IN COUNTRY
It’s Christmastime, Not in the City
Celebrating the Holidays Off the Beaten Path BY ARI POS T
T
he countryside surrounding Washington has long been revered and beloved as the heart of hunt and horse country, and the area’s bourgeoning wine market only enhances the rustic charm of its historic culture in realizing Thomas Jefferson’s long-sought-after dream of winemaking in the region. From world-class dining to unparalleled antiquing and with a wealth of award-winning resorts to turn into temporary holiday homes, the Virginia and Maryland countryside has quietly become one of the premier holiday destinations on the East Coast. Here is a list of top regional holiday getaways and events. From Christmas in Middleburg, to an intimate retreat of glass (so to speak), there is plenty to do this holiday season in the country.
celebrates the holiday season throughout its historic streets as well as in their hotels, taverns, museums and shops. Single candles light each window and more than five miles of pine roping adorn the streets, with a custom-made wreath on each door. Bring along a cup of hot apple cider and enjoy one of the daily Christmas Decorations Walking Tours. Here, you’ll have an up-close guided tour of buildings during
Williamburg’s holiday splendor. Daily children’s activities are hosted throughout the season, including a guided Children’s Orientation Walk that offers first hand view of the 18th-century holiday experience from a child’s perspective. Holiday Tea is also offered at the Williamsburg Inn and Breakfast with Santa Claus is offered at the Williamsburg Lodge on special dates during the holiday season. Be sure
St. Michaels, Md. For a more temperate holiday experience, the town of St. Michaels is a solid bet. Christmas in St. Michaels is held annually the second weekend in December in historic St. Michaels, and for over 25 years, both ticketed and free events including the Tour of Homes, Holiday Gala, Breakfast with Santa and largest Holiday Parade on the Eastern Shore, have celebrated the arrival of the Christmas season. Proceeds from ticketed events and the sales of popular
Williamsburg, Va. Colonial Williamsburg is a regional mainstay, a town whose appeal is equally attributed to history and beauty. The holiday decorations are a huge attraction, as well as the historic grounds of the College of William and Mary, which is in a state of quiet repose while the students are away over winter break. Through Dec. 31 Colonial Williamsburg Williamsburg , Va.
OAKFIELD
Upperville, Virginia • $4,900,000
mArLEy GrAnGE
Millwood, Virginia • $2,600,000
Panoramic views • Stone manor house • Spectacular setting • 86.81 acres • Highly protected area in prime Piedmont Hunt • Gourmet kitchen • Wonderful detail throughout • 5 BR • 4 BA • 2 half BA • 3 FP, classic pine paneled library • Tenant house • Stable • Riding ring • Heated saltwater pool • Pergola • Full house generator.
Understated elegance • Finely appointed 5600+ sq. ft. home built in 1997 on 75 acres in a private and secluded setting • 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 half baths • 10 stall barn • 224 ft. x 128 ft. blue stone ring • Excellent horse facility and ride-out.
PAGEbrOOK
ADAms GrEEn LAnE
Classic 1880’s Virginia farmhouse • Lovely setting • Private 1st floor master suite • 2 bedrooms on 2nd floor • 2 additional rental houses • Large stable & storage building • Fencing for horses & cattle • Property is protected by VOF conservation easement • Tear down the small cottage & build a new main house • Lots of options with 110 acres.
Quality home in convenient location • Private setting • Much larger than it appears • Expanded and completely renovated • Large 1st floor master suite • Gourmet kitchen w/ Carerra marble • 4 BR & 4 1/2 BA • Hardwood floors • Natural light • French doors • 2 fireplaces & top of the line finishes throughout • Decks for entertaining.
Paul MacMahon
(703) 609-1905
Boyce, Virginia • $1,325,000
Helen MacMahon
(540) 454-1930
Tom Cammack
Paul MacMahon
December 4, 2013 GMG, INC.
LIOns LAnE
Boyce, Virginia • $1,395,000
109 mountain top acres • Unbelievable western views • Hunters’ paradise • 3 bedrooms • 2 fireplaces • Gourmet kitchen • 3 car garage • Energy efficient.
Paul MacMahon
(703) 609-1905
(540) 247-5408
Middleburg, Virginia • $985,000
info@sheridanmacmahon.com www.sheridanmacmahon.com 18
to check the calendar of events for details, and call for reservations for these special events (www.WilliamsburgVacations.com). The Williamsburg Inn is a perfect home base. A two-night Holiday Decorations package includes a walking tour, lunch in a tavern, and admission to the colonial attractions. Add a day of unlimited golf for $99 per player. Available from Dec. 12 through Jan. 4. If you want to avoid the holiday crush, book the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club’s 40th Anniversary Golf Package. The club’s Gold Course is ranked by Golf Digest as one of Robert Trent Jones, Sr.’s six “Must Play Masterpieces.” The package includes accommodations, two days of unlimited golf, a 40th-anniversary shirt, and a sleeve of balls.
(703) 609-1905
WEstFIELDs
Middleburg, Virginia • $1,379,000
Custom home on 10 well maintained acres • beautifully decorated • hardwood floors, high ceilings, 4 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen • large screened porch • in-ground pool and spa surrounded by brilliant garden • 4 stall barn/3 paddocks • full house generator • irrigation system for garden.
Paul MacMahon
(703) 609-1905
cOmmErcIAL
UPPErvILLE cOttAGE
Great opportunity for commercial C-2 building • Excellent visibility • Great parking and multiple uses allowed • Town Zoning allows for Restaurant and retail to name a few • Rare find in the historic town.
Cute bungalow in the village of Upperville • 3 BR • Hardwood floors & built-in china cabinet • Remodeled in 2001 with many important updates such as new septic in 2006, new well pump in 2009, new furnace & water purification system in 2011 and new standing seam metal roof in 2012 • Nice fenced yard and garage/shed.
Middleburg, Virginia • $950,000
Helen MacMahon
(540) 454-1930
Upperville, Virginia • $240,000
Helen MacMahon
(540) 454-1930
110 East Washington Street Middleburg, VA 20117 (540) 687-5588