foundation began an ambitious restoration project which is almost finished. I applaud everyone
who has helped this most important restoration project come to fruition.”
And, Dukes speaks for many when she says, “I have very deep emotional feelings about this project and this building. It is very dear to my heart.” ML
For more information about the project, visit savinggraceproject.org or lincolnpreservation.org.
For more of Gracie Savage’s photos and a look back at the project’s progress courtesy of Sarah Huntington, visit MiddleburgLife.com.
Northern Virginia’s wildly popular vintage market showcasing more than 200 of the best “vintage hip” vendors on the East Coast! Including live music, Vanish Beer Garden, & tons of cool vintage finds! OCTOBER 11•12•13
LauRa faRReLL Leads
Women’ s team In the GuaRds LadIes chaRIty poLo touRnament
Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by The Art of Polo
When asked what inspired her to form a team and compete in the Guards Ladies Polo Charity Tournament in Windsor, England, local TTR Sotheby’s Vice President and realtor Laura Farrell of The Plains shares, “Initially, it was the opportunity to play at
the Guards Polo Club. It’s one of the most prestigious in the world.”
Founded on January 25, 1955, the Guards Polo Club’s first president was HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He kept that role for 66 years, until his death in 2021. Located on
“Initially, it was the opportunity to play at the Guards Polo Club. It’s one of the most prestigious in the world.” – Farrell
Smith’s Lawn, just south of Windsor Castle, the club is much loved and known globally for its royal ties, pristine pitches, sweeping views, and charitable tournaments.
The charity aspect of the Guards Ladies Tournament was perhaps an even more powerful draw to enter for Farrell. She explains, “When I researched the Ladies Charity more, I realized it’s very social, with a live and silent auction and retail village in support of the charity.” This year’s tournament, which ran from August 20 to 31, benefited Mary’s Meals, a global nonprofit with the aim of ending childhood hunger.
Farrell’s teammate and British polo legend, Nina Clarkin, explains, “Mary’s Meals provides life-changing school meals to children and has a presence in 17 countries.” She adds, “I think it’s a fabulous charity for Guards. The club and tournament are well-supported polo events and will raise a lot of money and awareness for children in need.”
In addition to Clarkin, Farrell selected British polo player Lucy Coddington, whom she knew from their tournament win in the 2023 Ladies French Open. Of assembling the team, Farrell says, “Nina has the highest women’s handicap rating at 10 goals, and is such an incredible steward of the sport and player. Lucy Coddington, another amazing British player, has played alongside Nina for decades and does an incredible job organizing the tournaments and logistics.”
Farrell wanted a junior for the fourth member of the team, and chose one close to Clarkin’s heart:
Guards | Page 29
Laura Farrell at the Guards Polo Club.
Guards | From page 28
her daughter Elizabeth. Farrell shares, “I think having an up-andcoming junior player is the perfect complement to complete the team. This year, we [had] Nina’s 13-yearold daughter, Elizabeth. How cool!” Clarkin adds, “This is really something special, and to be honest it is probably one of the highlights of my career. I am absolutely loving it! To see her progressing and improving is so rewarding.” She adds, “The only downside is that she is stealing my ponies!”
For Farrell, working with this group of women has been particularly worthwhile. She shares, “The most rewarding aspect of this team is the dynamics, [with] three of us
team meets and connects. This is a very special feeling and will be even more thrilling because the Guards Polo Club has the very best grounds in the world. I like that this event is focused on female athletes, and I hope the tournament raises a lot of money for Mary’s Meals!” As for Clarkin, “Honestly, I hope to come away with the win, as this is one of the best women’s tournaments in the world.” She continued, “But obviously it is a pleasure to be playing in a tournament that supports such a wonderful charity, and if we can bring awareness and funding to Mary’s Meals then how amazing for all [of] us.”
Even more, Farrell is proud to put local polo on the map, and acknowledges that it required the sup-
“There are no egos, just a group of ladies that go out there and play! I am confident we will have a blast playing together again.” – Farrell
in our 40s all having been around horses from childhood, combined with a young player. There are no egos, just a group of ladies that go out there and play! I am confident we will have a blast playing together again.”
As of August 29, when this article was published, undefeated TTR Sotheby’s had secured a spot in the semifinal against Polo Performance, with the final set for August 31 at 3 p.m. BST. With their outcome still hanging in the balance, Farrell and Clarkin shared what they hoped would happen. “I hope to accomplish the feeling of synergy when the
port of local, national, and international sponsors. She shares, “I would like to thank the generous support of our team sponsors, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, based in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area, and Proton Partners, an investment banking firm out of London/ New York/Austin. Both organizations have a strong philanthropic core and want to support women’s sports, ladies’ polo, and this charity tournament. The U.S. Polo Assn. is also partnering with the team, and it’s particularly special for me, a local Virginia team sponsor, to partner with an incredible organization like this.” ML
Top: Nina Clarkin, Lucy Coddington, and Laura Farrell. Middle: Team TTR Sotheby’s. From left to right: Elizabeth Clarkin, Laura Farrell, Lucy Coddington, Nina Clarkin. Bottom: Clarkin and her daughter in action.
Sears & Roebuck House Project
Though many homes in town have a unique past tied to Middleburg’s history, Victoria and Jeremy Makay’s home speaks to the history of the country, and a time when one could order a home out of a catalog from Sears & Roebuck.
Victoria explains, “You would order this house from this catalog, and then they would ship all the materials, blueprints, and instructions. And then I guess the local builder would put it together.” She continues, “It’s an Americus model… There are only a select number of these throughout the United States.”
The Makays’ unit was built in 1923, and they bought it in 2022. While still honoring its history, the family decided to make modern-day renovations with the help of Golden Rule Builders. Makay shares, “You see a lot of plots in Middleburg where they knock down the original house. We didn’t want to do that … and that is when we started partnering with Golden Rule Builders.”
She continues, “Our first project with them was to put an addition on the home. We added about 1,000 square feet to allow for three more bedrooms, including a nursery and two more bathrooms. … They turned that around in about 10 weeks.”
Impressed by their work, the Makays enlisted the help of Golden Rule Builders again, this time for a kitchen renovation.
Crafting Luxury Spaces for 37 Years with Trust, Integrity and Quality in Every Build from Foundation to Finish.
“As with a lot of old homes, it was very compartmentalized … and they wanted it more open, and a more modern look and feel,” shares Tom Hambleton, the lead carpenter on the kitchen project. He continues, “We left the original exterior structure, but took up all the interior walls to open it up.”
Though, when asked if there were any unique challenges on the project, Hambleton laughs, “Luckily, no. There are usually some surprises, but we had done our research, so we knew what we were getting into.”
When pressed he adds, “I guess
the biggest challenge was demoing an old chimney that was no longer in use. It was built out of old rocks and mortar. I had never seen a chimney like that before!”
The house seemed to hold more rewards than challenges for the team at Golden Rule Builders, but perhaps the most rewarding part is the final reveal. “I really love seeing it all come together at the end,” Hambleton says. “All of a sudden the drywall goes up, the finishings start going in, and it starts looking really good.”
Makay echoes, “It’s been really great.” She adds, “Tom has been our project manager both times. He’s wonderful. We can’t speak highly enough about Tom, so we’ve really enjoyed it.” In fact, the Makays have enjoyed the process of working with Golden Rule Builders so much that “my husband and I joke that the basement is next, and then we’re going to put a pool in!”
Josh younG’ s “aRtfuL home” comes to hunt countRy
Written by Bill Kent
After living in Milan, Chicago, New York City, the District, and Santiago, Chile, Josh Young hopes his current home in Philomont just may be his last. “We won’t be moving for another 10 years. We love everything about it.”
A designer and artist whose work has been featured in Vogue, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, The Wall Street Journal, and Elle Décor, and who has partnered with Williams & Sonoma and Jo Malone, Young and his husband, Ignacio Martinez, had specific requests for their first country home.
“I wanted it to be an 18th-century Quaker fieldstone suitable for relaxation and entertaining that still had its bones,” Young says. “By that I mean I didn’t want a house that has been renovated so much you feel like you’re living in a box. As an artist, I do restoration. I don’t do renovation. Old things inspire me and I wanted this to be old and feel old so that, by living in it, we become part of it.”
Young and Martinez also wanted the house to be in move-in condition so they could experience Hunt Country in the fall — Young’s favorite season, and source of inspi-
Home | Page 33
House.
Sycamore
Photos by Kirsten Francis Photography
“As an artist, I do restoration. I don’t do renovation. Old things inspire me and I wanted this to be old and feel old so that, by living in it, we become part of it.” – Young
ration while writing his compendium of design, artwork, and interior ideas.
A compulsive reader, Young had always wanted to write a book but was too busy with design projects to begin. Then, he says, a literary agent told him, “It was time for me to do it. I wanted it to be more than about the pictures and we spent a lot of time on the phone talking about it. She had an L.A. phone number so I thought I’d put it off until I would go out there.”
Then he found out the agent had a second home in Bluemont. Young visited and got his first glimpses of Hunt Country.
things, and what I loved about Middleburg was how small it was and how it wasn’t trying to be anything other than what it was: a beautiful little country town. There were so many wonderful shops with wonderful people in them who were knowledgeable about what they were selling. We just had to find a place here.”
Among the locals Young met was Rebecca Kidder at Federal & Black, an antique, home furnishings, and gift shop on Madison Street. On his Instagram, Young called Federal & Black “a favorite antique shop and store.”
Kidder had been following Young, too. She says, “He’s insanely talented. In my world, he’s like a movie star. I’m such a huge, huge fan.”
“They are magic, and align so well with Federal & Black’s aesthetic.”
When she found out that Young was working on a book, she asked if he’d like to do a signing at her shop, and he agreed. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, from 2 to 5 p.m.
“I loved the vastness of the area, and how local it all is. We began spending more weekend time here. I’m always antiquing and sourcing
Kidder especially likes Young’s Bibliotheque Collection, paintings based on books or old photographs, and his “slash” portraits and botanicals.
Kidder has talked with Young about having some of his artwork in the shop and is hoping to schedule similar events with designers and artists in the future as part of her MasterClass series and book signing events. Kidder says, “I set the bar high for myself working to treat my customers, in the shop and out, with standout, memorable events that align with our brand.” She adds, “It’s about inspiring folks each time they walk into the shop, delighting them with beautiful, one-of-
Home | Page 34 Home | From page 32
Left: Young’s entryway blends historic and contemporary. Right: Josh Young.
Home | From page 33
a-kind, heirloom-quality products not found in other shops and then adding value on top of that with standout events like our MasterClass program and book signings.”
What sold Young and Martinez on Philomont was not the fieldstone house, which “had all its original bones and was just perfect for us,” but the lush, forested landscape in the back, which included a towering 300-year-old sycamore.
“We knew this was it when we saw the tree,” Young continues. “It was magnificent. It had a presence. It sounds crazy, but it was like the tree gave us permission to live here and take care of it.” Young named it Sycamore House and settled in before the winter of 2022.
Two years later, Young’s book, “Artful Home” (Rizzoli), will be published this month. It features photographs of Young’s D.C. and Philo-
history becomes your history.”
Born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Young’s earliest aspiration was to be an artist. “My parents built me a studio in the basement where I could work. That, and visiting museums, was all I wanted to do.”
Among his earliest influences were the postimpressionist painters, as well as Picasso’s cubist works and, later, abstract artists, including the Virginia-born Cy Twombly. Young studied art at Milan’s Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, where he met Martinez.
“In Italy I grew to love the way old things and old ways of doing things become part of your life,” he says. “You learn to notice them, let them into your life, and build on them.”
One of Young’s earliest and most famous examples is his series of classically-inspired portraits with an abrupt, almost startling slash of
“It sounds crazy, but it was like the tree gave us permission to live here and take care of it.” – Young
mont homes, illustrating the five principles of his design technique for creating a home that is comfortable and creative: palette, texture, form, layers, and nostalgia.
While some of those principles may be obvious, Young’s approach is subtle. Stacking books fanned open is a quirky use of texture. “If you know where your books are, why not?” he says. By layers, Young means décor that may at first appear simple, but, with a second and third look, yields more interest and depth. That includes vignettes, arrangements, and even his own abstract artwork. Nostalgia calls for the deliberate inclusion of objects, art, photographs, or furniture that isn’t necessarily old, “but has special meaning for you. If I want to look at a picture of Truman Capote or Wallis Simpson, I’ll put it where I can see it. If you have little collectibles from your travels or small things you think are great, arrange them where you can see them, appreciate them, and remember how you found them. Their
paint across the eyes. “When I was a child and went to museums, the places I loved the most were the portrait galleries,” he shares. “I’d look up at those faces and want to know who these people were.”
Young’s idea for his portrait series, which harkens back to the art of fellow Pennsylvanian Andy Warhol, was to take a photograph of an older portrait and, like Warhol, alter it so that it becomes more than a mere image of its subject.
He uses a similar concept with some interior spaces. “We’ve lived in so many places over the years, it became important to make them our own by adding things that were special to us, that said something about what we felt was comfortable and beautiful. It’s all about creating a state of mind, a sense of ease and comfort — familiar, but still interesting and inviting, like you’ve somehow been here before.”
Which, he admits, is how he feels about living in Hunt Country. ML
Top: “Artful Home” by Josh Young. Bottom: A grand fireplace is the focal point of this stunning room.
Loudoun Cotillion
Empower your child with vital social and communication skills needed to succeed now and in the future
• Social Media and cell phone etiquette — “Net-iquette”.
• How to show honor, dignity, and respect for others.
• Social dance — swing, cha cha, foxtrot, line dances! Manners that last a lifetime!
Our program is based at Belmont Country Club in Ashburn.
Learn more about our program — We offer K-12 classes!
For class schedules and to register visit loudouncotillion.com
Reserve your spot today for the 2024-25 season!
Join us for our Parent
For more information contact Director Lisa M. Hale at loudounlovescotillion@gmail.com or (703)814-3496.
FALL FESTIVALS WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Written by Shayda Windle
Fall is here and there’s no better way to experience the charm of Hunt Country than through the region’s many festivals. Whether you’re drawn to country fairs, family-friendly gatherings, agricultural celebrations, or history-themed and educational events, there is something for everyone. We’ve put together a list of must-attend festivals that highlight the spirit of the season. Pick your favorites and make the most of autumn in Hunt Country!
Fifth Annual Sunflower Festival at The Homestead Farm at Fruit Hill Orchard
Saturday, September 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mark your calendars for a day of family fun at The Homestead Farm at Fruit Hill Orchard’s Fifth Annual Sunflower Festival. Join other festival go-
ers for a vibrant celebration of the fall season with activities for all ages.
A bounce house, face painting, and games are available to the kids, while adults can enjoy live music from the Low Water Bridge Band and explore a shopping experience with over 50 local vendors and crafters. Ticket holders can satisfy their cravings with delicious food trucks, Sugar Shack ice cream, and more.
While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up some festival merchandise and bring home a bouquet of precut sunflowers available for purchase. Please note that sunflowers are not included with your ticket, and while the team certainly hopes to see the fields in full bloom, the recent extreme heat and dry weather may affect their timing. Find more information and purchase tickets at thehomesteadfarmatfruithillorchard.com.
Fall Festival at Leopold’s Preserve
Saturday, September 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Embrace the beauty of autumn at Leopold’s Preserve in Broad Run, Virginia, where local environmental organizations will join forces for a day of free fun and learning. Hosted by the White House Farm Foundation and the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, this gathering is the perfect opportunity to get together with family and friends.
Leopold’s Preserve is a 380-acre park boasting stunning trails, meadows, and observation areas, all protected under a conservation easement by the NVCT. The seven-mile trail system is free and open to the public year-round, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Festivals | Page 37
Scenes from the Waterford Fair. Photo courtesy of the Waterford Fair.
| From page 36
This family-friendly festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with local environmental champions and explore nature’s beauty. Indulge in mouthwatering BBQ from the Rocklands food truck, enjoy free face painting for the kids, and join guided hikes through the scenic wetland trails. Nature enthusiasts won’t want to miss the raffle, offering fantastic prizes like bird feeders, gift cards, and hiking backpacks from REI and Patagonia. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate fall and support local conservation efforts at Leopold’s Preserve. Learn more at leopoldspreserve. com.
The Bluemont Fair
Saturday - Sunday, September 21 - 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gather your family and friends for a delightful day at the annual Bluemont Fair, where the charm of a 250-year-old village meets the vibrant energy of a community celebration. This beloved event offers a unique blend of artisan crafts, local wine, beer, live music, and much more all set against the backdrop of Bluemont’s rich history, traditions, and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
From pony rides and a petting zoo to barrel rides, games, and face painting, the fair is packed with kid-friendly activities that promise endless fun for the little ones. Meanwhile, adults can savor delicious bites from a variety of food vendors while enjoying tunes from local favorites. Breathe in the crisp mountain air, explore the beautiful village, and start checking off your holiday gift list with one-of-a-kind finds — all for less than the cost of a movie ticket. Admission is just $10, and kids 9 and under get in free.
Staying true to its “country fair” roots, the Bluemont Fair offers an enjoyable, affordable, and informative experience that brings the community together. Don’t forget to bring your tastiest pies and tangiest pickles for the free contest on Saturday — everyone is welcome to participate! Learn more at bluemontfair.org.
Rokeby Community Festival
Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is thrilled to announce their inaugural Rokeby Commu-
nity Festival, a family-friendly event brimming with activities for all ages. Set for September 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this exciting festival offers a variety of attractions, including a pickleball tournament on the Rokeby Airstrip, with both competitive and casual matches; live music from local artists; family activities including games and inflatables for the kids; and plant-focused experiences.
Food lovers will have their pick from an array of food trucks, including Divine Swine Barbecue, Big Cheese grilled cheese, Happy Family Ranch,
Tickets are available online for $10 and may be purchased on Eventbrite. Tickets will also be available day-of at check-in for $15. Children 12 and under are free. Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes — the event will take place rain or shine.
The Waterford Fair
Friday - Sunday, October 4 - 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Come shop, play, and explore during the Waterford Fair, an 80-year-old tradition that captures the essence of fall in the mid-Atlantic. This
Moo Thru ice cream, and the Mediterranean flavors of Fava Pot. Local libations will also be available.
Throughout the day, educational plant talks and field walks will be hosted every 30 minutes in areas like the vegetable fields, Biocultural Garden, and Wildlife Garden. Guests will also have a chance to participate in a special oak tree walk with Sir Peter Crane, highlighting saplings planted in 2023 as well as older, more historic trees. Additionally, the festival will present a series of Heirloom Crop Talks with three local experts discussing heirloom collard greens, grains, and apples.
event offers a unique opportunity to experience 18th-century American heritage, contemporary crafts, living history, a juried art show, historic property tours, local libations, and entertainment for all ages.
The Waterford Fair plays a crucial role in protecting and preserving the National Historic Landmark of Waterford, among the first areas in the United States to receive this designation. The homes in this charming village are lived in by residents who maintain them to historic standards. Once a year, the village comes together to raise funds for the Waterford Foundation, one of Face-painting fun at Leopold’s Preserve. Photo courtesy of the White House Farm Foundation. Festivals | Page 38
Festivals | From page 37
America’s first community-based historic preservation organizations whose mission is to protect the buildings and open spaces of this National Historic Landmark.
Visitors will enjoy a fine heritage craft juried show set under tents and interact with artisans in 18th-century costume. Children’s activities include learning about arts and crafts made by hand during the 18th century. Explore three floors of local art, meet artisans in the old mill, visit the fine art show and sale in a nearby barn, and purchase dried flower arrangements just in time for the holidays. Daily entertainment includes historical interpreters, street performers, Americana and
bluegrass music, and talks focused on local history.
Relax at Talbott’s Tavern, where attendees can enjoy libations from six local wineries and a special anniversary beer from Wheatland Springs Farm Brewery. Enjoy a variety of food options, from traditional festival fare to gourmet cuisine, and shop at the farmers market for local produce. The Waterford Fair covers nearly 300 acres, will be held rain or shine, and is a walking event, so wear comfortable shoes. Because the village will be closed off, parking will be managed by traffic flaggers. For more details, visit waterfordfairva.org. ML
For more Fall Festivals in Hunt Country, visit MiddleburgLife.com.
Rokeby Farm, soon to be filled with pickleball courts, live music, and local artists for the first annual Rokeby Community Festival. Photo courtesy of OSGF.
In Memory of Martin P. Fleming, M.D.
Written by Kaitlin Hill & Sarah French-Fleming
Though a native of Castlemartyr in County Cork, Ireland, Martin P. Fleming was a true Virginia gentleman. He passed away peacefully on June 4 at his home “after watching the Epsom Derby over the weekend, holding a Waterford crystal glass full of a beloved Irish whisky,” shares his wife, Sarah French-Fleming.
Fleming was a Mayo Clinic-trained radiologist who practiced in both Leesburg and Winchester. French-Fleming remembers, “[He] was often asked to X-ray horses. ‘But they would bump their heads upon entering the X-ray room!’ he used to reply.”
Fleming hunted with the Blue Ridge Hunt for decades and was master of the
Nantucket-Treweryn Beagles in Clarke County. “He adored steeplechase racing and part-owned winning racehorses, participating in the Virginia Circuit and Southern states, winning in Aiken,” remembers French-Fleming.
French-Fleming adds, “His reminiscence of his dear old Glenwood Grange home in Berryville and tales of Ol’ Virginny were legendary. He recalled when there was only one vineyard in Northern Virginia and he happily drove up and down Zulla Road collecting empty wine bottles from estates and friends … to donate to the only winemaker in the fine land of the Piedmont.”
He was a founding member of the Welbourne cakewalk. For the 50th anni-
versary of the event this month, “There will be a moment of silence for the chattiest man alive,” shares French-Fleming. She finishes that Fleming is a “muchmissed charming spirit of old and no hunt ball will be the same without [him].”
Fleming is survived by his wife, Sarah French-Fleming; daughter, Tara Fleming, and her mother, Patricia Fleming; sisters Anne Coffey and Mary O’Callaghan; daughter-in-law, Amy Fleming, M.D.; grandchildren Keenan, Luca, Hannah, Virgina, and Delaney; brother-in-law, Bill O’Callaghan; nieces Clara O’Sullivan, Jean Van Sinderen-Law, and Cliona Law; and nephew, Paul O’Callaghan. ML
Martin P. Fleming, M.D. Photo courtesy of Sarah French-Fleming.
Our Favorite Local Gifts for Equestrians
by Callie Broaddus
Hunt Country Handbags, 35 Assorted Styles, $125 - $195, Available at The Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America
Equestrian
Photos
Vagabond House Bit Photo Frame, $32, Available at Tri-County Feeds
Assorted
Notecards, $11.95, Available at The Tack Exchange
Lois Shirt in Desert Toile, $178, Available at J. McLaughlin
Barn Bum Hat, $22.25, Available at The Tack Box
Pine Green Spanish Leather Horse Bit Belt, $125, Available at Chloe’s of Middleburg
West Wales Fox Linen Napkins, $75, Fox Place Mats, $145, & Fox Coasters, $19.50, Available at Horse Country
Mon Ami Plush Horse Backpack, $46, Available at The PLAYroom
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
“Autumnal Equinox” at The Byrne Gallery September 4 - 29 | thebyrnegallery.com
Don’t miss The Byrne Gallery’s September exhibit, “Autumn Equinox.” The show will feature the work of local artists Gerald Hennesy, Regina Miele, and Matt Tymowski and celebrate the fall season through vivid colors in classic oil landscapes and still life paintings. For more information, visit thebyrnegallery.com
Titles and Tastes: Autumn Picks at Firefly Cellars
September 14 | 1 to 2:30 p.m. | fireflycellars.com
Book and wine lovers rejoice! Firefly Cellars is hosting a book and wine pairing featuring cozy autumn reads, new friends, and delicious wines. Tickets include a book and wine pairing, snacks, $10 credit toward a book purchase, and more! Enjoy an afternoon of sipping and shopping. Tickets are $55 and can be booked through Eventbrite.
Jean Bowman: 60 Years Retrospective Art Exhibit Reception
September 14 | 4 to 6 p.m. | mhhna.org
Experience a rare opportunity to see 40-plus paintings from local, private collections showcasing the sporting art of Jean Bowman at the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America in Middleburg. The exhibit will open on September 14 with a celebratory reception from 4 to 6 p.m., and conclude on October 27. The collection will include paintings of racetrack and steeplechase winners, as well as hunting horses and riders. Notable pieces include a painting of Queen Elizabeth II’s racehorse Hopeful Venture. Tickets to the reception are $25 per person for non-members and can be purchased at mhhna.org.
Rock & Popsicles on the Porch at Emmanuel Church
September 15 | 3 to 5 p.m. | emmanuelmiddleburg.org
Cool down and rock out at Emmanuel’s Parish House with favorites from the ‘60s and ‘70s played by the Bank Street Band. The popsi -
cles are free and chairs are provided, though dancing is encouraged. There is a recommended donation of $10. To reserve your seat, call (540) 687-6297.
The Accord Symphony Orchestra Presents “Brave” at Oatlands
September 15 | 4 p.m. | oatlands.org Oatlands and the Black History Committee of the Thomas Balch Library have come together to present “Brave,” featuring the Accord Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra will perform selections from Florence Price, Pytor Tchaikovsky, Margaret Bonds, and more in an outdoor concert celebrating the bravery of the human spirit. Tickets range from $15 to $50 and can be booked through the Oatlands website. Arrive early to meet the musicians starting at 3 p.m.
Art Tribe with J. Douglas at the Artists in Middleburg
September 19 | 6 to 8 p.m. | theartistsinmiddleburg.org
Join J. Douglas at AiM to discuss all things art!
Calendar | Page 43
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Calendar | From page 42
Participants are encouraged to bring their artwork to be discussed by the group as everyone shares in a discussion of artistic horizons and creative journeys. Tickets are $10 and available on the AiM website.
Warbler Walk at Blandy Experimental Farm
September 20 | 8 to 10 a.m. | blandy.virginia.edu
Experience the magic of songbird migration with Blandy Experimental Farm’s Warbler Walk. The walk will take place over a mile of rolling hills and gentle terrain. This event is perfect for anyone age 12 and up. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and can bring a pair of binoculars or borrow a pair. Registration is required and tickets are $12 per person.
Cocktails & Conversation with New York Times Bestselling Author Elizabeth Letts: “The Ride of Her Life”
September 25 | 5:30 to 8 p.m. | nationalsporting.org
The National Sporting Library & Museum will
host a cocktails and conversation gathering with New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Letts about her book “The Ride of Her Life: The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America.” Tickets are available through NSLM’s website and are $30 for members and $50 for non-members.
Book Club at Chrysalis Vineyards
September 26 | 5 to 6 p.m. | chrysaliswine.com
The last Thursday of the month, Chrysalis Vineyards invites guests to join their free book club! Volunteers from Loudoun County Public Library will lead the discussion. This event is free and open to all. For more information, visit the Chrysalis Vineyards website.
Oktoberfest 2024 at Lost Barrel Brewing
September 28 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | lostbarrel.com
Help usher in the fall season with the team at LBB during their Oktoberfest celebration. The event will feature local craft beer, delicious food, live music, local vendors, and more! It is a kidand dog-friendly event, so bring the whole fam-
ily. Tickets are $35 and can be booked through Eventbrite.
Culpeper Street Walking Tour
September 28 | 3 to 4 p.m. | fauquierhistory.org
Take a guided walking tour of scenic Culpeper Street in Old Town Warrenton. The tour will start at the Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail. Reservations are required and tickets are $12.50 for non-members and $10 for FHS members. Tickets can be purchased through fauquierhistory.org.
Yoga & Coffee at Gathering Springs Farm
September 29 | 9 to 10:30 a.m. | gatheringspringsfarm.com
Enjoy a relaxing morning of Hatha yoga guided by Virginia Blair. Participants are asked to bring their own mat. Coffee will be provided starting at 9 a.m. and yoga starts at 9:15. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
For more Hunt Country events, visit MiddleburgLife.com or scan here:
