No Troubled Waters at Last Resort Farm
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By Anita L. Sherman
illian Waters has created her own nirvana. Not only does it offer her a slice of serenity, but visitors will enjoy its relaxing ambiance and peaceful setting. Located on 10 acres minutes west from Middleburg on John Mosby Highway, The Last Resort Farm has been parceled into sections reflecting her vision of a happy place she wants to share. Waters purchased the property in 2016 and has transformed the neglected piece of land into something very special. “I kept passing it,” said Waters who lives in Middleburg and is a realtor with Washington Fine Properties. “It was so run down. I bought it and Lillian Waters at started working on the house first.” The Last Resort. Waters has created a fanciful and artfully decorated Photos by Anita Sherman Airbnb from the 1924 Quaker farmhouse, complete with high-end touches like radiant floor heating and a large soaking tub in one of the two bathrooms that are handicap accessible. “It stays pretty booked,” said Waters, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico who has called Virginia home for decades. “My kids call me an organized hoarder,” she said, referring to the extensive collection of world-wide antiques she’s assembled for more than 40 years. Many are housed in her shop – Middleburg Barn Antiques – a renovated two-story barn emblazoned on the front with a large painting of a sunflower. Inside, there are hidden gems large and small. Prized for its marbleized texture and tasty meat, part of the property also is dedicated to Waters’ operational farm where she raises Japanese Wagyu beef. Her small herd will leave their shelter and shade and venture across the field when they hear her whistle.
At The Last Resort a tranquil pond with a truck embellishment.
into the pond from its radiator cap. The star of the pond is the Teak wood water warrior Buddha that sits amidst the flora and fauna that surround the aqua-colored water. For Waters, this large bold statue is a guardian of sorts for her property and a cherished part of her collection. Adjacent to the pond are the berry fields. Rows and rows of pick-your-own blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and gooseberries offer an enticing garden of edible delights. “The berries are free,” said Waters, as is quiet strolling, fishing and berry-picking. Waters clearly adores Virginia and the town she’s called home for eight years. “I found my dream home in Middleburg,” she said. “To me, it’s like a beach town without the beach. It’s a wonderful community. I saw this place in such turmoil and wanted to turn it into something everyone can enjoy.” Waters smiles broadly when talking about her dedicated sunflower garden. “They are the large variety and about to bloom,” she said. “The sunflower is my logo…you’ve probably seen it pictured around the farm. “Like this place, it just makes me happy.” Open on weekends and by appointment, The Last Resort Farm is located at 35748 John Mosby Highway in Middleburg. Visit www.middleburgwagyu.com or phone 540-687-4021. Visit www.middleburgbarnantiques.com or phone 540-336-7539 to schedule a visit.
The Shaggy Ram & Little Lambkins. The Shaggy Ram, now in its 31st year, has just adopted the Little Lambkins. So along with our lovely English & French antiques plus all accessories for your home, the Lambkins specializes in quality classic attire for infants & children. It’s our new look & folks are loving it! Come see us soon! New items arrive daily.
Joanne & Sandy 3 E Washington St. Middleburg. VA 20118 540.687.3546 16
Another popular feature is a spring-fed pond filled with bass, blue gill and catfish. A comfortable dock overlooks one section where guests can cast their fishing lines. An antique 1926 Chevy truck framed in bright patches of yellow daisies anchors another end, with water spewing gaily
Go Green Middleburg | Autumn 2020
