Middleburg Life, December 2015

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID BURKE, VA PERMIT NO. 44

Postal Customer

Volume 33 Issue 8 • December 2015 www.middleburglife.com

Inside:

Ben Wegdam Marvin Simms Jenn Pineau

Oysters Tomatoes French Toast And Pizza

BILL WOLF EMBRACES LIFE IN MIDDLEBURG AND A MEDICAL INNOVATION PHOTO BY: MONA BOTWICK FOR EQUESTRIAN STYLE © VICKY MOON

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WWW.ATOKAPROPERTIES.COM WWW.MIDDLEBURGREALESTATE.COM

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December 2015

M i d d l e b u r g

Middleburg 540-687-6321 | Purcellville 540-338-7770 | Leesburg 703-777-1170

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10000 MOUNT AIRY RD, UPPERVILLE, VA - Extraordinary brick colonial on 50+ gorgeous acres in prestigious Greystone. Over 9000 sq.ft.of spectacular living space featuring 3 beautifully finished levels. Heated pool, tennis court and brilliant gardens overlook a picturesque pond with fabulous mtn views, in a private & secluded location. $3,999,000 Peter Pejacsevich Scott Buzzelli 540-270-3835 540-270-3835

35529 DEER POND LN, ROUND HILL, VA - A long winding drive past a picturesque pond leads to an exquisite brick & stucco colonial on 10 gorgeous acres. This 12 room residence boasts 4 bedrooms and 5 1/2 baths; a stunning Family Rm with vaulted ceilings, full stone wall fireplace; tiled Sun Rm with wet bar, a luxurious Mstr Bedroom & bath; Beautiful heated pool and spa all in pristine condition! $1,145,000 Peter Pejacsevich Scott Buzzelli 540-270-3835 540-270-3835

35679 MILLVILLE RD, MIDDLEBURG, VA - Beautiful stone home on 40+ acres just minutes from the town of Middleburg. Goose creek runs through the property. This bright, spacious 4 bdrm 5 bath house is perfect for entertaining.

Open floor with spacious light-filled dining room and living room that open up to decks and views of Goose Creek. Exquisite 8-stall stone horse barn with tack room. Additional guest house and lot available. $2,800,000

3085 RECTORTOWN RD, MARSHALL, VA - NEW PRICE! Offers welcomed. Charming cottage in Rectortown.

3BR/2.5BA works well as weekender or full-time living.

Amenities include Viking range, soapstone counters, exquisite hardwood floors, restful porches, wood-burning fireplace, French doors. 2,200+/- sq ft., fenced yard.

Peaceful home about 10 minutes of Middleburg, Marshall, I-66. DC60 minutes. $524,000

2558 BISHOP MEADE RD, BOYCE, VA - Turnkey farm in Clarke Co. Horses or other livestock. Magnificent views. Updated 5488 sq ft 3/4 bdrm house, 11 stalls attached to indoor arena,135 fenced acres, water in every field, 4 wells. 5 acre pond w/ large barn/machine shed. Irrigation system. Would make great vineyard or organic farm, horse operation. Super rideout in Blue Ridge Hunt country. 1 hour to Dulles and 66 miles to Washington, DC $2,950,000

466 MONTANA HALL LN S, WHITE POST, VA - 200+ acres South of Rt 50 in Clarke Co. Historic farm, 705 acres, being divided one time. Parcel offered includes main house (8000+ sq ft) attached 1 bedroom “Coal House”, 1 tenant hse, a 4 car, 2 level garage, summer kitchen/guest house, Ice House/wine cellar, rolling pastures, fantastic views of the Blue Ridge Mnts, VOF esmt, barn, outbuildings, 2 ponds, spring hse, VA historic registry. $3,100,000

Walter Woodson

Anne McIntosh

Anne McIntosh

703-499-4961

703-509-4499

DAVIOT-BOYCE RD - Charming 6 bdrm/4 full bath house on ten acres in the heart of Blue Ridge Hunt Country.

Features include master on main level, open kitchen, sun room w/ stone fireplace, finished basement w/ bedroom/full bath, library, and more. Other structures on property include 2, 2-car garages, 2 barns, pool, potting shed, dog kennel, mature landscaping, stone work, flagstone patio. Add’l 22 acres available. $995,000

590 KENNEL RD, BOYCE, VA - Charming authentic log cabin, 5 acres in Clarke County south of rt 50. Potential for horses, huntbox, private lot, surrounded by land in easement. Beautiful wood flooring, beamed ceilings, front porch.

Constructed in 1997, recent new HVAC throughout. Perfect for wknd get away or couple wanting to downsize. Within 5 minutes of village of Millwood, 50 min to Dulles airport, 20 min to Winchester. $365,000

Anne McIntosh

Anne McIntosh

703-509-4499

BEAutiful 60 ACrE wOOdEd lOt witH twO durS. twO 4 BdrM pErC SitES lOCAtEd. wAlkiNg trAilS tHrOugHOut. wildlifE gAlOrE. CONVENiENtlY lOCAtEd - MiNutES tO MiddlEBurg, uppErVillE, dullES AirpOrt 40 MiNutES AwAY. BEAutiful ViEwS Of tHE BluE ridgE. $1,200,000 lOVElY piECE Of fArM lANd, 90 ACrES, pArt pASturE, pArt NiCE BEAutiful ViEwS Of tHE BluE ridgE MOuNtAiNS. 3 durS witH prOpErtY. iS CurrENtlY NOt iN EASEMENt. AgriCulturE uSE. iN tHE HEArt Of BluE ridgE HuNt COuNtrY. fABulOuS ridE Out iN A HOrSE friENdlY COMMuNitY. twO 4 BEdrOOM pErC SitES. $1,570,000

Scott Buzzelli 540-270-3835

703-509-4499

703-509-4499

912 WHITE POST RD, WHITE POST, VA - Timber, stucco, limestone cust const home privately on 60 ac w/ vernal stream & pond. Home boasts contemp sophistication w/ trad’l materials & regional aesthetic.Stone fireplace open to Kitchen & dining ideal for entertaining. Sustainably built w/ solar radiant systems. Quality outbuildings: garage w/guest qtrs, run-in shed, hay barn, greenhse, large shop with apt & office. Blue Ridge Hunt country. $1,395,000 Anne McIntosh 703-509-4499

20022 TRAPPE RD, BLUEMONT, VA - Beautiful 136 Acre Horse Property, Upperville area, Loudoun County. Attractive, updated & comfortable 4-5 Bedroom Main House, open spacious rooms, good flow, & wonderful views. Pool. Guest House. 8 stall Main Barn, 4 stall additional Barn. 2 Bedroom log Cabin. 100’ x 200’ Arena. At the foot hills of the Blue Ridge, in Piedmont Hunt Territory. 42 Acres not in Conservation, 94 Acres in conservation, as are the neighboring Horse Farms & properties.

LO8578798 $3,200,000

36581 LEITH LN, MIDDLEBURG, VA - At 200 yrs (c.1815), “Berry Hill” has been fully renovated by a new owner, and is back on the market better than ever* *Contact agent for list of updates* *Thoughtful changes meet modern expectations but retain all the home’s historic charm* *10-ac gem features a spring-fed pond, paddocks, stable, and scenic grounds* *Inside, large bright rooms are warmed by generous use of stone & wood* *Simply delightful** $1,166,000

Mary Owen Chatfield-Taylor

Kim Hurst YourCountryHome.net

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TWO LOTS JOHN MOSBY, BOYCE, VA

Peter Pejacsevich 540-270-3835

EW

I PR

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MAturE fOrESt.

ANNE MCiNtOSH 703-509-4499

540-454-6500

703-932-9651

By Leonard Shapiro For Middleburg Life

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

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Marvin Simms loves the town and it shows.

Middleburg

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idd leburg b e comes even more magical during the holiday season, evidenced by the thousands of enthusiastic spectators who lined the streets on Dec. 5 to watch the annual hunt review, complete with hounds and horses, followed a few hours later by the Christmas parade.

And those streets were and still are mostly immaculate, free of leaves and other debris, as usual, with all the trash cans emptied not long after they began filling up. Sparkling lights and joyful Christmas decorations made years ago at The Hill School adorned all the lamp posts around town and will stay there through the New Year.

In short, the town sparkled, and for that, major credit must go to Marvin Simms, Middleburg’s mostly unsung director of maintenance who absolutely prefers to maintain a low profile and avoid the spotlight.

“I guess you could say I’m behind the scenes on a lot of different things,” Simms said a few weeks before the Christmas parade, the highlight of the most hectic weekend of his year. “I’m definitely kind of shy, and definitely camera shy. I like to keep it light and just do the job.”

A native of Purcellville who now resides in Berryville, Simms has been on the job in Middleburg for 13 years. He lived here for a number of years and his two children still live in Windy Hill with his ex-wife. And he’s not at all shy about admitting that “I do love this town.

“There’s just something about it,” he said. “I can’t pinpoint it or give you a reason why. It’s just been a part of me for a real long time.”

The town appreciates Simms, as well.

“We get so many compliments,” said Middleburg Town Administrator Martha Semmes. “We just had some people visit us from West Virginia and the first thing they said to us is ‘wow, this town is so clean.’ We all tend to take Marvin for granted. He likes to stay out of the spotlight and he’s not looking for accolades. But he does a great job.”

Simms gets to see plenty around town even before the sun comes up. He starts his work day at 5 a.m. and begins driving his town pick-up truck on every street, checking to make sure there are no downed tree limbs, no overflowing trash cans, no dead animals run over in the night. He’s also an extra set of security eyes at an early morning hour when only one police car is cruising the streets. His rounds also include checking on every town building— the town office, police headquarters, Pink Box, public restrooms and sewer and water plants.

His scariest moment on the job?

“Back where the White Elephant is, one of the buildings had a porch,” he said. “I was emptying the trash and when I looked up, there was this raccoon just looking down at me. No, he didn’t attack me, but it definitely got my attention. The people had left bowls of cat food back there. That’s not a good idea.”

In those early morning drives, Simms said he’s seen all manner of wildlife within the town’s boundaries, scads of deer on a daily basis, more than a few foxes and even the occasional bear wandering around, also scavenging trash cans for tasty morsels.

A good portion of Simms’ day also involves coordinating with a wide variety of government agencies or contractors for various services. If there are potholes or road kill to get rid of, he’s in touch with VDOT. He’s got local tree services, plumbers and electric contractors on his speed dial. And during the parade weekend, he has a small battalion of workers who help handle parking and traffic control after he’s also blocked off certain streets and put up no parking signs all around town.

When Simms lived in Middleburg, he often fielded calls and the occasional knock on his door in the middle of the night.

“It ranged from ‘someone took my trash can’ to ‘my water bill is just crazy’ or ‘I’ve got all this water in my backyard,’” he said.

“I also got a lot of ‘my dog is lost’ and occasionally I’d find them.

It’s always something. And that just goes with the job. You do whatever you have to do, and that’s all good.”

Moore, Clemens & Co

M i d d l e b u r g

Modest Marvin Simms Loves the Town, And it Shows

• December 2015

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VICKY MOON

BADGER LEN

M i d d l e b u r g

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Editor and Advertising Director (540) 687-6059 vickyannmoon@aol.com

Howard Allen: An Honorable Straight Shooter Right to the End

LEONARD SHAPIRO

Columnist & Feature Writer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dulcy Hooper Richard Hooper Betsy Burke Parker Emily Tyler Sophie Scheps Marcia Woolman

By Leonard Shapiro For Middleburg Life

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Doug Gehlsen Crowell Hadden Sophie Scheps Douglas Lees Karen Monroe

DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez PUBLISHED BY: Greenhill Media LLC

Middleburg’s oldest and most respected locally owned and operated newspaper covering the people, lifestyles and trends of the countryside 112 W. Washington St. P.O. Box 1770 Middleburg,VA 20118 (540) 687-6325 www.middleburglife.com All editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

All unsolicited manuscripts and photos must be accompanied by return postage; the publisher assumes no responsibility. Middleburg Life reserves the right to reject any advertising. Distributed in Middleburg, Upperville, Aldie, Millwood, The Plains, Rectortown, Delaplane, Paris, Boyce, Leesburg, Marshall and Warrenton.

To Advertise in

middleburg Life Call Vicky Moon 540.687.6325

or email: vickyannmoon@aol.com

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December 2015

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I

’ll always have this enduring vision of my late friend Howard Allen.

In my mind’s eye, he’s sitting not far from the front door of The Fun Shop, wearing his signature sporty bow tie, surrounded by people eager to have him sign a copy of his new book, with a look of pure joy etched on his beaming face.

Howard was 93 at the time of the publication of “Unforgotten Times: Jackie Kennedy’s Happy Days in the Virginia Hunt Country,” and he always liked to tell everyone that surely he had to be the oldest first-time author in publishing history.

He had produced a gorgeous coffee table book, filled with photographs of Jacqueline Kennedy and her kids he’d taken for many years, as well as his own sweetly-written personal anecdotes.

So what took him so long to get all those words and photos between hard covers?

A g e n t l e m a n ’s agreement. That’s what.

And there wasn’t a finer gentleman around than Howard Allen.

When he passed away last month at age 95, Middleburg lost one of its true treasures, a brilliant photographer, for sure, but a kind, generous, and humble man who’s word of honor truly set him apart. His dealings with Mrs. Kennedy were merely one example.

Back in the 1960s, when she was America’s glamorous First Lady and spending many weekends in the Virginia countryside with her children, and occasionally, her husband, President John F. Kennedy, she met Howard at the local pony club. His children, Page and Betsy, were members, and so were her kids, John and Caroline Kennedy.

Howard never went anywhere without his camera, and with Mrs. Kennedy’s full permission, he captured countless images of the entire family’s equine pursuits over

the years, with one proviso. She asked that he not sell anything to the media, always more than eager to put the photogenic first family on display, the better to sell more papers and magazines. Instead, she purchased many of his photos herself, and Howard never broke her trust.

Long after Mrs. Kennedy’s death in 1994, Howard wanted to put many of those old photographs into what he hoped would be his first book. But before he wrote a single word, or settled on any of the final images, he got in touch with Caroline Kennedy and asked for her blessing. Thank goodness she said yes, leading to a wonderful tribute to both the Kennedys, and the photographer, that clearly was well worth the wait.

A native of Winchester, Howard picked up the photography bug as a teenager and never stopped shooting for virtually the rest of his life. When I interviewed him for a story about his book two years ago, he told me he no longer was working professionally, with one exception. Every year, he was asked to produce The Hill School’s eighth grade class graduation picture, an assignment he always treasured.

Hi s p h ot o g r ap h s have also become the treasured possessions of countless families far and wide. Howard opened his own photography studio in Middleburg in 1955, and for many years made his living shooting fidgety children, precocious pets and more than his share of local weddings.

But Betsy Davis said her father always told the brides that if they were looking for the traditional posed portrait-style pictures, he probably would not be their best choice. Howard preferred to simply let events unfold and candidly shoot the proceedings, offering a far more natural feel and look to the photos, as if he was covering it as a news event. After seeing his previous work, most everyone was eager to have him do the honors.

Howard definitely had a news photographer’s eye, particularly when he was out covering local steeplechase races, horse shows and fox-hunting meets. Many of those photographs appeared in local and national media outlets, and later in a number of books written by area authors.

Howard also stayed relevant to the end.

When photography switched from film to digital, he made a seamless transition.

Once a master craftsman in the darkroom, he learned to photoshop as an octogenarian and continued to keep himself computer savvy, staying in touch via email, which was particularly appreciated by his four grandchildren.

After all, as you might expect from such an honorable man, Howard Allen never forgot a birthday, either.

Badger Len is always on the lookout for good stories. He can be reached at—where else—Badgerlen@aol.com.

By Mark Deane Middleburg Life

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him sight unseen, on Sam’s word alone.

The minute I saw Christopher, I decided to take him.”

We all agreed that Christopher should remain at our farm until the leg injury had healed. Once the swelling and heat were gone, Daley picked him up to begin the next phase in his life—a transition from racehorse to riding horse.

It wasn’t easy.

into mischief.”

She also recounted her memories of him under saddle.

“The first time I jumped him, he jumped so high, he ripped the saddle. Another time, a prospective client showed up to try him, holding a dressage whip. I warned her not to carry the whip, but she assured me she knew what she was doing.

A minute later, Christopher dumped her.”

Christopher Riddle remained at their barn for 14 months, and Daley patiently worked hard to turn Christopher into a riding horse. In the end, he couldn’t make it happen.

“I took him to a hunter sale and recommended him to a horseman who had many more clients than I did,” Daley said.

The horse was sold for $1,100, but as Daley noted, sometimes a little money goes a long way in the very tough horse business. Sandi said she was heartbroken when she returned home and realized Christopher was truly gone; it was a part of the business she never got use to.

Since Christopher left their care, he’s had several new owners, the one constant being that they have all loved him. When I told Tim Daley that Christopher now resides with an older woman who trail rides him on weekends, he asked “have you watched her ride him?”

Honestly, no. But as Christopher has travelled through his adventures, he’s also gotten older and wiser. In our next episode, we’ll pick up Christopher’s story, after the hunter sale.

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ast month’s chapter about the Thoroughbred Christopher Riddle recounted the comedy of errors that resulted in my initially picking up the wrong horse at the racetrack, bringing him home to our Middleburg farm and leaving the real Christopher Riddle behind at the track.

After a very quick trip back to the track to return the “stolen” horse and pick up the right one, Christopher finally made it to Middleburg.

My father, Sam, and I quickly examined Christopher’s leg to determine the extent of the injury. There was definitely heat and swelling in his right tendon and knowing he’d already been on medication, we assumed the worst: it was a serious injury that would take time to heal. But at least he wasn’t lame.

At the time, my father and mother, Jane, ran the little country store in Atoka, frequented by many horse people who would stop by to have lunch and talk horses.

Tim Daley, who had a barn just a few miles away, came in one day and struck up a conversation about Christopher and his injury. Once before, my father had given him another ex-racehorse with Christopher’s exact injury. Since that horse had been rehabilitated into a wonderful jumper for Daley, he was very interested in Christopher.

He came right over to the farm to see him and as Daley recalled, “I almost took

“Christopher had a cute face, a slight frame, and was very kind,” Daley said. “But he also had just enough quirkiness in him to ever be the perfect horse….My first job with a new sales horse in the barn is to find out what a horse can do naturally and work from there.”

Because Christopher was small in stature, Daley hoped for special qualities in his temperament that would make him appealing to potential buyers.

“I was never able to find that natural quality in Christopher because he was spooky,” Daley said, defining Christopher as an “evergreen” – a horse that never picked up on a routine or truly progressed. no matter how consistently he was trained.

Daley admitted it was disappointing, because he felt on so many occasions that he and the horse had come close to success.

But they could never quite conquer Christopher’s spookiness.

Sandi Cerkez, Daley’s wife at the time remembered Christopher very well. She’d followed his story in Middleburg Life, from the plans for his breeding right through to his racetrack career.

“I came home from a show one day, and there he was, in our barn,” she said. “He was such a sweet horse; we hit it off immediately. Tim and I were at the crossroads of our marriage, and Christopher became just the friend I needed at the time.”

His quirkiness was a source of amusement to Sandi.

“Every day was different,” she said. “You could never let him get bored or he’d get

M i d d l e b u r g

Christopher Riddle Finds a New Home, for a While

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January 10 – 13: Begin Within with Dr. John Ellerby, PhD & International Yoga Therapist, Uxia Ellerby

SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL SOUL SERIES CALENDAR WWW.SALAMANDERRESORT.COM/WELLNESS

December 2015

January 8 – 10: Eat for Your Health with Nutritionist Jamie Martinez

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PHOTOS BY: LINDSAY HARRIS

M i d d l e b u r g

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MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS AS OF SEPTEMBER 1: Leesburg Today | Middleburg Life | Partlow Insurance Dr. Sally A. Sibley | Clean Tech, Inc. | MECCO, Inc. Megan Malone | Phil & Piper Phillips Caswell Jim Ward IV | Bill & Debi Alexander | NOVEC McKinsey Developement

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Viivianne Malmgren, Alex Alexander, Ashley Alexander, David Treanor, Stefanie Erkiletian and Ruth Hazel-Little Mirna Minott, Justin Minott and Piper Phillips Caswell

Authors Patricia Daly-Lipe and Tina Boyd came to sign their books

Dancers at the Ball: Kim Ginn and John Henkel

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December 2015

John and Krasi Henkel

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Young Professionals: Rebecca Crowther, Corina Benitz, Alessandra Richards and Sarah Weinstein-Bacal

Katie Miller, Phillips' CCI dog Phillip and alumni Stephen James

Chris Roemersma, Tina Roemersma, Brian Partlow and Courtney Partlow

M i d d l e b u r g L i f e December 2015

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MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

www.middleburglife.com

Experience the Authentic

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By Leonard Shapiro For Middleburg Life

I

t seems only natural that Bill Puckett’s first foray into writing and illustrating a children’s book would be centered around a tomato. After all, he grew up on a farm in the Imperial Valley of Southern California and from the age of nine until he went away to college found himself working in fields filled with various vegetables, most of them tomatoes.

Still, it wasn’t until Puckett moved to the Middleburg area in 1999 that the original seed for his new book, “Tommy’s Back,” began to germinate in his mind. It all started with a party at his home and the subsequent clean-up, when he spotted a lonely little cherry tomato that had fallen off a dining room buffet table and was virtually hidden from view.

“It was like the little guy had just gotten away,” Puckett said in a recent interview.

“For some reason, over the next six weeks, I just kept moving it around the house.

It began to shrivel up and at one point, I started to throw it away. But then I just took some of the seeds and planted them in a 6 by 12 plot out in the garden, and they just kept growing. We got a lot of tomatoes.

And there’s a photo of that original garden in the book.”

Puckett procrastinated in writing the book for a few more years while he pursued his “day job” as founder and creative director of Puckett & Associates, his Middleburg-based marketing and advertising firm. During the Great

Recession of 2008, there was a bit more down time in his business, and he finally sat down and wrote the story, as well as completing all the colorful illustrations. It took him several months to finish, and another seven years to finally get it printed between hard covers.

“It just sort of sat on the shelf,” Puckett said. “But then this whole organic, farm-totable movement started happening, so the timing seemed right to finally put it all together.”

What’s it all about?

“The miracle of life, it’s cycle, and nature’s will to continue life into infinity,” Puckett wrote in a brief introduction to the book.

“I hope you and your child, or the child in you, enjoy my story. It was joy to create.

I am grateful to all who supported and encouraged me to get it published. It will go on forever. Just like us.”

Puckett went from life on the farm to eventually study communications at the Art Center College in Pasadena, earning a degree in advertising and illustration.

He had a 20-year career in marketing and advertising at various New York agencies before coming to Middleburg and eventually opening his own firm, with a local and national clientele.

Happy holidays from Stitch Under New ownership

Planting Tips TIP #1 Plant seeds in a pot and place outdoors in a sunny location, after all danger of frost is past.

TIP #2 Plant each seed ¼” deep and space them 2” apart. Water thoroughly after planting. Keep moist.

TIP #3 Seedlings should appear in about 5 to 10 days. When seedlings are about 6” high with 4 to 6 leaves, transplant into the garden, spacing 24” apart.

“I love the business,” Puckett writes on the company’s website. “The opportunity to understand and immerse myself daily in products, brands, causes, markets and consumers is fantastic. I’m excited about this social media information generation and all the targeting that’s possible. But I’m staunch on remaining strategic and focused on creating content that motivates and drives revenue. I’ve been honored with Clios, Effies, Addys, Art Director’s Club, One Show and others, but to date my biggest honor is having my own shop and leading an office full of bright people who share the same work ethic I do. Make it excellent, or don’t bother.”

Clearly, that same pursuit-of-excellence mantra is evident in “Tommy’s Back.”

It’s beautifully written and exquisitely illustrated, and each book also includes a small pack of 10 tomato seeds for planting by its young readers, complete with simple instructions. Puckett hopes to use the Middleburg area as a test market and plans to make the book available at a stillto-be-chosen local retail outlet. Priced at $16, it’s also available on the internet at tommysback.com.

“With water and sun and lots of good dirt, there were tomatoes galore from that little squirt,” Puckett wrote at the end of the book. “It’s a story of life, never ending indeed, ‘cause each little tomato can grow hundreds from seed. You can continue the miracle, plant and wait for the sprout. And most surely next spring, “Tommy’s back,” you will shout!”

If You’re Looking For Patience Brewster Ornaments Call or Come In To See If We Have What You Need to Complete Your Collection

Mon – Sat: 10a.m-5p.m Sunday: 12p.m-5p.m

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December 2015

M i d d l e b u r g

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From Farm to Bookshelf, a Terrific Tomato Tale

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Please come in and see our beautiful new inventory of canvas, bers and gifts!

Drop-in stitching group – Wednesday night’s from 5p.m-8p.m 122 W. Washington Street Midleburg, Virginia (540) 687-5990 | www.StitchMiddleburg.com

Wisdom Gallery 540-687-3909

10 South Madison Street • Middleburg

By Leonard Shapiro For Middleburg Life

Antiques, Home Décor, Gifts & Reclaimed Furniture

Happy Holidays Bill Wolf

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

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exact GPS location. Clearly, it provides the ultimate safety net everywhere, all the time, with no base units, installation fees, or contracts, and no middleman operators.

Safety. Simply.

Wolf and his partners in Systemedical LLC have already begun the process of contacting state and local government health care agencies about the benefits of their groundbreaking app, not to mention insurance companies, major hospital systems and other health care providers.

Wolf added another significant longterm benefit for the entire health care system.

“It will also help avoid redundant testing and errors due to knowledge gaps,” he said.

“We can avoid unnecessary expenditure and risk, keep patients safe with the emergency button, and by incorporating the web application, provide an easy interface for home tele-medicine and tele-monitoring. It will ultimately allow people to stay at home rather than move to facilities (often called aging-in-place), decrease unnecessary re-admissions to hospitals, and keep patients healthier and safer.”

The app is essentially Wolf ’s brainchild and he said it’s taken more than a year just to have it developed. Getting listed in the Apple Store involved a rigorous vetting process that frequently rejects applicants for not meeting its demanding standards.

Not so with ChartSnap.

A Washington, D.C. native, Wolf graduated from St. Albans, with an undergraduate degree from Princeton.

He went on to medical school at George Washington University with an orthopedic residency at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York and a fellowship in arthroscopy and sports medicine in Richmond. He temporarily moved away from full-time practice in 2005 when he sold his tele-radiology company to two investment banks, but still sees patients part-time several hours a week.

Wolf also is an avid horseman and long-time fox-hunter and knows full well that the SOS feature on the new app would certainly be a great help for riders in distress out in the hunt field.

“We’re very excited about all the possibilities,” Wolf said. “The applications are endless.”

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or many years, Dr. William Wolf was head of orthopedic surgery at Shady Grove Hospital in Rockville.

Like countless physicians, he often was frustrated by not having the most upto-date and full medical histories of his patients. Now, he’s doing something about it.

Along with his partners, Middleburg venture capitalist Steve Lamb and Dr. Oscar Ellison, a great Great Falls internist, he has developed ChartSnap, a new mobile and web app that’s already been accepted and available in the Apple App store as a free download for the first year, then $15 a year thereafter.

ChartSnap users will have instant access to their entire medical record and information anywhere, any time. It can collect and store medical information on an ongoing basis to generate a fully portable lifetime mobile medical record, drug history and home health device record that goes with them to each and every point of care, using the cell phone camera to capture information. ChartSnap does the rest.

In other words, any doctor you visit will have access to your entire medical history from your previous medical visits, all at the full control of the patient. That also includes the ability to gather information collected from any and all Electronic Health Records (EHR), Labs, Xray and MRI facilities, among other information.

“Let’s say you’re in Dallas on a business trip and you’re having chest pains,” Wolf said in a recent interview. “Now you go to the emergency room, and this app will give them instant access to all of your medical records. Everything, and that can only be a great help to you and to your doctors.

Maybe it saves your life. ” A long-time Middleburg area resident, Wolf is truly excited about another innovative feature of the ChartSnap app—a mobile Personal Emergency Response System (PERS).

You’ve seen those TV commercials directed mostly at senior citizens and their concerned adult children for the electronic device worn around the neck to summon help if you’ve slipped and fallen and can’t get up, obviously a frequently realistic nightmare scenario. It costs a fortune and requires a complex set-up and long contract.

The ChartSnap app takes that concept to a stratospheric new level. Everyone who uses it—students at school, grandma at home, you stuck in the middle of nowhere with a medical problem—has a single button which, when pressed, calls 911 directly. With a second button push, the app texts 911 operators and your emergency contacts, like designated family members, in real time. It also sends essential medical information—diagnoses, medications and allergies, as well as your GPS location.

If your mother has fallen in the bathtub, if your daughter is lost at her new school, if you’re simply scared stiff on a deserted street and think you’re being followed, press the ChartSnap SOS button and 911 is on the phone. Press again and your family is alerted, and everyone knows your

M i d d l e b u r g

Middleburg Doctor Charts Course For Breakthrough New Medical App

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L i f e M i d d l e b u r g www.middleburglife.com

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December 2015

Peter Biegel (English, 1913 - 1988), Coming Out of the Pack, 1964 (detail), oil on canvas, 20 x 24 inches

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John Martin Tracy (American, 1844 - 1893), Setters in a Corn Stubble, c. 1885 (detail), oil on canvas, 18 x 30 inches

Contact F. Turner Reuter, Jr. 703.851.5160 tr@redfoxfineart.com Conservation & Restoration · Fine Art Valuations · Consignment & Auction Services www.redfoxfineart.com

By Vicky Moon Middleburg Life

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Jodi Miller Photography

Jennifer “Jenn” Marie Pineau of Nature Composed, now open in Middleburg in such an ecologically taxing industry is something I wrestle with, so I try to do it in the most responsible manner possible. I’m not a purist, but I do my best and have a heavy conscience.”

Pineau grew up in Gloucester, Virginia.

She loved flowers and at 18 got a job at an FTD florist while attending Virginia Commonwealth University.

“I think it was great to have started there, in a very mainstream basic flower shop,” she said. “I learned the accepted approach.”

After completing the Art Foundations program at VCU she was accepted into the crafts major program but was short on funds to continue.

“Art school is not cheap, “ she said.

“Considering my course of study was a hands on trade, I took to apprenticing and found my own way.”

In her early 20s, she found the concept of locally-grown or American-grown flowers when she was hired to manage the greenhouses for the Kluge Estate in Albemarle County.

“I had been doing some gardening

Jodi Miller Photography

“The Red Fox is iconic and we try to respect its history and place,” says Jenn Pineau, who does the holiday decorations through her business Nature Composed San Francisco market is a dream-- full of super fresh product.”

She returned to Virginia and has been cultivating her own gardens and connecting with local growers ever since.

Now in her early 30s, she said, “the cool thing about it, it's really very fun to meet the people who are growing your flowers, they are usually charming characters and I learn a lot from my visits with them.”

Pineau and husband Benoit Pineau, a winemaker at Pollack Vineyards west of Charlottesville, live in the village of

“I started to look into the nuances of the natural world and began to see wholesale blooms as having way less appeal. I read Amy Stewart's Flower Confidential and was floored by the bad review of the industry.” — Jenn Marie Pineau

December 2015

Rochelle in Madison County. They go in different directions each day and she said ”we have two beautiful kids together, they just turned one and four, so it’s fun and crazy at the same time. “ Nature Composed has been in business for eight years. “We've focused on wedding work and operated out of a rented space for four years before building a studio on our property which is where most of the magic happens now,” she said. “The studio is surrounded by our gardens so it couldn't be more ideal. “ Her new Middleburg space is located at 8 East Washington Street just next to the Red Fox Inn. “I’m thrilled to have come to Middleburg and opened a shop,” she told Middleburg Life. ”I think it’s a town that

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work for a friend of Mrs. Kluge and he essentially led me to the job,” she said.

“Shortly after being hired, I began doing flowers for the main house. Some things came from the wholesaler but I did a lot of foraging from the grounds, gardens and greenhouses. It opened up a new vision of flowers. I started to look into the nuances of the natural world and began to see wholesale blooms as having way less appeal. I read Amy Stewart's "Flower Confidential" and was floored by the bad review of the industry.”

She fine-tuned her experience in San Francisco as assistant floral designer at Chez Panisse.

“Max Gill, the designer for Chez grows beautiful gardens and sources from them for the arrangements,” she said. “Plus, the

appreciates the story behind the flowers and a good place to spread the word.”

She believes she’s found her real passion in Middleburg and at her property, “We’re working to make great examples of permaculture gardening principals at work. As I get older I hope to share more about the gardening side of my work.”

For the past two seasons, Pineau has decorated the Red Fox for the holidays.

“The Red Fox is iconic and we try to respect its history and place,” she said. “The fact that we're in hunt country is definitely brought into the design in an authentic way.” For the Red Fox, she sources local greens from The Market at Grelen, a destination nursery in Somerset.

“The selection is like no other,” she said, adding “if you haven't made the trip to check them out, Christmas is the ideal time to do so. We get feathers and dried elements from a variety of sources. This year we'll be incorporating some fun light elements as well.”

The large installation begins early with the help of four or five helpers and it all unfolds in one big day.

And what single piece of advice would Pineau offer others for decorating their home for the holidays?

“Go look outside, that's where you'll find the most beautiful tools for decorating,” she said. “There are some things that hold better than others, so perform some trials with your materials before doing a large installation. Also, spraying the greens with water and shaking them a bit will help expel critters so you don’t have any exciting Christmas surprises.”

www.middleburglife.com

ach year, millions of people buy cut flowers, yet many never stop to consider the story behind that bunch of brilliant red roses from the neighborhood grocery, purchased for a holiday arrangement.

The reality is that most roses are imported from South America and tell the story of an underpaid worker or a poisoned river and carry a heavy carbon footprint.

Eighty percent of all flowers in the U.S. supply come from foreign countries and most consumers never consider the origin of their flower purchases.

There’s now an emerging movement in the floral business that calls for a homegrown answer. One of the many supporters of this movement is Jennifer “Jenn” Marie Pineau, who owns Nature Composed, a boutique florist now open in Middleburg.

Pineau’s answer to a bouquet at this time of year might include heirloom mums, fall blooming camellias and ivy berries. A winter gift could be paper whites forced in an interesting vessel, a bouquet of hellebores and mahonia blooms, or a justwrapped bunch of pussy willows.

Much like the farm-to-table trend for food, the floral industry is in the midst of a significant transformation, advocating the use of locally-grown, seasonal flowers.

When additional blooms are required, the preferred method is to support flower growers in America instead of buying roses or lilies flown in from far off places.

“You skip a lot of packaging when harvesting directly and buying from local growers so less waste is produced,” Pineau said. “We compost everything biodegradable and the cardboard from shipped flowers is used as mulch/weed control in our gardens.”

Pineau also strives to avoid all “Oasis,’ those green blocks of foam (thermoset phenolic plastic foam to be exact) used by most commercial florists. They contain formaldehyde and carbon black (both carcinogenic) and are dust-producing, posing a significant threat with long-term exposure.

Oasis also is not biodegradable and Pineau is against putting plastic in the heap.

Instead, she uses pin frogs and banding techniques to hold the arrangement in place while counting on a little extra water spillage in transport.

“We bring watering cans and towels, I think the fact that they’re not in oasis makes us care for them more,” she said.

“Each arrangement is a snapshot of a unique moment in the season and they’re all destined for the compost pile. There was life before Oasis, and lots of floral design going on; some of the best floral design in my opinion. I kind of see Oasis to flowers as bumpers to bowling.

“In our gardens we feed the soil through permaculture techniques and with fertilizer brewed from a byproduct of our worm farm. We grow a large variety of species in our pesticide free garden, creating a diverse habitat for nature and we keep bees on the property who enjoy the bounty.

“I feel bound to act as a steward of our land--my product and livelihood is derived from the fruit of the earth. Playing a role

M i d d l e b u r g

Deck The Halls With Jenn Pineau

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M i d d l e b u r g

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PHOTOS BY: SOPHIE SCHEPS

The Upperville Community League

Troye Plaskitt and Isobel Ziluca

Grace Lince and Molly Harrell with their dolls, Grace and Molly

Chris and Elizabeth Gore, Karen Rotwood and Sarah Green

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December 2015

Stormy Stokes, John Miller, Heather and Tim Dudley

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Alberto Gost, Paul Gost, Sheila Harrell and Judy Washburn

Chef Michel Kozich of Bluewater Kitchen

M i d d l e b u r g

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www.middleburglife.com

t d by Billy Pucket te ra st lu Il d an Written

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December 2015

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Photos by Sophie Scheps The big finale- Santa waves from his carriage

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Santa’s helpers

Wakefield Owls sang their fight song

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December 2015

Three amigos said Feliz Navidad

P

eter Crane, dean of the school of forestry and environmental studies at Yale, will leave that post in June to become the first president of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation. A noted plant biologist, he will oversee the former Mellon family estate in Upperville with extensive gardens and a library of landscape history and plant science.

Linda Conti, chair of The Hill School art department and a long-time teacher at the school, has been elected to a two-year term as president of the Virginia Art Education Association, the VAEA announced last month. Conti served as vice president of the 900-member organization the last two

years and is in her 20th year teaching at Hill.

“We’re the primar y source for development for professional art educators,” Conti said of the VAEA. “I’m committed to art education. The thing I love about VAEA is that it gives me a chance to remind teachers why they got into this business in the first place.”

A native of Chicago, Conti’s family moved to the Maryland suburbs of Washington where she attended Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville.

She earned a degree at Temple University in Philadelphia, studying at the prestigious Tyler School of Art and excelling in drawing, working in clay and mixed media. Conti, who lives in Purcellville, is also a highly-skilled mixed media artist herself, and her work has been featured in a number of galleries in the Washington

Divot’s mom is proud of her P.U.P title

One lucky Samoyed got a sleigh ride from his friends area.

Hill School parent Matt Foosaner will conduct a seminar on “Keeping Your Kids Safe Online” on Dec. 9 at 8:30 a.m. in the Alumni Room at Hill School. The seminar is open to the public and designed to provide parents with an understanding of the online threats to children and how to identify key tools to ensure kids are as safe as possible.

Foosaner has over 20 years of experience designing and delivering mission critical technologies to government agencies. Since 2005, he has served on the Law Enforcement Committee and Development Committee for the Board of Directors at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

The Middleburg Academy has added two new members to its Board of Trustees, Mary Looney and Rachel Kahler. Both are

parents of current students at the school.

Meanwhile, the honors keep rolling in for Middleburg Academy fall athletes and coaches. The school’s girls’ volleyball team won the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association Division 2 state championship. Their 3-0 victory over Peninsula Catholic (#2) in the state final completed an impressive 30-2 season for the Dragons.

All State Teams have been announced, with Coach Maureen DiClementi named coach of the year after the Girls Varsity Volleyball team won the Division II VISAA state championship. Three volleyball players—Meagan McDonald, Lilly Reilly and Alison Thomas—were named first team all state and Lillian Vargo was named to the second team. Tennis player Ceceelia Cress was named all state first team, as well.

M i d d l e b u r g L i f e

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“The orchestra is phenomenal.

They are very, very on top.”

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December 2015

— Donna Karan, Fashion designer

— HRH Princess Michael of Kent

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— Robert Stromberg, Academy Award–winning production designer

www.middleburglife.com

FEB 16-21 | THE KENNEDY CENTER . DC

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L i f e M i d d l e b u r g

Happy Holidays, With Warm Wishes and Thank you for the Wonderful 30 Years

Dear Friends and Clients,

www.middleburglife.com

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December 2015

Having reached my 66th birthday, I have decided to retire after thirty magnificent years in business in Middleburg. I now look back on all the wonderful memories, especially from so many great fiends and loyal customers. I have nurtured this business and treasure every minute I’ve spent in the village, happily serving this area and beyond.

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To show my appreciation, my entire collection of rugs is now being offered at savings of over 50 percent off their original price.

As many of you know, this sale is the only one I have had in all my time here and is the best opportunity to find the same incredible selection you have always enjoyed at drastically reduced prices.

This is my way of saying thank you. I can assure you that the reputation for quality and integrity I have built over the past three decades will not be compromised throughout this spectacular closeout event.

I look forward to seeing you as I officially head into my retirement. As a third generation merchant in fine Persian and Oriental rugs, I have scoured the globe, from the open-air bazaars of Iran to market places around the world, for rugs that reflect the finest quality and the most decorative designs and colors.

Aliloo Oriental Rugs have graced your homes all over the country for the past three decades. The vast array of art caliber antique carpets in the myriad of styles we possess offers our clients a wealth of design directions to match any home.

We help clients choose awe-inspiring carpets to transform a distinctive residence into an unforgettable one. Once they discover the extraordinary effect our carpets have on their contemporary or traditional décor, many clients decide to use them throughout their home or as a focal point for their next interior design project.

Thank you for your patronage and friendship over these past thirty years.

Parviz Hadjialiloo

ALILOO ORIENTAL RUGS CORP.

3 S. Madison St. I Middleburg, VA 20117

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540-687-3048 I

Email arugs@msn.com

Final Two Weeks M i d d l e b u r g

ANTIQUE

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Persian Serapi 8’5” x 12’2”

Persian Malayer 9’4” x 16’9”

Turkish Oushak 15’1” x 11’9”

Caucasian Talish 3 ’10”x 8’8”

Persian Qashkie 4’6” x 8’2”

Turkish Oushak 12’10” x 18’6”

Turkish Oushak 10’1” x 13’5”

TRIBAL

Persian Qashkie 5’4” x 7’

OUSHAKS

Turkish O ushak 1 1’10” x 14’2”

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100% SILK (PERFECT GIFT IDEA FOR HOLIDAYS)

Persian Silk Qum 2’8” x 4’

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Kord Bidjar 3’6 x 17’

December 2015

SEVERAL HUNDRED RUNNERS AVAILABLE

Antique Heriz 3’6” x 14’4”

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M i d d l e b u r g

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Crème de la Crème Provides Ooh La La

By Sophie Scheps For Middleburg Life

A

t Crème de la Crème, owned by Ben and Tara Wegdam, many customers share a passion for fine French linens, tableware and other home goods. Two years ago, however, the clientele changed dramatically.

“During the Christmas parade a few years ago all the hounds from the hunt ran into the store,” said Tara. “One came in and they all followed. Somebody blew the horn and they did a circle and ran right back out.

We didn’t know what to do. We just stood there and watched 50 dogs run through.”

The hounds’ quick browse around the store wasn’t without casualties. Surprisingly however, only one item was damaged.

“The one thing that got broken was a painting that one of the hound’s tails knocked over and then it got stepped on,” Tara said. “There was a perfect paw print and someone still bought it. The person liked it even more with the paw print on it.”

After operating Crème de la Crème and living in the area for 15 years, Middleburg truly feels like home to the Wegdams.

The couple originally met in Paris while both were studying abroad in 1987. Tara returned to Hollins University in Roanoke where she was attending school and Ben returned to Holland, where he was born and raised.

After a brief time living in Canada, the couple settled in Holland and Tara opened the French Shoppe, the predecessor to Crème de la Crème. She sold much of the same French provincial goods. Ben was working for a food retailer called Ahold.

They were married in 1997 at St. Mary's in Sewanee, Tennessee. “We were there because I grew up and still love going to Monteagle assembly,” she recalled.

“In 2000, Ahold had a position here in Chantilly,” Ben said. “We packed the store up in a big ocean container and moved here. We bought a little place in Marshall and when the container arrived we didn't know what we were going to do with it.”

Tara had previously visited Middleburg to attend the Gold Cup with a college roommate but neither she or Ben were sure if the town would support the store.

Still, the shop in Holland was frequently visited by tourists from Washington D.C. and many encouraged them to bring it to the Middleburg area.

A former hair salon owner took a chance on the new couple and sublet half her space to Crème de la Crème on Madison Street. Tara and Ben unpacked their shipping container and set up shop.

The response was very encouraging.

“The community is really what got the store going. If it hadn’t been for that support we would have never made it,” said Ben. “They were so supportive of us too.” said Tara. “We really didn’t know anyone.

Everyone has been so nice and I really feel like I’m from here now.”

In 2010, Crème de la Crème moved into its current location on Washington Street.

The larger space has allowed the Wegdams to offer a full assortment of items that are updated regularly. The shop is crowded with dishware, candles and other items perfect for hosting a dinner party. Yet, it

Photo by Sophie Scheps

The entrance at Crème de la Crème Ben and Tara Wegdam still maintains a cozy feeling.

“It’s funny because everyone always says I can’t take my children in there and I say yes you can, my kids are always in there and its fine,” Tara said. “Kids are more careful then adults because they are scared to break something.”

Tara and Ben have three children, Kiki, Paris and Ben, who all attend the Hill School. The whole family is well acquainted with the shop’s offerings.

“We eat from it, we sleep under it, we give it as presents, it’s everywhere,” said Ben. The Wegdams also have also opened Crème de la Crème stores in Leesburg and Richmond and they also own lou lou, a clothing and jewelry emporium that now has 23 locations in the Washington area, including Middleburg. The couple searches

Photo by Sophie Scheps

Some of the delightful pieces of French pottery at Crème de la Crème for unique spaces in historic downtowns, and Middleburg inspired it all.

“I thought the area was so beautiful but I never thought we would get to live here,” Tara said. “We were lucky to find it.”

Join us for the Loudoun MotorSports Holiday Sales Event Sat. Dec. 12th

www.middleburglife.com

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December 2015

*Monthly payments required. Valid on amount financed of $7,000 or more of new 2011-2016 Motorcycles, Scooters, ATVs and Side x Sides made between 9/1/15 and 12/28/15 on your Yamaha Installment loan account. Rate of 3.99%, 6.99%, 8.99% or 14.99% will be assigned.

Examples of monthly payments over a 36-month term at a 3.99% rate: $29.52 per $1000 financed; and at a 14.99% rate: $34.66 per $1000 financed.

Minimum 0%-10% down payment required. Rate and down payment based on credit approval criteria. Offer is subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank. **Customer Cash offer good on select models between 9/1/15 to 12/28/15. Offer good only in the U.S., excluding the state of Hawaii. Dealer remains responsible for complying with all local and state advertising regulations and laws. Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227.

ATV model shown is recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older. Raptor 700R recommended for experienced riders only. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never carry passengers.

Never engage in stunt riding. Riding and alcohol/ drugs don’t mix. Avoid excessive speed. And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. 2015 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com 9/15

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Let us put some FUN under the tree!

www.loudounmotorsports.com

212 Catoctin Circle SE Leesburg VA 703-777-1652 Tues. - Fri. 10am-6pm, Sat. 9am-4pm

Photo by Middleburg Photo

CM Foss, aka Clare Mansman loves to write and read.

Out of the Gate and Into the Lead I moved to Middleburg at age seventeen with one horse, working off rent for a room and a stall by exercising racehorses, freelancing on fox hunters, and misspending many hours at Magpie’s and Mosby’s Tavern.

Through the years of wins and losses, the injuries and the times I landed on my feet, most importantly, I fell in love. And that’s what inspires my writing. Today, my husband, Tom, and I run Pacific Farms Inc., right where we first met. My stories focus on the romantic notions that are evoked by horses, but also the realistic and unique aspects of our lifestyle. My current titles are: Shiver, Swoon, City Beautiful, and Jock, my latest novel. The following excerpt is from Jock, the story of a young jockey learning to balance the love of her career and the love of her life.

By CM Foss for Middleburg Life

and the restricted application stratFew investors have the necessary egy for married couples. combination of ability, time, capital and control over an investment The file-and-suspend strategy when to create “alpha”. Regardless of used by married couples allowed for experience, most investors have one individual to “file” for benefits these goals in mind: ability to live at full retirement age (FRA) and then on their portfolio’s income, saving “suspend” until age 70. Meanwhile, for child’s education theirfile own the aindividual’s spouseor could a retirement and making sure their “restricted benefit” and take spousal investments areuntil first-rate. benefits at FRA the individual took his or her benefit at age 70.

Most investors share the challenge Thus enabling the benefit to grow of capturing “return” of the between 6 to 8the percent annually.

At capital markets, as opposed to that time, the individual’s spouse generating their own “alpha.” could then take his or her own SoProblem is, most investors never cial Security benefit.

This method capture market’s entire return. allowed the for thousands of dollars in They the investment’s full benefitdon’t that get otherwise would have been leftrather on thethe table. return, investor’s return.

What’s the difference?

If you have reached FRA or will

grand-fathered in and may continue to do so. Individuals may continue to file-and-suspend as well because this was the original intent of the rule. If you turned 62 this year or are older you may still file a restricted benefit for only a spousal benefit starting at age 62; this allow you For years I’ve beenwilladvocating to draw on your that investors stopspouse’s trying tobenefit catch while yourI own continues to grow.to “alpha”. encourage investors

settle in and rely on an empirical These rulesnot canbased be confusing but are approach, on speculation, critical to understand.

We’re happy but on the irrefutable science of to review your unique situation and capital markets. Investing in a help explain the importance of propglobally diversified, tax and cost er Social Security filing. efficient portfolio will prevail.

- Lucy Zimmerman –Tom Wiseman

Keep Your Money

540-687-7077 wisemanandassociates.com

December 2015

WISEMAN & ASSOCIATES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

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concentrating on the horse.

“Yeah, yeah. We’re good.”

They nodded and circled her around once, allowing the rest of the horses to load before channeling her back in. I had barely a second to make sure my reins were set before the bell rang and the gates crashed open. The filly’s muscles coiled tight and then she sprang forward, launching us amidst the crowd of horses all vying for the inside spot on the rail.

I was bumped and jostled as we all fought for position. With valiant effort, the filly took one giant stride to clear herself of the field, settling into her favorite lead position.

She was small, but she was mighty, and she loved to run fast and long. I sat quietly, ticking off the furlongs. A glance under my arm informed me we held on to a three-quarter-length lead, and my mount showed no signs of tiring. She was biding her time as much as I was.

I could feel everyone begin moving up at the same time. The thunder of hoofbeats came in a rush, no longer a rhythmical four beats but a cacophony of sound and vibrations. I crouched lower, my arms working along her neck, keeping a feel of her mouth. I never looked back or even picked up my stick. I knew no one was close.

Carl a writer quoted in the reachRichards, FRA within six months from financial rags, calls this difference when the legislation was passed, “the behavior gap.”advantage Unfortunately, you may still take of the emotions can prohibit sound file-and-suspend tactic. Additionally, investment spouses anddecisions childrenand whoinvestors receive benefits file-and-suspend are buy and from sell when they shouldn’t.

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“R

iders up!”

I heard the call and my heart rate kicked up a notch.

Outwardly I played it cool, suppressing the smile that wanted to break loose, acting like this was any other day, any other race. Of course, that was actually true. It was just another day. Just another race. But I still got excited. Part of me hoped I’d never lose the feeling, but I was sure it would eventually fade.

I was launched into the saddle, landing softly on my thighs so as not to come down too hard on the filly’s back.

She was small and flighty, a quirky one I’d ridden more than a few times. She was my favorite and not just because her name was Trouble. I patted her dark gray neck and spoke soothingly to her, but my words fell on deaf ears as she jigged and pranced. She was more relaxed when I left my legs hanging down out of the stirrups, so I let them flop as I was led around the paddock.

A pony horse picked me up and we headed out onto the track. I didn’t speak much to the outrider beyond the usual pleasantries. I was thinking about my plan. Some of the guys around me were ribbing and carrying on, but I liked the

quiet. And they respected that. For the most part.

We were loaded into the gates one by one. I was in the second post position, which was a bummer because this little girl had very little patience. Every time another horse entered beside her, she jumped around and banged on the walls.

The gate crew was there and available to assist, keeping her head straight and giving her pats and words of e n c ou r a ge m e nt i nt e r s p e r s e d w i t h cursing and jumping out of the way. Finally she’d had enough and somehow managed to sit down while leaping with her front end all at the same time, propping her feet on the sides of the gate and banging the rear doors open with her ass.

As they gave with her weight, she nearly toppled backward, barely regaining her footing as she scrambled but stayed on her feet. I sat in the middle of her, debating whether or not to bail. Men flanked her sides, taking a gentle hold of the reins.

“You okay, bug girl?” one of the guys asked. I wasn’t sure who, because I was

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The term “alpha” has a lengthy Investopedia definition. In short, “alpha” is the excess return over As part of the October 30th twoan investment’s benchmark index year federal budget deal, significant return. Investors aim for “alpha”. changes were made to current Social Therefore, almost all Security regulations.

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M i d d l e b u r g

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PHOTOS BY: CROWELL HADDEN

Creative genius John Henry's Autumn Fest at his fabulous Stone Circle and Amphitheater in Rappahannock County was an extravaganza that included a procession of costumes with torches and a bonfire. Add to that traditional Irish music, Celtic astrological rapper Caroline Casey, a 1000 Faces performance and The City of Alexandria Pipes & Drums followed by dinner in the tent.

It was an enthralling evening.

Bill Freitag

Irene and David Addlestone as Student Loans

John Henry and Ann Crittienden Drummer

Brenda Griffin came as Nature

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December 2015

Ken Shoemaker

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Larry Liles and Bill Adams

Marie and Ralph Kissick

Ray Boc

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Sue and Nell Baldacchino

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Rafe Ruggiero base player and Noah Waggner, keyboard player for 1,000 Faces Musical Theater

December 2015

Virginia Farrar appeared as Mother Nature in Autumn Splendor

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Dancers swirled in the historic horseshoe barn at Llangollen

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Anna and Stanley Dees

John and Susanne Moliere

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Donald Brennan, Wendy Bebie, Pat Brennan and Rich Gillespie, executive director of the Mosby Heritage Area Association

Patty Cake Polka. The organization has done an extraordinary job in education and advocacy for the preservation of the

history and cultural and scenic resources in the Northern Virginia Piedmont.

And meanwhile, the Brennans’ daughter, Maureen, was not able to make the celebration…she was off in Houston celebrating a victory with the Northern Trust Polo team in the U.S. Women’s Open Polo Championships. She was joined on the team by Sarah Wiseman, Julia Smith and Kristy Outhier.

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he Mosby Heritage Area Association re c e nt ly c e l e br ate d it s 2 0 t h anniversary at Llangollen, the home of Donald and Pat Brennan near Upperville.

Dance master and mistress Tom and Lesley Mack and the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Era Dancers along with Marshall and Company Music led the way with the Chimes of Dunkirk, Circle Waltz, Soldier’s Joy, Coquette Reel and the

M i d d l e b u r g

and So Much More for Mosby Heritage

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Marc Leepson, Joe Dempsey and Janna Leepson

Peggy and Sid Silver

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L i f e M i d d l e b u r g www.middleburglife.com

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December 2015

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M i d d l e b u r g

Paul Aliloo is ending 30 years in business in Middleburg selling gorgeous Persian carpets to a national and international clientele. Last month, Sona Bank hosted a retirement party for Aliloo at the bank, and many friends, relatives and long-time clients stopped by for a nibble, a hug and a fond farewell. Aliloo Oriental Rugs will remain open through January and is offering all merchandise for sale at 50 to 75 per cent off.

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Paul's children Arezu and Arash Aliloo

Tim Tharpe, Paul Aliloo and A.J. Panebianco

Devon Porter, senior vice president of the Sona Bank

Paul Aliloo and Delores Wolf

Lewis Wiley and Parisa Aliloo

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Jeff Hood and Sheila Harrell

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Saheb and Mino Azizi Maggie Johnston

Dennis and Carol Sherman

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M i d d l e b u r g

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December 2015

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This Old House is Just What Matt Hannan Ordered

By Leonard Shapiro For Middleburg Life

W

It also was a two-hour drive from Washington, and after living there for six years, Hannan decided to sell again and began looking for something a bit closer to the city, initially moving to Marshall.

While in Shenandoah County, he had cut down on his landscaping and travel commitments considerably and eventually found his current project in Millwood in 2013. It’s still a work in progress after building an 18 by 15 addition that includes the kitchen, a laundry room and a bathroom. He’s living in the house while he works on it, and it now totals about 1,500 square feet.

Hannan has been told the house was built in 1905, and its last owner was the Randolph family. After the sale, he emptied all the rooms of clutter—old photos, piles of moldy clothes, even some furniture that he’s since restored and relocated to his comfortable front living room.

“I used to think about being an archeologist,” he said. “And when I first looked at the house, I definitely saw some real treasures—nice, functional tables, a

hen Matt Hannan first took a look at the abandoned house for sale in the middle of Millwood, he knew he just had to have it. Never mind the place hadn’t been lived in for at least ten years, that there was no running water and the front porch was not visible from the street, hidden behind overgrown shrubs and trees.

No problem.

Ever since Hannan renovated his first house in Fredericksburg back in the late 1990s, learning on the job he handled mostly on his own, he’s provided himself with comfortable shelter and profited by selling those homes every few years. But that’s not all he does these days.

A native of McLean who studied art at William & Mary, at one point he thought about going to Georgetown’s foreign service school. After all, he’d studied Chinese from elementary school through university and spent a year abroad in China during college. Instead, Hannan moved to New York, and his language skills made him a natural to join a travel company. He began to lead tours in China, working for several years with the luxury travel operator Abercrombie & Kent in Hong Kong.

Hannan eventually moved back to the Washington area and took another career detour, this time enrolling in a Department of Agriculture program to study horticulture and botany, while still leading tours abroad. In 1998, he also decided to enter the garden design and installation business.

He now juggles all three of his passions—home renovation, the garden design business and taking savvy travelers abroad—and admits “sometimes there aren’t enough Photo by Leonard Shapiro hours in the day. Everything Matt Hannan has to fall into place, and then you just work with it.”

One of his first renovation projects occurred in Old Town, Alexandria, where trunk, a bookcase. I made a full offer for he was hired to work on the Spite House the house and all is contents. Everything and garden. It’s one of the smallest homes that needed to be thrown away, I threw in America, about eight feet wide with 500 away. But I kept all the family mementos, square feet of living space spread over two all the books, the photos. I eventually floors. The owner also asked him to design found someone in the family and gave it his garden at his Arlington home, projects back to him.”

Hannan said he initially purchased the that took about a year.

Millwood house as an investment, but “I In 2004, Hannan decided he wanted a really love it and I want to stay here. It’s country home. He found one on four acres perfect for me. ” in Shenandoah County and, of course, Still he admitted, “I’m always looking immediately went about giving it a muchfor the next project.

I just like old houses, needed makeover. the whole process.

I get to control “I always try to do it in a sensitive everything and it’s so rewarding to manner,” he said. “I’ll replace old rotten take something that’s completely wood with new wood, but I try to leave abandoned and bring it back to life....I’m all the architectural details as much as I a creative person , and I’m inquisitive. can—the doors, the floors, the trim work.

I just loved the property. It was gorgeous, I like to know how things are done. And I’m not afraid.” even poetic.”

M i d d l e b u r g L i f e

With hundreds of thousands of acres in conservation easement, we have received the ultimate gift for the holidays.

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vigilant about the protection of our natural resources and this beautiful place we live.

Together, we must continue to support responsible growth and celebrate landowners large and small who are committed to preserving the environment and our way of life. Peace and Merry Christmas to all!

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PHOTOS BY:SOPHIE SCHEPS

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By Richard Hooper For Middleburg Life

A

THERE

conjugated as, “I have shown (and lost), Thou hast gone without lunch, He has mislaid his catalog, She has been caught without a ticket, We have run short of cash, Ye have caught cold, They have missed their last train home, It has not been a success.”

The dog’s point of view includes a past tense, “I took first prize (whatever that may be), Thou were astonished, He said I showed beautifully, She kissed me, We made quite a sensation, They were nowhere, Ye offered a whole heap of money, It was all published in the newspapers.”

In “The Cantankerous Puppy Tense...

“I shall not allow myself to be washed, Thou shalt not smuggle me in the train without paying for me, He shall examine my teeth at his peril, She shall not touch my tail on any consideration, We shall not catch the judge’s eye if I can help it, Ye shall not stop my barking, They shall on no account know that I am sound.”

And there is the “Obstructive... I shall sit down in the ring, Thou shalt coax me in vain, He might as well talk to the wind, She shall pull my head off, for all I care, We shall obstruct the traffic delightfully, Ye shall intimidate me to no purpose, They shall be kept waiting for hours, It will be great fun.”

And so it was!

(Richard Hooper is an antiquarian book expert in Middleburg. He is also the creator of Chateaux de la Pooch, elegantly appointed furniture for dogs and home. He can be contacted at rhooper451@aol.com.)

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t the recent National Dog Show outside of Philadelphia, a book

by The Honorable Mrs. Neville Lytton—“Toy Dogs and Their Ancestors,” published in 1911 comes to mind.

Mrs. Lytton, far better known as Lady Wentworth, breeder of Arabian horses, owner of Crabbet Stud (which she inherited through a messy legal process), author of “The Horse of the Desert, The Authentic Arabian,” and “Thoroughbred Racing Stock,” among other books about horses.

She was also the great granddaughter of Lord Byron.

Mrs. Lytton was an authority on toy spaniels, as well, exhibiting them at shows and judging various toy breeds. Exhibitors at The National Dog Show headed into the rings with excitement and anticipation and out of the rings with overt joy or masked disappointment or resignation. Her book, contains chapters on showing, exhibitors, judges and clubs and a series of cartoons illustrating exhibitors behaving badly among themselves, to judges and even the dogs. That is, the dogs of others.

The cartoons in the book are amusing overstatements of the aforementioned bad behavior. One cartoon is a series of scenes commencing with a smiling, rotund (no doubt avuncular) judge. In every scene, he’s accosted by a different well-dressed lady, each cajoling or demanding that the blue ribbon be awarded to her.

The judge loses a bit of weight and becomes more haggard as the scenes progress until he is little more than skin and bones, his clothes nearly falling off him in the final scene.

Well, such things might be possible.

One of The National Dog Show officials (who looked a bit more haggard each day) did say that with each day of the four-day show there were increasingly “more fires to put out.”

But that’s to be expected at any large scale gathering and it seems that today, we might be behaving a bit better than the dog fanciers during the Edwardian days of Mrs. Lytton.

Photo by Richard Hooper What I saw at the show was a great deal of love and “After the judging,” from Toy Dogs and their caring towards the dogs and Ancestors by The Honorable Mrs. Neville Lytton. a camaraderie among the exhibitors. Of course there is dashed against her “Past Participle… are always little foibles among both dogs Disqualified by the Kennel Club.” and exhibitors, which was aptly captured There is “Present Active... I show, Thou

by Mrs. Neville in “Toy Dogs and their judgest, He gets first prize, She protests, Ancestors” under the heading of “The Verb We make a row, Ye get into hot water, They ‘To Show’ as Conjugated by Fanciers.”

She creates 24 conjugations expressing complain to the Secretary, It (the dog) has the viewpoints of both exhibitors and dogs. a fit.”

The “Past Unpleasant” tense contains “I She begins simply with an “Infinitive Mood”—an “Indefinite (and ver y waited (to show in my class), She trod on its tail” and “It barked incessantly.” uncertain) tense...To show.”

Her “Present Participle... Showing,” The “Retrospective Unsatisfactory” is

THERE

M i d d l e b u r g

The Honorable Mrs. Neville Lytton on Dog Shows

33

M i d d l e b u r g

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It’s Still The Gilded Age for Peter Miller

By Dulcy Hooper Middleburg Life

“I

am really one of the lucky ones,” said Peter Miller, owner of the P. H. Miller Studio in Berryville, describing his unique and special expertise. “It’s a rarity any more to have a career focused around something that one is so passionate about.”

With 30 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge encompassing art, architecture, design and frame history, Miller designs and creates one-of-a-kind, handmade carved and gilded frames, mirrors, and home accessories for clients from around the country. Miller and his wife, Shelley, moved to Clarke County from Woodbury, Connecticut, in 2014 to be near their daughter and her family, who live in Round Hill.

While the P. H. Miller Studio offers historical handmade frames that may have French, Italian, Dutch or English origins, Miller’s strong interest is in American frames designed and made during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

“I’ve been fortunate to have created frames for the work of some of our most distinguished and historically significant period American painters,” he said, adding that his inspiration “comes from tradition, history, and art, combined with the ideals of the European Arts & Crafts movement.”

The designs include hand-carved details, meticulous gilding, and the artful toning tech-niques. “Like my predecessors from the late 19th and early 20th centuries,” said Miller, “presenta-tion of artwork is

Peter Miller at work

P H Miller studio in Berryville vitally important. I’m always striving to achieve the marriage between paintings and frame.”

Once the design process is completed, in working with a client, raw bass wood molding is cut and joined in the studio’s woodworking shop. The frames are then prepared for the gilding process. For

many frames, Miller’s work includes carving, which is all done by hand with gouges and chisels.

Among the many steps, gold leaf is applied using traditional water gilding techniques.

Miller said his work “is in true artisanal spirit -- the idea of the master craftsman creating and finishing all parts of a design, combined with the anti-industrialization movement of the same period. I believe that this is wholly reflected in my frames.”

“I look carefully at each work of art or interior space and analyze it in terms of period, color, tone, texture, and geometric elements,” he said. “From there, I can make decisions about the shape of the molding, the color of the bole and karat weight of gold, carving details, and other surface treatments.”

Back in the early 1980s, when Miller’s shop had been incorporated in Connecticut as Beaux Arts, Inc., he offered just a few handmade frames in simple styles and uncomplicated finishes.

As he worked at honing his design skills and techniques for handling artwork properly, he became increasingly interested

in the art of applying gold leaf, ultimately seeking out and studying with some of the best gilders practicing in the country at the time in order to learn the ancient techniques of water gilding.

Along with honing his craft in workshops, Miller visited museums both in the United States and Europe to further enhance his understanding of the history and beauty of gilded surfaces and to learn about how these surfaces wore and survived over time.

Miller is a member of the Society of Gilders and has served on the board of trustees for over 15 years, including leading the organization as president from 2000 to 2006. His involvement with the Society continues as the head of the Museum Committee for the Museum of the Gilding Arts which opened in 2015.

“Like many of the old arts, you can learn gilding pretty easily,” he said. “But then it takes at least five to seven years to thoroughly understand the intricacies.

Even after 25 years, I am still learning different ways of doing things…Every job, every surface, as subtle as a change of humidity will influence the result.”

Miller’s work can be found in museums and private collections around the country.

The frames he creates are made using the same traditional methods of carving and gilding as were used by frame-makers and woodworkers dating as far back as the 12th and 13th centuries.

“My work takes a long time to do,” he said. “But it is gratifying to see what happens when you dedicate yourself to a specific career and develop a reputation based on what you have done.”

The P.H. Miller Studio is located at 1 East Main Street in Berryville.

It’s the season..........

To be grateful for the beautiful countryside we live in To be grateful for all the animals in our lives that have shown us unending love To be grateful for the many friends who have crossed our paths

www.middleburglife.com

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December 2015

To be grateful that we all have the ability to share unwavering kindness

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To be grateful for those who challenge us to become better people

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You will love this! Fantastic location plus great views! Main level master suite!! 9ft ceilings, breakfast bar, butler’s pantry, great room with floor to ceiling windows! Finished basement with 5th bedroom & full bath. Horses and chickens allowed. No HOA!

3-bedroom home built in 1900 is situated on 20+ acres and located 3 miles from the Historic Village of Waterford. Grounds include bank barn, corn crib & storage shed. New water treatment, and filtration system. Freshly painted interior 2015. Must see!

Custom-built colonial with amazing views features 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths on 3-finished levels with over 4000 SF. Home sits on over 7 acres of unrestricted land. Separate apartment perfect for aging parents or a rental.

Enjoy grand columned porches on 2 levels in this 4-bedroom, 2.5bath Citadel model. Large rooms with natural light throughout.

Gourmet kitchen with expansive island, SS appliances. Luxurious owner's suite boasts hardwood floors and spa bath. 2-car garage.

Joyce Santiago 703.244.1344

Linda thornell 571.224.6587

Kaaren Lofgren 703.862.9194

Chris Pritchard | Geri Deane 703.475.7520 | 703.615.4126 chrispritchardhomes.com

Lindathornell.com

JoyceSantiago

KaarenLofgren.com

From all of us in the Leesburg and Middleburg Offices of McEnearney Associates.

We wish to thank everyone for your business in 2015. We appreciate your confidence and trust, and we look forward to working with you in 2016.

We are proud to be an integral part of our local business communities!

In partnership with United Community Ministries, we are proud to sponsor a Winter Clothing Drive!

Maureen McEnearney Dunn, President Candice Bower, Managing Broker

®

www.McEnearney.com

7 West Washington Street Middleburg, VA 20118

MIDDLEBURG OFFICE 540.687.5490 7 W. Washington Street Middleburg, VA 20118

Barbara Bennison Lidia Dennis Christy Hertel Cecelia Mahan Gilda Montel Joseph Remuzzi Joyce Santiago

Bradley Clarke Daniel Gwak Jo-Ann Hoovler Tom Marshall Catherine Neeves Rachael Remuzzi Linda Thornell

June Crisan Jackie Hagenston Dwayne Humphrey Satkuna Mathur Jim Pumphrey Mary Dionisio Roberge Danielle Moseley

LEESBURG OFFICE 703.738.8282 107 N. King Street Leesburg, VA 20176

Established 1980 • Alexandria • Arlington • Leesburg • McLean • Middleburg • Washington, DC • Maryland

December 2015

107 North King Street Leesburg, VA 20179

Wendy Andrews Geri Deane Roger Healey Kaaren Lofgren Linda McDow Kevin Quick Linden Ryan

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Please drop off new or gently used winter clothing to our Leesburg & Middleburg offices.

Monday-Friday, 10:00AM-5:00PM

www.middleburglife.com

Season's Greetings

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The beautifully groomed 325 acres of this thoroughbred horse breeding & training farm rests at the edge of Middleburg.

The gently rolling land is traversed with paved lanes to access the stately manor home, tenant homes, Confederate Hall, the barns and 6 furlong training track. The Georgian Style Training Barn is stunning and includes 28 stalls and a 1/8 mile indoor training track, with excellent access to the fenced paddocks and fields. $10,750,000

Magnificent horse property in the midst of the serene countryside. From the picturesque Young Road two driveways access the 107 acres of Hidden Trail Farm. The first leads to one of the finest indoor arenas surrounded by exquisite ride out. The second is the graceful, park-like drive, which parallels a creek and then gently curves up to the elegant manor home. $6,500,000

Custom Built stone/stucco three-story home with 4 bedrooms plus large master in-law suite with separate parking and entrance. Slate roof,game room,custom theatre, workout room, study, office, dog room,custom kitchen, 4 stone fireplaces, approximately 8,000 SF. Extensive horse facilities include 18 stall barn,2 stall barn, 14 paddocks, lg. ring and much more. $5,500,000

LIVE, WORK and PLAY!!! Extraordinary 50 acre private estate. Stunning residence and 4 additional structures. Stone terraces. Offices with fiber optic. 12 stall barn with 8 acres of fenced paddocks. Recreation building with gathering room & theatre.Resistance pool, stocked lake, orchard. Experience the easy flow of outdoor to indoor spaces. $4,474,000

c.1823, with a stunning tree lined entrance, offers one of the grand manor homes in the famed horse country of Upperville. Recently renovated, the home offers wonderful indoor and outdoor living areas. Porches, gardens, barns, paddocks, riding arena, pond, pool and magnificent views from the Bull Run to Blue Ridge Mountains. $4,200,000

Extraordinary estate on over 180 acres; Ideal for horses; 7 Bedrooms; New Gourmet State of the Art Kitchen & Baths; Gorgeous full wall windows, overlooking 10 acre lake; 10 stall stable, Paddocks with run-in sheds, Pool and poolhouse with fireplace, spa and new tennis courts. $3,950,000

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Magnificent country retreat on 41 acres with incredible privacy & beautiful views. The c. 1850 manor home has been graciously expanded into a 7 bedroom home with separate entertaining venue & two-story office with T-1 capability. Pool, tennis court, gardens, greenhouse, 5 car garage. $3,350,000

Magnificent 155 Acre Atoka Road Estate with gated entry opening into the private drive lined with mature trees. The charming historic manor home, c. 1827 backs to expansive views of fields and ponds. 4 tenant homes, 3 barns, indoor and outdoor riding arenas. Gently rolling pasture land with fenced paddocks and fields. Property is in a VOF conservation easement. $3,250,000

726.66 acres in 14 parcels, all of which are 50 acres or larger. Accessed from Hume Road (635) and from and Black Rock Ford. Great elevation, views, open land,woods and frontage on the Rappahannock River.

Mixed game for hunting. Great opportunity for tax credits. $2,979,306

Steeped in history, the 98 acre estate of Ashleigh features an elegant Greek Revival manor house, c.1840, 2 bedroom pool/guest house adjacent to heated pool. 2 bedroom tenant home, 10 stall barn with 1 bedroom apt. and manager's office, additional 4 stall & 3 stall barn. Paddocks, pond, & magnificent gardens. 42 acres of this property are in managed Forestry Land Use. Excellent access to I-66. $2,900,000

Kelvedon embodies a fine Virginia estate with a charming 4 bedroom stone manor house, 2 bedroom guest house, 1 bedroom tenant house, pool with pool house, log cabin, stables, paddocks, fields and a strong creek, which feeds the pond. Splendid views, exquisite perennial gardens, lawns, stone walkways, walls and terraces have created an idyllic country setting. $2,600,000

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Gorgeous property! Stunning exterior and interior with high end finishes throughout. Reclaimed beams, imported flooring, spacious rooms, huge gourmet kitchen, pool w/pool house, movie theater, wine cellar, game room w/bar, beautifully landscaped grounds, 3 BR guest house, room for horses, Middleburg Hunt Territory. Additional acreage available. $2,975,000

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Private 65 Acre Estate near historic Middleburg. 3 porches add to the charm of this restored Farm House, c.1830 w/ pool and shared pond. Other features include 4 stall barn w/ guest suite, 4 bay open equipment barn and 2 bay garage. Beautiful land w/ views, creek, meadows and board fenced pastures w/ spring fed waterers. VOF Easement allows for two additional dwellings. $2,395,000

165 +/- acres on Little Cobbler with amazing views of Big Cobbler and the Blue Ridge Mountains! Pond, Open Land, Pool, Hot Tub, 4 Lvls, 4 BR, 4 BA Brick Home w/2 Bay Garage/Guest quarters to the left of main residence, Machine Shed, Screened Porch, Wet Bar, Large Stone Courtyard and Terrace, Full House Generator, 3 Fireplaces, Approx.6,500 sq.ft.

Property is in Land Use and includes 2 parcels. $2,350,000

18+ acres of mostly open and rolling land with the home sited perfectly with vast views from both front and back overlooking the pond, gardens and front fields. Cathedral ceilings, Master on the main floor, huge library/living room, private guest rooms, apartment on lower level w/own kitchen/entrance, sprawling deck w/awning. Perfect location ~ OCH territory ~ VOF conservation easement. $1,995,000

90 acres w/approx. 45 fenced acres and 45 acres in woods with trails. 3 bedroom manor home, Indoor and Outdoor Arenas, 2 barns open into the indoor arena, Main barn has 20 stalls, Show Barn- 5 oversized stalls, 3 tack rooms, office, 2 wash stalls, 2 bathrooms, laundry room, 14 paddocks. Manager’s cottage. 2 add’l DUR’s and is in land use. $1,900,000

The 16 room Manor House, c.1774 on 87 ACRES with expansive views-mountains, rolling hills & the property's 1300' of Shenandoah River frontage. Ballroom with dramatic Tiffany style windows. Tenant house and horse barns. VOF easement w/2 DURs. CONTINGENT upon property being divided with option to purchase more. $1,700,000

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53+ acres of beautiful, open and gently rolling land with expansive views of the countryside and distant mountains. Located in the coveted Orange County Hunt Territory of Fauquier County, this land provides exceptional ride-out potential. A home-site has been studied including engineers report verifying a site for a 5 Bedroom septic, well and potential pond site. Open space easement, land cannot be divided. $1,300,000

Beautiful 4 bedroom, 5 bath home on over 50 acres with incredible views in all directions. Perfect for horse enthusiasts or great for enjoying country living. Elegant living spaces perfect for parties. Fencing, convertible barn, water features, lush gardens, covered porches and decks for outdoor entertaining and much more. ODH Territory. $1,299,000

HOPEWELL ROAD - 82.99 acres with access from either The Plains Road or Hopewell Road. Nice elevation and several options for house sites. All wooded, with amazing view potential. Includes a certification letter for a 5 BR septic system. Property is in Easement and cannot be further subdivided. $1,395,000

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NAKED MOUNTAIN - Delaplane, 276 acres of land on Naked Mountain. A true hunter's paradise! Mostly wooded, very private. Nice elevation, from 670 to 1,400.

Kettle Run stream runs through, great opportunity for tax credits. $1,159,410 An amazing custom built 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath Colonial on 70 mostly open acres with approximately 5000 square feet of living space. This exceptional home has been modified from an original 1810 home on site. 5 stall barn, 6 car garage, pond and more. Property is currently in Land Use. $1,800,000

Recently renovated, this 4 level traditional brick home beautifully blends with the custom cedar Timberpeg-3 season porches & family room addition. Horse facilities include:4 stall, center aisle barn, run-in shed, 3 fenced paddocks on 10 mostly open acres w/easy access to tremendous ride out. Indoor & outdoor entertaining areas, pool with raised spa & multi-level terraces create a private retreat. $1,349,000

BEARS DEN - 151.61 acres in 3 parcels. (50.49, 50.48 and 50.64) Can be sold individually as well (50+ acre parcels) One largely wooded parcel, other two parcels share a pond and have wonderful views. Great location off of Leeds Manor Rd. and only minutes from Warrenton. $454,000 ea

www.Thomas-Talbot.com Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice.

Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

O’BANNON LAND - Very cute 3 BR 2 BA cottage on 50 acres in a great location with amazing views. OCH Territory. $1,100,000 MAIDSTONE ROAD - 54.21 Acres of land, half pasture, half wooded with Goose Creek frontage, Wonderful house sites and perfect location with easy access to I-66. Piedmont $838,860 Hunt territory BERRYVILLE - 90.7 Acres of rolling hills bording the lovely North Hill Farm.

MAIDSTONE ROAD - 50.14 Acres of Land, half pasture, half wooded with Goose Creek Frontage. Mountain and Pastural Views with pond and multiple house sites with elevation and perfect location with easy access to I-66. Piedmont Hunt Territory. $727,030 O’BANNON LAND - 50 elevated acres on a quiet road near The Plains overlooking Great Meadow with fantastic views to the west. Mostly open, some fencing, multiple house sites. OCH Territory. $640,000

ThoMAs AnD TAlBoT ReAl esTATe A STAUNCH ADVOCATE OF LAND EASEMENTS LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967 (540) 687-6500 Middleburg, Virginia 20118

December 2015

51+ acre farm with a beautiful 4 Bedroom home with gourmet kitchen, wine cellar, great views, pool, flagstone terrace and carriage house - extensive horse facilities - 9 stall barn, covered arena, outdoor arena, 7 paddocks, 4 stall shed row barn, machine shed, etc. $2,500,000

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www.middleburglife.com

December 2015

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Richard Ansdell (British, 18151885)

M i d d l e b u r g

Highland Tod, Fox Hunter, 1859 oil on canvas, 29 x 63 1/2 inches Collection of the American Kennel Club

Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait (American, 1819-1905)

A Good Time Coming, 1862 | oil on canvas, 20 x 30 inches | Adirondack Museum

George Haugh (British, active 1777-1818) The Countess of Effingham with Gun and Shooting Dogs, 1787 oil on canvas, 17 ¼ x 15 inches Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection

Charles Olivier de Penne (French, 1831-1897) Setters Steady During the Retrieve, c. 1875 oil on panel, 24 x 19 1/2 inches Private Collection

Benjamin Marshall (British, 1768-1835)

Portrait of a Sportsman, Possibly Richard Prince, 1825/6

oil on canvas, 15 7/8 x 20 1/2 inches

Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection

Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection

Edmund Henry Osthaus (American, 1858-1928)

A Day in the Field, c. 1905 oil on canvas, 46 1/8 x 40 1/4 inches

www.middleburglife.com

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December 2015

New Exhibit at National Sporting Library and Museum

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Executive Director Melanie L. Mathewes, foreword by Dr. Johnson, and an essay and plate descriptions by Claudia P. Pfeiffer, the NSLM’s George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Curator of Art. The text chronicles British, French, and American gunning culture contemporary to the artworks, delves into the compositions to offer insight into the variety of gunning practices over time, and illuminates the artists who created the works, often sporting enthusiasts themselves.

Even for those who do not participate in field sports, there is beauty to be found in the human figures, animals, and countryside, and in the depictions of the elegantly crafted guns. The roughly chronological review of the artworks by nationality offers a deeper understanding of the development of gunning and the art that portrays it.

“From the earliest forays into the field by the first shooters over a spaniel-type to the contemporary, gunning enthusiast and gun dog, the sport and art depicting it began with an honest relationship, the natural biddability of the dog side-by-side with man’s desire to hone it,” Pfeiffer wrote.

“The artwork represents many changes over time. Among these differences are:

Partridge Shooting, c. 1790

oil on canvas, 40 x 34 inches

Private Collection

he exhibition, Side-by-Side with Gun & Dog, will be on view at the National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) through March 20.

It explores t he quintess ent i a l relationship between gunning enthusiasts and gun dogs captured in 18th through 20th Century British, French, and American portraits and landscapes.

This ambitious loan exhibition brings together more than 40 paintings and sculptures from public and private collections encapsulating the sporting activity in which participants harvest wildfowl and wild game with a gun over pointers, setters, spaniels, retrievers, and hounds trained to point, flush, retrieve, and track.

“The exhibition as a whole presents an opportunity to expand on the motivations of the gunning enthusiast grounded in an ethos to respect the landscape and its animals, to commune with nature, and to preserve a heritage handed down for generations,” said NSLM Board Chairman Manuel H. Johnson.

The richly-illustrated 128-page catalog which accompanies the exhibition includes 42 full-page color plates, a preface by NSLM

George Morland (British, 1763-1804)

Ogden Minton Pleissner (American, 1905-1983)

Driven Grouse, Glancie Beat, 1957 watercolor on paper, 17 x 27 inches Collection of Robert Bonnie and Julie Gomena

William Tylee Ranney (American, 1813-1857) Duck Shooter’s Pony, 1853

oil on canvas, 33 5/8 x 55 inches Private Collection

nationalities, participants, dog breeds, conformation (the shape or structure of an animal), firearms technology, game laws, types of game, the landscape, and artistic styles. The exhibition explores these changes while reinforcing the foundation of the sport, the rapport between the human figure and the canine which remains a constant throughout.”

Side-by-Side with Gun & Dog was organized by the NSLM's Curatorial Department; NSLM Museum Exhibitions and Collections Committee Chair F. Turner Reuter, Jr. acted as an Advisor.

Lenders that contributed works included The Adirondack Museum, American Kennel Club, Detroit Institute of Arts, Genesee Country Village & Museum, Hagley Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and Yale Center for British Art. “An impressive selection of loans has

Alfred Dubucand (French, 1828-1894) The Gamekeeper, c. 1875 bronze; silvered patina, 10 1/4 x 4 1/2 inches Private Collectionv

been provided to the exhibition,” noted NSLM Executive Director Melanie L. Mathewes. “Several from private collectors offer a wonderful opportunity to view important paintings and sculpture not usually accessible to the public.”

For more information, visit www.

NationalSporting.org or contact Claudia Pfeiffer at 540-687-6542 at ext. 15.

How to Spend Less for Online Ads, More on Content

O

THIS

brand awareness. Alongside it, a native advertising or content campaign can give consumers something that actually informs them about the need for your products and services rather than just showing them how great they look in photos.

To learn more about how to develop and share content for your campaign, call Mammoth Undertakings at (540) 2525122, or visit mammothundertakings.com or email at info@mammothundertakings. com.

B. Brandon Barker owns Mammoth Undertakings, a marketing, public relations and advertising company based in Middleburg.

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nce you ignore something for long enough, it becomes invisible. That is what’s happening to online advertising.

With Apple’s iOS9 operating system’s installed ad blockers, most ads on any given web page — ads that businesses have paid to be there — are not visible at all to consumers. Some of these ad blockers replace the ads with something else. Others don’t replace it with anything, leaving holes or broken links on the page.

While most people have applauded these applications blocking ads that pop up in front of articles or videos they’re trying to enjoy, we can’t forget that these ads provide the revenue to make the content available free to that audience. Advertising will always be linked to subscription-free and low-cost subscription content platforms.

It’s like death and taxes.

Eliminating ad blockers might not make much of a difference, though, thanks to a new phenomenon called “ad blindness,” which occurs when people don’t even notice ads anymore because they’ve already ignored them for so long.

Plus, no one is clicking on these ads even when they’re unblocked. Display ads have an average click-through rate of .1% and only 8% of all web consumers account for 85% of all ad clicks. On smartphones, 40% of all ad clicks are made by mistake.

As a business, when you think about how much of your marketing revenue went into creating that 15-second video or banner ad that’s either being ignored or blocked, it’s

rather than presenting them merely with images and videos of models with products.

What are the advantages of putting more of your ad dollars into content? Here are a few: 1. It beats ad blockers and ad blindness: When your “ad” is part of a site’s content offering, ad blockers won’t block it and consumers will not ignore it. Early research confirms that people look at Photo by Brandon Barker native ads 52% more often Have you looked at your website on a smart phone than display ads, and they lately? look at native ads 25% more than banners. enough to make you a little sick.

2. More engagement: Someone looks at a This is why marketers are turning increasing more to “native advertising”— display ad for less than a second, but they ads that take the form of the content already linger longer on content.

3. More clicks for your money: Native ads on the platform. An ad on a magazine site get seven times higher click-through stats will take the form of a relevant article, while than display ads. an ad on a retail site will take the form of a 4.

It’s mobile-friendly: Content is more featured product. easily consumed on mobile devices and is What’s the difference?

The ad is simply conceived, developed more likely to be looked at.

5. It lasts and lasts: Ads come down over and presented differently, but not in an effort to trick the consumer: Native time and they are almost never shared. advertising is basically content which is Hosted content in the form of things like designed to be sought out, enjoyed and info-graphics, interactive video, slideshows, etc. can be found through search engines, shared by your customers, not ignored.

According to Business Insider, native shared and posted by your audience on advertising spending will reach $7.9 billion their channels.

This is not to say that display ads are this year. By 2018, it will hit $21 billion.

Marketers are putting more money, effort dead or not worth your time. A good and creativity into creating content that display ad campaign online can do will inform, delight and inspire consumers, wonders for building and reinforcing your

M i d d l e b u r g

By B. Brandon Barker For Middleburg Life

JUST 18 MINUTES WEST ON RT 50 OVER THE PARIS MOUNTAIN

8112 John Mosby Highway Boyce, VA 22620

• 24 Hour Access • Security fence and lights • Best Value anywhere

540.837.2600 www.appleblossomustoreit.com Email info@appleblossomustoreit.com

STEAM www.middleburglife.com •

Learn - Lead - Serve

www.MiddleburgAcademy.org 35321 Notre Dame Lane, Middleburg, VA 20117 admissions@middleburgacademy.org

December 2015

MIDDLEBURG ACADEMY

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The Art of Changing Careers on Display at Byrne Gallery

By Leonard Shapiro For Middleburg Life

S

usan Byrne had been working as an administrator at several top law firms around Washington for a number of years when she decided to sign up for a 75th anniversary symposium being held at her alma mater, Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

Bill Clinton was the keynote speaker, and Secretary of State Madeline Albright was on the program, with many other foreign service school graduates also in attendance. Sitting there that night, Byrne had an epic epiphany.

“I’m surrounded by all these great people, and I’m the only legal administrator in the room,” she said. “I’m thinking to myself, you’ve got the same ingredients in your makeup as anyone here. It’s time to just kick it into high gear and make something happen.”

And so she did.

Walk into the Byrne Gallery on Washington Street and the consequence of that life-changing evening at Georgetown is all around you—eye-popping paintings by prominent local and national artists on the walls, superb sculptures decorating the expansive space and gorgeous hand-crafted jewelry on display.

Clearly this was a natural fit for Susan and her brother Bill, who also helps run the gallery along with Susan’s husband, Mark Krogness. Susan Byrne’s mother, also a Susan, was an artist and art teacher, and

“Play is the highest form of research.”

www.middleburglife.com

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December 2015

Albert Einstein

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she often took her children on excursions from their suburban New Jersey home into Manhattan to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney and the Museum of Modern Art. “S o m e t i m e s she’d leave us off and just say “behave yourself,” and we’d spend t h e af t e r n o on there,” she said.

“When I first started thinking about what else I’d feel comfortable doing, I said ‘I can do an art gallery.’”

Middleburg seemed like an ideal location. Byrne had been a frequent visitor and one of her best friends, artist Misia Broadhead, lived here. Byrne told her about her idea, and Broadhead was all in, as well.

She immediately went about finding a possible location, and told Byrne she’d join her as a partner in the new venture, as well.

There were several more steps. Byrne wanted another opinion and called an attorney friend, Sidney Silver, whose firm had once employed her. They met for lunch, and when Silver saw her bubbly enthusiasm for a change in careers, “he said I should do it,” Byrne said. “For me, that was the green light. I was so thrilled to hear him say that.”

Byrne then decided to sell her home in Georgetown and move to Middleburg.

“I was trading up on my dream,” she said.

Silver, who now owns Brook Hill Farm just west of town, helped with the lease and in November, 1995, the Byrne Gallery debuted. Just like many small businesses, there were a few lean years at the start. And Byrne’s mother helped run the gallery for a short while when Byrne went back to work for a Crystal City law firm to supplement her income.

Broadhead decided to bow out about 15 months after the gallery opened when she met and then married another local artist, Anthony Barham. (Byrne had actually introduced them.) A few years later, Byrne’s brother Bill came aboard, moving from

California, and he’s clearly helped broaden the business.

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Byrne Gallery has become a Middleburg fixture, and also has branched out into other art-related pursuits. Because of her background in law, Byrne began consulting with Washington firms about adorning their offices with fine art. In addition to selling paintings and sculptures, the gallery offers framing, installation and many other consulting services, for individuals and companies, as well.

There’s now an impressive list of corporate and law firm clients that includes Northrup Grumman and Kraft Foods as well a number of local establishments— Salamander Resort & Spa, The Goodstone Inn and Rail Stop restaurant.

And, oh yes, the gallery also played another matchmaking role.

One night in the late ‘90s, Byrne was about to close up when she heard someone tapping on the front window. As gregarious as they get, Byrne turned the lights back on and invited Mark Krogness to come in and look around. He lived in Oakton at the time, and before long, he was visiting again…and again. They married in 1999.

“This whole thing has been a real adventure,” Susan Byrne said. “You really have to want to do it, and I’m so glad I stuck with it.”

Clearly, she’s not alone.

Because a Great Education is not just about What They Learn. It’s about

Who They Become.

Childhood is about trying on lots of different ideas, identities and interests. The Hill School’s academic and co-curricular programs let each child explore every subject and activity, so they can find out where they excel, and appreciate where others do. Through every lesson, we encourage the development of strong character, self-confidence, a sense of community and a love of lifelong learning.

We invite you to visit our unique village-style campus in Middleburg, VA to find out more.

Serving students in Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade since 1926.

TheHillSchool.org

H

ere are three quick recipes to get you through the busy holiday season of house guests and entertaining.

Let’s Buy

(British Thermal Units)

Curried Butternut Squash Soup 1 pound pre-cut fresh butternut squash 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ cup chopped onion (I use frozen) 1 tablespoon curry powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 quart chicken broth (hold back about 1 cup to adjust thickness after pureeing) Juice and zest of 1 lime 2 tablespoons honey Sour cream and flat leaf parsley for serving • Heat a large sauce pan to medium heat and add the olive oil and the onions • Stir until lightly brown and add the salt and the curry powder • When the curry become fragrant, about a minute, add the chicken broth and the butternut squash • Stir to combine and simmer until the squash become very soft, about 2025 minutes • With an immersion blender, blend until smooth • Finish with the lime zest, lime juice and the honey, stir to combine

• Taste to adjust seasoning; if it’s too thick, add a bit more broth • Serve with a dollop of sour cream and chopped flat leaf parsley This recipe is so versatile and easy - it can be served with ice cream for dessert or breakfast with Greek yogurt

Ginger Baked Apples 6 large yellow delicious apples, cored and cut into quarters (leave the peel on) ½ cup crystalized ginger chopped very fine (you can use a food processor or by hand) ¾ cup orange juice • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees • Arrange the apples in a 9X13 pan • Pour the orange juice over the apples • Sprinkle with the minced crystalized ginger • Bake for about 45 minutes or until the apples are soft and lightly brown • Baste the apples with the accumulated juices • Serve warm or at room temperature

This Mexican-inspired chicken dish can be made well in advance and is a great all-in-one dish dinner. It’s easy enough to do and can really feed a crowd.

1 teaspoon chili powder

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees • In a bowl, combine the cream and the tomatillo salsa • In another bowl, combine the chicken with about ½ cup of the tomatillo mixture

Isn’t this fun!

Let’s buy 1 million btu’s!!

Wow! That sounds like a lot!

But we will need them.

• Stack the corn tortillas flat and wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 1 minute • Taking one tortilla at a time, place about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture in the center and roll, placing it seam-side down in the prepared casserole pan. Fit it 8 lengthwise and 4 crosswise.

• Top with the remaining salsa mixture and top with cheese.

Sprinkle with the chili powder • Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the top is brown and the sides are bubbly • Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving • Top with chopped tomatoes, diced avocado and cilantro

This lesson brought to you by Your friends at

Morgan Oil Corporation 540-364-1591 We still make house calls!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

December 2015

Oil for preparing a 9X13 casserole pan

Propane $2.59 Heating oil $2.45 Now let’s do math

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For serving—cilantro, chopped tomatoes and sliced avocado

US Energy information administration average price for the week of 11-23-15

www.middleburglife.com

12 ounces Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded (3 cups)

Propane has 91,500 btu’s per gallon.

Heating oil has 138,500 btu’s per gallon.

Propane 10.9 x $2.59 = $28.23 Heating oil 7.2 x $2.45 = $17.64

1 rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed and meat chopped into bite-size pieces

12 6-inch corn tortillas

Let’s compare Propane to Heating Oil.

Propane 10.9 x 91,500 = 997,350 Heating oil 7.2 x 138,500 = 997,200

SERVES 6

¾ cup heavy cream

Send some to your friends for Christmas!

Gallons BTU’s

Creamy Tomatillo Chicken Bake

2 jars (12 ounces) tomatillo (green) salsa

Great to have around in the winter!

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SERVES 6

The ability to heat one pound of water one degree

M i d d l e b u r g

BTU’s

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L i f e M i d d l e b u r g

Clients YourOur Guide through

Say it Best...

www.middleburglife.com

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December 2015

BEFORE

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DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION  RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES  PURCHASE CONSULTATIONS

Believe it or not, remodeling can be enjoyable!

For 27 years, our design build experts have been guiding clients from early planning, throughout architecture and construction, and continuing through a lifetime of ownership. Through the entire process, our team is committed to delivering an experience that surpasses expectations and is as remarkable as the finished space.

For a great experience, make BOWA your first call today!

Tim Burch, CR Project Leader

540-687-6771

www.bowa.com

Stylish ‘Bellevue’ Estate Showcases Style, Features Its Own Vineyard

M i d d l e b u r g

French Country Design in a Verdant Locale

L i f e

Facts for buyers

Address: 7024 Smitten Farm Lane, The Plains.

Listed at: $1,495,000 by Kathryn Harrell, Washington Fine Properties (540) 687-2215.

December 2015

A cozy family room is a treat, and you also will find office/den and media/ game rooms.

The four bedrooms are highlighted by the main-level master suite, which has benefited from a recent, extensive renovation. Each of the other three bedrooms offers plentiful space.

No matter the time of year, there are exceptional views from the terrace.

Bonuses? From the wood-burning fireplaces to the walk-in cedar closet to the heated-tile flooring in the master bedroom and the kitchen, Bellevue fea-

•

and French doors that open to the stone terrace are highlights. And like all the other rooms, there is an abundance of natural light coming through large windows.

The formal dining room features a sunny disposition and has the space to accommodate a holiday gathering.

The kitchen was designed for serious chefs and gourmets in mind, with soapstone-and-granite countertops and top-of-the line appliances.

A separate breakfast room is an added amenity.

tures pleasant surprises every step of the way. It’s also a high-tech property, with multi-room wiring for speakers and ethernet.

Outside, the estate is just as impressive.

The decades-old vineyard is small in size but delightful in stature, and the property also features mature apple and pear trees. The large, stocked pond is a visual treat every season of the year, and the entire property is home to mature landscaping.

All this, and you are in a picture-perfect locale, close to so much but set back in a world of style and serenity.

www.middleburglife.com

It has been a strong year in the local real estate scene, and up through November, we have profiled 11 outstanding estates across Hunt Country.

We ring out the old and await the new year with another special property.

Featuring French-country design with marvelous vistas, “Bellevue” is a showstopper property surrounded by the large homes of the prestigious Orange County Hunt territory.

A convenient location puts the property back in its own world of bucolic splendor, yet it is close to Middleburg and less than an hour’s drive to Washington Dulles International Airport.

All this, and the 10 scenic acres – bordered by stone walls – also incorporate a picturesque pond and charming vineyard.

The property currently is on the market, listed at $1,495,000 by Kathryn Harrell of Washington Fine Properties.

High-quality finishes and Old World detailing are the hallmarks of the interior spaces. From the custom front door all the way through the remainder of the home, there are wonderful touches galore. We’ll come back to some of them along our journey.

Let’s begin our exploration in the spacious and gracious living room. Here, a wood-burning fireplace, bay window

43

L i f e M i d d l e b u r g

Middleburg Elementary’s New Principal Charts an Innovative Course

By Megan Catherwood For Middleburg Life

“O

ne to the World” is the new educational thrust within the Loudoun County Public School system. The initiative emphasizes projectbased learning, significant collaboration and the presentation of findings to people beyond the classroom.

In this, the 114 students of Middleburg Community Charter School are ahead of the curve. A Leonardo da Vinci-themed program means these children are well practiced in the art of collaborative thinking and problem solving, and in presenting what they have learned to a wider audience.

Even parents participate in the hands-on, interdisciplinary methods: a family project is assigned every quarter, and results are presented during “Leo Night” gatherings.

New Principal David Larson, who came on board July 1, noted that the K-5 charter school’s approach is well aligned with the district’s instructional principles.

“Where they want to take it, we’ve already started,” he said during a recent interview.

As school leader, Larson’s goal is to “hold to the fidelity and great vision of the Leonardo da Vinci curriculum, while balancing LCPS and Standards of Learning (SOL) expectations.” In this, he feels “one hundred percent supported by the MCCS board and the Loudoun County

school system.”

Those who have followed the launch of Northern Virginia’s first, and only, charter school know that Larson has stepped into a situation of great promise, with some startup challenges. The first principal, Canadian Barbara Smith, encountered teaching and administrative licensing issues with the Virginia Department of Education and, ultimately, visa problems that led to her resignation last April. Moreover, the school earned only partial accreditation from VDOE, due to a student pass rate that fell short of the benchmark in science.

Despite all the transition, the new principal finds “a very positive environment here. I am very encouraged based on the beginning of the school year and the positive feedback, especially after our first Leo Night when all our families came together.”

He said he appreciates the contributions of his colleagues — including a number of new teachers — who “want innovation and to be innovative themselves. They are curious about how kids learn best and they want the freedom to create and innovate in the classroom.”

Enrollment at the school is healthy and ‘the majority of families returned from last year,” according to Larson. Class size is capped at 22, and kindergarten through third grade “are full, with healthy waiting lists,” he added. Multi-age, mixed grade learning has evolved from two levels last

year (K-2 and 3-5) to three (K-1, 2-3, 4-5).

Principal Larson and his management team have brought other additions and enhancements. A hub-based bus system has been introduced, “making parents very happy.”

There is also a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Program, Lego Robotics, Spanish language lessons, a fourth and fifth grade orchestra program (in addition to music and chorus) plus physical education classes every day (two of which are devoted to dance).

The school operates on a modified school year to provide more continuous learning, and Larson is excited to report new VDOE funding for intersession programming and a Saturday Academy enrichment option. He called the grant, “a tremendous help.”

David Larson was first hired by the MCCS Board as interim principal, following his predecessor’s departure in the spring. He chairs the management group comprised of individuals from inside and outside the school. They meet monthly to focus on academic and structural priorities, problem-solving and new initiatives, as well as the oversight of facilities. He sees his role as one of ensuring “a culture of collaboration and transparency.”

With 26 years in public education, nearly all of it at the high school level as teacher, coach and assistant principal, Larson finds

Photo Courtesy

Middleburg Community Charter School Principal David Larson working among “much smaller people” a fun and fascinating experience. “It’s the kids I enjoy most about my job,” said the former physical education teacher, who has been known to join a game of foursquare during recess.

“We have some really refreshing conversations – young kids, too, can be so articulate,” he said. “The Gainesville resident is father to three now older offspring: a high school senior, plus two who are in college.

Though still early on in his Middleburg tenure, Larson is already reflective. “The majority of the kids on the majority of days can’t wait to get out of their cars or off the bus and start their day here,” he said.

“Working in the high schools and middle schools has its own rewards, but you don’t tend to see that every day. That kind of enthusiasm says a lot about the way the children are treated, taught and cared for by the people in the building.”

703.296.2347 colleengustavson.com

www.atokaproperties.com

colleen@middleburgrealestate.com

www.middleburglife.com

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December 2015

ER T D N U RAC NT CO

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ROCK HILL HOUSE – LINCOLN, VA

LANCER CIRCLE, WATERMILL ROAD - MIDDLEBURG, VA PURCELLVILLE, VA Magnificent Waterfront Home located just outside

Beautiful stucco and passive solar home set high on rock hill in the bucolic hunt country of Western Loudoun, yet just 10 Estate home with 5 Bedrooms - each with private full bath. Stunning minutes to Leesburg – a lovely weekender or full-time residence. Located on 5+ acres with magnificent views and interior. Gourmet kitchen. Impressive Stone fireplace - Large Screened surrounded by large parcels in open space easement. porch, deck and pool Lower level Stunning interior with dream kitchen, Palladian windows and with wet bar and 5th bedroom. Main 10 sets of French doors, patios, gardens, expansive lawns. level has elegant sunroom and office.

Main floor bedrooms. Walk to world-class Equestrian Master suite with attached sitting room, and enormous closet. facilities! Rare opportunity- priced under appraisal and tax Beautifully sited. Could not build a assessment - instant equity. $598,000 similar new home in this location for this price. $974,995 Colleen Gustavson Real Estate

@iloveloco

Middleburg, Virginia and set on a private lake with water access! This all brick Schulz-built symmetrically designed Georgian Colonial will take your breath away. With soaring ceilings throughout, spacious room sizes, it is beyond perfect. Unique one level living floor plan with the 4th bedroom, game room, and gym in lower level. The lot is 10+ acres. Interior and exterior are meticulous. All paved roads. Rare opportunity! $1,349,000

Colleen@middleburgrealestate.com

ER T D N U RAC NT O C

colleengustavson.com

540.270.6224 9113 lees ridge road

8532 meetze road

5280 lightning road

M i d d l e b u r g

A nne M Arstiller

L i f e

big reduction~Available for the first time in 60 years.

Former home of nationally known landscape architect Meade Palmer. 302 lovely acres with rolling meadows, large ponds/stream and gracious pastures. Main residence dates back to 1752 with recent upgrades and additions. Old stone and frame tenant house with 3 Bedrooms and 1 Bath. 9 agricultural outbuildings. $2,100,000

Ideal 50 acre equestrian property. Home overlooks 7 pastures with an abundance of charm/character with attractive updates. Large open rooms for one level living, renovated gourmet kitchen with granite, vaulted ceiling, beams, geothermal floors, , 4BR/3.5BA. In ground pool, garage, 2/2 tenant house, custom 12 stall barn with hay loft and 2 breeding stalls, smaller barn with 9 stalls, 2 Morton sheds. $1,700,000

Just minutes from The Plains. Surrounded by 34+ park-like acres laced with walking/riding trails, custom built colonial, 7000+ sq.ft., richly appointed, custom decorator touches. 5 Bedrooms, 5 1/2 Bath, cathedral foyer, large gourmet kitchen, large deck, 3 fireplaces, swimming pool and tennis court. Lower level has large game room and full gym. Separate guest apartment, attached 4 car garage. $1,599,000

middletown, va

4449 mountain laurel d!

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c1700's historic home in tranquil private, park-like setting on 6.99 acres surrounded by towering cliffs overlooking a tumbling mountain stream. Original brick exterior, partially renovated home with original logs, hardwood floors and many modern features. 4 original wood burning fireplaces, 3BD/2.5BA, large kitchen and rooms, original board and batten barn. Private country setting, perfect weekend home. $489,000

Lovely country house individually designed and arranged over 3 floors. Superb location with privacy and tranquility. Original farmhouse dates to 1910.

Beautifully renovated with a sizable addition added in 2003. Graciously sized floor plan, perfect for entertaining with many built in features. Two sun rooms overlooking 26 fenced acres ready for horses. Minutes from I-66. $995,000

4108 whitewood road

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Stately 3 story colonial on 3+ acres with mature hardwoods overlooking spring-fed pond. Impeccable condition, large gracious rooms, flowing floor plan, large kitchen, 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, his/her Master Baths, open 3rd floor loft, deck off dining room overlooking pond, finished hardwood floors, slate kitchen and terrace floors, mud room, attached 2 car garage, screened in porch. $949,000

Lovely 53 acre parcel on desirable Lees Ridge Road. Wonderful views with numerous building sites. A mix of open meadows and mature trees. Adjacent to Whitney State Forest and set amidst land in conservation easement on 2 sides. Very private. Excellent location minutes from Warrenton. $662,500

7442 Coblentz ave.

Cottage lane

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Snug country cottage in a small quaint town, sited in a lush native plant garden. Sleek modern eat-in kitchen . Wonderful lighting, large windows with vistas into the woods. 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath with loft on third floor. Lower level is currently an artist studio with wood burning stove and cathedral ceiling. Large terraced, low maintenance garden.

Fully fenced. Property large enough for a garage with apartment. $425,000

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE

LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967 A STAUNCH ADVOCATE OF LAND EASEMENTS

anne@thomasandtalbot.com www.THOMAS -TALBOT.com

Telephone (540) 687-6500 P. O. Box 500 Middleburg sVirginia 20118

Licensed in Virginia. Offer subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

December 2015

Enjoy the tranquility of your new 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home in the quiet Whisperwood neighborhood. Entertain your family & friends on the large deck and spacious fenced backyard. On the DC side of Warrenton and minutes to town.

This home is in the PB Smith, Warrenton, and Kettle Run School District. Close to shopping, restaurants, recreational facilities & much more. $425,000

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Charming country retreat on prestigious country road. Landscaped and immaculate property on 1.32 acres with large field and barn suitable for an office, guest house, party barn or garage. Open flow interior, beautifully maintained, refinished floors and freshly painted. Unique property located between Leesburg and Middleburg. Convenient to Rt. 7. Must see! FIOS. $435,000

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Lovely field stone five bedroom, three and half bath residence on 50+ acres in the Orange County Hunt.

Spacious rooms with high ceilings. Gourmet kitchen, wonderful large family / living room, first floor Master Suite. Remarkable views of the Bull Run. Beautiful gardens. 7 Stall center aisle barn with apartment above.

Excellent fencing, run-ins, and water. $2,575,000

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MIDDLEBURG REAL ESTATE ATOKA PROPERTIES

L i f e

www.middleburgrealestate.com

Middleburg 540-687-6321 Purcellville 540-338-7770 Leesburg 703-777-1170

M i d d l e b u r g

Serving Serving our our Clients Clients Since Since 1939 1939 Find us on Facebook!

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www.middleburglife.com

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December 2015

$850,000

SCOTT BUZZELLI

540.454.1399

22553 DRESDEN FARM LN, MIDDLEBURG, VA

36611 Wynhurst Ct, Middleburg, VA $3,500,000 $739,900

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$1,430,000

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JOY THOMPSON

23515 LIGHT HORSE CT, MIDDLEBURG, VA

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540-729-3428

BEAVER DAM BRIDGE RD, MIDDLEBURG, VA

$1,389,000

540-729-3428

21197 ST. LOUIS RD, MIDDLEBURG, VA

$1,362,000

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CAROLE TAYLOR

571-274-5755

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540-720-3835

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10005 POSSUM HOLLOW DR, DELAPLANE, VA

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540-720-3835

540-720-3835 540.270.3835

$2,999,000 $2,999,000 •• CL7939070 CL7939070

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7573 PATRICKSWELL LN, MARSHALL, VA

OAK SPRING FARM, UPPERVILLE, VA

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540-720-3835

540-720-3835

375 DOUBLE WOOD LN, BERRYVILLE, VA

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540-720-3835

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703-577-4680

5667 VARZARA RD, MARSHALL, VA

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540-454-1399 40619 Sousa Pl, Aldie, VA - Beautiful luxury home on over 3785 GROVE LN, MARSHALL, VA 118 JAY STfloor N. MIDDLEBURG, Open plan perfect forVA an acre in private neighborhood. $749,000 entertaining with large family room, gourmet$699,000 kitchen with granite ss -appliances. covered deck.- Huge master 161 Hatcher Ave, Purcellville, VA Great 1910 36004 Bellopportunity Rd,Amazing Roundon Hill, VA -ceranda Orchardand Cottage Rare opporbedroom with sitting area and elegant bath suite.

Hardwood floors Victorian with approx 2,000 sq ft tunity on almost 1/2 aacre.

C-4 stone home with pool, gardens to own circaZoned 1800 historic upgraded moldings, irrigation system. Great**VIEWS** commuter Lovingly location. commercial in down town Purcellville.

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3 Bedrooms plus a Loft, 3.5 Baths Fireplace. 3 Bedrooms plus a Loft, 3.5 Baths almost almost 11 11 RAMONA REMBERvery PAUL stone KAKOLFireplace. very private private acres. acres. Living Living Room Room with with stone Fireplace.

571-243-2753 Finished room, Finished basement basement with with game game 703-303-2733 room, exercise exercise area area 842 SANTMYER DR SE, LEESBURG, VA

$509,900

36470 MAIN ST, PURCELLVILLE, VA

$460,000

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KRISTIN JOHNSON

540-720-3835

5 CHINN LN, MIDDLEBURG, VA

$665,000

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CHAPPELLE HILL RD, PURCELLVILLE, VA

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$449,000

10 10 E. E. Washington Washington St St •• Post Post Office Office Box Box 485 485 •• Middleburg, Middleburg, VA VA 20118 20118

OFFICE 540.687.6321 FAX OFFICE 540.687.6321 FAX 540.687.3966 WWW.MIDDLEBURGREALESTATE.COM 10 E. Washington St OFFICE 540.687.6321 FAX 540.687.3966 540.687.3966 WWW.MIDDLEBURGREALESTATE.COM WWW.MIDDLEBURGREALESTATE.COM

18892 AIRMONT ROAD, PURCELLVILLE, VA

$389,000

• Post Office Box 485 • Middleburg, VA 20118

M i d d l e b u r g

MIDDLEBURG REAL ESTATE ATOKA PROPERTIES www.middleburgrealestate.com

Middleburg 540-687-6321 Purcellville 540-338-7770 Leesburg 703-777-1170 Find us on Facebook!

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703-499-4961

ALEX WOODSON

703-808-1776

BOXWOOD HILL, MARSHALL, VA

$2,300,000

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$2,000,000

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571-291-5747

18184 SHINNIECOCK HILLS PL, LEESBURG, VA

$1,694,500

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703-470-0680

703-408-4261

417 KING ST S, LEESBURG, VA

$1,095,000

18822 WOODBURN RD, LEESBURG, VA

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PURCELLVILLE RD, PURCELLVILLE, VA

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540-720-3835

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540.219.2633

703-577-4680

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703-509-4499

17345 RAVEN ROCKS RD, BLUEMONT, VA

$577,359

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$540,000

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STONEWALL FARM LN, MIDDLEBURG, VA

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JUANITA TOOL

540-454-1604

9 CHURCH ST, ROUND HILL, VA

$374,000

MARY CHATFIELD-TAYLOR

703-967-0431

20664 MAITLAND TER, ASHBURN, VA

$314,990

OFFICE 540.687.6321 FAX 540.687.3966 WWW.MIDDLEBURGREALESTATE.COM

540-454-6500

15881 SHORT HILL RD, PURCELLVILLE, VA

PATRICIA BURNS

540-454-6723

$260,000

10 E. Washington St • Post Office Box 485 • Middleburg, VA 20118

6950 ATOKA ROAD, MARSHALL, VA

$175,000

December 2015

MARY KAKOURAS

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The main floor of the school.

M i d d l e b u r g

L i f e

DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT US

w w w. c o w g i l l m g m t . c o m • Manage Home & Property

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Custom Estate & Farm Management 108 W. Washington Street, Suite 203, Middleburg, VA 20118

www.middleburglife.com

•

December 2015

571.933.850 0

48

The upper floor has desks and storage shelves.

Middleburg Montessori School New Addition

By Sophie Scheps For Middleburg Life

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skills. A special item that the children are looking forward to, a working bell cupola, will be installed soon.

The existing school is in a renovated one-story retail building constructed in the mid-1980s. It’s located in the Cromwell’s Run Historic District that was included in the boundary increase of the historic district and registered in the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

The Cromwell Run District was increased to include the village of Atoka and its association with the Civil War battle that took place in and around Atoka in June, 1863. The district includes both sides of Route 50 at Atoka, formerly the Ashby Gap Turnpike, which was a strategic transportation route in the 19th Century and during the Civil War. Middleburg Montessori School is an

iddleburg Montessori School will host a reception to celebrate the opening of a major addition to the existing building on the school’s Atoka village campus on Dec. 10. The new 4,000-square foot addition allows the school to double its student capacity. The elementary school has already moved into the new space this past month.

“We are bursting at the seams, and this beautiful new building will allow us to offer the Montessori learning experience to so many more students in a tailor-made environment,” said BethAnn Slater, Head of School and Primary Directress.

Slater loves children and t he d e vel opme nt of children. She has an AMI Montessori Certificate as well as a M a s t e r ’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and has taught for over 20 The Middleburg Montessori School has a new addition. years both in public and private settings.

AMI recognized Montessori School that After taking over as Head of School is celebrating its 35th anniversary this from Clare Ferrell in 2003, she has increased year serving children in the Middleburg the enrollment and added new programs community. The Middleburg Montessori serving children fro0m 16 months old to School was founded on and operates within 15. The new addition will allow enrollment the educational philosophy developed by to increase further with an approved Dr. Maria Montessori, who recognized and capacity of 84 students. respected the natural interests and sensitive Pam Mickley Albers, AIA, and the periods of learning present in children.

The Montessori approach is centered designer for the new building addition, said, “I was familiar with this gem of a on this respect for the child, on the school from my son Carter’s time as a development of the intrinsic curiosity, and preschooler here, and I wanted to design on fostering independence, concentration, a building that captured the inspiring coordination, self-confidence and sense of simplicity of this setting while providing all order. The children work in various areas the spaces that the Montessori method uses of the total curriculum, which includes practical life, sensorial, mathematics, to excite learning in the children.”

The design provides for open spaces that language, geography, science, culture and can be arranged as needed for the learning movement.

For more information, go to www. areas, many windows, high ceilings and each floor will have a pantry for learning middleburgmontessori.com.

Artist David Williams Prefers a Drama-Free Canvas

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With studio lighting in your own home.

Drawings or Paintings made from my photos or yours

Photo by Camden Littleton Photography

David Williams important part of my artistic effort,” he said. “There are an infinite number of possibilities when you are painting on location. You can go in any direction and you have to very quickly distill your subject and boil it down to its essence.”

More recently, Williams has moved away from painting on location. He now works from reference photographs, but prefers to make quick sketches on location to take back to his studio.

“Increasingly I’m finding that I will go do a quick sketch of something and then come back and do a painting from the sketch and from what I remember,” he said.

“I think that it’s making it more interesting.

The paintings are more representational and abstract.”

In addition to painting, Williams spends half his week teaching art classes to local adults. Students come to his studio at his home or travel with him to paint on location.

“David, in my opinion, is an excellent teacher as he has the ability to tailor his instruction focusing on each individual student's artistic talent helping them develop their own style of painting,” said Lisa Ben-Dov, one of Williams’ students.

“His class is fun, yet instructive, and he's

L i f e

s a native of Northern Virginia, artist David Williams never quite got used to living and painting in California, returning to The Plains four years ago in search of interesting subject matter.

“In California, it’s drama, drama, drama. Even the natural environment is dramatic and very extreme,” he said.

“That’s great, but I like the more even-keel scenes here.”

Williams paints a mixture of landscapes and still life pieces. His love of art started with his grandmother as a child, but he didn’t always dream of painting professionally.

“My grandmother’s artsy friends were around when I visited in the summer,” he said. “That's why I was first interested in it. When I was a teenager my parents enrolled me in some private classes and it stuck. I was good at it but I abandoned it in my early 20s because everyone said I couldn’t make a living as an artist. Now I feel like I wasted those six or seven years because from a purely practical standpoint, painting has paid better than anything I’ve ever done.”

Williams’ process is ever evolving.

He began as a plein air painter and has participated in several competitions, which take place over five days. The challenge of working outside with changing light is a real test of endurance for an artist.

“I still consider that to be the most

very good at dealing with his students’ various personalities.

Williams said he strives to instill his style and love of patterns in his students.

The beauty of the landscape is only part of his inspiration. The repetition of different elements like trees, waves and rocks is what he loves to study. He encourages his students to focus on the basic building blocks first.

“Simplifying the scene, working from shadow to light and describing it as simplistically as possible because you can really work on a painting forever,” said Williams. “The hard part is to just take the main element and describing it in maybe three to five basic shapes, even a landscape, and adding detail to those shapes. The results are more dramatic and deliberate.”

Williams’ work is currently on display in the Berkley Gallery in Warrenton. He also devotes time working with interior designers to create pieces for specific spaces. His commissions are not only of landscapes but also abstract works as well.

He sometimes spends several months mulling over a piece before he puts a brush to canvas. He’s often just given a subject matter and a canvas size to work with.

“It’s like writing a term paper,” he said.

“You have your subject and you have an outline. It’s just about breaking each piece down more and more until finally you are just done. When you arrive at a point of diminishing returns, that's the most logical answer that you are done. It’s also a gut feeling. The longer I paint the more I just feel it.”

M i d d l e b u r g

By Sophie Scheps Middleburg Life

PET PORTRAITS

Fine Art Photography Photo Editing and Photoshop Help

540-532-2075

www.crowellhaddenphoto.com

24115 New Mountain Road • Aldie, VA Be Home For The Holidays!

December 2015

For more information, call Andrew Lax of Weichert, Realtors at 703-597-7653.

•

Escape the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia, yet close to the Middleburg/Aldie area.

Charming, serene 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath home located on 12.7 secluded, wooded acres!

Walls of windows and doors with lovely nature views! Main level bedroom! Cathedral ceilings in living and dining rooms! 2 fireplaces for cozy winter evenings! Huge wrap around deck!

Light, bright sunroom addition! 2 bedrooms and full bath on upper level! Family room w/ fireplace and full bath in walk-out lower level!

1 car garage! Close to Rt. 50 and Rt. 15. Don’t miss this one! From Rt. 50 west; round about at Rt. 15 and stay on Rt. 50 west; @ ½ mile, left on New Mountain Road; follow for 2 ½ to 3 miles to home on right. MLS# LO8739156 $524,900

www.middleburglife.com

Crowell Hadden

49

M i d d l e b u r g

L i f e

Mcgowan associates (540) 687-5523

boLinvar

randLeston FarM

birchwood estate

French country

Magnificent Estate on 100 acres in a spectacular setting. The stone house boasts 22 elegant rooms, 9 fireplaces, high ceilings, all superbly detailed and beautifully appointed.

Brilliant gardens surround the heated pool.

Fabulous 11 stall stone stable with 2 staff apartments. Riding ring, green house all in pristine condition. additional 227 acres are available. $10,000,000

Beautifully sited on the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Randleston Farm encompases 117 acres of lush pastures, flowering trees and English gardens. An exquisite 10,000 square foot stone manor is meticulously restored, enjoys incredible views and borders the Shenandoah River. 20 stall stone and stucco stable, 3 bedroom managers house, run-in sheds, all create a fabulous equestrain facility. $6,900,000

The extraordinary Birchwood Estate boasts 180 acres with the most beautiful private arboretum in Virginia! The English Country manor is a masterpiece of the finest quality & design, elegant & charming with incredible mountain views, brilliant gardens & a simply "magical setting". Exquisite stone, slate roofing, fieldstone terraces, a luxurious pool & spa, wine $5,975,000 cellar; plus 6 separate parcels!

st. Louis area! Custom Country French estate on 92 acres just minutes from Middleburg. Built of stone and stucco.

Beamed ceilings, 3 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, antique wood heated floors, on 3 finished levels. Pool, steam room and stone terrace overlook the Blue Ridge Mountains, 2 stables, Generator, 5 paddocks with 5 run-in sheds. $3,950,000

tuckahoe

quaker haMLet

An extraordinary historic farm on 24+ acres with two main residences (totaling 6 bedrooms) and a tenant house/guest house, amidst towering trees, stonewalls, brillant gardens and a spring fed pond. The two stables are stunning and include 10 stalls and 6 stalls with huge lofts, opening to paddocks and overlooking the pond. English gardens, picket fences, a paneled office, all in pristine condition and absolutely charming. $2,350,000

Fox Lair

paeonian springs ~ Magnificent 19 room country estate on over 18 acres with breathtaking mountain views. Custom built in 2003 with extraordinary quality & design, this 3 level Colonial features 5 bedrooms, 6 baths and 3 half baths, over 11,000 sq. ft. of spectacular living space, beautifully decorated, impeccably maintained. Features stone fireplaces, gleaming cherry & limestone floors, Media room, fabulous Gourmet Kitchen. Barn ideal for horses. $1,795,000

Middleburg~Charming 4 Bedroom 3.5 Bath, stone & stucco residence on 12+ acres, completely remodeled with the finest craftmanship, in a secluded storybook setting.

Surrounded by hundreds of acres in easement, with towering trees and gorgeous landscaping, Dependencies include a beautiful guest house, a carriage house with studio apartment above, a green house, spa, and run in shed in lush paddocks. $1,795,000

MiddLeburg house

yeLLow schooLhouse

Stunning antique colonial, circa 1790, on beautifully landscaped grounds in historic village of Middleburg. Approx. 4400 sq.ft. of elegant living space with hardwood floors, antique fireplaces,charming sun filled rooms all in excellent condition! French doors lead to flagstone terraces. Separate 1 BR apt.

Commercial zoning allows multiple uses for this fabulous property. $995,000

Beautiful five bedroom colonial on 27 acres in great location and on a picturesque country road. High ceilings, spacious rooms, gleaming wood floors, and pristine condition. Ideal for horses with beautiful mountain views. Updated kitchen with newer appliances, three finished levels, family rooms on first & second levels, pool and four car garage. Perfect family home!

Convenient commuter location! $895,000

eLton FarM

Fabulous historic colonial,c.1870, beautifully updated and in pristine condition,on 21+ rolling acres within minutes of Middleburg.Towering trees, lush board fenced pastures & fabulous views of the Blue Ridge.New gourmet kitchen, 3 1/2 modern baths,6 fplcs, antique wood floors,& absolutely charming throughout!Ideal for horses with stable,run-in shed,corn crib,equip.shed, all in an $1,575,000 idyllic setting!

pantherskin

Gracious country estate with over 6800 sq. ft. of spectacular living space on 20 gorgeous acres. High ceilings, elegant rooms, beautiful decor, 5 fireplaces, pristine condition. Brilliant gardens surround a fabulous pool. Separate studio/aupair suite, mahogony paneled library. breathtaking views of pastures and ponds. New roof, Heating & A/C, generator & more. $2,250,000

catoctin creek

Stunning 18 room brick colonial beautifully sited on 13+ acres overlooking a spring fed pond and rolling countryside, Over 9,000 square feet of spectacular living space with high ceilings, gleaming wood floors, and 3 Fireplaces, Home Theatre, Mirrored Fitness Room, Gorgeous Paneled Library, Gourmet Country Kitchen, Fabulous Master Suite, Recreation Room with bar, Absolutely every amenity in this exquisite residence! $1,550,000

patrick house

www.middleburglife.com

•

December 2015

bridLepath Lane

Warmest wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season

50

Charming 9 room Cape Cod on a gorgeous 10 acre parcel with privacy and seclusion in an idyllic setting. Hardwood floors, main floor Master with vaulted ceilings, fabulous Family/Sun room with walls of windows overlooking the pool and decks, 2 fireplaces, gazebo, pool house and brilliant gardens. Library with custom bookcases, formal living and dining rooms, ideal for $875,000 gracious entertaining!

Charming historic home (c.1840) on over 1.5 acres with towering trees and beautiful perennial gardens. Spacious sun filled rooms feature high ceilings, wood floors, 5 bedrooms and 4 baths. Main house includes 3,400 square feet, guest house has 1 more bedroom, and there is a newer detached 2.5 car garage.

Convenient location. $710,000

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE A STAUNCH ADVOCATE OF LAND EASEMENTS LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967

brian Mgowan

Middleburg, virginia 20118 (540) 687-6500 www.thoMas-taLbot.com

Jim Mcgowan

windover

grassLand

A stunning Middleburg equestrian estate boasting 35+ gorgeous acres and a absolutely charming 4 bedroom historic residence. Beautifully updated and in pristine condition. Property also includes guest house, fabulous pool & terraces, 2 stables totaling 11 stalls, barn apartment, outdoor riding ring, indoor arena, utility building, and brilliant gardens. $2,600,000

boxLey

Wonderful custom built 4 Bedroom residence on 15.7 acres beautifully landscaped acres.

Superior quality, pristine condition and elegant decor grace this charming home. Terraces and gardens surround the pool, media room, library, gourmet country kitchen. Guest house with 2 apartments, 5 stall stable, lush paddocks and board fencing and riding ring all in an idyllic setting in Middleburg. $2,500,000

Stunning country estate on 37+ acres.

Towering trees & magnificent gardens in idyllic setting. Gorgeous woodworking, heart pine floors, 5 fireplaces, gourmet country kitchen, custom cabinetry throughout. Brick terrace overlooks pond and riding ring. Fabulous office wing plus beautiful 4 stall center-aisle stable and tack room. Lovely Guest House plus 1 bedroom apartment above. All in pristine condition. $2,395,000

MiddLeburg equestrian

atoka chase

and a Healthy, Happy New Year!

Stunning 5 Bedroom Cape on 10 gorgeous acres. Wonderful floorplan, sun filled rooms, high ceilings & hardwood floors. Living & dining rooms open to fabulous gardens, pool & terrace.

Master suite with sitting room, gourmet country kitchen opens to breakfast & family rooms. 2nd level has 3 bedrooms and 2 Baths; Separate Office/Guest Suite over 3 car garage. $1,995,000

Mt. harMony

possuM hoLLow ew

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MontgoMery FieLds

dover road

whispering pines

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Fortune Mtn road

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A long winding drive leads to this beautifully renovated single story residence in a private and secluded setting on 3.49 acres. Gleaming wood floors grace the main rooms, multiple windows and glass doors bathe the rooms in natural light, a fabulous gourmet country kitchen is a true chefs delight and the luxurious master suite is a dream retreat. A barn and fenced paddocks make this a perfect hunt box. $575,000

Marshall~ Beautiful custom built Cape, on approx. 4 gorgeous acres with wonderful mountain views. Built in 2003 with the finest quality and craftsmanship, this 3/4 bedroom home offers 4300 SF with vaulted ceilings, 4 full baths. stunning windows, spacious deck surrounding the pool, 2 stall barn and run in shed. Pristine condition and lovely neutral decor. Finished lower level/office/recreation room. $559,000

540.687.5523 www.Thomas-Talbot.com Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

December 2015

Very private 4 bedroom raised rambler in sought after Middleburg Downs on 3 acres, minutes from historic Middleburg. Sun filled family room with built in bookshelves, spacious living room with custom bookshelves, formal dining room with parquet floors.Towering trees, deep rear yard that is partially fenced with storage shed and two stall barn. Pool in need of repair. Priced to sell quickly! $595,000

D!

E UC

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Attractive stone & frame contemporary on 10 beautiful acres in the heart of Piedmont Hunt. Fabulous kitchen with top of the line stainless steel appliances, newer custom tile baths, wood floors, fieldstone floor to ceiling wall in Great Room, skylights,vaulted ceilings & spacious deck. 2 board fenced paddocks with run-in shed. Great ride out; total privacy in a gorgeous setting. also for Lease: $2,400/Mo. $629,000

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A historic 10 acre farm circa 1787, beautifully sited in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the dc wine trail, Gracious Manor House has been recently updated, 3 finished levels, 5 Bedrooms, Charming 2 bedroom Guest House, Log Cabin, 3 Bay Garage with wonderful Recreation Room and Storage,Stocked Pond and Magnificent Views.

Additional acreage available. $1,235,000

www.middleburglife.com

Beautiful custom Colonial, built with handsome Flemish bond style brick, encompasses over 11.5 acres just 10 minutes from historic Miiddleburg. Ideally located in the Piedmont Hunt Territory, this home boasts over 4,500 sq.ft. of spectacular living space with hardwood floors, 4 fireplaces, 10 ft. ceilings, library with custom bookshelves. Attached 3 bay garage. Land is perfect for horses or pool. $1,295,000

lle

dc’s wine traiL

buck spring

Extraordinary custom stone and cedar residence on 25 gorgeous acres with spectacular views in prestigious "Possum Hollow". Soaring ceilings in the Great Room with a stone fireplace, offer a fabulous place for entertaining. Wood floors, a gourmet kitchen, dining room with multiple windows, plus 5 bedrooms & 4 full baths on 3 finished levels. Custom decks overlook the pool & spa. Priced to sell! $1,380,000

Se

A fabulous equestrian training center ideally located just minutes North of Middleburg, on 20.4 acres. The setting includes board fenced paddocks and multiple dependencies. The main residence features 3 separate apartments for training staff. The centerpiece of the property is an incredible indoor arena, with an attached 20 stall stable, two wash stalls, tack rooms and feed rooms. There are 2 additional stables, 8 stall center aisle and a 6 stall. $1,800,000

g!

Charming historic property, circa 1750, on approx. 7 acres with brilliant gardens, charming guest house, & fabulous 5 stall stable with office, kitchen, exercise room, crafts room & pine floored loft, ideal for Hunt Breakfasts & entertaining. Main residence was renovated with meticulous care & boasts a gourmet kitchen, premier appliances, 3 fireplaces, gracious rooms & an $1,450,000 idyllic setting.

d ate

L i f e

97+acres beautifully sited at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The historic main residence was built in 1840 with several modern additions built in the years after.High ceilings, Paneled Library, Formal Dining Room, updated Kitchen & Baths, 3 beautifully finished levels,2 center aisle Stables, 2 Tenant Houses and several Storage Buildings. Tennis court and several ponds. Land in easement. $3,400,000

woodLand FarM

M i d d l e b u r g

country estates & equestrian properties

51

PHOTOS BY: TIM JACOBSEN

L i f e

A WILD AND WONDERFUL WEEKEND IN WEST VIRGINIA

I

nine spectacular races worth over $1 million. All of it was orchestrated by co-founders Carol Holden and Sam Huff of Middleburg.

As a side note, the winner of the $500,000 Classic, Charitable Annuity, is owned by Mark Russell, who also

owns Russell Road, a previous winner on multiple occasions, he finished out of the money this year.

Sam Huff and bandleader Prince Havely

Ann MacLeod and Lenny Hale

Rich Milot, Neil Olkewicz, Sam Huff, Braulio Baeza and Roy Jefferson at the breakfast

Charitable Annuity with jockey Anotonio Lopez, winners of the 29th running of the West Virginia Breeders Classic

www.middleburglife.com

•

December 2015

M i d d l e b u r g

t all began with a dinner-dance on Thursday at the Clarion Hotel in Shepherdstown. On Saturday morning, horse racing and sports fans were up early for NFL star Sam Huff ’s Hall of Fame Charity Sports Breakfast in the Skyline Ballroom at the Hollywood Casino. And on Saturday evening the 29th edition of the West Virginia Breeders Classic included

52

Paul Espinosa, Jr. and Terri Catlett

All Star Buglers

Lori Bourne and Odessa Cleland

SM.ML.12/15

11/24/15

12:06 PM

Page 1

Trough Hill Farm

Fairview

Upperville, Virginia $5,320,000

Middleburg Area $2,975,000

Middleburg, Virginia $2,450,000

Boyce, Virginia $2,300,000

266 acres in Piedmont Hunt • Panoramic views of the Blue Ridge, Bull Run and Cobbler mountains which surround the whole property • Improvements include 4 farmhouses, an iconic red dairy barn and many agricultural buildings • Ponds and traditional stone walls • This working farm is protected by a Virginia Outdoors Foundation conservation easement which allows 2 parcels

Solid stone home with copper roof on 70 acres • Original portions dating from the 1700’s • First floor bedroom & 3 additional suites • Original floors • 8 fireplaces • Formal living room • Gourmet kitchen • 2 ponds • Mountain views • Stone walls • Mature gardens • Pool • Primitive log cabin • Piedmont Hunt

A pastoral 5 bedroom c. 1830 farmhouse and a grand stone pavilion • Elegant but unfussy • 103 acres of open farmland • The pavilion serves as a pool house, greenhouse, banquet room, and guest quarters • Great location

Circa 1904 Colonial home • 3 BR • 3 1/2 BA • High ceilings • Gourmet kitchen • 5 fireplaces • 90x200 covered arena • 12 total stalls • Main barn redesigned by John Blackburn • 4 bay garage with apartment • 12 paddocks • Asphalt drive & security gate • Heated pool • Property has 2 DUR’s and whole house generator • Hilltop setting with mountain views

Ann MacMahon Paul MacMahon

(540) 687-5588 (703) 609-1905

Helen MacMahon Paul MacMahon Ann MacMahon

(540) 454-1930 (703) 609-1905 (540) 687-5588

Ann MacMahon Paul MacMahon

(540) 687-5588 (703) 609-1905

Paul MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

The Haven

Greystone

Ragley

Echo Hill

The Plains, Virginia $2,295,000

The Plains, Virginia $1,900,000

Upperville, Virginia $1,600,000

The Plains, Virginia $1,500,000

Fabulous equestrian property • High efficiency low maintenance home with state of the art geothermal and solar systems • Stone fireplaces, pool, cabana • Great kitchen and bathrooms • Huge front porch overlooking pond • 7 stall stable with apartment • Euro felt arena • 4 paddocks and prime ride out location

Circa 1807 • 33 acres ideally located between Middleburg & The Plains • Rare quarried stone exterior, 10-foot ceilings • Period mantels, original wood floors, two-story front porch • 3 bedrooms/3 baths, each a private suite • Historic stone barn includes one bedroom/bath apt, heated tack room, 6 stalls • Carriage barn • 3 paddocks, large turnout field, run-in sheds, auto waterers • Whole farm generator • Pond • Orange County Hunt

13.54 acres surrounded by large estates • Prime protected location • Updated brick home • Notable room sizes • 5 bedrooms • 5 full baths and two 1/2 baths • 2 fireplaces • In-ground pool • Stone walls • Beautiful gardens • Well built home

Stone English country home in top location between Middleburg & The Plains on 13 acres • Large boxwoods & classically planted gardens • 4 BR home with new kitchen & main level master suite • Hardwood floors, built-in book cases, fireplaces & bright open family room • Bluestone terrace overlooks new pool & entertaining area • Separate guest cottage/ pool house & garage • Whole-house generator

Helen MacMahon

(540) 454-1930

Helen MacMahon

Paul MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

(540) 454-1930

Helen MacMahon

(540) 454-1930

Kerfoot House

Stonecrest

Foxhall

Marshall, Virginia $1,475,000

Upperville, Virginia $1,290,000

Bluemont, Virginia $1,200,000

Round Hill, Virginia $1,000,000

Brick colonial on 22.56 gorgeous acres • Orange County Hunt • 4 BR • 4 BA • High ceilings • Wood floors • Grandly scaled rooms for gracious entertaining • 5 FP add warmth & charm • Covered veranda overlooks spectacular gardens w/ fabulous views • Library w/custom bookcases • Family room w/vaulted ceilings • Separate guest suite • Sauna • Idyllic setting

Circa 1810 Federal brick home with stucco wing • 4 BR • 3 1/2 BA • 6 FP • High ceilings • Beautiful woodwork & floors • Recently renovated • Lovely kitchen with new custom cabinets, Carrara marble countertops, Viking refrigerator, Bertazzoni gas range and slate floor • New baths, Carrara white marble floors • English period gardens, specimen plantings, mature boxwoods, grand setting

Beautifully maintained stone and stucco house • On crest of the Blue Ridge • Large views to the east • Perfect for entertaining and gatherings of extended family • Over 7000 sq ft, 5 BR, 6 FB, 1 HB, 3 FP • 2 MBR suites, one on main level • Finely appointed in all respects • Landscaping, automatic security gates, & estate fence ensure privacy • Garages for 5 vehicles

Historic property in protected area • First offering since 1951 • 3 log structures circa 1690, 1720, and 1940 connected to create charming home • 4 BR, 3 BA, 3 FP & beautiful floors • Huge boxwoods • Needs updating • 33.89 acres mostly open • Creek • Solid barn • Original structure Quaker meeting house

Paul MacMahon

Paul MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

Tom Cammack Ann MacMahon

(540) 247-5408 (540) 687-5588

Paul MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

Dog Wood

Palmer’s Mill

Middleburg, Virginia $925,000

Markham, Virginia $895,000

The Plains, Virginia $870,000

Bluemont, Virginia $785,000

Charming cape nestled among sunny meadow, shade trees and creek • 4 BR • 3.5 bath • 2 master bedrooms with full baths en-suite • Large kitchen • Light-filled family room • Pool w/pool house & patio • Separate 3 car garage with in-law suite/home office above

c. 1820’s gracious old Virginia home • 40 acres bound by Goose Creek • Original floors and stone fireplaces • High ceilings • Huge back porch, 4+ bedrooms and in law suite • Bright and modern kitchen with family room addition for today's living • Great views, open pasture & pond

Private 10 acres between Middleburg and The Plains • 3/4 bedroom home • Open floor plan • Large front porch with views to the west • Traditional materials such as stucco exterior and metal roof • Wood floors • Fireplaces • Built in book shelves • Beautiful plantings and fenced yard • Great location and easy maintenance

Circa 1860 Virginia Farmhouse • House updated & enlarged in 2004 • 3 to 4 BR • 2 1/2 BA • Hardwood floors • 3 FP • Exposed beams & gourmet kitchen • 10 acres • Fenced & cross fenced • 2 stall barn with tack & hay storage • Spring house & smoke house • Protected with mountain views • Piedmont Hunt Territory

Helen MacMahon

Helen MacMahon

Helen MacMahon Alix Coolidge

(540) 454-1930 (703) 625-1724

info@sheridanmacmahon.com www.sheridanmacmahon.com

(540) 454-1930

(540) 454-1930

Paul MacMahon Helen MacMahon

(703) 609-1905 (540) 454-1930

110 East Washington Street • P.O. Box 1380 Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687-5588

December 2015

Elmore Farm

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Sunny Meadow

www.middleburglife.com

Emarcris

(703) 609-1905

L i f e

Faraway Farm

M i d d l e b u r g

Langhorne Farm

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L i f e M i d d l e b u r g

NEW PRICE! RESIDENTIAL LAND

Land in Round Hill, Virginia, located between Airmont and Turnberry Roads,directly across the street from Stoneleigh Golf LISTING Course. Consists ofNEW 101 pastoral and treed acres with a private SPECTACULAR fishing lake. No HOA! $1,400,000 LO8395101

VIEW

SOLD

19385 Cypress Ridge Terrace, #1122, Leesburg, Va. Luxury two bedroom condo, Resort living in two bedroom, two bathNEW condo.

Magnolias at on Lansdowne Woods in BRAND KITCHEN, located the top Leesburg. Walk-in tub. Premier enclosed parking space floor with spectacular viewsnext from to thebuilding glass entry. Walk to clubhouse with enclosed pool, Tennis porch. courts,List restaurant, fitness center and more. enclosed Price, $238,000. $441,00. LO9510105.

LO8431607

BY J.T. FERGUSON LEAH THAYER SOLD FERGUSON • 540-554-2114 REAL ESTATE www.jtfergusonrealestate.com 37548 Quanbeck Lane, Middleburg, Va. Hunt box on 8 acres with a completely renovated country cottage,6 stall barn with studio, paddocks, riding ring and wonderful rideout. Listed by Sheridan –MacMahon ltd at $995,000.

READY FOR YOU FOR CHRISTMAS SOLD

Rte 618, Powatan, Va. Beautifully wooded land fronting on the James River. Parcel is 195 acres, conveniently located to Richmond and Williamsburg. List price was $1,000,000. PN7906622

LEAH THAYER FERGUSON 540-554-2114

www.jtfergusonrealestate.com

Please Call

Josephine Carter (540)270-0444

Colonial with 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, & 3 Fully Finished Levels, plus 2-Car Garage, on 24 Acres with 7 Acres Open, Remainder in Woodland, with Thumb Run running through it, plus nice Barn and more! FQ8605562

View the Property’s Website at www.5605DixonsMill.

MyWeichertHome.com

PRICE REDUCED $589,000 WITH $5,000 BONUS TO SELLING AGENT

Mammoth Creative

www.middleburglife.com

•

December 2015

Your local web services company

54

Get Your Message Out There

67 % of your customers are looking at your website on a mobile device...

Have you looked at your website on a smartphone lately?

Brandon Barker, Owner

540-272-1806

info@mammothundertakings.com

mammothundertakings.com

Hyacinths Offer Up the Sweet Smell of Spring

T

here are few things more evocative, more iconic or more glorious than the intoxicating fragrance and beauty of Hyacinths on a sunny day. Plainly put, Hyacinths are the fragrance of spring. Perhaps you can already imagine their sweet aroma enticing you and your family outdoors after the long winter months ahead.

There are so many creative ways with which to design spring gardens with Hyacinths. For a fun, show-stopping look, you may mix two contrasting varieties together for a polka-dot look. Individual varieties can be planted in clusters among perennial beds, or used as a connective device like thick meandering ribbons between beds to tie the whole landscape together.

Just remember to plant them where you can smell them. And, don't forget, Hyacinths make terrific cut flowers. That means you can bring their essence-of-joyful-spring perfume into your home.

More loosely formed than Hyacinth orientalis with less compact flower stalks, the prized Festival Hyacinths yield up to six stalks per bulb. Reminiscent of the old Roman Hyacinths from France, they’re even more fragrant than Hyacinth orientalis, so be sure to plant them in a spot well frequented during their spring bloom time. You can choose Pink or White MultiFlowering Festival Hyacinths.

Haycinth bulbs are so easy to plant, special, magical bulbs. It’s hard to imagine how such perfection in form, beauty and fragrance can develop from a bulb so easily planted six months earlier when fall's everdarkening nights are chilling down and colorful leaves are falling from the trees.

Hyacinth bulbs should be planted in the fall, after the ground has chilled down to about 55 degrees (after two weeks of sweater weather when night-time temperatures have hovered in the 40s). Good for horticultural zones 4 through 8 (which includes the Middleburg area), all Hyacinths

need is well-draining, neutral pH soil and a minimum of six hours of daily sunshine.

Normally deer-resistant, the 16/17 cm circumference bulbs produce good-sized flower spikes packed with composite flowers (called nails) that do not usually require staking. The 18/19 cm bulbs develop colossal flower spikes that do demand staking to remain upright.)

Hyacinth bulbs can cause some people to feel itchy once they have touched the bulbs, so wear garden gloves to be on the safe side. Just wash with soap and water if you have that problem.

Hyacinth bulbs are good for “forcing.”

Without trying to confuse things, to force a bulb means to replicate winter conditions to force the bulb to bloom earlier. In a nutshell, you should select varieties that are known to force well. In the middle of October, even now, you can plant Hyacinth bulbs in neutral pH, sterile potting soil in a bulb pan or pot with drainage, give them a little drink of water and cool them at a consistent 35 to 48 degrees for ten to twelve weeks (with a drink every now and again).

Or, you can suspend the bulbs in classic Hyacinth glasses filled with water in the fridge for ten to twelve weeks. The root base, or basal plate, of the bulbs should just touch the water, allowing its baby roots to take a dip and grow down. After ten or twelve weeks, you may begin taking the pots or Hyacinth glasses out of the fridge into progressively more sunny and warm spots, as the young sprouts green up, acclimate to the warmth and develop mature buds which takes three to five weeks.

Once the mature buds color up, you can move them anywhere for maximum viewing, smelling and enjoyment. Total weeks to flowering is usually around 14 to 16 weeks. The best varieties for forcing include Hyacinth Blue Jacket, City of Haarlem, Gypsy Queen, Jan Bos, Pink Pearl and White Pearl.

A wonderful resource for Hyacinth lovers, the forcing process and its special antique glasses, “The Curious History of the Bulb Vase” by Patricia Coccoris should be must reading. She's written a brilliant story documenting the 300-year history of bulbforcing glasses, and the book features stunning photographs of the most beautiful antique vases from public and private collections.

M i d d l e b u r g

Oatlands Is a Happening Holiday Place in December

L i f e

Have a unique property to sell?

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F

To view Middleburg Life online go to… middleburglife.com

To place an obituary in Middleburg Life please call

Middleburg’s oldest and most respected paper

Howard O. Allen Howard O. Allen, a long-time photographer based in Middleburg, Va. who, for many years, chronicled the equestrian pursuits of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and her two children, died from complications from cardiac and pulmonary disease on Nov. 6. He was 95.

Mr. Allen, a native of Winchester, moved to Middleburg in 1955, where he opened his own photography studio and also became a fixture at local horse shows, steeplechase races and fox hunts, taking photos that appeared in a number of local and national publications and several books.

In the early 1960s, his daughters, Page and Betsy, participated in local Pony Club events and “that’s how I got to know Jackie (Kennedy),”Allen said in a 2013 interview with Middle-burg Life. Both her children, Caroline and John, also were Pony Club members.

“Of course, when I always arrived with a camera around my neck, I guess I was looked at kind of askance,”Mr. Allen said.“She just didn’t want any pictures sold to the press. That was the understanding we had. She got to the point where she could trust me. I took all the pictures I wanted, but I really couldn’t do anything with them except sell them to her, and she bought a lot of them.”

One of Mr. Allen’s prized possessions came about at another Pony Club horse show one summer day when Mrs. Kennedy asked him if he had any color film with him. Mr. Allen hadn’t brought any along but went home during a lunch break and took a few rolls back to the show.

“The first class after lunch was a costume class,”he recalled.“Caroline was in a princess dress, so I got color pictures of her. Jackie bought some of them, and in December, about a week before Christmas, a chauffeur drove out to my studio and handed me a package with the presidential seal on it. It was the princess picture, matted and framed. It was signed ‘For Howard Allen, who took this, my favorite picture, with all good wishes always.’She and the president both signed the photo and it was dated Dec. 25, 1962.”

In 2013, Mr. Allen published a book of his photographs,“Unforgotten Times: Jackie Kennedy’s Happy Days in The Virginia Hunt Country.’ He liked to tell his friends that he surely had to be the oldest first-time author in history.

He also mentored many young photographers over the years, including John McDonnell, a Purcellville native and now a prize-winning photographer at The Washington Post.

“I spent most of my time with Howard photographing the point-to-point horse races in the early to mid-1970s,” McDonnell said. “It was a contrast in youth and wisdom. Me, in my teens, loaded down with several motor driven cameras and lenses, and Howard with one camera and one lens. When the horses approached to jump the rails I would shoot ten frames of film to his one. I was shooting film. He was making pictures. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day.”

Mr. Allen was born in Winchester on July 28, 1920, the son of Dr. Lewis and Dorothy Gilpin Allen. His father was an obstetrician and his mother was the first female member of the Winchester City Council in the early 1960s and also served as vice mayor.

As a child, Mr. Allen was fascinated both with photography and drawing. He attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria and Princeton University. He left college after his junior year to serve as a volunteer with the American Field Service during World War II, driving an ambulance in Africa and Italy.

Mr. Allen was an avid tennis player and golfer and played golf into his 90s. He was a member of the Middleburg Tennis Club, Loudoun Golf and Country Club in Purcellville and Millwood Golf Club.

Mr. Allen’s wife of 67 years, Nancy Lee Coble Allen, preceded him in death in 2015. He is survived by two daughters, Dorothy Page Allen of Boyce, Va. and Betsy Allen Davis of Middleburg; a brother, Douglas Allen of West Chester, Pa., four grandchildren, Brooke Costin Kline of Charlotte, N.C. (husband, Nate), Liza Costin Taub of Clifton, Va. (husband, Phil), Whitney Allen Groseclose of Arlington and Lauren Elizabeth Davis of Middleburg and four great-grandchildren, Emma Madison Taub, Mason McKelvy Taub, Morgan McKelvy Kline and Elise Catherine Kline.

The family requests that any charitable donations in Mr. Allen’s name be sent to the Middleburg Community Center, Box 265, Middleburg, Va. 20118; American Legion Post 295, Box 4, Middleburg, Va. 20118 or to Laurel Center, Box 14, Winchester, Va., 22604.

December 2015

Mr. Allen served on the Middleburg Town Council and Planning Commission for many years and was president of the Middleburg Lions Club and treasurer for Middleburg’s Emmanuel Episcopal Church. He was a long-time member of the Virginia and U.S. Professional Photographer’s Association and a member of the American Legion. He also won a number of local and state awards for his work and is on the Upperville Horse Show’s Wall of Honor.

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After the war, he also served in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Allen’s first job in 1948 was as a layout artist in the promotions department of The Washington Post, followed by a stint in a private commercial photography firm before moving to Middleburg in 1955 to open his own studio. He and his late wife, Nancy Lee Coble Allen, also opened a store in 1956 called The Fun Shop, and it remains a Middleburg fixture, now operated by his two daughters.

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540 687 6059

met vendors and industry professionals, all willing to offer advice.

"Since brick and mortar storefronts are dying out,” she said, “the community there was so supportive, offering me tips and ideas about what works and what doesn’t.”

In the process, Harris added over 300 new canvases and fibers to the store, ensuring that there is a project to suit anyone’s interests.

So far the renovated Stitch has gotten a “great reception from the community; they are happy to see it open and thriving” since its relaunch in November. The upcoming holiday season has inspired excitement and just a little anxiety in Harris, who is confident she’ll be busy, especially given the “resurgence amongst twenty-somethings” that needlepoint has had in recent years.

The rise of Pinterest and Instagram culture have cultivated a Do-It-Yourself crafts movement in young adults by providing an online platform for them to share their creations. The beauty of needlepoint is that it’s so easy to customize and can suit any skill level. For beginners, needlepoint kits make a great gift, something of a hand-me-down hobby, while needlepoint books and high-end tools will appeal to a seasoned veteran.

Looking forward, Harris said she plans to add cross-stitching and crewel embroidery patterns to the inventory. For now, she’s looking forward to the holidays and enjoying “being a part of Middleburg’s Main Street.”

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rom the outside, the renovated Stitch on Washington Street may not look that much different, but inside there’s a larger, more diverse inventory, a big wooden table, and a new owner standing behind the counter. Her name is Marcy Harris, and she’s moving Stitch in a different direction, just in time for the holidays.

Exactly how she came to own Stitch requires the interweaving of several stories.

As a high school student, she was engrossed by her home economics class, which taught her the basics of sewing and sparked her interest in crafts. She described her high school self as the kind of girl who “made her own prom dress.”

Years later, a friend introduced her to needlepoint as a way to occupy her mind on long business flights. Marcy found that the combination of artistry and physical movement took her mind off cramped airplane cabins. Back at home, she was sure to “always have a needlepoint project in the glove compartment” to pass time while waiting to pick up her three kids from school.

The Harris family moved to Middleburg in 2000. Their children enrolled in The Hill School, and shortly thereafter she volunteered to help design and tailor costumes for the school’s multiple plays each year. As her children grew up and went to high school, she added more

and canvases for her revisited hobby. And then, her husband’s job resulted in the family moving to Australia, Harris clearly missed her involvement in the Middleburg community.

They all returned to the area last January, and Harris began helping out at Stitch as a way to re-connect with the community. When the store’s original owner told her that she wanted to sell the shop, the two quickly worked out a deal for Harris to purchase the business.

“I thought it would be a fun way to take [my needlepoint] to the next level,” Harris said. “And I was chomping at the bit to get started before Christmas.”

Taking over ownership “has forced me to learn more,” Photo by Leonard Shapiro she said, adding that it also Meredith Harris and her mother Marcy Harris, provided the opportunity to get back in the Middleburg mix. the new owner at Stitch The large wooden table near the entrance “adds a living, projects to her already busy schedule. By the time her youngest graduated from high breathing workspace” to the shop, a place school in 2010, she had volunteered as a for customers to work on existing projects or talk about ideas for future works. Also, seamstress for a total of 23 productions put the addition of a workspace allows her on by Hill, Highland, Foxcroft and summer and several others to teach classes, open theater camps. to beginners and experts alike, as well as After a hectic decade of costume design, “finish-your-project group meetings.”

Harris began to get back into the calming, Harris has visited trade shows in order meditative art of needlepoint, making to educate herself about the business end regular trips to Stitch to purchase fibers of the hobby. While at a show in Dallas, she

M i d d l e b u r g

A Stitch in Time Connects Marcy Harris Back to Middleburg

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Atoka Preservation Hands Off History to Mosby Heritage

By Sophie Scheps For Middleburg Life

T

he Mosby Her it age Are a Association (MHAA) recently gathered along with members of The Atoka Preservation Society (TAPS) at Donald and Pat Brennan’s historic Llangollen near Upperville. It was a celebration of TAPS past accomplishments as the historic crossroads village transitions to new management under the MHAA. Linda Newton was there, along with the outgoing president of TAPS, Leslie Van Sant. Linda Newton and her late husband, Bob, worked with neighbors and other interested families in the Atoka area to preserve the village of Atoka as an historical place. Leave the Atoka Store in place, they recommended, because that has always been essential to the crossroads.

They also wanted to restore the other nearby buildings so that visitors will still be able to see the 1860s site of Mosby’s favorite rendezvous.

After a quarter century of fundraising, restoration and stabilization efforts, the Atoka Preservation Society decided that its mission was complete by the summer of 2014.

To make certain those historic structures remained in good hands, they turned to the MHAA to become the new steward and manager of their historic properties. Mosby Heritage is an organization that many TAPS members were already involved with in one way

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Photo by Douglas Lees

Linda Newton or another. In January 2015, the Rector House was turned over to MHAA, and the Angus Brown House followed in early fall.

“We thank the Atoka Preservation Society for giving us the opportunity to preserve these historically significant structures,” said MHAA President Childs Burden. “These are the first properties MHAA has owned in its nearly 20-year history. But owning, maintaining and preserving them for future generations fits squarely within our mission: to preserve the extraordinary history, culture and scenery in the Northern Virginia Piedmont for future generations.”

The Mosby Heritage Area Association

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Donald and Pat Brennan was the first tenant of the Rector House.

The Goose Creek Association, the Citizens Association for Route 50, the Land Trust of Virginia and the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, soon joined them as tenants, now spread out over the two buildings.

The MHAA, created in 1995, works to preserve and have stewardship of historic sites in its five-county footprint.

Their watchword remains “Preservation through Education”.

It also recently selected three

individuals to receive the organization’s annual Heritage Hero Award: Gayle DeLashmutt, Tom DeLashmutt and Paul Ziluca. The Heritage Hero award is given to individuals or groups in the Mosby Heritage Area who have demonstrated stewardship responsibility over many years.

The awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at 5:30 p.m. at the National Sporting Library and Museum.

By Morgan Hensley For Middleburg Life

A

AND HE CAN COME TOO

because it is. “The best food is always from a hole in the wall,” he said. “If you want to find the best food in Chinatown, you have to look in the alleyways and underground.”

Unfortunately, having great food does not always lead to financial success.

When the Great Recession arrived in 2008, businesses nationwide took a big hit, and Teddy’s was no exception. Many of his most loyal customers were day laborers, who began to show up less often. Hungry out-of-town shoppers gravitated towards traditional upscale restaurants. For years he sold shares in his stock portfolio and poured all of his earnings into keeping the family restaurant open. This past June, he sold his final shares, at once hopeful yet far from certain that his all-in investment would pay off.

Business did not pick up.

The Fourth of July was expected to be the pizzeria’s last day. While most other local restaurants closed, Teddy’s stayed open as a gesture of “decency” and gratitude for the customers who had kept his business alive for 22 years. That day, customers flocked to Teddy’s, and his business has thrived ever since. He remains confident in his product, and optimistic about the restaurant’s future.

“I hung in there,” he said. “Why would I quit?”

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welcoming aroma emanates from Teddy’s, Middleburg’s bona fide Brooklyn pizzeria.

Once inside, patrons are welcomed by the Vicidomini family, known as much for their banter as for their mouth-watering food. And to think, the town’s one and only pizzeria, adored by locals and visitors alike, almost shut its doors for good this past summer.

Teddy’s is a slice of New York City in horse country, and so is the owner.

Boisterous, friendly, and clad in a tomatostained apron, he’s quick to offer a menu and a joke. At 53, Teddy Vicidomini has been making pizza for 40 years. Beside the counter is a picture of John Travolta in his “Saturday Night Fever wardrobe, posing in front of the neon lights of a Brooklyn pizza joint owned by Vicidomini’s father, where Teddy worked as a teenager. Growing up, his routine consisted of “school, pizza, school, home.”

Working at his family’s restaurant taught him how to bake a perfect pizza dough, put together a delicious cheesesteak, and most importantly, learn how to operate a family-run business. However, he said, “I wanted something different for my kids, so I came here to try out the country.” He opened the restaurant in July, 1993. Like his father’s restaurant, Teddy’s remains a family-run and family-friendly operation, he explained while bouncing his grandson on his knee.

Over the years he’s refined his craft, and

there’s a lifetime of knowledge simply in the way he tosses and spins dough into a pie.

By now his intuition is so refined that he knows when to add a little more water or yeast to the dough depending on the weather that day.

Some of the recipes he uses, borrowed from his father, are older than he is.

“Why change it?” he asked, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

Vi c i d o m i n i u s e s a flavorful, slow-rising crust and a traditional cobblestone oven. He only orders from companies (many of them based in New York or Philadelphia) that specialize in one product, be it Photo by Leonard Shapiro mozzarella or tomato sauce Teddy Vicidomini or hoagie rolls, in order to “Everyone knows what needs to be done.” ensure that he gets a high Aside from the food, Vicidomini’s quality shipment every time. It’s a matter appeal resides in his willingness to work of trust, he explained. “You have to know with customers and make them happy. your product, and I stand by my product a “I listen to customers and try to thousand per cent.

He’s selective and well-informed about give people what they like. I can’t please where his food comes from, “Especially everyone, but I always try to,” he said. “If they’re unsure about what they’re ordering, toppings. Toppings mean everything!”

Unlike national chains like Dominos I’ll let them to pay later, once they’ve tried and Papa John’s, where every step is it.” He swears that a customer has never prescribed or automated, Vicidomini asked for a refund because they were invests a great deal of individual attention dissatisfied with the food.

If it seems odd to have an authentic into every pizza, sub and salad. “It’s not an assembly line, it’s a family,” he said. New York pizzeria in horse country, that’s

M i d d l e b u r g

A Slice of Brooklyn in Middleburg

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Piedmont Fox Hounds THANKSGIVING DAY

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New Digs for PEC, But Still the Same Mission

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Warrenton Mayor Powell L. Duggan, PEC board member Jean Perin, PEC Vice President Doug Larson, PEC board member Marie Ridder, PEC board member George Ohrstrom, Center District Supervisor Chris Granger and PEC President Chris Miller at the ribboncutting ceremony for the recent opening of PEC's newly renovated and expanded WarrenCourtesy Photo ton headquarters.

a massive portion of the PEC’s footprint.

The PEC won that battle and has been a major force for years in the nine-county Piedmont area, including Loudoun and Fauquier, it helps protect. They lose some, as well, but not many over a five-decade span when the entire region has changed dramatically.

“Overall, we’re trying to adjust to a pretty significant demographic shift over the last ten years,” said Miller, an Alexandria native who joined the organization in 1993 as a young lawyer and helped lead the effort against Disney. “We’ve gone from land that was majority rural to a majority now living on less than two acres.”

In Loudoun County there’s been another major shift. Instead of mostly working with local government on its core issues, the PEC now often must deal with homeowners associations.

“Seventy-five percent of the Loudoun

population lives in areas with those homeowners associations,” Miller said. “If you want to have the water quality improvement and the restoration of streams, you have to work through them. We have a tree-planting pilot project in Ashburn in common areas near streams. We’re hoping it will be a model program for 33 other Loudoun homeowner associations.”

The PEC has many other ongoing projects ranging from encouraging land easements to offering consumer incentives for solar power to studying the feasibility of switching to more effective pasture grasses to restoring the native habitats of brook trout. And the Gilbert’s Corner area at the intersection of routes 50 and 15 has involved a major PEC effort that includes preserving farmland, saving the historic Mt. Zion Church and opening up parkland that will include nature trails and picnic areas.

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hen Chris Miller, the long-time president of the Piedmont Environmental Council, looks back at the original articles of incorporation for the PEC filed in 1973, he said he’s gratified to know that the same guiding principles still hold true for an organization founded 42 years ago.

“Our mission hasn’t changed,” Miller said in a recent interview at the PEC’s newly-renovated and expanded Warrenton headquarters. “In that first mission statement, they anticipated virtually everything we’re still doing. The language used by the organizers is remarkably appropriate today.”

For example: —“To support logical development and to assure that what takes place is done in a purposeful, planned and orderly way and at a proper pace.”

—“To see that development takes into account the desires of the residents and the preservation of the natural beauty, historic sites and structures and traditional rural and agricultural character of the region.”

—“To help educate the citizens of the Piedmont as to the natural assets of their region and the threats to them that now exist.”

The PEC drew national attention in 1993 when it fought to prevent a Disney theme park in the Haymarket/Gainesville area.

The proposed project, which also included thousands of new homes, threatened to produce out-of-control, helter-skelter motel-here, strip-mall-there development over

M i d d l e b u r g

By Leonard Shapiro For Middleburg Life

The PEC also has grown dramatically over the years, with 45 board members, a staff of 25, a $3.5 million yearly operating budget, 3,000 dues-paying members and 25,000 followers getting e-mail alerts. Most funds come from dues and contributions, with a $6 million endowment.

The expanded Warrenton facility provides more than adequate workspace, conference and workshop areas and even its own computerized mapping operation in a 10,000 square-foot building added on to the original 1784 structure.

Miller has been intrigued with preservation and the environment ever since he was inspired by Fred Atwood, his high school biology teacher at St. Stephens. He focused on environmental studies and political science at Williams College, had an internship with a New Zealand legislator who specialized on environmental issues and graduated from the University of Michigan Law School.

He practiced for several years at a major D.C. environmental law firm, Beveridge and Diamond. On one project, he produced a 130-page land use proposal for Thoroughfare Gap that so impressed a relative in The Plains, he recommended Miller to the PEC. He came aboard in 1993 and “it’s been a great opportunity for me.

“What’s fun about being here is that from the beginning, we were designed to think regionally, but also to look locally. We want to conserve and enhance our natural and cultural resources, and growth doesn’t have to come at a cost.”

Miller constantly sees firsthand what unchecked growth can lead to when he drives from his home in Arlington to the Warrenton office.

“It’s a daily reminder,” he said, “of why I do this work.”

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Located just outside the Village of Waterford on 57.47 acres, this property is offered for the first time in over 100 years. This master crafted exquisite 1763 Quaker stone home has 7 BRS, 3.5 BTHS, formal rooms, large fireplaces, random width wood floors and a spacious great room.

Sale includes 3 additional lots. Visit 16158ClarkesGapRd.Com

Turn key equestrian property on 41.9 acres with 100’X200’ indoor ring, multiple barns with a total of 35 stalls, 13 paddocks.

All brick 5 BR, 4 BTH home with attached 2 car garage indoor pool and 1 BR apartment over detached 3 car garage. Road frontage on 3 sides.

Lisa Thompson 571.207.2580

Waterford Home

Skyline Caverns

Coolfont Resort

Janeen Marconi 703.401.6465

$1,149,000

$1,799,000

Lisa Thompson 571.207.2580

$3,500,000

Tartan Farms

$1,999,000

$9,500,000

www.middleburglife.com

Blueridge Mountain Road $1,399,000

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Janeen Marconi 703.401.6465

Turnkey business, real estate for sale. Skyline Caverns is located adjacent to Skyline Dr & Shenandoah Nat’l Park. Cavern system covers over 45 acres of unspoiled VA landscape. Other attractions on site include a 1/5 model railroad, mirror maze, gift shop, 1 mile of nature trail and two parking areas. With only 20% of the caverns open to the public there are endless possibilities for expansion.

Joe Boddicker 703.401.5077

Each Office Is Individually Owned And Operated.

991.775 acres with lakes, ponds, woods and views. Property is located in historic Berkeley Springs within 2 hour drive of DC, No VA, Baltimore and Pittsburgh metro areas. Permitted for construction of infrastructure to support 1200 residential units and large commercial component.

Complete mixed use development package ready to implement.

Janeen Marconi 703.401.6465

December 2015

Sited on 10 acres of rolling hills this all brick 6000+ sf custom home has a first floor master suite, four and a half baths and four spacious additional bedrooms. Family room has coffered ceiling, fireplace and large windows to take in the beautiful views. Also included is a 100X50 barn.

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L i f e M i d d l e b u r g

Quirky Quakers Once Roiled Rowdy Unison

By Tara Connell h, the peaceful, quiet Quakers of Unison. What a genteel, highbrow legacy for this lovely village a 15-minute ride from Middleburg.

Well…not so much.

The founding Quakers of Unison were basically a rowdy bunch of troublemakers.

“The South Fork Quakers were difficult,” confirmed Carolyn Unger in an email. Unger is a historian for the Goose Creek Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends in Lincoln. You can almost hear her sighing.

Their “crimes?”

Horse racing through the streets.

Gambling. Drinking. Marrying outside the faith. DANCING!!!!!

But to many Quakers of the 1700s, this was bad stuff. To understand why, it’s important to look at context, beyond the fact this was the 18th Century, Quakers were arguing among themselves about the tenets of their faith (drinking? no drinking?) and Unison was pretty much at the edge of nowhere.

Quakers in the early 1700s were on the move. There were settlements throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and northeastern Maryland. But the population was growing and more land was needed. Families were moving downriver from the Bucks County

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area of Pennsylvania and settling in Western Maryland and, finally, northern Virginia.

“The early settlements were all west of what is now Route 15, the Carolina Road, because the soil to the east was much poorer,” said Paul Hodge, one of Unison’s present day Quakers.

These families all tended to stay together. And then friends tended to stay close together, married within their tightknit community and had large families.

Pretty soon, clumps of friends, all with wives and children related to each other, had founded the village and were living close together.

Surrounding them was very little but trees, rocks, wildlife, bad roads, Native Americans, disease, death and very hard work. To get to Meetings, weddings, and other functions, families were traveling up to 40 miles through rather rough territory, according to Ye Meetg Hous Smal, A Short Account of Friends in Loudoun County Virginia 1732-1980 by Werner and Asa Moore Janney.

This prompted groups of Quakers who had settled in Fairfax and Loudoun counties to get permission from their home Meetings in Pennsylvania and Baltimore to hold Meetings nearer their homes. Baltimore, by the way, was the site of the yearly supervising Meeting for all the Quakers in this area and it was of the strict, no drinking/no gambling strain of

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the faith at the time.

Waterford became the first designated Meeting in Loudoun, then Hamilton and Goose Greek (now Lincoln). South Fork, or Unison, began as the responsibility of Baltimore and the Goose Creek Meeting and stayed that way through most of its history.

It’s a bit unclear, but both Ye Meetg Hous Smal and a report by Rivanna Archeological Services (RAS) done for a history of the Unison Battlefield, say the first Loudoun County Meeting to mention the South Fork Quakers was granted in 1745. The South Fork Quakers were granted a Meeting of their own in 1768.

It’s also clear that South Fork was a pain in the neck for its supervising meetings – especially the Goose Creek Friends – almost from the beginning.

Individual South Fork Meeting members were regularly charged with violations of rules of discipline including drinking, quarreling, fighting, and marrying outside of the Quaker faith. In 1787, Thomas Scattergood (a traveling Quaker minister) commented “there appears to be much rawness,” according to RAS. In Ye Meetg Hous Smal, another traveling minister is quoted saying “all they thought at South Fork was cock fighting and horse racing. The Meeting’s worldliness caused concern, for it seemed its members drank to excess, fought, gambled, and in general were lax morally.

Indeed, they were exceedingly lax; one member was disciplined because he “steals watermelons.”

Things hadn’t quieted down by 1820. At a meeting of the Goose Creek Friends that year, five South Fork Quakers were named and shamed for their “improper use of Spirits Liquors.”

By 1829, South Fork was feeling the effects of all this infamy. Membership was dropping precipitously. Visiting minister John Comley noted there were “but few friends there, the meeting was chiefly composed of Methodists and other denominations,” said RAS. Oh dear.

The salad days of rowdy Quakerism in Unison were fairly short-lived. Most of the 10 acres that was bought by the Quakers in 1771 for a meeting house and graveyard was sold in 1868. The 25’X25’ Meeting House that opened in 1785 was sold in 1916 after spending long years as a papered-over, tumbledown building. It was demolished shortly thereafter.

The only remaining trace today of the boisterous South Fork Quakers is their cemetery. Many of the names that were called out as rowdy or as good, upstanding and peace-loving citizens are there, on the west side of Unison Road as you go south toward, appropriately, Quaker Lane.

(This article originally appeared in the Unison Preservation Society newsletter and is reprinted with the society’s permission.)

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included Leah Palmer as project manager and architect; Jimmy Fletcher for building construction along with Monomoy, Inc., The Helm Group, Pika’s Custom Fencing, Dunn Land Surveys, Dominion Power and High Mountain Internet.

Friends and followers recently gathered to celebrate the dedication and ribbon cutting.

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he Piedmont Fox Hounds is the oldest pack of foxhounds in the United States, originally established in 1840 as a private pack by Colonel Richard Henry Dulany. For close to 100 years, the kennels have been in the same location along Newlin Mill Road. Last year, a campaign was launched to build a modern, efficient facility. The development team

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M i d d l e b u r g

Piedmont Fox Hounds Kennel Dedication And Ribbon Cutting

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THE STYLISH LIFE EQUESTRIAN offers an inside look at the refined world of international equestrian sports and culture. There are images of royalty, socialites and fabulously-dressed spectators from Royal Ascot in England to Prix de l’Arc in Paris, to events in Buenos Aires,

Melbourne, Beijing, Nancy Alcock, Beverly Alcock, Haley Alcock, Forest Stone and Schuyler Sutton

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www.vickymoon.com Call 540-687-6325 or email vickyannmoon@aol.com or send to PO Box 798 • Middleburg, VA. 20118 Shelby Bonnie MFH, Leah Palmer, Tad Zimmernan MFH and Gregg Ryan MFH cut the ribbon

December 2015

If ordered directly, you can have your book autographed and personalized $55 and free shipping.

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This just in…

M i d d l e b u r g

Middleburg Life has a new owner.

Middleburg’s oldest and most respected publication (now locally owned and operated) has been acquired by Greenhill Media LLC, an enterprise formed by David Greenhill, an entrepreneur and owner of Greenhill Vineyards in Middleburg.

Northern Virginia Media Services, the previous owner, announced the sale on Dec. 4, five days before the publication of the December issue.

The new owner will retain editor Vicky Moon, who founded the paper in 1982, and her husband, Leonard Shapiro, to handle all editorial duties

and oversee ad sales. They will work out of the same office in Middleburg, above the Common Grounds and across the street from the post office. Middleburg Life is ending 2015 with a record 72 pages, the largest issue in the history of the newspaper. Cheers and Happy New Year.

Stone Springs Hospital Center recently hosted an open house with a ribbon cutting and a chance to tour the facility for a sneak peek of Loudoun County’s newest hospital. The 234,000 square foot, 124-bed facility will provide a comprehensive range of medical services, including a full-service, 24/7 ER, medical, surgical, labor and delivery, pediatric and intensive care services, a cutting-edge cardiac catheterization lab, and state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and interventional equipment. Among those on hand: Candi Christopher, CFO; Tracey White, VP of Government and Community Relations; Paul Bice, Regional President of John Marshall Bank for Loudoun County; Mark Rader, CEO; Dr. Scott Cassar, Chair of the Activation Medical Executive Committee at Stone Springs Hospital Center; Ben Brown, COO; and Michelle Epps, CNO

Mt. Pisgah Choir

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

The 25th Anniversary of A Community Thanksgiving Service was took place at the Upperville Baptist Church featuring the Trinity Bell-Ringers, Mt. Pisgah Choir and others.

The evening offerings were to benefit The Churches of Upperville Outreach Program that

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provides to families in need in the community throughout the year. During the services, five locals were noted for their community service: Ann MacLeod, Jerry Ann Dade, Sarah Sisk, Melvin Warner and Reverend Philip Lewis.

Deacon Warner an

d Len Shapiro

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December 2015

Sarah Sisk

Reverend Robert Banse of Trinity Episcopal Church, Reverend Phil Lewis of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church and Reverend Bill Thigpen III of Upperville Baptist Church

Photo by Eileen Dover

Second graders from The Hill School recently painted the holiday windows at the Safeway HUNTER METCALF

MOLLY HARRELL

M i d d l e b u r g

$68,000 in scholarships awarded at Projet Aviation’s 10th Annual Aviation Education and Career Expo

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pproximately 600 regional students, educators, and parents attended the 10th Annual Aviation Education & Career Expo hosted by ProJet Aviation at the Leesburg Executive Airport recently. The event, targeting youth aged 16-20, featured keynote speakers, industry leaders, performers, and demonstrators.

Speakers and demonstrators included: Shye Gilad, CEO of ProJet Aviation, Mayor Kristin Umstadtt, Jamail Larkins, aerobatic pilot, entrepreneur and global leader , US Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team , businessman, entrepreneur, and aviation enthusiast: Rafael Collado , K-9 Sally and Officer Jessica Shields, from the Leesburg Police Department along with Matt Crabbe, agricultural aviation pilot and Ret. Lt. Commander Meagan Flannigan: US Navy Fighter Pilot.

Representatives from more than 50 aviation and aerospace businesses met with students throughout the day to share their experiences, and opportunities for future employment. In addition, $68,000 in college aviation scholarships and flight

training awards were awarded to students who submitted essays describing their aviation aspirations. This year’s scholarship winners were: Adrian Bobb, a current student at CCBC, Charlotte Myers-Burton, a Heritage High School student, Cyril Antoney, a Herndon High School student, Surabhi Khanal, a Herndon High School student, Maryclaire Muskett, a Virginia Homeschool student, David Hink, a current student at Pittsburgh Institute of

Aeronautics, Christopher Kees, another current student at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, Sarah Morgan, a current student at the University of VA, Nathan Eschbach, a current student at UMBC, William Ralston, a current student at Liberty University, Ryan Kinzie, a student at the Career & Technology Center in Frederick, MD, Simon Kadel, a Walkersville High School student, Gheorghe Ciobanu, a Centreville High

School student and member of the Civil Air Patrol, Daniel Scarzello, a student at the Randolph Macon Academy, Mariah Daffron, a Jefferson High School student, Andrew Gadson, a current student at CCBC, James Cromwell, a Woodgrove High School student, Subani Adhikari, a Herndon High School student and Paul Alexiou, a Virginia homeschool student, and member of the Civil Air Patrol

News from Great Meadow

Local Holiday Happenings Resort Style

and will be used to provide a new garden area near the retreat’s nature trail.

Nicole Seiss of Land Designs donated her time and labor to design and then implement the new area near a stream on the property. It will include thousands of daffodil and Virginia Blue Bell bulbs for the new area, which will be called the Stream Garden. The garden also will be made wheelchair accessible for Boulder Crest visitors.

December 2015

A check was presented by the Fauquier Loudoun Garden Club Horticulture Symposium to Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness. Pictured (from left) are Elaine Burden, Ken Falke and Harriett Condon. The club, now celebrating its 100th anniversary, has given a $10,000 gift to the Boulder Crest Retreat for wounded warriors in Bluemont. The funds were raised by the club’s bi-annual horticulture symposium in 2014

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Going Green at Boulder Crest

from the event went to the SPCA, whose volunteers also directed parking.

And speaking of Great Meadow, Midd leburg L ife has re ceive d word that The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) have chosen the Land Rover Great Meadow International presented by Adequan®, to host the first-ever FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing competition to be held outside Europe. The event, the only U.S. leg of the series, will be held at the picturesque Great Meadow in The Plains, July 9-10, and will also host the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team in its final preparation trial prior to next summer's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

www.middleburglife.com

The Fauquier SPCA recently received $15,000 from the Virginia Equine Alliance flat race meet in mid-September at Great Meadow in The Plains. At the check presentation Fauquier SPCA President Sharon Ma l on e y, Vi r g i n i a G o l d Cup Association Director of Racing Alfred C. Griffin, Gold Cup Executive Director Diane Jones, Gold Cup Race Chairman and Chairman William Allison and Debbie Easter, interim president of the Virginia Equine Alliance. The VEA, a non-profit, formed to launch a new series of horse races in Virginia.

Charities have the opportunities to raise funds through their participation at VEA flat races. All ticket proceeds

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Dec 2015 Middleburg Life Ad_Layout 1 11/19/15 12:08 PM Page 1

Tim and Beth Dingus will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of their Drum & Strum Music Center in Old Town Warrenton on Friday, December 11th from 7 to 10pm

Season’s Greetings Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season from Goodstone.

36205 Snake Hill Rd., Middleburg 540.687.3333/ www.goodstone.com Join us for daily Lunch and Dinner or Sunday Champagne Brunch at the award-winning Restaurant at Goodstone.

www.middleburglife.com

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December 2015

Next to Hunter’s Head Tavern

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t’s the holiday season, so let’s start off with a celebration of Christmas music Sunday, Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. at Middleburg United Methodist Church.

The final performance of the Middleburg Concert Series in 2015 will include traditional pieces and also will showcase a cantata by acclaimed contemporary composer, conductor and humorist Pepper Choplin entitled “I Hear The Prophet Callin’.” Choplin, who has performed his original compositions at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and all over the U.S., incorporates folk, jazz, gospel and sacred music into his cantatas.

Major sponsors for the concert are Greenhill Winery & Vineyards and StoneSprings Hospital Center. There will be an opportunity to visit with the artists and the major sponsors in the fellowship hall immediately following the concert with refreshments provided by the Goodstone Inn and Restaurant.

Greenhill will offer its new honey products for sale and representatives from StoneSprings Hospital Center will be available to provide more information about their new hospital on Route 50.

Performing during the concert will be the combined choirs of First Baptist Church of Winchester (directed by Lori Horne) and Middleburg United Methodist Church (directed by Karen Chase); organists Larry and Sue Correll; violinists Cynthia Saucedo and Enrique Reynosa; Maryory Serrano playing the viola and Alan Saucedo playing the cello.

Featured vocal soloists will be well known local talents Sarah Brissing and Karen Chase.

The concerts and reception are free.

Donations are welcome. Middleburg

United Methodist Church is located at the corner of Washington and Pendleton Streets in the village of Middleburg.

On Saturday, Dec. at 8 p.m., the Dark Hollow Bluegrass Band returns to the Theatre at Washington, Virginia for a rousing holiday concert of traditional bluegrass music. The band consists of Paul Fincham, five-string banjo and vocals; Larry Haynes, guitar and vocals; Bob Cook, lead guitar and vocals; Buck Morris, mandolin and vocals and Steve Lamb, upright bass.

The Dark Hollow Bluegrass Band is influenced by some of bluegrass music’s best-loved performers: Reno and Smiley, Stanley Brothers, Jim and Jesse, Charlie Moore, Charlie Waller and Flat and Scruggs. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 under 18. To reserve or purchase tickets, please visit TheatreWashingtonVA.com or call 540-675-1253.

It’s another busy month at the Middleburg Community Center. Some highlights include Gentle Yoga on Tuesdays at noon and The Polar Express movie on Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Middleburg Community Charter School.

For the Polar Express, dress in pajamas and enjoy hot chocolate while watching the movie. RSVP at 540-687-6375 by Dec. 8.

T he L ou d ou n C ou nt y Park s , Recreation, and Community Services will hold School’s Out Camp for children, with play-time and creating winter crafts and recipes. Children should bring two snacks, lunch, and a water bottle and all the camps run from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Community Center.

The dates are Dec. 21-23, for a fee of $125 per child, Jan. 18 ($55) Jan. 29 ($55) and Feb. 15 ($55). Reservations must be made at least one week prior to the camp.

After school enrichment classes at the Community Center begin right after Winter Break, starting on Jan. 4. At 2 p.m. there’s Dietrich’s Ninjas for ages 3-6.

At 3:15 p.m. it’s Community Kids Club, Minecraft Animation, LEGO Robotics, Black Belt Leadership, Quilting & Design and Silver Knights Chess. At 4:30 p.m., there will be a beginner dance class.

The Middleburg Business and Professional Association’s annual awards and holiday party is scheduled Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Parish House. Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members.

Nova Jobs

Phone: 703-771-8831

www.leesburgtoday.com

REPORTER WANTED

We will have an opening in mid-January for a reporter at the weekly Quantico Sentry on the base.

This reporting position covers and photographs events and general-interest stories aboard the base.

This is a temporary full-time position for about 10 to 12 weeks with a competitive salary.

Required skills include proficiency with MS Office products and the ability to write compelling and accurate stories for the military publication. Ability to photograph and process photos is required.

Send resume and work samples to: Aleks Dolzenko at: adolzenko@staffordcountysun.com.

in Lovettsville, VA is seeking a

Virginia State Inspector To Apply: westendmotors1@aol.com

540-822-5431

Design and develop applications

for online video advertising company, Videology, Inc. Work in Reston, VA. Must have Master’s in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems or related field and two-years’ relevant experience or equivalent education and experience, and proficiency in at least one of the following: Java, C++, C#, C. Also requires proficiency in two operating systems; two database technologies; a build system; a testing methodology; an IDE and framework; and a design and analysis tool. Must be able to travel to Baltimore, MD 2-3x per month for day and 4x per year for week-long trips to other locations.

Send resumes to techjobs@videologygroup.com. EOE

Northern Virginia Media Services seeks a

Digital Production Specialist

to handle a myriad of back-end tasks on InsideNoVa.com and our other web sites and digital products, including mobile apps and e-mail newsletters. The ideal candidate will have a basic understanding of HTML and other fundamental digital terminology and concepts, but detailed expertise is not required. Experience in a news organization or with other public-facing digital media sites is a plus. Experience working with outside vendors as well as internal customers is preferred. This is a hands-on position, and an ability to multitask will be critical. The position can be based in our Woodbridge, McLean or Leesburg office.

Please apply with resume and salary requirements to Nicky Marshok, regional production director, at nmarshok@insidenova.com.

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Full Time (40 hours per week)Vienna financial planning firm seeks highly organized, detail oriented, dependable person to assist senior financial planners in preparing for client meetings and providing client support. Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and must be proficient with spreadsheets, word processing and internet research. College degree required. Employee will be required to pass a fingerprint background check. Email resume to jobs@advisorsfinancial.com. Full job description can also be requested by email.

Senior Systems Engineer to perform testing & monitoring of telecom networks; testing WiMAX, LTE & CDMA RAN networks & interfaces. Travel (approx. 20% including local & out of state/ overnight stays) is req’d for client meetings/onsite testing/troubleshooting of networks. Send resume to: HR Dir, Repeat Consultants, 8201 Greensboro Drive, Ste 300, McLean, VA 22102

M i d d l e b u r g

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PHOTOS BY:CAMDEN LITTLETON

Pop Up Shop Warm Love Productions held their second annual Middleburg Pop Up shop at the Native Barre studios and once again it was a lovely success. Those represented included: Gum Tree Farmdesigners of luxury wool pieces for the home and human, Frances Dean, Coral + Tusk, The Kenyan Collection, Fran’s is Better and Bittersweet Garden.

Christina Allison and Joan Ramsay

Franny Kansteiner and Sean Clancy

Bridget and Brian Wilson

Valerie Dove and Beverly Burden

www.middleburglife.com

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December 2015

Lydia Strohl, Jill Vogel and Jane Bishop

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Barbara DuPont, Laura Chester, Hester Smith and Dennis Kugler

Julie Matheson

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December 2015

FINE PRO PE RT I ES

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

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ProPerties in Hunt Country FarM In MIllwooD

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Nestled in the heart of Virginia Hunt Country, amidst large farms protected from further development. Easy commuter location. Charming family or weekend home designed for entertaining and comfortable country living. Large, main level master suite. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs. Home totally renovated . Offering includes 10.8 private, usable acres with lovely gardens, stone walls and terrace, outdoor fireplace and sweeping views. $2,395,000

emily ristau (540) 687-7710

Rare opportunity to own 190 beautiful, private acres on the outskirts of the 18th c. village of Millwood. Build your dream home on a hilltop site with mature trees and sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Plenty of open, rolling land for horses. Stream on the western perimeter. Total of five DURs and one exemption. $1,900,000

Cary embury (540) 533-0106

CoMMerCIal – Prime Business District in Historic town of Middleburg C-2 Zoning. Handsome 3 level, free standing stone building c. 1934-Over 7,000 sq. ft.

Main level - Retail, Restaurant, Personal Services Upper level - 3 one bedroom apartments lower level - Office, retail, restaurant with interior and exterior access Potential for additional build-out, 4 extra large parking spaces. $1,700,000

rebecca Poston (540) 771-7520 Moss Hollow

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leesburg ~ c.1745 Virginia Historic home on 11.12 acres. Beautiful 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath 5 Fireplaces. Stone garden shed, workshop/garage, Large Bank Barn board fenced. All restored in 2007 to reflect the historical integrity of the property. Ideally located on Evergreen Mills Road for easy access to the Dulles Corridor, close to Brambleton Park and less than 15 minutes to Washington Dulles International Airport. $1,250,000

Merr y Christmas

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December 2015 • www.middleburglife.com

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An outstanding, well built 2 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath cottage on over 50 tranquil acres in Markham, perfectly located minutes from Rt.66. This lovely home takes advantage of nature and privacy with views of Cobbler, Buck and Rattlesnake Mountains from the expansive rear porch with the rustling of Thumb Run Creek nearby. One level living with Stucco, Standing Seam Metal Roof and many exceptional details throughout ~ A must see! $1,200,000

Barrington Hall (540) 454-6601

Cathy Bernache (540) 424-7066

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Turnkey horse farm on 6+ acres just minutes from Middleburg. Fully updated stucco & stone farmhouse. 3-4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths. Traditional details throughout.

Hardwood floors, original fireplaces, high ceilings, crown molding & cast iron radiators. Spacious eat-in country Kitchen, formal Living Room and Dining Room.

Outbuildings include Garden Shed & 4-stall center aisle Barn. 6 paddocks with new fencing, automatic waterer & run-in. Great ride out. Middleburg Hunt territory. $765,000

Cricket Bedford (540) 229-3201

Immaculate Colonial on 2.7 acres just West of Middleburg. Renovated & enlarged. Gourmet Kitchen with high-end appliances & granite, Breakfast Rm, Formal Dining Rm & Living Rm, Family Rm with firplace, Den, 1st floor Master wing with luxury Bath, Steam Shower, Walk-In Closet. Hardwood Floors 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths up. Large yard with extensive landscaping, stone walls, porch, rear deck, stone patio w/fpl., 2-car detached garage w/room above. $649,000

Cricket Bedford (540) 229-3201

the Plains Village. Office rental space in historic Carter Hotel +/- 1,080SF divided in two large rooms.

Stone walls, Fireplace, Newly renovated and ready for your business office.Easy access from I66 and RT55.

Ample parking on private lot.Half Bath and Kitchenette. Ground maintenance and waste removal included. Wakefield School neighborhood. Walk to Post Office and popular restaurants. Work where you Live! $1,000/month

rein duPont (540) 454-3355

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Susie Ashcom Cricket Bedford Catherine Bernache John Coles Rein duPont Cary Embury Barrington Hall Sydney Hall Sheryl Heckler

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE a staUnCH aDVoCate oF lanD easeMents lanD anD estate aGents sInCe 1967 Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687-6500

Phillip S. Thomas, Sr.

Julien Lacaze Anne V. Marstiller Brian McGowan Jim McGowan Mary Ann McGowan Rebecca Poston Emily Ristau Alex Sharp Jayme Taylor