Estate of North Hill Steeped in Va. History
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Address: Estate at North Hill. Listed at: $3,300,000 by John Coles, Thomas and Talbot Real Estate (540) 270-0094.
July 2014
Facts for buyers
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a 12-room structure was added to house Castleman’s Inn–North Hill-Summer Resort. The proprietors promised a delightful breeze over the mountains and “grand and inspiring” views of the mountains, river and landscape. The inn itself was succeeded by a gracious tea house, but the views are a constant throughout generations. Changing with the seasons, they are a reminder of the elegance of the surroundings. The current 16-room manor home sits high on a knoll overlooking the Shenandoah River. Its current look dates from the 1930s, when it was redesigned by the elegant Lily Livingston. She added the dramatic east wing with its ballroom, complete with two stained-glass windows from Louis Comfort Tiffany Studios. At that time, the entrance orientation was changed to the southern side, with the previous front porch enclosed to provide direct access from the 1800s foyer to the ballroom. Our exploration begins as we are wel-
bedrooms, one with fireplace. The property is divided into two parcels, the first of 178 acres and including the main home, a three-bedroom guest cottage, 18-stall courtyard stable and additional 5-stall barn with office and machine shop. This parcel has been placed in open-space easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation and includes a potential division right. Nearly 300 years of history are part and parcel of our featured property, which is a testament to gracious living in an outstanding locale. Articles are prepared by Middleburg Life’s real estate advertising department on behalf of clients. For information on the home, contact the listing agent. For information on having a house reviewed, contact the Middleburg Life real estate advertising department at (540) 687-6059.
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hat began its life as a one-and-a-half-story log cabin in the 1740s has evolved into North Hill Farm, an exceptional estate set on 190 acres and featuring both an extraordinary manor house and high-quality equestrian facilities. Listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register for its strategic location as part of the Cool Spring Battlefield during the Civil War, the property showcases exceptional history. The estate has such a high-quality pedigree and provenance, the Daughters of the American Revolution marked the grave of Elizabeth (Besty) Lewis Carter, the niece of George Washington who was married to the great-grandson of Robert “King” Carter. The couple owned the home in the 1820s. And now, the property is on the market, listed at $3,300,000 by John Coles of Thomas and Talbot Real Estate. First expanded in the early 1800s by the Castleman family, which owned the property for a century, in the early 1900s
comed at the porte chochere, where three possible entrances vie to bid us welcome. The formal foyer is a fitting introduction for all that awaits. The original, 18th-century portion of the home features a gracious drawing room, with a stately fireplace. Nearby is a charming enclosed porch with marvelous views, and soon you are in the showplace spaces, including the 43x18 ballroom and formal dining room. Classic features abound, including the hand-carved handrails and the bonus spaces throughout that provide versatility and flexibility. But there are many modern touches, as well; the kitchen is a standout space ready to meet the needs of serious chefs. A nearby butler’s pantry provides wonderful storage . Other highlights of the main level include gorgeous library, with a brick fireplace and glorious mantel. The master suite, located on the second level above the dining room, is a marvelous retreat that provides all the accoutrements one might need, including a dressing room, exceptional closet space and two full baths. Additional bedrooms are plentiful, including a cozy, dormered space with its own bath, as well as two additional, larger
M i d d l e b u r g L i f e
16-Room Manor Enjoys Expansive Views, Shenandoah Frontage
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