Inspired, Spring 2014

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The Willowsford, Virginia Lifestyle

VOL. III | 2014 | $4.95

NOVA’s New Music Scene Local Wood-Flavored Whisky Fresh Produce Goes Mobile Meet Your Meat Farmers


Beazer Homes

Ashford Model

At Willowsford Beazer Homes, one of the top ten homebuilders in the U.S., is pleased to present our new section of homes in The Grove at Willowsford. Here we will offer our signature homes, the Coventry, Ashford and Brighton as well as two brand-new floorplans. Each of these homes is inspired by craftsman-style architecture reflecting old-world style combined with the modern conveniences you love. Homeowners will love the welcoming front porches, gabled roofs and multitude of windows that each of our exteriors will offer. The interior of the homes feature between 3,090 to just over 3,620 square feet of finished living space, 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ to 4 ½ bathrooms and a variety of high end details and finishes. Beazer builds homes that meet and exceed ENERGY STAR® requirements offering increased savings and a lower ongoing cost of ownership.

Priced from the Low $600s Boat House Information Center 41025 Willowsford Lane Aldie, VA 20105 703-327-2964 Model Open Daily 11-6pm

Willowsford.com/Beazer Prices, features, and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. Homes started after 2/14/11 will be ENERGY STAR® homes. To find out whether a particular home is qualified, contact your Beazer New Home Counselor. ©2014 Beazer Homes


thoughts from the field

Letter from Willowsford I always feel like a kid when the first hint of spring starts making its appearance. It doesn’t take long before my thoughts turn toward being outdoors, jumping on my bike and exploring new trails. You can’t help but feel reinvigorated in the presence of nature. With fresh enthusiasm, our team has been hard at work preparing for the spring and summer seasons at Willowsford. New trails have been completed, the pools will be re-opening soon, The Sycamore House will be opening in The Grange and The Lodge will be bustling with activity, offering great indoor and outdoor spaces for residents to gather and celebrate. The return of spring also means that Willowsford Farm is preparing for its third growing year, bringing fresh produce and even more offerings from local vendors to the Farm Stand. It will soon be hosting Happy Gardening Hours once again, as well as other great community traditions. As in every issue of Inspired, we like to bring you stories of people and businesses that are doing something noteworthy in and around Loudoun County.

A publication of Corbelis Development NOVA, L.L.C. Publisher: Willowsford, L.L.C. Managing Editor: Laura Cole Contributor: Fraser Wallace Advertising FraserWallace.com ©2014 Willowsford, L.L.C., Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, Inspired, Inspired Living, A Naturally Planned Community and are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this magazine is expressly prohibited. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising matter. The information, illustrations, maps, and depictions contained in this magazine concerning the Willowsford development are based on the current proposed development concepts; actual development may vary from what is depicted. As the vision for the project evolves, facilities, features and other components are subject to change. Certain features and amenities depicted within the magazine have not yet been, and may not be, constructed. Dues, fees and assessments may be imposed for the use of some amenities. Photographs and images are not necessarily of the Willowsford development, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be an actual representation of any features or designs of any specific community, neighborhood, amenities, facilities or improvements.

In this issue, we’d like to introduce you to Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture and its Mobile Market, bringing farm-fresh food to underserved neighborhoods in a bright green school bus. You’ll also find out where to tour historic estate gardens during their rare opening to the public, thanks to their generous owners and The Garden Club of Virginia. Finally, read about the father-son team that’s putting Leesburg on the map for live music at The Tally Ho Theatre, and be sure to check out a show. If you’re thinking of making Willowsford your new home, I hope you’ll join us for the third annual Spring Into Willowsford on April 26th. It’s a great event, and the perfect way to truly experience how vibrant this incredible community is.

Here’s to finding out what inspires you this season,

Brian Cullen President, Corbelis Development NOVA, L.L.C. The Developer of Willowsford


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Contents

Spring 2014 1

5

thoughts from the field

Letter from Willowsford Brian Cullen

eat local 54

Snapshots from Willowsford Meg Bradley

Copper Fox Distillery Making Local Grains, Leftover Wood Into Award-Winning Whisky Whitney Pipkin 14

rooted

58

homescape As You Like It Camberley Homes Takes a Custom Approach Alex Aloise

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shop local Local Treasures Cozy Up Your New Home

heart and soul

Fields of Splendor Historic Garden Week in Middleburg Alex Aloise

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The Show Goes On The Tally Ho Theatre Reinvents Itself Alex Aloise 20

inspired living

pring 2014

drink local

stewardship Sharing Fresh Joy Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture Jaimee Reinertsen

Heritage Hollow Farms Meet Your Meat Farmers Lorin Fairweather 9

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kids’ corner

Celebrating Springtime at Willowsford Pick-Your-Own Adventures Lorin Fairweather

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inspired reflection

A Final Bit of Inspiration

VOL 3 SPRING 2014 | 3


CAMBERLEY HOMES at Willowsford

Camberley Homes, formed by Winchester Homes, one of the region’s most respected names in residential homebuilding, was created to provide its clients with not just a distinctive home, but with a customized homebuilding experience. Designed exclusively for the unique villages at Willowsford, the architecture of Camberley’s Willowsford Collection will feature a classic/contemporary feel – open floorplans, abundant windows and flexible spaces that can easily accommodate today’s diverse living styles. Ranging from approximately 4,000 to nearly 5,000 square feet of quality craftsmanship and stylish comfort, Camberley Homes at Willowsford will offer timeless architectural designs and a personalized home buying experience on beautiful wooded ¾- to 1½-acre home sites.

Single-Family Homes from the high $700s | Willowsford.com/Camberley 23510 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148 | (703) 542-7390


eat local

Heritage Hollow by Lorin Fairweather

Farms

Photography by Molly Peterson

Meet Your Meat Farmers Organic, free-range, eco-ganic – in the attempt to make sense of a dizzying array of grocery store labels, local farmers Mike and Molly Peterson offer some food advice: eat from people you trust. This simplistic approach is reflected in every aspect of the Petersons’ lives, from how they raise their cattle on approximately 600 acres of farmland in Rappahannock County to where they buy their own groceries. (continued)

Mike and Molly Peterson

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“It’s about cultivating the health and diversity of the soil to provide your animals with high-quality forage to feed on”

Last fall, Mike and Molly founded Heritage Hollow Farms, taking over the operations of Mount Vernon Grassfed, the farm where Mike has worked since 2009, and entering into a long-term lease on the land. Carrying on the intentional grassfed methods of Mount Vernon Grassfed, the Petersons use high-density, planned grazing to provide nutrients and the necessary sustenance to their 275-plus cattle and pigs. “It’s about cultivating the health and diversity of the soil to provide your animals with high-quality forage to feed on,” which, explains Mike, creates a strong nutritional profile in the meat. High-quality meat often means better tasting meat, as well, which is important to Mike as a formally trained chef with 7 years of experience, which culminated in a kitchen staff position at The Inn at Little Washington. Menu planning and sourcing led him to an opportunity to be on the other side of the meat as an intern with Mount Vernon Grassfed Farm in 2009. “I started doing research and self-education on sustainable farming methods,” says Mike. “As a chef, I thought I would like to see what was going into the meat I was using.” The one-year long stint was extended when the farm’s manager decided to move out of state and recommended

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Mike to fill his shoes. “The internship evolved into a passion for agriculture and feeding people, but just on a different platform.” The lifestyle approach to eating, working and living led them to these intentions for their farming: “To be responsible stewards of the land, promote diversity through ecologically sound practices and to raise food with integrity.”


eat local That led to a distribution innovation – putting freezers in Crossfit gyms (major proponents of the Paleo Diet), where members can pick up their meat order at their next workout. They’ve also opened a farm store next to the schoolhouse in Sperryville, turning an abandoned deli into a store/office/photo gallery. Clustered with other local vendors, the site affords great visibility and is already a destination in the small town. Finally, they sell their meat at local farm stands, such as Willowsford’s, to put it in closer reach of people in the metro area.

To deliver on those intentions, Mike and Molly play to their strengths. Mike handles much of the physical labor and farm planning, and Molly handles the business aspects, such as marketing, which her additional business as a professional photographer has prepared her for. Her images appear regularly on the pages of Inspired, including the ones in this article.

Molly recognizes cost can be a deterring factor for some who consider eating locally, and says it was no different for them. “At first we thought, ‘We can’t afford to eat that way,’” says Molly. “I think that’s what a lot of people think. But you do it little by little. Once you make one little change, it inspires you to make the next little change. We found that it was natural for us and we just changed our priorities monetarily.” By selling their top-quality meats and an array of locally produced goods, the Petersons hope to encourage personal interaction between consumers and the people who are feeding them.

“To make a farm viable,” Mike says, “it can’t be just about the farm. You have to treat it as a business.”

“We’re not in this alone,” says Mike. “There’s a lot of people to feed.”

One approach Molly took was to comb social media for what people were talking about when it came to food and nutrition. “I didn’t know what ‘Paleo’ was,” she said, referring to the trendy Paleo Diet, “but it turns out what we sell fits it perfectly.”

Visit HeritageHollowFarms.net to learn more about the Petersons and ordering your own locally raised, grassfed meats. Bon appétit!


INTEGRITY HOMES at Willowsford

Integrity Homes only builds our quality, hand-crafted homes in distinctive locations with honest personalities – places like Willowsford. Designed and crafted especially for Willowsford, Integrity homes offer up to 5,000 square feet of relaxed, authentic luxury, with up to 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths along with exquisite features like personal courtyards, sunrooms, balconies, reading nooks and gourmet chef’s kitchens. Integrity homes are genuine and timeless, and just like the naturally planned community of Willowsford, truly inspiring.

Single-Family Homes from the low $600s | Willowsford.com/Integrity 41095 Braddock Road, Aldie, Virginia 20105 | (703) 431-6589


P I P K I N W H I T N E Y B Y

D I S T I L L E R Y

COPPER F X

drink local

Making local grains, leftover wood into award-winning whisky A sweet smokiness fills the entryway at Copper Fox Distillery, and I’m thrown off. It smells like a campfire smoldering in the great outdoors, not the inside of a former apple-processing plant that’s now used to turn locally grown grains into adult beverages. (continued)


Owner Rick Wasmund Photography by Molly Peterson

But the smoke is what sets Copper Fox and its whiskies apart, which are sold under the label “Wasmund’s” (named after owner Rick Wasmund). The distillery is the only one in the world that flavors its malted barley with smoke from apple and cherry woods, which are prevalent in the formerly orchard-heavy agricultural region surrounding the Sperryville distillery. It’s also the only distillery in North America that malts its own barley – all of which is grown by a local farmer named Billy Dawson. And that’s not to mention Copper Fox’s unique barrel-aging process. “I just had a real simple idea that set me off on the path, which was maybe we could do things differently,” Wasmund said. More than a decade later, Copper Fox Distillery is producing 11,000 cases of product, including rye, single-malt and ageyour-own whiskies (along with miniature barrels).

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The distillery recently released its first gin, called Vir Gin (did I mention Wasmund has a sense of humor?), which is thrice distilled and infused with 14 botanicals instead of smoke. Two of Wasmund’s whiskies earned gold medals from the Beverage Testing Institute in 2013, with flavors like suede, olive tapenade and “a root beer float-like finish” noted in its single-malt variety. Visitors to the distillery should soon be able to try a sip before they buy a bottle, thanks to a new Virginia law. But, even for those who don’t prefer a stiff drink, a visit can be worthwhile – if not downright educational. “The closest other place you could go to watch barley malted is Scotland,” Wasmund points out. He should know; he started his whisky-making research with a six-week internship in the country after visiting several facilities in the states. And, after five years of research followed by eight years in business, Wasmund gives a mean distillery tour.


“I just had a real simple idea that set me off on the path, which was maybe we could do things differently.” Rick Wasmund

Gesturing into the smoke-filled room where apple and cherry woods impart their flavors to malted barley, Wasmund notes with humor that the wood “doesn’t come from Walmart.” He sources 70-year-old apple wood from old orchards or neighbors that are looking to recycle them. An heirloom tree that blew down in a storm was also thrown into the mix this past year. “If we get something like that, then the spirit of the tree lives on in the whisky,” he says with a grin. “People are, oddly enough, happy to give us the wood.” Some of the apple wood is also turned into chips that soak in the aging barrels and speed the process of maturation. It’s a proprietary method that can’t be used in Scotland or Kentucky (where they have rules about what can be called “scotch” and “bourbon,” respectively) but has been quite successful for Wasmund. (continued)

Infused


drink local Once an aging barrel has been used three or four times, it’s cleaned up and broken down into more wood chips. But the recycling and resource sharing doesn’t stop there. The distillery sells some of its malt to other local fermenters, like Blue Mountain Breweries, and has found an unlikely hungry audience for its leftover whisky mash: local cattle. Even as he expands, Wasmund has pulled back his marketing efforts to focus on the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, where locally distilled beverages are continuing to pick up steam. “People do appreciate the local aspect,” Wasmund said. “If they visit, that solidifies it.”

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COPPER F X

For tour information, visit CopperFox.biz


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THE SHOW GOES ON The Tally Ho Theatre reinvents itself as Northern Virginia’s newest home for live entertainment by Alex Aloise “Why CAN’T we do this?”

Don and Jack Devin

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That was the question that Don Devine and his son Jack asked themselves in late 2012. As the owner of Leesburg’s landmark Tally Ho Theatre, Don had reached a crossroads. After more than a decade of projecting firstrun Hollywood films on the theater’s two screens, the operator he leased the building to was shutting down, no longer able to compete with nearby multiplexes. Still determined to see his iconic theater stand, Don decided it was time to take a chance on bringing something new to his hometown.


rooted

Photo by Reed A. George creativeobjective.com

“To go hear good live music, you have to travel into D.C., or Baltimore, or Richmond,” said Don. “When my kids were younger they’d want to go see a band at the 9:30 Club or somewhere even further. As a parent, you worry about your kids going into the city on their own. I saw an opportunity to change that and to bring that kind of experience out here.” Having experimented with a handful of live shows in the past, Don decided to approach local legislators with a plan to reinvent the building he describes as “integral” to downtown Leesburg. With his son by his side, and armed with advice from the brains behind the 9:30 Club and some of the Washington, D.C. area’s most notable live venues, the Devines began the process of converting the Tally Ho into a sort of “Birchmere West.” The Tally Ho Theatre dates back more than 80 years to its very first showing on September 21, 1931. The film was Sporting Blood. Its star was Clark Gable. Though it may not have been obvious in its previous incarnation,

some of the building’s original features made it a perfect fit for a live performance space. Theaters built at that time often included a large stage for live musical accompaniment. The marquee out front is the same original beacon that welcomed audiences to Bogey and Bacall’s latest adventures. The façade of the building remains intact as well, maintaining the historical charm of downtown Leesburg. Though they’re not used as often as they once were, Don even has the old movie house’s original projectors. (continued)


The newly renovated theater now boasts a single large auditorium with a mezzanine and three bars. Bands relax in the new green room, designed to rival that of any established venue. The wine and beer list is long, with options from a variety of local vineyards and breweries. La Lou Bistro, the posh Mediterranean eatery connected to the theater and also owned by Don, provides the menu, from which patrons can order some of the better food they’ll ever find at a live theater. Of course, it takes more than just a great building to make a successful venue. The key to that is attracting the acts that will draw crowds. Luckily for the Devines, they had some invaluable assistance in the forms of Scott

Raughton and Zach Burrows, two music industry experts who were so excited by the Tally Ho’s renaissance that they volunteered their services, free of charge for a time, to help bring live arts to Leesburg. Today, Scott and Zack work as the Tally Ho’s production manager and sound engineer, respectively. With their help, and with Jack working as the General Manager and talent booker, the Tally Ho has been able to bring in both local and national bands of any genre, from a Michael Jackson tribute to the Gin Blossoms to Molly Hatchet. “Leesburg has an emerging arts and music scene that’s positioned it to become a ‘Little Austin,’” said local musician Stilson Greene. “The Tally Ho is the main puzzle piece to making that happen. It’s changing the fabric of the town.” The very first show at the reborn Tally Ho Theatre was the Jingle Jam on December 8, 2012. Organized by Greene, Jingle Jam is an annual holiday concert that benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and was the perfect show to kickstart the Tally Ho’s future. “It really has reinvigorated the area,” said Don. “Shops are getting more customers when there’s a show. Bars and restaurants are packed with people. It’s already made an obvious impact in the best possible way.” To see the Tally Ho Theatre’s full upcoming event schedule, visit TallyHoLeesburg.com

La Lou Bistro adjoins the Tally Ho


You’ve Heard of Farm to Fork… Now see what’s from the land to The Lodge Local Wood has harvested, milled and dried 28,000 board feet of hardwood timber to date from the Willowsford property for use in the Willowsford Lodge, the Sycamore House and Willowsford homes. Now, that’s living local. Imagine Warm, Natural, Virginia Hardwood in Your Home… Mantles, Countertops, Table Tops, Flooring, Cabinetry, Moldings, Doors, Paneling, Wainscoting, Beams, Unique Furnishings Local Wood has the materials and craftsmen to make it happen. Visit our showroom, see the floor and panel samples. Bring your designer or architect or consult ours to make your vision reality. Local Wood is stocked with quality reclaimed and locally harvested, sawn, and dried hardwood lumber for woodworking professionals and part time woodworkers alike. We have hardwood moldings, stock slabs with natural edges and shorts for your creative projects.

Open Monday thru Friday 8AM-4:30PM Saturday 9:30AM-1PM

540-955-9522 40 Kimble Road and Route 7 Berryville, Virginia 22611

www.localwoodva.com Check us out on facebook at Local Wood. Our lumber is locally harvested, sawn, and dried. We can harvest and dry your lumber.


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homescape

As You Like It Camberley Homes takes a custom approach to life in Willowsford by Alex Aloise Camberley Homes is not technically a custom homebuilder, but the personal and collaborative experience of buying a new Camberley home might make you think otherwise. Meeting special requests is Camberley’s specialty, and communication is king throughout the homebuilding process. The experience starts from the very moment homebuyers choose Camberley. The first step in the process is an In-Depth Interview (IDI), a meeting that sets the figurative foundation upon which the new home will be built. The IDI helps both builder and buyer evaluate needs, wants and expectations of the new home, as well as determine how much (or how little) customization – and buyer participation – will be involved in the building process. “Our whole business model is based around how we include our homebuyers throughout the process. Some of our homeowners want to be involved at every step, while others just want us to build their home and take the keys,” says Rick Mountjoy, a Community Operations Manager with Camberley Homes, and part of the original Willowsford team. “Whatever their style, we want to meet people’s expectations when it comes to our product, but we want to OWN the marketplace when it comes to the experience they have along the way.” (continued)

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“The Milburn” by Camberley Homes, 2013 GALA Award Winner for Interior Design



homescape

Dressed to Impress Thoughts from the design team behind Camberley’s stunning model home at Willowsford. The Milburn model home at Willowsford is the ultimate representation of Camberley’s endless possibilities. When designing the home, the team from Model Home Interiors saw opportunities to customize that they simply couldn’t pass up. “There was a large closet at the top of the stairs on the upper level,” says Rebecca Taylor, Marketing and Design Representative. “We thought that would make a great reading nook, so we added the bench and installed lighting. If it improves the experience in the home, Camberley makes it happen.” Laura Bendik, Senior Interior Designer, says that when it comes to customizing your new home, the best approach is to follow Camberley’s lead and focus your efforts on the rooms that get the most use, not the most views. “They build in a way that makes everything useful, and they let us show it off in the most ‘livable’ way,” she says. The result has been that homebuyers visit the model and end up adding much of what they see inside to their own home. “That’s what makes Camberley a great fit at Willowsford. You’re getting a home that’s as well thought-out as the community.”

Many builders require structural selections to be completed in the first four weeks, with design choices made within the following four. Camberley prefers to follow what Rick describes as a “critical path” to customization, one that mirrors the actual construction process. This model phases selections room-by-room, allowing homebuyers plenty of time to think about and make the right decisions.

Homebuyers are also granted unprecedented access to the people behind every inch of their new home. Say that outdoor living was very important to you, and you had questions about where and how to site your outdoor pool for optimal sun or shade. Camberley will actually connect you with the pool vendor, so that you get all your questions answered directly by the functional expert, rather than have the builder play middle man.

“The sky really is the limit as far as what you can customize,” Rick says. “We can specialize every little thing, even down to where we put the electrical outlets. It all depends on what you want and how involved you want to be.”

There is also a four-person managerial team on site at every new home, eliminating the typical game of telephone tag that can sometimes take weeks to generate an answer. Each member of the managerial team has the authority to make decisions, resulting in response times of as little as 24 hours.

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Camberley The result of that teamwork is on full display inside the Milburn model home at Willowsford. Not only does the home exemplify Camberley’s ability to customize, it proves that the builder knows how to maximize the way homeowners live.

is 4,000 square feet, and a new 3,500-square-foot floorplan is in development.

“Our model home is 8,000 square feet. That’s a very large house,” says Jim Pohlhaus, Residence Designer. “But it’s not overwhelming. Every room is comfortable because we’ve designed the spaces specifically for how people will actually use them. It’s much more than just form. There’s function behind everything.”

Jim says it was Willowsford’s own philosophy of outdoor living and a farm-to-table lifestyle that inspired Camberley’s exclusive home designs. Wraparound covered porches and large central kitchen islands are just some of the spaces where homeowners enjoy spending a lot of time with friends and family, and thus were of particular importance to the builders when designing the homes, taking preference over traditional “statement” areas like expansive, grand foyers.

But while the Milburn showcases lots of space and customization ideas, Jim wants people to know they can opt for a smaller home, too. The base Milburn floorplan

“People love putting their own touch on their new home,” says Rick. “But we don’t just let you choose from a book. You get to create the book.” (continued) VOL 3 SPRING 2014 | 23


homescape

What Makes a Willowsford Home Unique?

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Exterior home designs at Willowsford are based on historic styles prevalent in Loudoun County, including Federal, Folk Victorian, Gothic Revival, and Queen Anne. In deference to historic evolution, a Willowsford house mirrors the appearance of a house built over time. Requirements include the use of high quality materials and siting homes in a way that creates cohesive, appealing streetscapes.

The following are standards for homes as seen from the street: - Exterior cladding must be brick, stone, stucco or cementitious siding. Vinyl siding is not permitted - Windows, glass doors, sidelights and transoms must have authentic-style exterior muntins on the glass

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CAMBERLEY MILBURN HOME: 1

10-foot ceilings on the first fl oor

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Steeply pitched roof with cross gables

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Minimum 4” corner boards and window trim with decorative crown

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Cementitious clapboard siding

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High quality windows with authentic muntins on the exterior of the glass

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Architectural Grade Shingles or standing seam metal

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Doors, sidelights and transoms with authentic–style, exterior–applied muntins on the glass

- Exterior-projecting fireplaces must be masonry - Roofs must, at a minimum, have architectural grade shingles - Porches that are classically designed and style-specific are encouraged - Garage doors are not permitted to face the street unless set back toward the rear of the house 24 | VOL 3 SPRING 2014

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Trim work stylistically appropriate to the house

Renderings are artist concepts and elevations may include optional features. This floorplan is intended as a representation of the blueprints. Window sizes and placements are per elevation. Brochures are intended as use for illustrative purposes and are not a legal document. Contact Sales Manager for details.


Relax ... Enjoy the view!

We’ll handle the rest.

SunriseLandscapeAndDesign.com

DESIGN

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BUILD | LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

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703.544.0028


shop local

LOCAL TREASURES

Loudoun County’s

Local boutiques help you fill your new house with the comforts of home. 26 | VOL 3 SPRING 2014

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For an antique showcase house featuring fresh designs, updated monthly throughout 2 buildings and 3 floors, visit The Old Lucketts Store. 42350 Lucketts Road, Leesburg 703-779-0268 LuckettStore.com Hours: Mon-Sun, 10 am-5 pm

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For lamps, garden décor and more, visit The Gift Shop, tucked away in the lobby of Inova Loudoun Hospital. 44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg; 703-858-6663 LadiesBoard.org/gift.cfm Hours: Mon-Fri, 10 am-7 pm; Sat, 10:30 am-2 pm

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For an authentic collection of modernized vintage and antique items from 28 home décor vendors, stop by On a Whim Antiques and Home Décor. 14920 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg; 703-771-4844 OnAWhimAntiques.com Hours: Mon-Tue, 11 am-4 pm; Wed, 10 am-4 pm; Thu-Sun, 10 am-5 pm

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For a beautiful selection of great finds for your home and garden, check out Everyday Elegance. 550-600 East Main Street, Purcellville; 540-338-7799 EverydayElegancePville.com Hours: Mon- Sat, 10 am-6 pm; Sun, 12-5 pm


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For gorgeous, handspun pottery and other works of art try The Cooley Gallery. 12 S. King Street, Leesburg 703-779-4639 TheCooleyGallery.com Hours: Wed, 12-5 pm; Thurs-Sat, 11 am-6 pm; Sun, 12-4 pm

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For a wonderful array of unique kitchen and garden goods you won’t find elsewhere, visit Twigs.

613 E. Main Street, Purcellville 540-338-4438 TwigsVa.com Hours: Mon-Sat, 10 am-6 pm; Sun, 11 am-5 pm

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For an always-changing array of consigned décor accents and furniture, check out The White Elephant. 103 West Federal Street, Middleburg; 540-687-8800 Whitelephant.com Hours: Mon-Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, 12-5 pm

Cozy Up Your New Home Antique aficionado Suzanne Eblen, owner and founder of The Old Lucketts Store, shares inspiration on how to add personal touches to your brand-new abode. Add paint. “Color is the most powerful decorating tool and it’s easy to use,” says Suzanne, who got her start in antiques over 17 years ago with a minivan full of finds. “Get color on your walls right away. It instantly transforms your space and makes it your own.” Begin with the heart of your home. “Start with the bedrooms and family room,” recommends Suzanne. “These are the spaces where the family spends most of their time.” Keep the end goal in mind. “When just settling in, it’s important to have a restful space to retreat to at the end of the day and a comfortable space for the family to gather and hang out.” Bring the outside in. “It’s very important to include nature (plants) in your décor,” says Suzanne. “Organic shapes soften and complement furniture and architecture.”


The Lodge at Willow Lake National Award-Winning Community Center




Life.

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America’s 2013 Community of the Year!


The Willow

Nestled in the scenic and historic Loudoun landscape lies a place that offers a unique and authentic way to experience life. Here, we’ve created an environment and amenities that foster a healthier and simpler way of living. A place to create memories. Our farm-to-kitchen focus gives residents access to sustainably grown fresh produce from Willowsford Farm, plus culinary programming built around foods grown in

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the community, and recreational facilities and activities that encourage an active lifestyle. Half of Willowsford’s 4,000 acres – including The Farm and over 45 miles of trails – are under the stewardship of the Willowsford Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the community’s open space in perpetuity. We’ve rejected the “sameness” that makes most communities and homes indistinguishable. At Willowsford, homes


sford Story express how families want to live, with designs that are historically inspired, and quality materials that support the architectural style. Residences meet the flexibility of today’s families – multi-functional floor plans, guest/generational accommodations, indoor/outdoor living, and single-story options. All set within scenic streetscapes that are in harmony with the natural landscape. Four villages – The Grange, The Grant, The Grove, and The Greens – make up the community. Each village offers amenities to connect with nature and neighbors. Multi-surface trails for hiking and biking, two exceptionally designed community centers with teaching kitchens, resort-quality pools, a lake for fishing and canoeing, dog parks, and campsites are a sampling of amenities that dot the community’s landscape – and most are in place today. Willowsford is a community like no other. When you experience us, you’ll see why our naturally-planned community was recently awarded National Community of The Year.

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Tenant House Information Center 23510 Founders Drive Ashburn, VA 20148 Boat House Information Center 41025 Willowsford Lane Aldie, VA 20105 Open Daily 11am - 6pm 571-297-2000 For directions, visit www.willowsford.com


Country Charm Modern Convenience Willowsford is located in the heart of Loudoun County, between Virginia hunt country and thriving eastern Loudoun County, at the foothills of the Northern Virginia Piedmont along historic Route 50. The community offers convenient access to transportation and major employment centers in Northern Virginia. Washington Dulles International Airport, Reston Town Center, Route 28, the Dulles Toll Road and I-66 are all accessible within approximately 15 minutes. The Metrorail extension to the airport and beyond to Route 772 (Ryan Road) is currently underway with projected completion in 2017.

607

Brimming with history, character, and economic vitality, the local landscape is a patchwork of agricultural fields, rolling meadows, woodlands, residential neighborhoods, shopping and public parks. Willowsford’s exceptional location represents a union between the typically suburban and more densely developed areas east and the pastoral countryside dotted with small hamlets further west. This duality supports the Willowsford vision to enrich the lives of its residents through meaningful connections to nature, neighbors, and Virginia’s rich history. Willowsford offers the best of all possibilities – the charm and character of the countryside with state-of-the-art amenities and a convenient location.

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THE

CONSER

The Willowsford Conservancy was established in 2011 to sustain the long-term values of the community. Under its stewardship, over 2,000 acres will be preserved in perpetuity for open space, recreation, food cultivation and wildlife habitat. Today, thanks to the work of The Conservancy and support of its partners, our families and community members enjoy over 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables grown by Willowsford Farm, and participate in an array of activities such as guided nature walks, trail running, bluebird 36 | VOL 3 SPRING 2014

monitoring, mountain biking, wetlands restoration projects, campouts and competitive adventure races. Residents and partner organizations support The Willowsford Conservancy, a non-profit organization, through registrations, farm sales, volunteer efforts, and a small contribution made at the time of resale. This means each property owner is also a Conservancy member and has a stake in preserving this beautiful land for generations to come.


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The Willowsford Conservancy is Proud to Partner with: • John Champe High School • Rev3 Adventure • Boy Scouts of America

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Make More Memories Per Acre: • O ver 4,000 acres of natural Virginia countryside with 2,000 acres of open space, bordered by traditional low stone walls and four-board fencing along rolling pastures bounded by hedgerows and lush forested areas • A n inspiring collection of fine single-family homes • W illowsford Farm, offering fresh seasonal produce, an annual CSA program, a Farm Stand and a u-pick garden • C ulinary classes, demonstrations and events in exceptional settings such as The Lodge at Willow Lake and Sycamore House

The vintage 1948 Willowsford farm truck, the traveling "ambassador" for the community.

• M iles of nature trails offering varying degrees of intensity for walking, hiking and biking • Willow Lake for canoeing, kayaking and fishing • U nique amenity areas for a wide variety of outdoor recreational pursuits, including dog parks, picnic and camping areas, and a sledding hill • Resort-quality pools with cabanas and a children’s spray-and-play pool • O utdoor amphitheatre and village green for community and other special events • A n engaging selection of programs and activities designed to connect adults, children and neighbors

ing

At its heart, Willowsford is simply about enjoying life. And you won’t run out of ways to do just that. Today, you might want to learn the art of sauces in a cooking class. Tomorrow, take the kids kayaking at Willow Lake or join in on Happy Gardening Hour at the farm. Boating, fishing, yoga, running, hiking – no matter what inspires you, outdoors or in, you’re likely to find your favorite pastimes at Willowsford, as well as some new ones. And unlike many other new communities, the great majority of Willowsford’s amenities are already built, so you can enjoy them all from day one. VOL 3 SPRING 2014 | 39


Farm-to-Table Comes Home.

Farm-to-table food. Locally grown produce. Seasonal eating. These ideas have gained strength in Americans’ consciousness over the past few years. Now these healthy concepts “come home” through Willowsford Farm and the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

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Willowsford Farm’s homegrown harvests include a variety of seasonal produce, and some that residents can even pick for themselves. Our farm is right at your back door, so it does not get fresher than this – from mixed vegetables and berries to flowers and herbs. Our professional farmer and staff ensure that everything produced by Willowsford Farm is grown with integrity using methods that enhance our natural and agricultural resources.

Each year, from May to November, CSA members enjoy a weekly farm share of fresh, mixed vegetables and fruit. Weekly newsletters inform members of the produce picks they can expect to find in that week’s share, along with tips and recipes from Willowsford’s Culinary Director on how to prepare them. Visit WillowsfordFarm.com to learn more and to sign up for the upcoming CSA program. VOL 3 SPRING 2014 | 41


The Lodge at Willow

W O N N PE O ! The Sycamore House opens this summer, and will be another true community hub of recreational activities in Willowsford. The centerpiece of The Grange, the design for The Sycamore House is evocative of a countryside manor, in keeping with the area’s agricultural heritage. The rambling “estate” includes The Tenant House, constructed using reclaimed stone and wood from a historical structure built on the property circa 1800. The Tenant House’s Amphitheatre is a favorite gathering spot for everyone who comes to Willowsford. These exceptional locations, along with the existing resort-quality swimming pool at the Sycamore House, have quickly become must-visit destinations. The Tenant House Information Center welcomes visitors daily from 11 am to 6 pm.

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The


Lake

The Lodge at Willow Lake is a community center with a design reminiscent of a large family lake house. It is home to a wonderful teaching kitchen and state-of-the-art fitness center. Outside, it hosts bocce courts, a lake-side performance stage and an impressive new resort-quality swimming pool, with a separate spray-and-play pool for kids. The pools overlook a sweeping grand lawn and Willow Lake, offering breathtaking views and an inviting panorama from the terraced sun deck. The camp-like, fun atmosphere of The Lodge extends to The Boat House Information Center, located directly on Willow Lake. The Boat House is a great recreational amenity with a fishing pier, fire pit, grilling area and shed for kayaks and canoes. The Boat House Information Center welcomes visitors daily from 11 am to 6 pm.

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The Grange is defined by its natural setting, with rolling hills and woodlands traversed by Upper Broad Run, creating a timeless backdrop for the classic design features integrated into its traditional agricultural areas. The Grange is located in the heart of the community and features The Sycamore House, a key activity center, The Tenant House Information Center, the Amphitheatre, Willowsford Farm and a number of other unique amenity areas accessible from its trail network, including a dog park and community garden. 44 | VOL 3 SPRING 2014


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Stretching from its secluded entrance off Evergreen Mills Road southwest to Route 50, The Grant is defined by its expansive natural backdrop, featuring lush forested areas and scenic meadowlands bordered by the hedgerows traditional to Loudoun County. A village loop and extensive nature trail network are designed to access the unspoiled beauty of more than 1,000 acres of naturescape, linking multiple parks and camping facilities. In keeping with its natural elegance and “wide open spaces,” The Grant offers some of the largest estate lots in Willowsford. VOL 3 SPRING 2014 | 45

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The Grove has an active, outdoor appeal characterized by its mature forests intertwined by two woodland streams, parks and nature areas, and its close proximity to The Lodge at Willow Lake, adjacent to its southern border (in The Greens). The character of this village is emphasized by a scenic, main avenue running along forests and parklands to connect its individual neighborhoods. Whether an outing with family and friends, or a quiet contemplative stroll through the woods, The Grove inspires interaction with the land and with nature. 46 | VOL 3 SPRING 2014

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The Greens is the largest village in Willowsford, defined by an extensive patchwork of scenic forests, meadows and agricultural land of rambling topography extending from Braddock Road down to its southern border along Bull Run Creek. In keeping with this diverse landscape, The Greens is designed to offer a variety of living and entertainment options. The Lodge at Willow Lake, a resident destination for sports and outdoor recreation, is located along its northern boundary. Nearby is the trailhead for a loop trail that circumnavigates the entire village with varying degrees of intensity to interconnect planned camping and picnic areas.

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The Willow 48 | VOL 3 SPRING 2014


sford Home The importance of architecture in creating a unique community can’t be overstated. Each home is a building block of the streetscapes that collectively become the “walls” of the outdoor room and give the community shape and style. That’s why, at Willowsford, each homebuilder offers a selection of signature home designs that are exclusive to Willowsford. You will find homes in a variety of architectural styles that are historically inspired, with a range of traditional and modern interpretations. Homesites start under ¼ acre, for those who want to limit lawn maintenance, and grow up to 2+ acres, for those who enjoy a more rural feeling. You will

also find an incredible variety of home sizes, up to 8,000 square feet, to meet virtually any lifestyle or entertaining preference. Finally, each Willowsford home is built with high-quality materials that blend the best of today’s energy and cost savings with timeless appeal. What you won’t find is these homes anyplace else. Which makes Willowsford – and your new home – truly something special.

For more information about the current builders’ collections in Willowsford, visit the community website at www.willowsfordhome.com. VOL 3 SPRING 2014 | 49


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© 2014 Willowsford, L.L.C., Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, Inspired, Inspired Living, and A Naturally Planned Community are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. (“Owner”). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this magazine is expressly prohibited. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising matter. The information, illustrations, maps, and depictions contained in this magazine concerning the Willowsford development are based on the current proposed development concepts and actual development may vary from what is depicted. As the Owner’s vision for the project evolves, facilities, features and other components are subject to change. Certain features and amenities depicted within the magazine have not yet been, and may not be, constructed. Dues, fees and assessments may be imposed for the use of some amenities. Photographs and images are not necessarily of the Willowsford development, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be an actual representation of any features or designs of any specific community, neighborhood, amenities, facilities or improvements. The information in this magazine is only intended as general information about Willowsford and the surrounding community and is not an offer or solicitation to sell property. Lots within Willowsford are not for sale to individual buyers. Owner intends to only sell lots to unaffiliated homebuilders. If you are interested in purchasing a lot within Willowsford, please contact homebuilders building within the community. All information concerning homes and homebuilders within this publication was provided by the builders and not independently verified by Owner. Owner does not warrant or guarantee the obligations, construction, or pricing of builders who may build and sell homes in this community. Buyers of homes in Willowsford contract directly with the builder and must rely solely on their own investigation and judgment of the builder’s construction and financial capabilities in as much as Owner does not warrant or guarantee such capabilities, nor does Owner warrant or guarantee the design, pricing, engineering, construction, or availability of any home or any other building constructed by such builder or the obligations of any such builder to the buyer. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. Owner encourages and supports an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are not barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. March 2014.

WillowsfordMG.com | 571-297-2000


stewardship

SHARING

fresh JOY

Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture by Jaimee Reinertsen

A cop, a bookseller, and an auto mechanic walk onto a farm. It sounds like the setup to a punch line, but it’s exactly this unlikely combination of people you can find volunteering at Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture any day of the week. People from every background are finding their way to Arcadia, drawn by its unique mission, which is to create

“a more equitable and sustainable local food system in the Washington, D.C., area.” Pamela Hess, Arcadia’s Executive Director, says there are three areas where the system breaks down: the supply of fresh, sustainably grown food; access to that food at all socioeconomic levels; and education about its importance. It’s a pretty big goal for a pretty small farm, just a few acres on the historic Woodlawn Estate in Alexandria, but Arcadia is tackling it from all sides. Its farm demonstrates environmentally and economically sustainable growing practices. Its Mobile Market takes the farm’s output and collects food from other Virginia farms (continued) VOL 3 SPRING 2014 | 51


stewardship

Photography by Molly Peterson

(including Willowsford Farm), then makes that food available for sale in underserved neighborhoods. And its Farm To School Program provides hands-on food and farm education. Pam says this holistic approach is, to her knowledge, unique in the country. “We’re not just addressing one part of the problem; we’re offering the complete solution, but on a local level.” One of the things that touches Pam most is the way people respond to the lime-green, mural-painted school bus that is the Mobile Market. She tells of an elderly lady who got her CDL license so she could drive the church van and shuttle others one mile to the market. “This is the food of their childhood,” Pam says, referring to the fresh greens they bring. “Some of them grew up poor in rural areas but ate beautifully, because they had gardens. In a food desert like Kenilworth, where you’ve got the Anacostia River on one side and I-295 on the 52 | VOL 3 SPRING 2014

other, some people can’t physically get to fresh produce and haven’t seen some of these greens in decades.” On the other side of the age spectrum, she loves watching children learn about where their food comes from. The farm has raised beds, each with a different theme. The Sensory Garden has plants like the aptly named Lamb’s Ear, combined for their tactile appeal. The PB&J Garden has peanuts and berries. And the Pizza Garden grows basil, eggplant and tomatoes. “It’s great when kids make the connection that food doesn’t actually come from a cardboard box,” says Pam. “Picking a fresh, sun-warmed strawberry – that little package of summer, full of the promise of the next three months – the joy of that is a universal experience,” she says. Arcadia Center is a relatively new enterprise founded in 2010 by Michael Babin, head of Neighborhood Restaurant Group. But the land it’s on has a deep history of leading local farming practices by example. George


share Arcadia Founder Michael Babin and Executive Director Pamela Hess

“Picking a fresh, sun-warmed strawberry – that little package of summer, full of the promise of the next three months – the joy of that is a universal experience.” Washington’s nephew sold the Woodlawn Estate to two Quaker families in 1846 who wanted, Pam says, “to prove to the south that you could have a successful farm without slave labor. And they did it. For the first time a net food export was achieved on this farm. It’s amazing to see food justice in that day connect to food justice in another way today.” To learn more or get involved, visit ArcadiaFood.org


inspired living

by Meg Bradley, Lifestyle Director

2013 was another amazing year at Willowsford. We met new friends and neighbors, started new traditions and celebrated new additions to our evergrowing list of amenities and facilities that make our community one of a kind. Most importantly, throughout it all, we made memories that will last a lifetime. I’m so happy to have shared 2013 with you at Willowsford. I know that 2014 will be even more memorable. To make the most out of life at Willowsford, consider the following in 2014:

Annual Kids Berry Festival

• Visit Willowsford Farm each week from May through November for fresh veggies, fruits, and locally sourced products • Celebrate Willowsford’s newest community center, The Sycamore House, opening this summer • Challenge your family to fun-filled Rev3 Adventure races scheduled from March through November • Develop a passion for cooking from Chef Bonnie Moore and other culinary experts offering classes in our award-winning teaching kitchen at The Lodge • Cast a line or take a canoe ride in Willow Lake this summer • Bring your inflatable raft for Flick’N’ Float night at The Lodge or Sycamore House pools • Monitor bluebirds along the Farm Loop Trail with our partner, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy • Visit your neighbors at the weekly “Happy Gardening Hour” in the Farm Garden from May through November • Up your fitness level at Willowsford’s state-of-the-art fitness facility • Stroll, hike, run or bike incredible trails throughout the community

Visit Willowsford.com/calendar to keep up with everything happening at Willowsford and stay inspired!

Flick’N’Float


Cooking Demonstrations

CSA Share

The Lodge Patio The Lodge at Willow Lake


inspired living Kayaking Willow Lake

A Taste of Willowsford The Boat House

Willowsford Farm Stand

Sunset Over Willow Lake

Camping Out


Culinary Creations

Farmer Mike and Friends

Frozen Foot Race Throwing Dough with a Pro

For more information on upcoming community events, visit Willowsford.com/calendar

Rev3 Adventure Race


heart and soul

Fields

by Alex Aloise

of Splendor

Deerfield Farm A historic Greek Revival home built in 1832, an old tree nursery greets visitors in the front with American hollies, Japanese lilacs, English yews and magnolias.

The Garden Club of Virginia brings Historic Garden Week to Middleburg Drive along any country or mountain road throughout the Old Dominion and one thing is as clear as the sky – Virginia is beautiful. From its rolling hills and lush forests to its rushing rivers and rich history, the Commonwealth offers a kind of scenery that is unmatched throughout the nation. But there is another feature of this state that is just as magnificent as the rest, one that has blossomed for nearly a century thanks to the great care and effort of those who have dedicated their time to its preservation. Since 1927, the Garden Club of Virginia has restored and maintained the state’s enormous collection of gardens and preserved the grounds of many of its most cherished historical sites. More than 40 regional clubs work tirelessly under the banner of the larger statewide

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organization to keep these delicate living landmarks in bloom. Some of its most notable efforts include the gardens at Monticello, Mount Vernon and the University of Virginia, to name a few. Throughout the years, the Garden Club of Virginia has hosted scores of visitors from across the country during an annual weeklong celebration of these majestic oases. With over 200 private homes and gardens on display throughout the Commonwealth, Historic Garden Week is the oldest and largest statewide event of its kind in the nation. This April, Historic Garden Week returns for its 81st edition, with all proceeds going to fund the restoration and preservation of Virginia’s botanical bounty, and this time part of it will be right in Willowsford’s back yard. Splendor in the Grass is the home and garden tour of Middleburg and Upperville, during the event.


The bucolic setting, tucked along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, perfectly captures the harmony of historic charm and modern elegance that visitors have come to expect from the annual event. Only five locations in the area will play host to thousands of onlookers over the course of the two-day tour, meaning it’s imperative that they represent the very best of Virginia’s Hunt Country. “This week is ‘America’s Largest Open House,’” said Sally Fletcher, Chairwoman of the Middleburg tour. “Even after they’ve seen the other tours across the state, we want people to remember Middleburg at the end of the week.” Historic Garden Week is a wholly volunteer effort, which means that even if a location looks like it would be an ideal fit, it’s up to the homeowners to decide whether or not they wish to participate and, if so, to prepare their gardens. To ensure Splendor in the Grass leaves a lasting impression, Ms. Fletcher and her team reached out to some of the area’s most green-thumbed residents. That effort resulted in a collection of five properties that will no doubt leave visitors inspired. Of the estates and gardens on display, two predate the Civil War, and all feature gardens rivaled in beauty only by the dreamlike countryside that surrounds them. Middleburg and Upperville comprise a truly breathtaking area of Northern Virginia, one with strong ties to the land upon which it is built and to the traditions that have bonded its residents for well over a century. It’s an area that takes great pride in its farming, equestrian and hunting culture. As such, each of the five locations on display exhibit the timeless qualities that have come to define Hunt Country. (continued) Gum Tree Farm Built in 1995 and designed by award-winning architect Stephen Muse, this working organic farm features gardens that emphasize simplicity, practicality and beauty.


The bucolic setting, tucked along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, perfectly captures the harmony of historic charm and modern elegance.

Hickory House Farm A property that was part of an early land grant from King George II to Lord Fairfax and eventually bought by Leven Powell, the founder of Middleburg.


heart and soul It’s a daunting task to turn these private homes into makeshift museums. Preparation for Historic Garden Week is a round-the-clock job, one that usually starts nearly a full two years prior to the actual event. Properties must be expertly tended to ensure that those who made the trip, some from across oceans, will walk away with firsthand testimony as to why Virginia’s gardens are unlike any others in the nation. It’s all that hard work, however, that makes Historic Garden Week so special. “Of course it’s a challenge, but it’s such a rewarding one at the end of the week,” said Ms. Fletcher. “The gardens are absolutely gorgeous, and it all serves such a great purpose. There’s a reason why people have been coming here for 80 years.” Splendor in the Grass takes place in Middleburg and Upperville on Sunday and Monday, April 27th and 28th during the 81st annual Historic Garden Week. Visit VAGardenWeek.org for ticket prices and more information.

Glenbrook This French country house, built in 1924 and renovated in 1998, features a diverse landscape of rock gardens, native plantlife, orchards, water features and more.


kids’ corner

Celebrating Springtime at Willowsford At Willowsford, farming isn’t just for grownups. by Lorin Fairweather Little ones of all ages are invited to pick ripe raspberries, dig up their own sweet potatoes and visit Willowsford’s very own Farm Stand throughout the year, giving them the opportunity to experience first-hand how fruits and vegetables are planted and harvested through the seasons. “I think the biggest lesson they take away from these regular visits to a pick-your-own farm is that not all fruits and vegetables grow and can be picked at any time,” says Deborah Dramby, Farm Market Manager and Education Coodinator at Willowsford. “They often come back in the late summer in search of the blueberries they had earlier that year and ask why we don’t have them since the grocery stores do.” (continued)

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Pick-Your-Own Adventures

What better way for children to learn to appreciate the beauty of nature than to get outside and pick their own produce? Here are Loudoun County’s PYO farms that are kid-friendly, springtime-approved.

Crooked Run Orchard 37883 East Main Street Purcellville, VA 20132 540-338-6642 CrookedRunOrchard.com

April – May: Fresh picked asparagus, salad mixes and spinach June – July: Cherries, gooseberries, seasonal vegetables, flowers and herbs

Apples: $1/lb. Blackberries: $3/lb. Peaches: $1.50/lb. Pears: $1.50/lb. Cash/checks only

Eagletree Farm & Vineyards 15126 Harrison Hill Lane Leesburg, VA 20176

June: Blueberries

$4.50/lb.

April: Lilac, tulips, viburnum, dames rocket, lily of the valley, pussy willow and daffodils

$10/bouquet

703-777-5954 EagleTreeFarm.com

Fields of Flowers 37879 Allder School Road Purcellville, VA 20132 540-338-7231 Fields-Of-Flowers.com

$15-$30/bucket

May: Foxglove, peonies, ox eye daises, Sweet William & more

Great Country Farms 18780 Foggy Bottom Road Bluemont, VA 20135

April-June: Strawberries

540-554-2073 GreatCountryFarms.com

Mid- to End-June: Black raspberries

Early June: Cherries

Children 2 & under, military ID holders & CSA members: free $8/child (3-10 yrs) weekdays $10/adult weekdays $10/child (3-10 yrs) weekdays $12/adult on festival weekends

Wegmeyer Farms 38299 Hughesville Road Hamilton, VA 20158

May-June: Strawberries

$3.99/lb.

540-751-1782 WegmeyerFarms.com *All prices subject to seasonal adjustments.

VOL 3 SPRING 2014 | 63


kids’ corner

With a farm-to-table approach – seasonal eating of locally grown produce – life at Willowsford teaches kiddos the benefits of enjoying fresh, just-picked food that is in season. This is one of the many lessons kids can glean from their time spent on the land. Willowsford also offers children the chance to join in Happy Gardening Hour each week, as farmers, residents and neighbors meet for a time of herb clipping and recipe swapping. Mary and Katie Wavering, two sisters who’ve especially enjoyed the Happy Gardening Hour, received the nickname “The Little Debbies” for the amount of time they spend with Deborah working in the garden and on the farm. “Well, what I’ve learned from working out there is sometimes it’s better if nature is not domesticated from things sometimes,” says 11-year-old Mary Wavering, who enjoys playing with the goats and starting a tea business using herbs from the garden. “When I’m waiting, I find wild onions in the weeds, and when I do I try to make sure I at least get them away from the plants because some of the weeds are beneficial for the plants.” “I get to cut deadheads from the plants,” says nine-year-old Katie Wavering. “I get to play around with some of the kids there. We like to play games and ride in back of Deb’s truck to the farm. We pick fruits and vegetables. We like the goats and chickens at the farm. We think it’s really fun.” And Mom approves. “The farm was one of the draws to get us to move to Willowsford,” affirms Elizabeth Wavering, mother to her two farm-loving girls. “And when we found it, we were like this is it, this is where you raise your children!” For more information on the Berry Festival and children’s activities at Willowsford, visit Willowsford.com/calendar

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“The farm was one of the draws to get us to move to Willowsford,” affirms Elizabeth Wavering, mother to her two farm-loving girls. “And when we found it we were like this is it, this is where you raise your children!”

kids rule! VOL 3 SPRING 2014 | 65


Pulte Homes

at Willowsford At Pulte, all of our homes are Life Tested® because we take ideas from our own homeowners and use them when designing new homes. So our homes are constantly being updated with the innovations that come from the people who know how a home should function: the people living in them. And that means our homes at Willowsford won’t just be built for life, they’ll be built for how you live it. Pulte Homes is a subsidiary of PulteGroup, Inc., a leader in energy-efficient homebuilding that has won more awards for customer satisfaction than any other homebuilder. Each new home at Willowsford will be built with an unwavering commitment to quality and a disciplined approach to construction. Single-Family Homes from the $600s | Willowsford.com/Pulte 41025 Willowsford Lane, Aldie, VA 20105 | (571) 367-4303


“Home Begins in your Garden.”

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Contact us to get started! 703-753-2227

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inspired reflection

“Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.” – Rainer Maria Rilke


K. Hovnanian Homes ®

®

At Willowsford

K. Hovnanian® is a family-owned and operated, national homebuilder that has been committed to excellence since 1959, and today builds in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, the Southeast, the Midwest, Texas and Arizona. The company combines its national experience with a local focus in each market, which led the Willowsford development team to select K. Hovnanian® as one of Willowsford’s dedicated homebuilders. K. Hovnanian® custom-created a new line of homes specifically for Willowsford that captures Virginia’s history, with architecture inspired by heirloom family farmhouses and Colonial manors. Interiors offer up to six bedrooms and up to six-and-a-half baths, with up to 5,000 square feet of thoughtfully appointed space. Front porches and porticos enter into genteel, welcoming foyers, gourmet kitchens open to light-filled great rooms that are the hearts of the homes, and gracious owner’s suites soothe away the stress of daily life.

Single-Family Homes from the upper $500s | Willowsford.com/KHov 23510 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148 | (703) 885-7183


Arcadia Communities At Willowsford Arcadia Communities is a family-owned company with over 50 years experience in the new home building industry in the Mid-Atlantic and the San Francisco Bay area. Arcadia Communities delivers more of the features and finishes you want, included as standards in all of our homes. We’ve eliminated stress and confusion from the new home buying process and simply included everything you want in your new home. At Willowsford we are introducing brand new home designs exclusive to the community with an unexpected openness that seamlessly integrates the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape with the interior elegance of floor plans that celebrate the way you want to live today. A real breathe of fresh air compared to the same-old cookie-cutters. With Arcadia Communities at Willowsford get ready for unparalleled service from start to finish.

at Willowsford

Get used to g et ting more!

Single-Family Homes from the upper $700s | Willowsford.com/Arcadia 23510 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148 | (703) 327-7400


I N T R O D U C I N G THE DESIGNER

C O L L E C T I O N

LIMITED EDITION LIVING FROM PIET BOON, ONLY AT WILLOWSFORD The first of Willowsford’s Designer Collection homes is Line K, grand opening with three model homes in March. Line K is a stunning collaboration between K. Hovnanian® Homes® and Piet Boon®, an internationally acclaimed designer. Together, they will bring to Willowsford a modern interpretation of the community’s historically inspired architecture, with just 22 homes in a small enclave of The Grant village. For more information, visit Willowsford.com/LineK

Prices and terms set forth herein are provided by home builders within Willowsford who are not affiliated with the owner and developer of the community. Such prices and terms, and the quality of the home builder’s homes, are not verified or warranted by owner Willowsford, LLC. or its affiliates. Dues, fees and assessments may be imposed for the use of some amenities. Paid advertisement. This material shall not constitute an offer or solicitation in any state where prior registration is required. © 2014 Willowsford, L.L.C. Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, Inspired Living and A Naturally Planned Community are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. March 2014.


IN

G N ’S CI D R U OR DE D O SF IL TR OW BU L I L ST

W EW E N

Mitchell & Best Homes At Willowsford

For generations, the Mitchell & Best mantra has been, “Without Quality, There Is No True Value.” Willowsford homeowners will experience that quality firsthand in the environments, architecture, features and craftsmanship of Mitchell & Best’s exclusive new homes. Mitchell & Best’s mission has not wavered since its beginnings in 1975, and now its award-winning reputation for matching tradition with innovation, and quality with value, comes to The Grove village at Willowsford.

Model Home Coming Soon

Single-Family Homes from the upper $700s | Willowsford.com/MitchellBest 41025 Willowsford Lane, Aldie, VA 20105 | (571) 271-9086


FARM-TO-TABLE COMES HOME Fresh. Local. Natural. Right around the corner. The Farm Stand in The Grange offers:

“ Willowsford Farm has done a fabulous job of bringing fresh farm fare back to the table for our family.”

Seasonal Vegetables | Fresh Fruit | Farm Fresh Eggs Local Meats | Fresh-Cut Local Flowers | Local Honey Dairy Items | Baked Goods | Pantry Items | Gifts Potlucks | Tours and Volunteering | Kids’ Activities

–Willowsford CSA member

The Farm Stand is open May through November. Check our website for updates!

Visit WillowsfordFarm.com to sign up for the 2014 CSA and to learn more about Willowsford and Willowsford Farm. Willowsford is a 4,000-acre community in Loudoun County, 2,000 acres of which have been conserved for environmental preservation, recreation and agricultural use.

WillowsfordFarm.com This material shall not constitute an offer or solicitation in any state where prior registration is required. © 2014 Willowsford, L.L.C. Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, Inspired Living and A Naturally Planned Community are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. March 2014.


Life.

Experienced.

Prices and terms set forth herein are provided by homebuilders within Willowsford who are not affiliated with the owner and developer of the community. Such prices and terms, and the quality of the home builder’s homes, are not verified or warranted by owner Willowsford, L.L.C. or its affiliates. Dues, fees and assessments may be imposed for the use of some amenities. This material shall not constitute an offer or solicitation in any state where prior registration is required. Š 2014 Willowsford, L.L.C. Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, Inspired Living and A Naturally Planned Community are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. March 2014

Willowsford.com


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