KESWICK Lifestyles in Keswick and its environs - November 2018
LIFE
In this issue
Blessed
Blessing of the Hounds honors a timeless Keswick tradition on Thanksgiving Day also: update, only in keswick, community, what's cooking, overheard and so much more
LOCAL PRESENCE, GLOBAL REACH VERULAM Exquisite country estate situated on 500+ beautifully maintained acres only minutes from Downtown Charlottesville. This classic, Georgian, manor home boasts 10’ ceilings, 5 bedroom suites, an open floor plan with a gracious kitchen and living area. Not to be missed, are the extensive grounds and Gillette gardens, a pool with pool house, guest cottage, and state of the art equestrian facilities. Lastly, a dairy barn converted for hosting events. Private yet only 4 miles from UVA. MLS 583494. $15,800,000. Frank Hardy 434.981.0798
GALLISON HALL Charlottesville’s premier property, located in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods. A landmark on the Virginia and National Registers. Built in 1931-33, this elegant Georgian home sits on approximately 43 acres of parkland. Complete privacy in a prime residential location, minutes to the University and downtown. Maintained with the utmost care, improvements were added to the property to include an indoor tennis/racquet ball facility and indoor pool. Three apartments & charming log cabin. MLS 583485. $15,500,000. Ann Hay Hardy 202.297.0228
frankhardy.com © MMXVIII Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Some People Prefer Country Life
Wishing Everyone the Happiest of Holidays and a Joyous New Year 2019! Office: 434-951-5160 or Mobile: 434-962-5658 DukeandSharon@KeswickProperties.com www.KeswickProperties.com
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NOVEMBER 2018
Tell it to..keswick .efil kciw life... sek ot ti lleT COLUMNISTS
Send a “Letter :ottodrthe aehEditor” revO ruof oyKeswick ro efiL kLife ciwsor eKyour fo ”rOverheard otidE eht otto: retteL“ a dneS Keswick Life,7PO 492Box 2 AV32, ,kcKeswick, iwseK ,23VA xoB 22947 OP ,efiL kciwseK or email to: keswicklife@gmail.com moc.lCharles iamg@efilkcThacher iwsek :ot liaand me ro wife
Ann moved to Keswick in 2008 from New York, to be near their kids and (now) four grandchildren. He has been an avid fly fisher for over 35 years, traveling extensively, primarily in pursuit of wily trout. Along with two other anglers, Charlie was a founder of the Anglers Club of Charlottesville, which has about 65 august members. He is a member of the Anglers Club of New York and the Paris Fario Club, and writes regularly for the New York Club’s journal and Classic Angling, a British magazine. Also, he has compiled and published a bibliography of angling books. Suzanne Nash, raised in Lynchburg Virginia, graduated from Wake Forest University and immediately moved to Charlottesville, Virginia to pursue all sorts of things, including working in insurance, marketing and television. The mother of two teenagers is currently the manufacturer of a lingerie and swimsuit design company, the director of education at Grace Episcopal Church and enjoys freelance writing and theatre in her free time.
“The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life.” Maria Montessori • Classrooms for children 18 months - grade 8 • Parent-infant classes on Fridays • Comprehensive curriculum at all levels • Individualized, self-paced instruction • Experienced, credentialed faculty
• • • •
9 acre campus Year-round options available Mixed-age classrooms Wide variety of afterschool enrichment & summer programs • Vibrant, active family community • Rolling admissions process
Tony Vanderwarker, raised in New England, spent a couple years at Yale and then served two years in the Peace Corps where he got bitten both by tsetse flies and the writing bug. He went to film school at NYU and made documentaries and a full length film which didn’t sell so he decided to try shorter films and went into advertising. Fifteen years later, he had his own ad agency in Chicago where he did “Be Like Mike” for Gatorade. When his partners bought him out, Tony finally had a chance to write full time. It only took him fifteen more years to finally get a book published. “Who cares?” Tony says, “some writers hit paydirt fast, others take longer. I’m just glad my time has come.” visit www.tonyvanderwarker. com Mary Morony author of the novel Apron Strings is a Charlottesville native and long time resident of Keswick. Raising four children to adulthood and her unique perspective on life has given her lots of food for thought. She now lives on a farm in Orange County with her husband Ralph Morony, three dogs, two guineas and no cat. Check out Mary’s blog at www.marymorony.com. or email to: keswicklife@gmail.com
Send a “Letter to the Editor” of Keswick Life or your Overheard to:
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434.979.8886
Keswick Life, PO Box 32, Keswick, VA 22947 or email to: keswicklife@gmail.com
440 Pinnacle Place Charlottesville, VA 22911 MountaintopMontessori.org
Life,your PO Box 32, Keswick, VA 22947Life and our WeKeswick welcome pitches to Keswick Opinion column – it’s bestLife to send them via email, Send a “Letter to the Editor” of Keswick or your Overheard to: to keswicklife@gmail.com. Tell it to keswick life...
KESWICK LIFE
Riding movement from the onset.
IN THISNOVEMBER ISSUE 2018
Lynn Ellen Rice lives in Purceville, Virginia, and owns and operates Lynfield Farm, a 150 acre boarding facility specializing in hunters. Ms. Rice has been competing at the VHC since its beginnings in the late 1980s. Ms. Rice has honed her riding Tellandittraining to..keswick .efiskills l kciunder w life... sektheotleadership ti lleT of Tony Workman. She also learned business management skills from her father who is a large real estate developer in Northern Virginia.
KESWICK
Send a “Letter :ottodrthe aehEditor” revO ruof oyKeswick ro efiL kLife ciwsor eKyour fo ”rOverheard otidE eht otto: retteL“ a dneS
Keswick Life,7PO 492Box 2 AV32, ,kcKeswick, iwseK ,23VA xoB 22947 OP ,efiL kciwseK Jeffry Sterba has spent 38 years in the energy and water fields, including 14 as CEO of two companies. Along with or email to: keswicklife@gmail.com moc.liamg@efilkciwsek :ot liame ro his executive positions, Mr. Sterba has served on the boards of American Water, PNM Resources, Optim Energy, Lifestyles Keswick and its Additionally, environs he has served on the boards of several nonprofit The Keystone Centerin and Meridian Institute. organizations. He was Chairman of Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the trade association for US electric utilities, Letters: Editor, Box 32, Keswick, VAInstitute(EPRI), 22947 and a Board member of thePO Electric Power Research the international technology and research arm Editor: 434-242-8033 or keswicklife@gmail.com for the electric industry. He has been a board member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was chairman of a Advertising: or ads@keswicklife.com regional chapter. He 434-249-8900 has received numerous awards, including the Keystone Leadership in Energy Award. Jeff and his wife Janet long time Saddlebred owners and exhibitors. Their daughter,Katy Sterba and her husband The are minds behind Keswick Life: Patrick, currently own and operate Famesgate Stables, an American Saddlebred training facility, which is located EDITORIAL just east of Charlottesville in Troy, Virginia.
LIFE
EDITOR/FOUNDER Winkie Motley CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Colin J. Dougherty The Virginia Horse Center Foundation provides a world-class facility hosting regional, national, and international COLUMNISTS Tony Vanderwarker, Suzanne Nash equestrian events. We envision a unique, bucolic landmark to honor and celebrate the timeless, special bond between CONTRIBUTORS Charles Thacher (Travel), Sam mankind and the horse through safe, fair and spirited equestrian competition.For more information about the Johnson (What's Cooking) or visit www.vahorsecenter.org These new directors are joining the following Virginia Horse Center call5404642950 PROOF READER Staff Assistant returning board member to comprise the 2018/19 Board.
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
COMMUNITY
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Colin J. Dougherty Published by a division of Keswick Life PHOTOGRAPHY George Payne (Cover Story), Colin J. Dougherty (Keswick Scene), Frederick Madison Smith (Community), Charles Thacher Authentic(Travel) French Cuisine Coming to Main
Lauren B. Kieffer Walter J. Lee Patricia Lemon A.W. “Buster” Lewis Sandy Lilly Jessica Lohman Bettina Longaker Janine Malone Dudley McFarlane Donna R. Martin Melanie L. Mathewes G. Otis Mead, III Rob Mish Molly T. Moore Robin Moore Andrew Motion Winkie Motley Glenn Petty Cathette Plumer Celia Rafalko Joseph T. Samuels, Jr. Donald Stewart, Jr. Harry H. Warner, Sr. George Williams Blessing of Jimthe WolfHounds honors a timeless
8 ON THE COVER Blessed Country Ho Keswick tradition on Thanksgiving Day
Restaurant Rochambeau Opening Soon
Street in Gordonsville
ADVERTISING
NEXT DEADLINE: the 10thRochambeau of the month prepares to open its doors Excitement isISSUE building as Restaurant Advertising: 434-249-8900 or ads@keswicklife.com later this month, on Main Street in Gordonsville. Focused on authentic French LIFE! cuisine, GET the A restaurant is located in the space previously occupied by the Every month we bring you lifestyles in Keswick its’ envi- a formal dining room Restaurant Pomme for over a dozen years.and It features rons, from the scoop of a party and horsey happenings to practiwith a working outdoor on the terrace, a separate bar, and cal advice onfireplace, making the most of yourdining garden, preserving land andprivate updates from the surroundings! But don’t take our word for space for events. Rochambeau will also be providing catering services. it - subscribe and discover, Keswick Life!
Hundreds gathered for the 90th Annual Blessing of
Up
the Hounds in Keswick early Thanksgiving morning. Keswick Hunt Club member Kim at The InMitchell and Around t Grace Episcopal Church featured on the cover, photo abo by George Payne. Read all about it and see the photo Eve journal Clubhouse on page 8. The KHC and Kennel Renovationfur uniq Continues on Schedule life, is Construction crews will be completing the concrete footings, foundations and slabs fasc at the club to be followed immediately by the framing and instillation of the ductwork pers associated with the new HVAC. Concurrently, roofing crews will begin the removal of the old roof while the structural engineers begin the steel superstructure neededand to support the building. This represents among the more challenging aspects to the stor renovation as all of the work will take place on the exterior of the building to preserve
GO FIRST CLASS owners (Jacqueline and Bruce Gupton) in the startup the interior surfaces exactly as they are. More specifically, construction crews will Assisting the restaurant’s First-class mail subscriptions are available for $58 annually. Yes, install steel beams within the walls and exterior tubing under what will become So the is Chef for Randy Cooper, who is well known to many in the area based upon his just $58 a year you can receive your monthly issue of Keswick new roof and insulation. These will support the sagging structure and the new weight furn Lifeexperience in a cellophaneasenvelope with First postage sure to ten years’ owner/chef ofClass Elmwood at Sparks, in Orange. Early in associated with roof insulation and possible buildup of snow. blem make its’ arrival in a timely manner so that you get your news his career, Randy was trained in the French method, not just in cooking but also “hot-off-the-press”. imp Along with new systems and structural support, work continues on the new in kitchen management. Rochambeau is currently busy assembling and training 10 TRAVEL 15 BOOKWORM KESWICK LIFE hun bathrooms, kitchen and covered porch area. These will give our membership additional a dream ABOUT team of professionals for both full-time and part-time Front of House, space for our most popular functions and improved functionality for food preparation. crea harlie's article takes on adventures in the wilds of Christmas is the upon us and is the season forspace the will add is circulated to businesses positions and locations(readers in and Back ofKeswick House,Lifeand Catering/Events areCinvited to “throw The conversion of what was old kitchen anditstoreroom into usable glo around central Virginia for readers to pick up their free copy, Africa. He speaks on the romance and action ofseating game-capacity Christmas Book Review so you can find lovely for approximately 40 people. We estimate thesome completion of the club their hats the ring”)! oneinto per person please, with subscriptions throughtout severdign
renovation the all middle of the firstloving quarter friends of 2019. and relations. viewing trips with excursions to top Sub-Saharan Af- during gifts for your book you rican attractions such as Cape Town and its nearby Get Suzanne's recommendations for the perfect gift In addition to having an on-site herb and vegetable garden,wine Rochambeau will COMMUNITY an country, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar Island, Mt. Kili- giving, page 15 pictured above: you can picklocal/regional up a copy of Keswick also be Where partnering with farmers Life! and fishermen, shaping its feel manjaro, the gorilla preserves, others.Donatien Africa is for Jeanand Baptiste de Vimeur, the Restaurant seasonally-driven around the finestStore, natural/organicyoung ingredients. AndRead Pebblemenu Hill Shop, The Shadwell man and old alike. all about itRochambeau on page 10-11!Opening Soon French Coming to Main Street in Gordonsville Comte deCuisine Rochambeau based on the Guptons’ running their own vineyard near Saint Authentic Wiley Brothersexperience Real Estate in Office - Orange, befo Emilion a number years ago, Woodriff foodies can assured that the wine selection Keswickof Hall, Loring Realrest Estate, “Wh Excitement is building as Restaurant Rochambeau prepares to open its doors later this month, on Main Street in Gordonsville. Focused on authentic French A g Keswick Club, Clifton Inn, Montpelier, will be outstanding! cuisine, the restaurant is located in the space previously occupied by the Restaurant Pomme for over a dozen years. It features a formal dining room above photo credit Linda Jackson stori Somerset Store, Cismont Store, In Vino Veritas, with a working fireplace, outdoor dining on the terrace, a separate bar, and space for private events. Rochambeau will also be providing catering services. Foods All Nations, Laurie Holladay Interiors, aptiste Donatien deofVimeur, the Comte Assisting the restaurant’s owners (Jacqueline and Bruce Gupton) in the startup Faulconer, Monticello, Frank Hardy, Inc., is Chef Randy Cooper, who is well known to many in the area based upon his ouis XVI as McLean leader of the 5,500-person ten years’ experience as owner/chef of Elmwood at Sparks, in Orange. Early in Feast, Middleburg Tack Exchange, his career, Randy was trained in the French method, not just in cooking but also erican Continentals win independence in kitchen management. Rochambeau is currently busy assembling and training TheFrontstory a dream team of professionals for both full-time and part-time of House,of Country House Antiques started with a dream Faulconer Hardware, The Eternal Attic, Albemarle sieges in Europe, he provided valuable Back of House, and Catering/Events positions (readers are invited to “throw passion for horses, hounds, hunting, the Virginia countryside their hats into the ring”)! Bakery, Battle of Yorktown inPalladio, August Darden, 1781. Roy Wheeler Realty houses. I remember going with my Mother to antique auctio In addition to having an on-site herb and vegetable garden, Rochambeau will pictured above: Or also convenient, also be partnering with local/regional farmers and fishermen, shaping its child, holding her hand, and feeling absolutely fascina Jeanonto Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, the seasonally-driven menu around the finest natural/organic ingredients. And u’s descendants, and request have visited theedition at Comte de Rochambeau the online based on the Guptons’ experience in running their own vineyard near Saint sound of the auctioneer’s voice, the competition of people Emilion a number of years ago, foodies can rest assured that the wine selection e years ago, the Townwww.keswicklife.com of Gordonsville will be outstanding! losing, and the fantastic pieces that were being sold. I was ho and (as a tangible signsubscribe@keswicklife.com of the common Major improvements areantiques coming to the as well. Put simply, it is going tolove be The restaurant is named in honor of Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, the Comte equestrian andkennel art and shared my Mother’s de Rochambeau, who was appointed by Louis XVI as leader of the 5,500-person fantastic. with a on! moreSam attractive roofline with functional the venting, construction LEGAL STUFF ll go to Les Amis de Rochambeau, a group Y ippee…It’s Christmas time! Tony, takes on his ad- Along S oup is says as we approach winter French military force sent to help the American Continentals win independence furniture the and oriental rugs. or email to:LIFE keswicklife@gmail.com from British rule. A veteran of a number of sieges in Europe, he provided valuable have retrofitted to create more usable healthier © 2018 KESWICK editorial is fully protected by copyventures ofensure ordering setting up 1781. on thecrews most months this interior is a soup that warms the and soul. Super spaces easy for our beau’s chateau and keeping hisAll memory expertise that helped victory in the and Battle of Yorktown in August Keswick Life, PO Box 32, Keswick, VA 22947 hounds along with a new whelping area to the North. Under the wise guidance of right and may not be reproduced without written consent and pictured above: The formal dining room and time honored - avisited tree! to together amkes itour great for quick weekThe Guptons are friends Christmas with Rochambeau’s Traditions descendants, and have the Read Paulthe Wilson and others, we at estimate that hounds can move into their new home explicittopermission editor Life andor publisher. The editor As aput student Mary Baldwin College, Ieasy studied antiques, Send a “Letter the Editor”ofofthe Keswick your Overheard to: asfamily’s chateau in Thoré-la-Rochette. Five years ago, theoutdoor Town of Gordonsville at left dining on the terrace calamidy that only Tony can descirbed as if you were night dinners – or can be dressed up for dinner party. sumes no responsibility for the information herein and reserves during October. became a Sister City with his home town, and (as a tangible sign of the common design and rode on the Intercollegiate Riding Team, competin bond) a portion of the restaurant’s will go to Les Amis de Rochambeau, a group in hand. it to life...editorial submission. the rightTell to refuse any keswick advertising and/or sitting right besideprofits him with the box cutter I hope you all enjoy as much as I have. Get the details in France that assists in maintaining Rochambeau’s chateau and keeping his memory Sweet Briar, Hollins, UVA and others. It was a glorious time pictured above: The formal diningclubhouse room and While made good progress ontothe and kennel, work has not alive Read it, and write in to tell Tony how you feel! Pagewe have on page16 and be sure at left outdoor dining on thewrite terrace in and ask Sam your study antiques and art and also compete and ride regularly. commencedculliary on a newquandaries! horse barn or huntsman’s cottage due to lack of funds. Our 13 is where it takes place. fundraisingemployed effort continues but quite simply we do notan have widespread participation by The Finishing Touch, interior design and anti necessary to complete the project. For those of you who wish to participate but have in Lynchburg and Wintergreen. al counties in cenrtral Virginia and a few for those who have moved away throughout the United States and Canada.
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ONLY IN KESWICK
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WHAT'S COOKING
Keswick Life, PO Box 32, Keswick, VA 22947 or email to: keswicklife@gmail.com
Send a “Letter to the Editor” of Keswick Life or your Overheard to:
Tell it to keswick life...
not done so already, please act now. The longer we delay, the more expensive and
5 disruptive the project will become.
NOVEMBER 2018
Over the years, I worked with interior design and furniture b Please make a point of driving by the club to see the project. We are very excited and at Smith Mountain Lake. I continued to ride, but trade about our progress and believe the membership will delight the finished hunt field, and enjoyed foxhunting with ainnumber of project. hunts t We also offer thanks to those that have made this possible and to Uhler and Company
OVERHEARD
Here and there... in Keswick Save Your Dates Old School
On and Off The Market
NEW in Glenmore is 3104 Darby Road with 5 beds, 5+
baths and 8003 sf at $995k. 1685 Wellesley Knolls with 4 beds, 3.5 baths and 3677 sf is at $625k. 1990 Piper Way with 4 beds, 4.5 baths and 5693 sf is $1.345m. 3200 Darby Road with 5 beds,4.5 baths and 5634 sf is $915k and out and about 2645 High Fields Road with 2 beds, 1 bath and 1318 sf on 12.7 acres is $435k whilst 4203 Louisa Road, “Little Annex”, a 3 bed, 2.5 bath 1903 sf home on 2 acres is $531k and 4325 Bunker Hill Road with 3 beds, 1 bath and 1500 sf on 2 acres is $125k and 32
REDUCED
in Glenmore is 3220 Heathcote Lane with 5 beds, 4.5 baths and 5384 sf down from $899k to $739k in 329 days. 3211 Sandown Park Road with 5 beds, 4.5 baths and 5054 sf down from $659.9k to $610k in 223 days. 3325 Braemar Court with 4 beds, 3.5 baths and 2942 sf down from $589k to $559k in 163 days and 3420 Cesford Grange with 5 beds, 5.5 baths and 7080 sf down from $890k to $799k in 213 days. Also out and about at 100 Campbell Road is a 4 bed, 3.5 bath, 3375 sf home on 9.4 acres down from $625k to $579k in 199 days.
UNDER
CONTRACT, and its all Glenmore. 1263 Thistle Down with 6 beds, 5.5 baths and 6389 sf on 1.2 acres $869k after 151 days. 1349 Queesnscroft with 5 beds, 4.5 baths and 4697 sf was at $679 then $669 in 142 days. 3515 Wedgewood Court with 4 beds, 3 baths and 4429 sf was at $595k then $549k in 194 days. 3404 Carroll Creek with 5 beds, 5 baths and 5300 sf was $1.1m then $930k in 373 days. 554 Drumin Lane with 4 beds, 4.5 baths and 4196 sf, the new construction, $775.68k and 3 new construction pendings on Winding Road , for example #360 with 3 beds, 3 baths and 2125 sf at $443.6k
Yes, it is that time of year and overheard the Keswick Hunt Club is selling a lovely 8.5 x 11 calendar (with photos by Paul and Giacomo Wilson) for $20. To place an order call Mary Kalergis - 434.409.6524.
Moving
Available for 'Under the Tree' Due to people backing out of commitments Male and Female Border Terrier puppies are available for the perfect gift! Dam is Multiple Best Puppy in Show, Best in Show, Best in Specialty Show, Terrier Group winning Grand Champion Huntaway Red Rose (aka Tarka ) she is beautiful and sweet. The sire is Huntaway Tag a Grandson of the famous Lyndhay Graduate who was a Champion in 4 countries (Australia, New Zealand, USA and the UK). These pups will have wonderful temperaments. For an interview, contact Paul Wilson KHC Huntsman for details.
With Gratitude Jeff Curtis has resigned as top seat of the Orange Downtown Alliance. Ten years of excellent service with successes such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Downtown Halloween, the Spring Kids Festival and Christmas Downtown, to name a few, can be largely attributed to the energy and enthusiasm Jeff displayed in bringing these events to fruition. Jeff's passionate belief that the most successful events always involved children and families was a wonderful asset to downtown Orange. The relationships you have fostered, both personally and professionally, are a tribute to your character.
SOLD
is 2465 Ferndown Lane new construction with 4 beds,3.5 baths and 3508 sf at $559.72k. 1656 Piper Way with 4 beds, 3+ baths and 6822 sf on 1.1 acres listed at $1.495m and sold at $1.4m. 412 Fenton Court, new construction, with 4 beds, 4+ baths and 4206 sf at $867.5k. 2273 Piper Way with 4 beds, 5.5 baths and 5986 sf listed at $939k then down to $875k sold for $860k. 519 Drumin Road, new construction, with 3 beds, 3.5 baths and 3024 sf sold for $685.8k. 2750 Lockerbie Lane with 5 beds, 3 baths and 4787 sf sold for $683.5k. Out and about 680 Campbell Road with 3 beds, 2.5 baths and 1680 sf on 3.7 acres listed at $296.5k sold for $281.3k. Lot 58, a 3.6 acre lake front lot on Palmer Drive in Keswick Estates listed at $528k, then $425k sold for $325k, also 10.5 acres on Louisa Road sold for $100k
Bravo
Inducted
1 - smashed gatepost finally repaired on rt 231
Elizabeth von Hassell has been named as the new executive director at the National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) in Middleburg. She will begin in December. Born in Winchester, a graduate of Hollins University, Von Hassell is an avid outdoor person, and enjoys riding, hiking, canoeing, fishing, shooting, and tennis.She previously served as Director of Development at James Madison's Montpelier working with their leadership on conservation and preservation projects."The Montpelier Foundation, stewards of the home and legacy of James Madison, with great regret announced the departure of Elizabeth von Hassell who has been recruited to take over leadership of the National Sporting Library & Museum," said Kat Imhoff, president and CEO of the group. "During her tenure, Montpelier has raised over $45 million but as important has seen an increase in membership and engagement due to her drive and dedication. Elizabeth will always be considered a member of the Montpelier family but her energy, enthusiasm and plain out-right fun spirit will be missed on a daily basis by all. We look forward however to partnering with the NSLM to promote conservation and other opportunities to support their and our work in the Piedmont." Manuel H. Johnson, chairman of the NSLM board of directors said they are thrilled to welcome von Hassell and looking forward to working with her. "She brings a wide range of experience to our organization." Before joining Montpelier in 2014, von Hassell worked at Shenandoah University and spent 25 years living and working between New York City and Clarke County, as a vice president of marketing in the pharmaceutical industry. She is currently on the board of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, and has served on the Boards of the Preservation Alliance of Virginia, Millwood Country Club, Long Branch Historic Plantation, Old Chatham Hunt Club, and the Lost Brigade Wounded Warrior Foundation.
Hugh Wiley was inducted into the Virginia Horse Show Hall of Fame on December 2nd at the Homestead. Photo, front row: Granddaughters Flora, Imogen, Violet, Gigi, Lily with Joe Fargis who gave the induction speech. Back row, Grandson Hugh, with sons Peter, Justin and Marcus.
60 - out hunting in twenty degrees, with gps saying 15 miles covered, Tally Ho! 600 - oysters Keswickians devoured at "Oysters at Roysters"
‘Hoos get invite to Belk Bowl, to face South Carolina in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday, Dec. 29. The ‘Hoos (7-5, 4-4 ACC) will be going bowling for the second consecutive season, after a six-year drought. They will face South Carolina (7-5. 4-4 SEC) in the bowl game. The game will mark Virginia’s third appearance in the Belk Bowl, which is celebrating its 17-year anniversary with the 2018 game. UVA’s previous appearances in the bowl came in first two years of its existence when it was known as the Continental Tire Bowl. Virginia defeated West Virginia 48-22 in 2002 and beat Pitt 23-16 in 2003. “To be selected to play in this year’s Belk Bowl is a tremendous honor for our team, and we are excited to return to Charlotte, where Virginia won the bowl’s first two games in 2002 and 2003,” said UVA coach Bronco Mendenhall. “One of the team’s goals this year was to play in back-to-back bowl games for the first time in 14 seasons. I am proud they have accomplished that and took another step in establishing the New Standard for the program." “It has been a fun and rewarding experience to coach this team,” Mendenhall said. Tickets may be purchased online at VirginiaSports.com.
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KESWICK LIFE
The GOING OUT Guide Mark your calendars! Save the date! Don’t be late!
'TIS THE SEASON Holiday Evening Tours
ART BROWSING On Exhibit
Where: Monticello When: December 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 19-23, 26-30
Where: The Morin Gallery, Orange When: Dec 6, 2018–January 31, 2019
Join us for the rare opportunity to experience Monticello after
On the Edge of Abstraction:, Paintings by Nancy Wallace & Tri-
dark, historically decorated for the season. Guests meet their tour guide at The Shop at Monticello and are treated to seasonal refreshments. The tour offers an intimate look at how all people who lived on the Monticello mountaintop – enslaved and free – celebrated the holidays in Jefferson's time. Journey through public and private rooms including the Monticello’s iconic Dome Room, and enjoy live musical performances in the Parlor. Please note: Holiday Evening Tours explore the upper floors of Monticello and guests must climb a steep and narrow staircase without assistance. Guests unable to climb the stairs can spend extra time enjoying music in Jefferson’s Hall before rejoining their group. Holiday Evening Tours are not handicapped-accessible and not recommended for children under age 6.Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. This tour also explores outside of the house and in the unheated basement.
Festival of Lights Where: Lewis Ginter Gardens, Richmond When: Nov. 24, 2017 – Jan. 8, 2018 (Closed Dec. 24 & 25)
A holiday tradition featuring more than half-a-million twinkling
lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trains, holiday dinners, firepit with s’mores and hot chocolate (for purchase); nightly family activities & more. The region’s ultimate holiday extravaganza! Everybody loves a good story. Now imagine myriad stories, plus legends and rhymes, embellished with amazing creativity through a half-million holiday lights! During this year’s Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, Naturally Ever After presents Stories in Lights: from fairy tales and folklore to time-treasured classics. Indoor and outdoor displays, family activities and holiday events spotlight tales that span cultures and time, explore natural phenomena, teach life lessons, celebrate the seasons, and ultimately, connect people through plants. A “rain or shine” event; only closed for extreme weather. Tickets are not date specific and may be purchased at the Garden (9 a.m. – 10 p.m.) or you may purchase tickets online. Leashed dogs are allowed on these select Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights nights: December 6th and January 3rd.
After Hours at Highland Where: Ashlawn Highland When: Dec. 14th, Dec.15th, Dec. 28th, Dec. 29th
Are you looking for a special taste of Highland? Join us for an
after hours holiday tour and open hearth cooking at the home of President James Monroe. This small-group program will be offered at twilight on four dates in December. Open hearth cooks Pat Willis and Sharon Heard will lead participants in making several different Monroe era desserts, which guests will enjoy by candlelight. While the desserts are cooking, guests will enjoy a guided visit of the Presidential guest house and museum spaces decorated for the holidays. The After Hours at Highland holiday tours will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on four separate dates. Each after hours holiday session will be limited to ten guests. Admission to After Hours at Highland is $28 per participant. For further information (434) 293-8000 - info@highland. org.
CUT YOUR OWN Foxfire Christmas Trees Where: 451 Foxfire Road, Scottsville When: Every day but Tuesday
For
more than thirty years Foxfire has offered beautiful Virginia grown Christmas trees and wreaths. They have an established Choose and Cut tradition that brings families back year after year for a Foxfire Christmas tree. Scotch pine and mixed wreaths and greenery from The Wreath Factory are a part of Christmas décor in many homes, and their dried wreaths and handcrafts make wonderful gifts! They offer an expanded selection of precut trees this season, as well as more "tabletop" trees. Join folks from all over Virginia that make the annual drive in the country to Foxfire for the freshest Virginia-grown Christmas tree ever. Located about 12 miles west of Scottsville in Buckingham county, out of the urban rush, but convenient to reach. Enjoy lunch and shopping in the charming town of Scottsville, and in good weather, pack a picnic and enjoy their meal and the lovely view at the Farm. Open every day but Tuesday from 9 am til 5 pm until Christmas. Info: 434-286-3445, 434-996-7223.
sha Adams. A dozen years ago, Trisha Adams used to stop into a gallery in Leesburg, VA, and admire Nancy Wallace’s paintings for their wonderful color sense. Years later, when she joined the Washington Society of Landscape Painters, she met Wallace in person. When Adams moved to Madison County in 2015, the two began painting together. Their painting excursions ranged from the near—the poppy fields in Somerset—to the far—the streets of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Their belief that the abstract design of a painting is what gives it strength is the idea that ties their two bodies of work together. Nancy Wallace was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Her background includes BS and MA degrees in art education, years of study with artist Rick Weaver, and decades of work as an art teacher and administrator in the DC metro area. Since 2000, she has devoted most of her time to painting, showing and selling her work, and winning many awards along the way. She lives on a farm in Charlottesville where she and her husband engage in another pursuit: home and garden design. More about Nancy Wallace at: www.nancygallery.com A love of color inspires Madison County artist Trisha Adams, who didn’t start painting until she was 44. What began innocently enough with the desire to fill an empty picture frame has developed into a life’s pursuit filled with discovery and experimentation. More about Trisha Adams at: www.trishaadams.com Opening Reception: Thursday, December 6, 5–7pm. In the Morin Gallery at The Arts Center In Orange, 129 East Main Street, Orange, VA, ph. 540-672-7311, Hours: 10–5, Mon–Sat, free admission.
On Exhibit Where: On Fly In The Salt When: Oct 12, 2018 - Mar 3, 2019
On Fly in the Salt: From the Surf to the Flats is a curated journey
through time, filled with the people, places, and innovations that have made saltwater fly fishing one of the fastest growing sectors of the exciting and dynamic angling industry. Visitors will enjoy tracing the history of saltwater fly fishing through displays of evolving tackle, ranging from fascinating home improvements on early equipment to the incredibly efficient gear of today that allow saltwater anglers to successfully target fish in ways that were inconceivable not long ago. Displays will also include a remarkable photographic record from the earliest days of the sport. This traveling exhibition was organized by the American Museum of Fly Fishing and generously sponsored at the National Sporting Library & Museum by Tim and Jocelyn Greenan. Email: info@nationalsporting.org
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NOVEMBER 2018
COVER STORY Blessed
BY KESWICK LIFE, PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE PAYNE
Hundreds gathered for the 90th Annual Bless-
ing of the Hounds in Keswick early Thanksgiving morning. The tradition at Grace Episcopal Church dates back to 1929. Many people say they can't imagine their holiday without the riders attired in their formal hunting attire, the hounds, and the horses. The hunt began with a church service, then a collection for an animal service organization or local group. This year funds benefit the Wildlife Center of Virginia and the African American Teaching Fellows. The riders then follow the hounds and huntsman leaving the churchyard and crossing rt. 231. After the pageantry each year — the blessing, the horn call, the huntsmen and hounds set off across the countryside. The hounds follow the fox. The riders follow the hounds. It’s a sport of horsemanship, requiring riders to cross streams and jump fences. But the fox usually outruns them all to the safety of its den. “Keep, oh Lord, this day bright, the horses sure of foot, the hounds swift, the fox elusive, the hunters safe. And may all come safely to their homes. Presented the story of Saint Hubert, the patron of hunters, who lived 1,300 years ago.
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KESWICK LIFE
Photos: Opposite page, top, Paul Wilson Huntsman Keswick Hunt Club, with Sandy Rives. Bottom, Trish Zorn, Jill Wilson, Giacomo and Yvonne Wilson. This page, top, Eleanor Sackson, Mark Sackson, Sallie Mason Wheeler with Ceil Wheeler. Middle, Nancy and Justin Wiley, Joan Poskey. Bottom, Shelley Payne.
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NOVEMBER 2018
TRAVEL
Namibia and Beyond In 2006, Jacob “Kobi” Alexander, an Is-
BY CHARLES THACHER
of age of five male lions that had been born in a nearby desert valley. The video ended with the 3-year old males leaving their mother to spread out into the neighboring valleys, which had only female lions. It was inspiring – the prides could reproduce and survive. Then, someone in the audience asked: “So, where are the five males today?”
raeli immigrant, was the founder and CEO of Comverse Technology. The 25year old American-based tech company had more than 6,000 employees in over 50 countries and a market cap of about $6 billion. Comverse and Kobi were flying high. Then, in July of that year, while he was abroad on vacation, the Securities and Exchange Commission charged him with securities and accounting fraud, related to stock option transactions. Alexander did not return to the U.S. to face the charges. Meanwhile, he had transferred over $40 million to a bank account in Israel. In late September 2006, Interpol tracked him down, with his family, in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, a remote country on the southwest coast of Africa. Namibia would not extradite him to the U.S. Alexander remained there until 2016, when he returned to the U.S. and negotiated a plea deal resulting in a hefty fine, and a 2-year prison term which he served in Israel, where he now lives as a free man. When the story of Alexander’s violations and flight from justice were first reported in 2006, many people wondered why someone so legitimately successful would risk everything to make some extra money by back-dating stock options. But I was more fascinated with what could be so attractive about Namibia, that someone with all that money would choose to go on the lam there, rather than more typical jet-setty places where he could also be safe, like Switzerland or Monaco. So, for over a decade, Windhoek and Namibia were on my “bucket list,” though perhaps unbeknownst to my wife, Ann. In the fall of 2017, in a speech to African leaders at the U.N., President Trump surprised his audience by extolling the virtues of the health care system in the hitherto unknown country of “Nambia”. The world was left wondering whether he knew something that no one else did, or could he possibly have just misstated the name? Many observers guessed that he meant Namibia, although there was also scattered support for Zambia, Gambia and even Narnia. The President has never clarified his statement or what it was that he admired about the mystery country’s health care system. But, it reminded me of my commitment to visit Namibia, and early this year we began making plans for a September trip. For the 35 years before the end of World War I, Namibia was the German colony of Southwest Africa. In 1919, it became a British colony administered by The
'Fighting Males' A giraffe fight usually involves two male giraffes swinging their heads into eachother like wrecking balls – but it ends well, Charlie promises.
The naturalist responded “Unfortunately, last year we had a drought, and the cattle, to find sufficient food, had to move out farther than normal from the tribal villages on the edge of the Preserve. That exposed them to the young lions, and some of the cattle were killed. So, the village farmers killed the lions. They are allowed to do this to protect their cattle. We can’t stop them.” All of us in the room were stunned and deflated. But that’s Africa, where they are trying to do something that is being done hardly any place else on earth – preserve significant populations of deadly predators and other large animals in the wild but close to established villages, where domestic animals constitute nearly all of a family’s wealth, and traditional approaches to dealing with destructive wild animals have been entrenched for centuries.
Union of South Africa, until it gained independence in 1990, following a complicated and brutal war against the apartheid government of South Africa, and also involving the various parties fighting the civil war in Angola, the neighbor to the north. Surprisingly, there is still considerable evidence of the German presence in Namibia today and, German tourists are frequent visitors. The most convenient direct flights to Windhoek are from Frankfort, which is the route we chose, spending two days while on the route in the nearby charming university town of Heidelberg. Namibia is a large country, roughly the size of Texas and Arkansas combined, with a small population of 2.6 million. It is dominated by and named after, the Namib Desert, which runs nearly its entire length. Sections of the Desert are among the world’s driest places. About 15% of the population lives in Windhoek, which is inland, about 200 miles east of the Atlantic Coast. We spent three days there. The City center is modern, clean and safe, though small. The Hilton Hotel was fine, the Museum of Independence and craft markets were entertaining, we found two exceptional restaurants (particularly enjoying kudu, oryx, and springbok steaks), but we didn’t discover anything that would entertain a wealthy scofflaw for ten years. Several locals told us that Alexander had been a good citizen, and done excellent work related to economic development while he was there, which is to his credit. After our stay in the City, we took a
3-flight trip north about 450 miles to the Hoanib River Camp, in the middle of the desert on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, named for the many shipwrecks that have occurred there due to strong westerly winds and concealed rocks. The camp facilities – lodge and rooms, food, wine, guides, and service - were exceptional. There were far fewer animals – both varieties and numbers – then other safari camps that we have visited, but we enjoyed watching and learning how the elephants, lions, giraffes, and others coped with the harsh desert environment. We spent one day driving over four hours on very rough roads, and up and down steep sand dunes, to arrive at the sea, where the remains of shipwrecks and a colony of over 100,000 cape fur seals were sprawled out on the rocks. The seal pups are preyed upon by the rare brown hyenas that live in the area, though we did not witness any attacks. The stench resulting from so many seals lying in their bodily discharges was palpable, giving us a greater appreciation for the hyenas’ indomitable will to eat. In the vast floodplain of the Hoanib River – which is dry except for a week or two once every few years - there is a small pride of four lions – all adult females. Lions are the signature animal of African safari camps, and to not have a reproducing pride could eventually be a significant problem. Male lions cannot be imported from other areas, because they will not have the instincts or knowhow to survive in the desert. One night at our camp, a local naturalist showed us a remarkable video covering the coming
We enjoyed the uniqueness of the desert camp, but because the number of animals there is considerably smaller than in most other African preserves, we would not recommend it to someone who was on their first safari trip. Our next two camps were in Botswana, which is one of the best places to see a beautiful habitat and a great variety of animals. It is about 2/3rds the size of Namibia, being directly east and south of that country, and north of the Union of South Africa. The country evolved from a protectorate established by the British in 1885, as a buffer between the German colonies and South Africa. The protectorate - remote and among the poorest places in the world, with a per capita annual income in 1966 of $80 – was not highly prized by the Brits, and on September 30th of that year, they gave the country its independence without a struggle. The new government adopted the name “Botswana”, meaning the land of the “Tswana” (the dominant ethnic group).
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In fact, Botswana had won the lottery. In early 1967, a huge diamond deposit was discovered, followed later by other similar deposits and large deposits of copper and manganese. The government and De Beers - the diamond industry giant - have managed the development of the mining industry very capably. Today, Botswana is the world’s leading producer of gemquality diamonds, and its per capita in-
KESWICK LIFE
come is nearly $9,000, among the four highest in Africa (of 54 countries), and similar to that of Mexico. In the 90s Botswana had one of the highest incidences of the HIV in the world. The government has aggressively treated the problem using the most advanced techniques, and the rate of occurrence has declined significantly. The problem remains serious, though it poses no threat to tourists coming for the safari experience. AIDS is one reason that the Country’s population is only 2.3 million.
destructive to the flora of all kinds. They eat young trees and bushes that have recently sprouted, they strip new growth off older trees, they knock down medium sized trees seemingly just for sport, and they score rings around the trunks of mature trees with their tusks, sometimes causing them to die within a few years. On drives, we often saw areas where the foliage was devastated by elephants – looking as though a tornado or hurricane had passed through and knocked down nearly every tree.
Botswana and Namibia have stable governments and are known for their high level of racial and tribal harmony. Botswana has eight outstanding game parks, including two of the most unique environments in Africa – the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert. Many consider it the top safari destination in Africa based on the variety of animals and environments, the opportunity to avoid large groups of other game viewers, and the impressive number of safari camps ranging from do-it-yourself operations to the epitome of luxury. Botswana has passed a law prohibiting all hunting throughout the country, except on a few isolated private preserves. If park rangers spot someone in the bush with a gun, who is not officially involved in game management, they will shoot to kill and ask questions later. All of the other African countries that offer safari experiences permit trophy hunting and, although they may be happy that Botswana does not compete with them for the hunters’ fees, they can’t be happy that Botswana’s hardline approach has made it more attractive to those wanting nature and photo safaris, and who may be opposed to hunting on moral, ethical or other grounds. It should be noted that in all countries that allow hunting, it is never permitted in a park that is designated for photo safaris.
We have stayed at eleven safari camps in six African countries over the past 14 years. All of our guides have been excellent, but the Botswana guides have been the very best. Their spotting ability and knowledge of the environment – flora and fauna - is extraordinary, and they are undaunted in their efforts to educate their clients, and secure for them a view of an unusual animal or the perfect photo opportunity. In one camp on our recent trip, a guide made evening presentations on Botswanan geography and history, and the unique problem that the Country has with respect to elephants. At a time when the world is being told that elephants are endangered, camp managers that we spoke with said there are too many to be supported in much of the Okavango Delta and the riverine areas north of there. The environment and the well-being of other animals are threatened. But how can they selectively reduce the population? Re-introducing hunting to cull the population would be terrible public relations in the West, particularly given that they have gained significant favorable publicity by banning hunting. Physically moving elephants to countries with endangered populations would be very expensive, and put the animals in the same danger from poaching as is that country’s endemic population. Some form of birth control applied to bulls (e.g., vasectomies) could work, but its outcome is unpredictable, it carries a P.R. risk, and identifying the strongest bulls, which are needed to reproduce, at an early age is difficult. It is a conundrum that we never expected to encounter.
Illegal poaching of animals is a huge problem in many African countries. The most publicized targets are elephants (for tusks) and rhinos (for horns), but many other mammals and birds are taken for horns, bushmeat, feathers, etc., often for the East Asian trade. Poaching in Botswana is rare because the risk to the poachers is too great. It is estimated that, one hundred years ago, there were about 3-5 million elephants in Africa. A 2014 count throughout the 18 countries that have wild elephants estimated that there were about 400,000, down from about 600,000 seven years earlier, almost entirely due to poaching. But, Botswana’s elephant population is growing, and now totals about 160,000 - roughly 40% of the African total. On each day’s ride, we saw well over 50 elephants, without making any effort to search for them. Botswana has set a great example of elephant preservation for the rest of Africa, but its success has created its own problems. Elephants are
Every safari camp that we have stayed at was exceptionally well-run, had comfortable and spacious bungalows or tents, great food and wine, was set in a beautiful natural environment with wild animals of all sorts strolling through the camp from time-to-time, and had interesting people working and staying there. Some have offered opportunities to visit native villages, and in one in Zambia, Ann got to teach a 6th-grade math class at the local school, while I watched in awe. In Kenya and northern Tanzania, the broad open savannahs of the Serengeti and Masai Mara provide an opportunity to see an enormous number and variety of animals, and a high likelihood of watching a kill, but when one happens, your jeep may well be among a half
dozen or more looking on. At our camps there, night drives were not permitted, while in southern Africa they provide an opportunity to see a whole group of lesser-known nocturnal animals. The camps in Zambia and Zimbabwe along the magnificent Zambezi river and its tributaries offer unique water activities and an excellent environment for game. It is easy to combine game-viewing trips with excursions to top Sub-Saharan African attractions such as Cape Town and its nearby wine country, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar Island, Mt. Kilimanjaro, the gorilla preserves, and others. Safari trips need not be physically demanding (except, perhaps, for the long-distance travel), and are the perfect vacation for young and old alike.
Charles Thacher and wife Ann moved to Keswick in 2008 from New York, to be near their kids and (now) four grandchildren. He has been an avid fly fisher for over 35 years, traveling extensively, primarily in pursuit of wily trout. Along with two other anglers, Charlie was a founder of the Anglers Club of Charlottesville, which has about 65 august members. He is a member of the Anglers Club of New York and the Paris Fario Club, and writes regularly for the New York Club’s journal and Classic Angling, a British magazine. Also, he has compiled and published a bibliography of angling books.
Photos, top to bottom: Lions 'After Lunch', Elephants in Botswana, Namibian Desert Camp
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NOVEMBER 2018
KESWICK SCENE
"The Hounds Come Home Redux" with the Who's Who BY SANDY RIVES WITH BARCLAY RIVES
The History of the Keswick Hunt Kennels by Barclay Rives
In the early decades, KHC hounds lived at the Master’s residence. Julian Morris (MFH 1901-1913, 19261929) kenneled the pack at The Oaks, across the railroad tracks and over Mechunk Creek at the end of Tyler’s Shop (Clarke’s Tract) Road. John C. Stewart (MFH1929-1932) gave hounds an upgrade into handsome quarters at Harkaway, beneath Sugar Loaf Mountain. At the same time, the club also maintained a pack of drag hounds at Marletotz (next to South Plains Church, now called Heathcote), which was the home of Mary Jackson MDH, (Master of Drag Hounds). The foxhounds later moved across Route 22 to Oakdale, home of Arthur Talcott (MFH 1934-1937). The early kennels did not need to be spacious, elaborate, or even sturdy, because the club kept fewer hounds. In October 1900, KHC had a total of eight hounds. In 1930, the Master reported a total of eight and a half couple. Andrew Branham, who was Huntsman in the 1940s and ‘50s, generally went hunting with fewer than a dozen hounds. In 1937, KHC President Linton Massey declared it was wasteful to keep constructing kennels all over the neighborhood. He proposed building kennels and a huntsman’s house on hunt club property. The Board authorized a loan of $2,000, which was the estimated cost for kennels, as well as a three-room house, winterizing three existing horse show stalls, and a new hound truck. R. O. Hall of Keswick Farm oversaw the construction, which was completed in May 1937. The kennels lasted nearly 30 years.
Top row: Mary Jane Shackelford and Susan Rives; Paul Wilson and Peter Hallock then the newest and youngest KHC members Alice Henry and Crosby Scalise. Middle row: MFH's cut the ribbon to open the kennel, Will Coleman, Mary Kalergis, Nancy Wiley with Paul Wilson, Huntsman. Bottom row: Tom Brubaker with Greg MacDonald; Tony Vanderwarker and Beth Hyder and then, Sally Mason Wheeler and Ceil Wheeler.
By 1966, they had deteriorated beyond repair. John J. (Jake) Carle II, (MFH 1964-2000) designed and helped finance a new masonry and concrete kennel, with separate lodging rooms for dogs and bitches on either side of a central feeding and handling room. The building included a refrigerated flesh room, feed bins, and a huge gas-fired cast iron cook pot, which produced nutritious and economical hound feed. Chita Hall provided temporary shelter for hounds in her kennels at Fox Hill during construction of the new facility, which cost $5,000. Jake Carle raised KHC puppies at his homes The Covert and Raynham Hall, until 1987, when the puppy kennel was built adjacent to the main kennel. The puppy kennel was dedicated to the memory of Alexander Rives (MFH 1947-1954). At the same time, whelping pens were constructed next to the hunt stable, which had been built in 1977 and was dedicated to the memory of Jamie Terrill (MFH 1937-1945). Pathogens have recently contaminated the soil around the whelping pens, necessitating maternity outsourcing. Vickie Collins as well as Andy Lynn (MFH 2005-2017) kindly provided lodging for the whelping and early weeks of the 2018 entry. Dr. Robert Harmon graciously allowed the use of his kennel at Springdale for the genesis of the 2019 entry.
Keswick Hunt Club’s Celebration of the New Kennel On Sunday, October 14th, the Keswick Foxhounds “Came Home” to their new kennel. A ribbon cutting followed by a Toast to the Hounds and Keswick Huntsman, Paul Wilson blew: ”Going Home” as he led the hounds into the kennel. The eight-week renovation of the Keswick Hunt Club Kennels began in mid-August and was completed in mid-October, 2018. The renovation design was a collaboration between Paul Wilson, KHC Huntsman and Uhler and Company, design-build. The goal of the project was a complete renovation of the kennels to maximize the square footage within the existing building footprint as required by the county ordinance. The completed effort is a state of the art facility with new hound kennels, updated fixtures, electric, water and sewer and a modernized area that can be maintained with minimal maintenance. The whelping lodges, hot bitch yards, and puppy areas were redone entirely as well as food storage and isolation areas for sick hounds. Washer and Dryer, heated areas and cupola fans were added to improve the overall utility of the buildings.
12
KESWICK LIFE
ONLY IN KESWICK A Christmas Story
You know those things you never thought you’d ever
do? And I don’t mean climbing Mt. Everest or bungee jumping from the Golden Gate; I mean stupid stuff like wearing brown shoes with a blue suit or putting on a Christmas sweater covered with Santas. Whether it’s because of upbringing or habit, there are some things you never imagine yourself doing. Whether they’re gauche like honking your horn in Charlottesville or picking your nose in public, or tasteless like farting in church or flipping the bird to an old lady, there’s just stuff you don’t picture yourself doing. That’s why I was dumbfounded when I found myself ordering an artificial Christmas tree from Home Depot. I’d always thought fake trees were a sacrilege, a perversion of the natural order that only a classless boor would ever dare to enter into. Yet here I am clicking on the PLACE ORDER button and thinking, “They have gotten so much better they almost look real.” Who’s kidding who? In the back of my head, I’m thinking, almost real isn’t real!
BY TONY VANDERWARKER
with that infernal tree stand, crawling under the tree to screw in its clamps, hearing the dreaded words: “It’s leaning way to the left, you’ve got to start over.” One year I had to loosen and tighten the damn things three times before I got it straight. Then spilling water all over the floor trying to fill the thing up. But maybe the worst part of the whole supposedly joyous occasion is dealing with the lights. You should know that Christmas tree lights have a secret. No matter how carefully you put them away, over the summer, they wake up and contort themselves into irresolvable tangles and in the process, wear themselves out. So when you finally get them untangled, you find they don’t work. By the time you get to the ornaments, your Christmas spirit is flagging, and you’re well into your third eggnog.
We did that for three or four years until Annie got tired of their undernourished character and insisted we get a real Christmas tree. “There’s a tree guy up on 29 that I’ve heard has great trees—let’s go up there.”
So this year we decided to take a Christmas shortcut and get a fake tree. It arrived in a huge box, seven feet long and three wide. And it took a good half hour to open it. The tree (or should I call it the thing) was bundled up in three sections, top, middle and bottom and came with a rickety-looking tree stand. The instructions told you to unfold the branches and spread them out, kind of like peeling a banana. Each branch is carefully wrapped in tan plastic with the needles intertwined, so it actually looks real (as long as you don’t touch it). Must have been thousands of Chinese worker bees wrapping branches for hours on end.
And for a long time we did, sorting through tree after tree looking for the perfect one, forking over our ninety bucks, tying them to the top of the car and carting them home.
Next, you have to separate the branches, some going left, some right, put the section in the stand and plug it in. The advantage of a fake tree is that the lights are already on it and if you can believe it, they work!
Then there was the whole Christmas tree who-hah, spending a good two days putting up the tree, dealing
Next comes the second section. You do the branch thing, slide the second into the first and plug that section in.
Back when we moved onto the farm, we used to cut down small cedars and turn them into Christmas trees. Although they were scrawny with all kinds of holes, talk about authentic—they were as real as you could get. Grew up right on the farm!
Eureka! The lights come on. Then the top section and in an hour, you’ve got a lit Christmas tree that kind of looks real (just don’t get too close). And you’ve ducked untangling lights, fighting with the tree stand, fiddling with ornaments and making I don’t know how many trips to Lowe’s. We even found smelly sticks, Scentsicles they’re called, with a white fir scent, so the tree even smells real. Now comes the moment of truth. You have friends over to see if they are going to condemn you for besmirching the sacred rituals of Christmas by getting a fake tree. You are shocked when they say, “Gosh, that’s a pretty tree.” “Thanks, but it’s fake,” I tell them. “Really? But it even smells real,” they say, sounding unconvinced. “Yup,” and here’s where I start to think, maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all. Our friends aren’t giving us cockeyed glances like we’d done something awful. They are actually impressed by how real the tree looks and smells. Never expected that I thought I’d be drummed out of the neighborhood. Moral of the story: you can teach an old dog new tricks. Now, I’ve always been tempted to Astroturf the lawn, no more mowing, no more pulling weeds, no more brown spots where the dogs peed. Heck, if I can get away with a fake Christmas tree, maybe I can sneak by with a fake lawn. Who knows, perhaps they make Scentsicles with a freshly-cut grass scent, so the Astroturf smells real. Let me give it some thought. In the meantime, Merry Christmas!
You can’t always be there. But we can.
the forgotten kettle
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Take the first step. Call us at 434.979.4663 or visit HomeInstead.com/532 NOVEMBER 2018
UPDATE
Just In Time - Keswick Hunt Club Renovations When we began renovating the Hunt Club,
all of us involved wondered what surprises we would find. Aside from the discovery of a troupe of groundhogs who have been enjoying our clubhouse for some time, we also found Morris, the mummified cat whose tomb rested under the floor joists. Morris turned out to be well-known denizen of the neighborhood who sired a whole host of kin. But our biggest surprise was that the club was in such a dilapidated state that a big wet snowfall could have collapsed the entire structure. Whoever acted in an engineering capacity when the club was constructed severely miscalculated the weight of the large dormer facing Keswick Hall. The load of the dormer put outward pressure on the walls and roofline causing the roofline to sag by almost six inches and the walls to bulge out three inches. In addition, not only had the beams supporting the floor been undermined by years of groundhog tunneling, but the support beams holding up the roof were rotting causing the front wall to lean outward. Fixing these conditions required the novel approach of building a steel skeleton around and over the building, both built into the walls and erected on the roof to enable us
BY TONY VANDERWARKER WITH PETER TAYLOR to save the interior. You can see from the accompanying photos how 4X4 steel posts have been built into the walls and a framework of 4X4s constructed over the existing roof so we can first insulate and then put in a new roof over the steel framework and the old roof. So the renovated building will be held up by the new steel framework enabling us to preserve its treasured and historic interior while we are adding a new kitchen, handicap accessible bathrooms and entrance—changes that will update the club and add to its rental appeal. Fortunately, we discovered the threatening structural conditions just in time and were able to come up with the steel frameword approach to reinforce the building and preserve its historic interior. The only alternative option would have been to demolish the club and rebuild it, destroying over a hundred years of tradition and memories. We hope to reopen the club in early 2019 and expect all members to find the renovation to be both inspiring and gratifying.
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14
KESWICK LIFE
BOOKWORM
Christmas Gift Book Reviews Christmas is upon us and it is the season for the Christ-
mas Book Review so you can find some lovely gifts for all your book loving friends and relations. I have a wonderful tradition I think we should start in Keswick. A friend introduced me to the Icelandic tradition called “Jolabokaflod” which roughly translates to the “Christmas Book Flood”. This started during WWII when everything but paper was rationed in Iceland and so Christmas gifts were scarce…but books could be produced, and to this day Christmas is associated with the gift of books in Iceland. It’s no wonder they are the third most literate country in the world! They give the gift of books on Christmas Eve and traditionally spend the evening reading and drinking hot cocoa! This sounds like the perfect Christmas to me!!! So who is with me? Let’s make this a new goal for Keswick – get ready for the “Jolabokaflod”! With this in mind here are a few suggestions to help you get in the Book Flood mood this year. I just found out that this book is out on HBO as a new series but reading the book first is always a must in my household, so pick up a copy of
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante and let it transport you
to Italy where you will discover two friends, Elena and Lila, living in the outskirts of Naples in a poor neighborhood during the 1950’s. Two young girls, one studious, the other quite brilliant, grow up trying to figure out who they are in the midst of a changing Italy. They compete with each other both academically and with their loves yet manage to remain friends. It is a beautiful, complex book exploring friendship as the world changes around them. This is part of the Neapolitan Book Series so once you finish this one go look for the next in the series.
Carnegie’s Maid, by Marie Benedict is a historical fiction which
tries to come to terms with how Andrew Carnegie morphed from a man solely interested in amassing his fortune to becoming a philanthropist. Benedicts creates a story around this shift in temperament by introducing the character of Clara Kelley, an Irish immigrant fresh off the boat who is mistaken for a maid sent to be Margaret Carnegie’s (Andrew’s mother) ladies’ maid. It is a happy coincidence for the farmer’s daughter and she uses her quick wit to take advantage of this good fortune. Apparently, the author’s ancestors were Irish Immigrants and had a similar experience which she used to help create the story. It is a wonderful look at Pittsburg during the
BY SUZANNE NASH 1860s and the plight of the immigrants of that era. It also gives some insight into why Carnegie might have been inspired to open the Public Libraries everyone can freely enjoy today.
Only Child is a debut novel by Rhiannon Navin that will touch
your heart. Zach Taylor is a first grader at McKinley Elementary, and when a man comes in one day and starts shooting, Zach hides in terror with his teacher in a closet. Only later does he learn his older brother has been shot. Through Zach’s eyes we learn about the fear and confusion that comes with this horrible incident, especially when Zach learns the gunman was the son of the beloved school security guard, Charlie. Zach struggles to understand why his mother now hates Charlie and why everyone seems to have forgotten that his brother, Andy, wasn’t always the nicest guy. Suddenly no one can say anything bad about Andy or anything nice about Charlie and Zach’s confusion becomes our own as we begin to see clearly that dealing with grief can sometimes flip the world on its head. Once again, a child’s voice leads the way to learn to follow your heart and to not let the pain of loss drown you
An American Marriage is just
a beautifully written book. The author, Tayari Jones is a master of her craft and the words are stirring and the story makes you think deeply about so many things it is difficult to know where to begin. This book isn’t really about race, although that plays a part in it. It is about marriage and relationships and about the emotions that buoy us up and send us crashing to the depths of despair. Celestial and Roy are a young couple, newly married and living in Atlanta with their whole future ahead of them and their prospects are looking good. He is a young business executive who is chomping at the bit to make something of himself and she is an artist on the cusp of being the next big thing to hit the art world. When Roy is suddenly falsely accused of rape and lands in jail, their world is ripped apart. Celestial must decide what type of wife she will be and where her future lies, and Roy has to make peace with the fact he could spend the rest of his life in jail. It is a heartbreaking story and I found myself appalled by some of the character’s choices and yet, because of how engrossed I became with the narration, I felt myself carried along and moved through the whole novel. All of the relationships in this book have a story to tell and they are worth reading about because they cause you to dig deep and thing about your own choices.
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What else do I have on my pile of reading for the Christmas Holidays? Here a few more picks that might interest you: Daughters of the Lake by Wendy Webb which is a period piece supernatural thriller which is really spooky and fun. The Royal Nanny by Karen Harper which is a historical fiction based on the life of Charlotte Bill who came to Sandringham in 1897 to be the nanny to the royal family of England. It is fascinating and will make you want to look into the actual history a bit more. Matthew Pearl has a new novel out called The Dante Chamber which is a follow up to his Dante Club and takes the thrilling murder mystery to England where literary and painting great must once again match wits with a killer basing his murders on the masterpieces by Dante. The King’s Witch by Tracy Borman is another period piece which transports you to the royal court of King James I. Did you realize that King James was actually King James VI of Scotland and King James I of England? Talk about confusing. Yes, this is the King who the King James version of the bible was named after, but he is also supposed to have had the most debauched court and this led to trouble and persecution. When Frances Gorges, our heroine, is forced to leave her quiet estate to serve as a lady of the court she is put in grave danger as the politics and religious intolerance wreaks havoc around her. Guy Fawkes’ night is celebrated in the UK where they chant “Remember, remember the 5th of November” and set off fireworks and light bonfires to commemorate when a plot to blow up parliament was thwarted in 1605. The Gunpowder Plot, as it is called, is the background of this novel and if you enjoy history, you will be intrigued with the tale of espionage, flattery and drama that unfolds in these pages. I hope everyone goes out and buys a book to share with a friend on Christmas Eve and happy reading!
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NOVEMBER 2018
WHAT'S COOKING Kale & Tortellini Soup BY SAM JOHNSON, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CULLINARY | 1776 Ingredients
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil • medium yellow onion, chopped • 1 lb. cooked italian sausage links, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 oz. can crushed tomatoes • 6 c. low-sodium chicken broth • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • 2 packages refrigerated cheese tortellini • 1 oz. can red beans, drained • 10 oz. chopped kale
As we approach the winter months this is a soup that warms the soul. And super easy to put together; great for quick easy weeknight dinner – or can be dressed up for dinner party. I hope you all enjoy as much as I have. Step 1
In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add italian sausage and cook until golden, about 4 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, and red pepper flakes and season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Bring to a boil and add tortellini. Reduce
heat to medium-low and simmer until tortellini is cooked and flavors start to meld, 18 to 20 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in white beans and spinach and cook until spinach has wilted, 2 minutes more.
Step 4
Serve with Parmesan to a kitchen full of friends!
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KESWICK LIFE
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Stunning, 522-acre private sanctuary in the Southwest Mountains and heart of Keswick—a renowned estate area just east of Charlottesville. Property features: impressive grounds, farm and manor home, built circa 2008 with the highest quality craftsmanship and unique materials, with great attention paid to every detail. Over 14,000 finished square feet of elegant living space, with two other large homes and a barn. Jim Faulconer 434.981.0076 MLS# 581157 For full details, please go to: www.bramblewoodva.com
◆ CARAPAN ◆ Very private, 2.5 acres with lovely views of the golf course and distant mountains. Architecturally designed 7,000+ square foot residence with 5 bedrooms. www. keswickestate.net MLS#451592 $1,650,000 Charlotte Dammann 434.981.1250
◆ STONY POINT ◆ 1 level cottage, 12.7 tranquil acres, large stream. Great room floor plan, full kitchen, generous master, room for second bedroom, both with copper tub. MLS#583204 $435,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076
◆ LAFAYETTE ◆ Tucked in a quiet and peaceful setting down a delightfully tree-lined lane is this attractive, three story clapboard house. First floor master suite, five additional bedrooms on 91 gently rolling acres, great views, stream. MLS#574119 $2,395,000 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
◆ LA FOURCHE ◆ In the heart of Keswick a lovingly restored and updated circa 1788 main house with attached tavern, 2 dependencies and party barn on 4 acres. Views of the historic Southwest Mtn. only minutes to Charlottesville and UVA MLS#577241 $2,475,000 C. Dammann, 434.981.1250
◆ PAVILIONS AT PANTOPS ◆ Well maintained & fully upgraded 3BR, 2 full, 2 half bath townhome w/ over 2,100 sq.ft. of living space in the conveniently located Pavilion at Super low maintenance, energy efficient home. MLS#582845 $319,000 Will Faulconer 434-987-9455
◆ FOX RIDGE ◆ Enjoy expansive views of nearby lake and Southwest Mountains from this spacious, 5 bedroom brick residence in the heart of Keswick on 21 acres. Ten minutes to shopping and all Charlottesville has to offer. MLS#572756 $995,000 Charlotte Dammann 434.981.1250
www.mcleanfaulconer.com 17
NOVEMBER 2018
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Cowherd Mtn. Farm
232 acres in a private valley of the Madison-Barbour Historic Dist. Near Somerset and Montpelier. MLS# 571908 $1,785,000 Joe Samuels 434-981-3322
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KESWICK LIFE
COMMUNITY
Montpelier’s Mudrinich Honored On Retirement After 30 Years As Estate’s Chief Horticulturist BY KESWICK LIFE, PHOTOGRAPHY BY FREDERICK MADISON SMITH
The National Society of the Madison Family Descen-
pelier’s unique and historic landscape; she has been an articulate and tireless advocate for the importance of intelligent and practical gardening and historic landscape management and their relationship to the national character of Mr. Madison’s ‘Extended Republic’ “ said Frederick Madison Smith, current president of the Madison Descendants.
dants held a luncheon to honor Sandra J. Mudrinich on her retirement as Horticulturist from James Madison’s Montpelier on Sunday, Nov 4., at Rochambeau Restaurant in Gordonsville. Mudrinich was the 2018 recipient of The Madison Family Cup, an annual award given by the Madison descendants to individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to the restoration of the Montpelier estate. Over 30 Madison family members and guests, including The Hon. William von Raab, former United States Commissioner of Customs, turned out to honor Mudrinich for her 33 years of service to Montpelier and to recognize her significant work in the restoration of the estate’s historic and nationally important gardens and woodland landscape. J. Ridgely Porter III of Orange, a charter member and past president of the Madison Descendants, presented the award to Mudrinich as her nominator. “Sandy has worked at Montpelier since 1985 and has served as chief horticulturist since 1987. For 33 years she has supervised the care and maintenance of 2,700 acres of woodland, pastures, formal gardens, walking trails and old growth forests of a large Presidential estate,“ Porter said. “Her first project was the reclamation of the formal DuPont Gardens from invasive plants. She inventoried 80 varieties of lilies, peonies and bearded iris. Her efforts have made the DuPont Gardens a current horticultural jewel, and the gardens were chosen by the Garden Club of Virginia as an ongoing restoration project,” Porter said. “Sandy also developed a one and one-half mile nature trail in The Old Growth Forest. She has created brochures for visitors to view specimen trees and learn about ecology and James Madison's role as an 18th century environmentalist. She led seasonal walks deep into the James Madison Landmark Forest and partnered with Master Naturalists to lead educational walks through the Demonstration Forest. She also taught cultivation strategies which generate mutual benefits to nature and man, both today and in President Madison's
Sandra J. Mudrinich of Gordonsville accepts The 2018 Madison Family Cup Award from J. Ridgely Porter III of Orange, past president and charter member of The National Society of the Madison Family Descendants, at a luncheon in her honor at Rochambeau Restaurant in Gordonsville on Sunday, Nov. 4.
Sandra J. Mudrinich of Gordonsville, front center, with Madison Family Descendants Board Members, from left front, The Hon. Helen Marie Taylor of Orange and Richmond, Susan Lewis Fogg of Tappahannock, and from left back, Frederick Madison Smith of Atlanta, Ga., J. Ridgely Porter III of Orange and A. Preston Moore, Jr. of Charlottesville, in front of the William Dunlap portrait of President James Madison at Bloomsbury, ancestral home of President Madison’s grandmother Frances Taylor Madison, in eastern Orange County. time and supported the introduction of natural meadows throughout the property,” Porter said. “Sandy was also the moving force in the restoration of the Oriental Garden at Bassett House, home of the Executive Director of Montpelier,” Porter said. “Her contributions to the preservation and restoration of Montpelier have been a gift of unselfish love, and she has made a substantial impact on a Presidential site,” Porter said.
Following the award presentation at Rochambeau Restaurant, the party toured Bloomsbury, the ancestral home of President Madison’s paternal grandmother, Frances Taylor Madison, in eastern Orange County as guests of The Hon. Helen Marie Taylor of Orange and Richmond, also a charter member of the Madison Descendants. The oldest extant Colonial era dwelling in Orange County, the Bloomsbury estate once included a significant and intricate 18th century garden landscape which was the subject of an intensive study undertaken in 2007 by Carrie Trebil under the auspices of The Rudy J. Favretti Fellowship sponsored by The Garden Club of Virginia. Mrs. Taylor’s plan is to one day reconstruct these important 18th century Virginia gardens. Built ca. 1722 by Col. James Taylor II and his wife, Martha Thompson Taylor, Bloomsbury is unique among Orange County estates as the ancestral home of both President Madison and the latter’s second cousin, Zachary Taylor, 12th President of the United States. The National Society of the Madison Family Descendants is a benevolent, historical and genealogical association formed in 1986 by the collateral descendants of President James Madison, 4th President of the United States and “Father of the Constitution,” to perpetuate the memory of his political achievements, to develop and foster fellowship among his lawful collateral descendants, to develop and share family research, and to support activities which develop these goals, including preservation of family landmarks.
“We are honored to be the ones to recognize Sandy’s extraordinary achievement in the restoration of Mont-
Jane Hammond of Barboursville, DeLane Williams Porter of Orange and The Hon. Helen Marie Taylor of Orange and Richmond at Rochambeau Restaurant in Gordonsville on Sunday, Nov. 4, during a luncheon to honor Sandra J. Mudrinich of Gordonsville on her retirement as Horticulturist at James Madison’s Montpelier after 32 years of service to the Presidential estate.
19
J. Ridgely Porter III of Orange, Sandra J. Mudrinich of Gordonsville, The Hon. Helen Marie Taylor of Orange and Richmond, and Frederick Madison Smith of Atlanta, Ga., at the Nov. 4 luncheon honoring Mudrinich on her retirement from James Madison’s Montpelier after 32 years of service as Horticulturist.
NOVEMBER 2018
FEATURED PROPERTY
FEATURED PROPERTY Linden Ridge
An ideally situated country property located in the much sought after historic Keswick Hunt area Located among other estates in the Keswick Hunt area of Albemarle County. The 1920’s home is situated on a knoll in the center of 70 private acres, with dramatic views of the Southwest Mountains. Close to Charlottesville, this Four Bedroom home is insulated from road noise, and extremely private. A gourmet kitchen includes granite counters, custom butcher block and stainless steel appliances. The exterior includes a detached garage, formal gardens with irrigation, rear patio, and numerous large specimen trees. The turnkey estate also offers a guest cottage, entertainment/art studio barn, stable, nuerous fenced paddocks, stream, gated entry.
For further information contact Justin Wiley 434.981.5528 $1,995,000
1920’s home with views of the Southwest Mountains
The Dining Room
The Kitchen
The Living Room
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MAY 2014
KESWICK LIFE
PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET
PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET
Mount Sharon Mount Sharon
Cowherd Mtn. Farm in Cowherd Mtn. Farm
Brilliantly sited on the brow of the second highest point in Orange County lies one Brilliantly sited on the brow of thehistoric second of Virginias most magnificent highest point in Orange County lies one estates, Mount Sharon Farm. With of Virginias most magnificent historic panoramic views of the Blue Ridge estates, Mount Sharon With Mountains and Coastal PlainFarm. the property panoramic views of the Blue Ridge showcases an extraordinary, circa 1937 Mountains and Coastal Plain the property Georgian Revival-style residence showcases an extraordinary, circa 1937 surrounded by 10+ acres of worldGeorgian Revival-style residence renowned gardens created by the current surrounded by 10+highly acres respected of worldowners alongside renowned gardens created by the landscape architect Charles J.current Stick. owners alongside highly respected Comprised of 560+ gently rolling acres, landscape architect Charles Stick. Mount Sharon Farm offersJ. fertile Comprised oflush 560+ gently rolling acres, cropland, pastures, farm Mount Sharon Farm fertile improvements, and aoffers wonderful cropland, of lush pastures, all farm assortment dependencies, in improvements, and a wonderful excellent condition. On Virginia and assortment of dependencies, all in National Historic Registers. excellent condition. On Virginia and National Historic Registers.
in a private valley of the Madison-Barbour In Rural Historic District near Somerset and In a private valley of the Madison-Barbour James Madison's Montpelier, Cowherd Rural Historic District Somerset and Mtn Farm enjoys fertilenear soil and abundant James Madison's Montpelier, Cowherd water. Revolutionary War Vet Francis Mtn Farmpurchased enjoys fertile soilJames and abundant Cowherd from Madison water. Revolutionary War Vet Francis and left his name on the mountain which Cowherdaspurchased fromto James serves a shelter theMadison farm. and left his name mountain which Approximately 1/2on thethe farm is established serves with as the a shelter the forest. farm. pasture balance intomature Approximately 1/2 the farm is established This is the Keswick Hunt and suitable for pastureor with thelivestock. balance inWith mature forest. horses other morning This afternoon is the Keswick Hunt and suitable for sun, shade, & gentle slope, this horses or other livestock. With morning is perfect for a vineyard. The farmhouse sun,3afternoon & gentle has br's and 2 shade, baths for a farmslope, mgr orthis as is perfect for a vineyard. The farmhouse a staging area while you build on a knoll has 3 br's andthe 2 baths farm mgr or as overlooking valleyfor toathe mountains. a staging area while you build on knoll Not in conservation easementa with overlooking the valley to the mountains. potential tax benefits Not in conservation easement with potential taxinformation benefits contact For further
For further information contact : Steve McLean 434.981.0076 For further information contact : Steve McLean 434.981.0076
Joe Samuels 434.295.8540. For further information contact t Joe Samuels 434.295.8540. t
La Fourche La Fourche La Fourche - Significant property in heart of Keswick with a lovingly restored & La Fourchemain - Significant in heart updated house property with attached of Keswick with a lovingly restored & tavern, two dependencies & party barn. updated main house with attached The gracious home features an attractive tavern, two dependencies & partycenter barn. floorplan highlighted by a spacious The gracious home features an attractive hall leading to the first floor living, dining, floorplan & highlighted by a spacious kitchen library/media room.center The hall leading to the first floor living, second & third floors have a lovely dining, master kitchen & with library/media room. The suite along five additional spacious second & third floors have a lovely master bedrooms, five & half baths & home suite along with additional spacious office. Just to thefive side of the house is a bedrooms, five & half baths home large patio with views of the & historic office. Just Mtns to thefor side of the house is a Southwest numerous outdoor large patio with views of the historic activities & enjoyment. Live large on the Southwest outdoor four acres Mtns and for yet numerous only minutes to activities & enjoyment. Live large on the Charlottesville & University of Virginia. four acres and yet only minutes to Charlottesville & University of Virginia. For further information contact Charlotte Dammann, 434.981.1250In the For further information contact Charlotte Dammann, 434.981.1250In the
Redcliffe Redcliffe Private setting with panoramic Blue Ridge views, minutes to downtown Private setting withc.panoramic Blue Ridge Charlottesville. 1902, beautifully views, minutes to downtown renovated 6,500 sq ft fieldstone manor Charlottesville. c. 1902, including beautifully with gracious additions a renovated 6,500 sq ft fieldstone manor professionally designed, kitchen/family with with gracious additions including room 15 ft ceilings, custom Englisha professionally designed, kitchen/family oak cabinetry, limestone floors, with a room stone with 15 ft ceilings, custom English large fireplace. A wide gallery off oak cabinetry, limestone floors, the kitchen connects the downstairswith livinga large stone fireplace. A wide gallery off spaces, creating perfect flow for a large the kitchen connects the downstairs living family or entertaining. Upstairs is a private spaces, creating perfect for a large master suite and bath,flow 4 additional family or entertaining. Upstairs is ainclude private bedrooms and 2 baths. Amenities master suite and bath, 4 additional a large soccer/athletic field, guest house, bedrooms 2 baths. Amenities salt water and pool and pool house,include 4-car a large soccer/athletic guest house, garage and beautiful, field, mature grounds. salt water poolviews. and pool house, 4-car Huge mountain garage and beautiful, mature grounds. Huge mountain views. For further information contact : Peter Wiley 434.293.3900 For further information contact : Peter Wiley 434.293.3900
$3,795,000 $3,795,000
$ 18,500,000 $ 18,500,000
$1,785,000 $1,785,000
Linden Ridge Linden Ridge LINDEN RIDGE – A private 70
Arcourt Round Hill Misty Ridge Farm Arcourt Long after other homes have crumbled, Round Hill Misty Ridge Farm One of the loveliest farms in Albemarle Residential and Equestrian Property in the stone walls of ARCOURT will remain-
Located among other estates in the LINDENHunt RIDGE private 70Cty. The Keswick area–ofAAlbemarle Located among other 1920’s home is situated onestates a knollin in the the Keswick Hunt area of Albemarle Cty. The center of the manicured acreage, with 1920’s home is situated onMtns. a knoll in the dramatic views of the SW Close to center of the manicured acreage, with C’ville, this 4 BR home is insulated from dramatic views the SW Mtns. Close to road noise, andofextremely private. The C’ville, this 4 BR home is insulated from exterior includes a detached garage, road noise, andwith extremely private. The formal gardens irrigation, rear patio, exterior includes detached garage, and numerous largeaspecimen trees. Also formal gardens with irrigation, rear patio, included: guest cottage, entertainment/art and numerous large specimen trees. Also studio barn, stable, fencing, stream, gated included: guest cottage, entertainment/art entry. studio barn, stable, fencing, stream, gated entry. For further information contact Justin Wiley 434.981.5528 For further information contact t r Justin Wiley 434.981.5528 t r
$ 1,995,000 $ 1,995,000 20. 20.
after other have crumbled, aLong testament to thehomes quarried natural stone the stone walls of ARCOURT will and superb quality construction remainused to a testament to the natural stone create this one of aquarried kind estate. Spacious and superb quality construction used to (over 5800 finished sq. ft.) French-inspired create this one of aon kind estate. Spacious custom residence 22 private acres in (over 5800 Hunt finished sq. ft.) French-inspired Keswick Country, completely custom residence on 22 private in fenced for horses, 3-stall stable,acres guest Keswick Hunt Country, completely quarters, with shop/garage underneath. fenced of forresidence horses, features 3-stall stable, Interior an openguest floor quarters, with shop/garage plan, with large rooms, high underneath. ceilings, tall Interior of residence features an openThere floor windows, and heated stone floors. plan, with large rooms, high ceilings, tall is a main-level master suite, second windows, and heated stone floors. There bedroom or study on the first floor, two is a main-level master more bedrooms and twosuite, baths second on the bedroom or study on the first floor, two second level. more bedrooms and two baths on the second level. For further information contact Jim Faulconer 434.981.007 For further information contact t r Jim Faulconer 434.981.007 t r
$2,490.000 $2,490.000
$2,475,000 $2,475,000
county, Round Hill Farm is perched on a One of the in Albemarle hilltop on loveliest 21 acresfarms in the heart of county, Round Hill Farm is perched Keswick,featuring 4 bedrooms and on 3 ½a hilltop on 21 acres in the heart baths. Fireplaces throughout,, there isof a Keswick,featuring bedrooms 3½ magnificent great 4room with and 22-foot baths. Fireplaces there ash is a cathedral ceilings throughout,, framed by natural magnificent great room with 22-foot beams and an antique wine barrel cathedral ceilings framed by natural ash chandelier. The home boasts a gourmet beams and an antique wine barrel kitchen with a Wolf stove, farm sink, tile chandelier. The boasts a gourmet backsplash and home skylight. There are 17 kitchen with a Wolf stove, farm sink, tile acres of horse-fenced pastures, a four-stall backsplash and skylight. ThereNestled are 17 barn, with bathroom and kitchen. acres of horse-fenced pastures, a four-stall in this highly desirable area, and only 20 barn, with and kitchen. Nestled minutes tobathroom downtown Charlottesville. in this highly desirable area, and only 20 minutes toinformation downtown Charlottesville. For further contact Frank Hardy 434.296.0134 For further information contact t r Frank Hardy 434.296.0134 t r
$3,495,000 $3,495,000
21
sought after Keswick Location on over Residential and Equestrian Property in 20 acres . Spacious Living and Dining sought after Keswick Location on over Rooms with Fireplaces andWood Floors 20 acres . Spacious Living and Dining Family Room with Fireplace and WetBar Rooms with Fireplaces andWood Floors A Large First Floor Master Suite and Family Room with Fireplace and WetBar Year-Round SunRoom overlooks Terrace A Large First Floor Master Suitewith and and Swimming Pool. Kitchen Year-Round SunRoom overlooks Terrace Breakfast Nook and Large Laundry and Swimming Pool. Kitchen with Room . Finished Basement. Upper Level Breakfast Nook and Large Laundry Home Office and Study. Guest Cottage Roomfireplace . Finished. Basement. Upper Level with 8-Stall Stable 3-Board Home Office and Study. Guest Cottage Fenced Paddocks 5 miles into with fireplace . 8-Stall Stable Gordonsville, 12 miles 3-Board into Fenced Paddocks 5 miles into Charlottesville Gordonsville, 12 miles into Charlottesville For further information contact Duke and Sharon Merrick 434. 951.5160 For further information contact Duke and Sharon Merrick 434. 951.5160
$1,100,000 $1,100,000
NOVEMBER 2018
FROM AFAR Cherished Recipes from Philadelphia's Historic Radnor Hunt
“It’s no secret that foxhunters love a good
SOUTHERN ALBEMARLE. Our custom 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home nestles on a 5+ acre private parcel just 5 miles from the Wegmans shopping area in Southern Albemarle Co. The home was created in 2016 by Orange County craftsman Ken Stanley and features a soaring stone fireplace, vast open living areas with great light, a wraparound covered porch, a main level master suite plus a “mini-master” on the upper level. We have 2 attached garages plus a basement garage/ shop/man cave! The 4,639 superior quality finished sf above grade, plus the 2,671 sf unfinished basement allows room to grow for any family. Featured is Hardiplank construction with real stone accents in and out to match the fireplace, combined with the superior wood and tile floors make this a must see home. $1,250,000
party, a good drink, and especially good food. Whether it’s contained in a pewter flask or in a crystal port glass; whether it’s served on a paper plate or Wedgewood porcelain; whether it’s a post hunting tailgate, hunt breakfast or a dinner for 12, Radnor Hunt has always epitomized the best of eating, drinking and making merry!” It is this sentiment that inspired the creation of The Fox’s Kitchen, author Virginia Jud McNeil. From the Radnor Hunt, the oldest continuous foxhunting organization in the US comes The Fox's Kitchen, a beautiful cookbook featuring fifteen full menus and nearly one hundred recipes that reflect the intersection between a beloved country sport and entertaining. To celebrate this long devotion to sport, food, and drink, members and friends of the hunt have come together to create this beautiful collection. The almost 300-page full color hardback book features over 125 recipes from Radnor Hunt members and friends plus photos and anecdotes of hunt history and etiquette. All net proceeds from the sales of the cookbook will be donated to The Hounds Foundation (a charitable 501(c) (3) organization). The Foundation, based in Chester Springs, PA, exists to perpetuate an understanding of the country way of life, promote land conservation, maintain and preserve the history and traditions of hunting with hounds and to educate the public on proper hound breeding and care. The Foundation actively seeks to assist in the conservation of open space and works with conservation groups to achieve this goal.
tion to food and drink. Recipes from hunt country kitchens were collected, in some cases pried away, from the chefs, cooks, and mixologists who have been devotedly preparing their fare over decades. All entries have been tested by a panel of expert gluttons! Beautifully designed, the full color hardback book features menus inspired by hunting traditions, and gorgeous photographs of food and foxhunting. In addition to working with an amazing group of volunteers, theyalso worked with some great professionals including Brian Donnelly (Donnelly Studios), who specializes in food photography and food stylist, Dan Macey (dantasticfood), to ensure that each of our recipes looked great. The Club members spent many hours assisting Dan – cooking and helping to stage the shots Next steps were working with Laura Palese (Laura Palase Design) who specializes in designing cookbooks and Rebecca Miller Ffrench (The Upstate Table) our production manager and editor who brought all the pieces together. Plus, there’s also some pretty wonderful photographs of horses and hounds by artist, Genevieve Snyder (Genevieve Fine Art). I hope you’ll consider adding this great book to your cookbook collection or giving it as a gift. While it’s available on Amazon, we’d be grateful if you ordered it directly from The Hounds Foundation. Founded in 1883, Radnor Hunt is the oldest continuous foxhunting organization in the United States, recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America. The Fox’s Kitchen is published by the Derrydale Press. All proceeds from sales benefit The Hounds Foundation, a charitable, 501(c)(3) organization.
The Radnor Hunt Cookbook Committee, comprised of Radnor Hunt Members and Friends, sought to celebrate this devo-
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Justin H. Wiley
Peter A. Wiley
434.981.5528 justin@wileyproperty.com
434.422.2090 peter@wileyproperty.com
132A East Main Street • Orange, VA 22960
503 Faulconer Drive, Suite 6 • Charlottesville, VA 22903
MLS# 574653 • $1,995,000
MLS# 582363 • $1,460,000
LINDEN RIDGE – A private 70 ac estate located among other estates in the Keswick Hunt area of Albemarle Cty. The 1920’s home is situated on a knoll in the center of the manicured acreage, with dramatic views of the SW Mtns. Close to C’ville, this 4 BR home is insulated from road noise, and extremely private. The exterior includes a detached garage, formal gardens with irrigation, rear patio, and numerous large specimen trees. Also included: guest cottage, entertainment/art studio barn, stable, fencing, stream, gated entry.
WILDAIR FARM – A 52 acre horse farm nestled in the heart of one of Western Albemarle’s most beautiful pastoral enclaves. The rolling mix of productive fenced pasture, towering, mature hardwoods, a bold stream and two large ponds offers a diversity rarely found on a farm of this size. Horse facilities include stable, equipment buildings, manager’s apartment, run-ins and a 100 x 200 ring. 11 miles from Charlottesville. A rare offering.
Justin H. Wiley – 434.981.5528
Peter A. Wiley – 434.422.2090
MLS# 580728 • $379,000
MLS# 558491 • $995,000
LAUREL RUN – 38 acre parcel with stunning mountain views, just minutes from downtown Orange. The land is mostly open with numerous springs and two mountain streams. Located in a beautiful estate area and less than a mile from James Madison’s Montpelier. Also, conveniently located to Charlottesville and 1 hour from Dulles International Airport. Property is available with additional acreage.
SCOTTSVILLE FARM – A beautiful, medium-sized horse farm or retreat 14 miles from town. The turn-of-the-century farmhouse is well-sited in the center of 77 acres of fenced pasture and fields, with a beautiful stable, large pond and trails. The farm offers privacy and views and is adjacent to over 1500 acres of protected farmland. A 6-stall center aisle barn with power, hot and cold water, bathroom, tack room, wash stall and shavings storage is positioned near the large outdoor ring.
Justin H. Wiley – 434.981.5528
Peter A. Wiley – 434.422.2090
MLS# 561402 • $429,000
MLS# 573218 • $3,570,000
BLUE RUN ROAD – This 47 +/- acre property, located in the Somerset area of Orange County has unparalleled Blue Ridge views and complete privacy. The custom built 3 bedroom 2 bath timber frame home features a large family room / kitchen combination with a vaulted ceiling. The house is powered by solar and has a propane furnace.
MILE END RIDGE – In a beautiful 114 ac elevated setting with expansive mountain views, this residence is an expansive English country manor replete with all modern conveniences. The first floor is comprised of the timbered foyer, walnut library, dining room, music room, gourmet kitchen, adjoining family room, half bath, laundry room, and amazing master suite. The second floor includes 4 additional bedrooms with baths, and a widow’s walk. An Infinity pool, pool house/guest apartment and 4 car garage complete the offering.
Justin H. Wiley – 434.981.5528
W W W .W I L E Y P R O P E R T Y. C O M
Peter A. Wiley – 434.422.2090