Leesburg, VA March 2022

HOME EDITION

HOME + DESIGN

LEVELIN G U P: TH E L ATEST TREN D IN RENOVATIO N BACK YARD FANTA SY LI F E + C U LTU R E

SO YOU WANT TO BUY A H O RSE FARM?

M A R C H 2 022

When the world changes, we’re here to help We can provide customized, comprehensive advice and guidance to help you stay on track and pursue your goals.

Call us to talk it through.

The Eveland Group Jeffrey W. Eveland, CFP®, CRPC®, CPFA Managing Director Wealth Management Advisor

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 3 South King Street Leesburg, VA 20175

703.779.2130 j_eveland@ml.com

fa.ml.com/evelandgroup

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MAP3023665 | AD-10-21-0203 | 470965PM-0421 | 10/2021

Matthew Bowe Design Build is now Alair Homes Hunt Country

WWW.ALAIRHOMES.COM/HUNTCOUNTRY 610 E. Main St., Suite 200, Purcellville, VA 20132

"SHE SAVED MY LIFE"

Loudoun county resident Dawn R. had been experiencing the painful side effects of Peripheral Neuropathy, “my feet and legs were extremely painful and my doctor told me there was nothing they could do.

That I would have to take Gabapentin for the rest of my life.”

Then she met Ashburn's very own Rachal Lohr, L.Ac. Peripheral Neuropathy is the pain, discomfort and numbness caused by nerve damage of the peripheral nervous system. Dawn explained that daily tasks like opening doors and using the bathroom were overwhelmingly painful. “How can you live for the next 30 years when you don’t even want to get out of bed to do simple things?”

She was experiencing the burning, numbness, tingling and sharp pains that those suffering with neuropathy often describe. “The way that I would describe it, it’s equivalent to walking on glass.” Dawn hadn’t worn socks in five years and was wearing shoes two sizes too big so that nothing would ‘touch’ her feet.

Unfortunately Dawn’s story is all too familiar for the over 3 million people in the U.S. suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy.

If you’re unfortunate enough to be facing the same disheartening prognosis you’re not sleeping at night because of the burning in your feet.

You have difficulty walking, shopping or doing any activity for more than 30 minutes because of the pain.

You’re struggling with balance and living in fear that you might fall. Your doctor told you to ‘just live with the pain’ and you’re taking medications that aren’t working or have uncomfortable side effects.

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY? Call (703)263-2142 to schedule a consultation!

Fortunately, two months ago Dawn read an article about Rachal and the work she was doing to treat those suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy, without invasive surgeries or medications.

What was once a missing link in senior healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents of Northern Virginia.

If you’ve missed too many tee times because of pain or you’ve passed on walking through the town centers with Rachal Lohr, founder of Firefly friends because you’re afraid of falling, Acupuncture and Wellness, in Ashburn, it’s time to call Rachal and the staff at is using the time tested science of Firefly.

It’s time you let your Acupuncture and a technology golden years BE GOLDEN! originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow and Rachal Lohr, L.Ac. is once again expediting recovery and healing to accepting new patients. And for a treat this debilitating disease. limited time will be offering Free “Now when I go to bed at night I Consultations so call (703)263-2142 don’t have those shooting pains. I to schedule a consultation. don’t have that burning sensation. I don’t have pain coming up my legs,” Dawn enthusiastically describes life after receiving Rachal's treatments.

“I can wear socks and shoes!”

Dawn and her sister now operate a successful dog walking business, sometimes covering up to 5 miles a day.

“It’s life altering. As far as I’m concerned Rachal saved my life!”

Rachal has been helping the senior community for over 14 years using the most cutting edge and innovative integrative medicine. Specializing in chronic pain cases, specifically those that have been deemed ‘hopeless’ or ‘untreatable’, she consistently generates unparalleled results.

Visit www.FIREFLYAcuAndWellness.com to learn more and to take advantage of their New Patient Offer!

Photo Credit: Michelle Lindsay Photography

Real Clients. Real Experiences.

The Bohnenkamps loved the home they were living in. It was perfect for them and their two young boys. So many great memories! But eventually they needed more space, a second office, and a large, open kitchen. Their brand new home has all that and more. Plus plenty of room for the boys to help their mom bake cookies!

As a Loudoun County resident for over 20 years, I’ve come to realize “home” is more than a physical location, it’s also a community connection. My team is dedicated to bringing you the best of both.

To learn more, scan here:

Give me a call if you’re thinking about making a move.

JC Silvey Realtor® | Certified Appraiser jc.silvey@compass.com M: 703.577.1946 | O: 703.570.5144

Real Estate Redefined

Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 44927 George Washington Blvd, Ste 265 Ashburn, VA 20147 | O: 703.570.5144

Additions • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basements • Outdoor Living Spaces • New Homes 703.641.9800 | michael-nash.com 8630A Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22031 Serving Northern Virginia Only A Michael Nash Company

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Home Base

March 2022 PUBLISHER

Hann Livingston | hann.livingston@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Melinda Gipson | melinda.gipson@citylifestyle.com

With the possible exception of buying a business, no investment is as large as our homes. As we’ve all seen over the last couple of years, nothing can be as comforting or as emotionally supportive as “home base.” Given today’s hot Real Estate market, is it at all surprising that many home owners are willing to double down on the homes they love, rather than seeking a newer model?

Custom builders Matt Bowe and Michael Nash, landscape architect Josh Kane and interior designer Julie Shaheen are among the many award-winning, local resources on hand to help you either create something truly transformative to expand and upgrade, or to give your home a refresh that adds more functionality and flair.

For those who can afford something out of the ordinary, there’s nothing like 62+ acres with a semi-private, 40-acre lake to pique your imagination!

Check out this month’s Open House for something pristine and private just 10 minutes from the Leesburg Food Lion. Just be aware of what happens in a hot market when you get emotionally invested in any single transaction!

We have advice for both buyers and sellers to consider.

With COVID, and the rest of life’s trials, has come one other hard-earned lesson: life is short.

In that context, there’s no time like the present to pursue our dreams, whether that is preparing for a life with horses in the back yard, or helping to design and build a kid’s penultimate tree house.

We hope you enjoy this home edition with our point of view in mind: a truly exceptional lifestyle is one that includes giving back. Let’s all make our homes the kinds of places that nourish our families and friends and from whence we can support the kind of community that enriches all our lives.

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Suzanne Otwell | suzanne.otwell@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

M E L I N DA G I P S O N , E D I TO R I A L C O O R D I N ATO R @LEESBURGLIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/LEESBURG |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Leesburg Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Leesburg area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Leesburg Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

MARCH 2022

inside the issue The Home Issue

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40

32

46

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Leveling Up

8

Lifestyle Letter

14

Home Update

22

Trend Setter

HO ME S ERV I C ES

26

Open House

HO ME + DES I GN

32

How To

40

Local Limelight

46

Giving Back

52

Expert Help

55

Realty Report

56

Inspired By

The Latest Trend in Home Renovation

32 So, You Want to Buy a Horse Farm?

Ask an Expert

40 Gorgeous Gardens

Color, Creativity, Contrast, and Cultivation Combine in Kane's Creations

46 Make a Wish!

"I'd like a tree house," Andrew said.

LI FE + C U LT U R E

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Daniel Steinkoler Andrew’s Tree House from Make-A-Wish Foundation, Daniel Steinkoler, owner of Superior Construction Services, LLC and friends.

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HO ME + DES I GN

HO ME S ERV IC E S

LI FE + C U LT U R E R EA L ESTAT E R EA L ESTAT E

HO ME + DES I GN

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Leveling Up THE LATEST TREND IN HOME RENOVATION

ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTY KOSNIC

Matt Bowe has seen it all in his decades of custom-building people’s dream homes. Now operating as Alair Homes Hunt Country (alairhomes.com/ huntcountry/), he says the hot trend in home design and renovation is for families who have lived in and loved their neighborhoods for 15-20 years to double down on making their existing home what they’ve always wanted it to be, and staying put.

The home we chose to highlight in Purcellville was originally a “production build” home in Purcellville owned by a couple of empty nesters.

They entertain a lot, hosting big family gatherings of 40-50 people, and have even hosted weddings and large holiday affairs. The wife loves to cook, and they both wanted to accommodate people who both visit and stay over.” Since aging happens, they also wanted to plan ahead for the day when having a large master bedroom on the first floor could grant them better accessibility and mobility in contrast to having to choose downsizing and potentially moving to an assisted living facility.

"Before" the Renovation

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H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E + DE S I GN

Lavish Living in Place

Before we get into the details of this extraordinary project, it’s worth noting that, beyond the personal lifestyle choices of these particular homeowners, what makes this a growing trend locally is that the population is becoming more stable. Matt says, “I’ve been here since the late 80’s, and for most of that time when you wanted something a little nicer, a little bigger, there was always a subdivision next door to which you could upgrade.” Over time, as people settled in and raised their kids, they bumped up against Route 15, which marks the end of Loudoun County subdivision development. As land grew scarce and subdivisions more constrained, the inclination not to “overspend” on renovation that was bracketed by eventual resale was offset by a more fundamental lifestyle choice.

“Instead of saying, ‘can I get $1 out for every dollar I put in?’ what people want sounds more like, ‘We have the resources, we love where we live, so

why shouldn’t we upgrade our home to make it all we want it to be?” Matt explains. Homeowners in this mindset will be there for at least another 15-20 years and they want to enjoy it. “What they’re looking at is not just a kitchen remodel but topto-bottom upgrades like all the bathrooms and kitchen, new siding, new windows, new landscaping, taking it up a level to have the home reflect a more custom grade and appearance.”

There are plenty of challenges that come with doing a large-scale remodel that don’t exist with new home construction, Matt allows, but the result is a home that better reflects the desires of both the home owners and what future buyers in the area expect. That could mean an investment equivalent to what the homeowners invested more than a decade ago when buying their home, but, as in this case, can also increase their enjoyable living space by a third or more. CONTINUED > MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

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A New Screened-in Porch With Fireplace

Way beyond a “bump-out,” that means integrating additions with the existing roof lines. As Matt describes it, “We opened up the kitchen and created large, informal eating areas, and added a very large butler pantry to accommodate all of the kitchen appliances that would otherwise take up counter space, while adding additional food preparation counter space.” Adjacent, there’s a new washroom area with a washer dryer to make cleanup more convenient, and a brand-new side entrance that replaced entry to the kitchen through the garage (typical in many houses) with a more welcoming hallway where people can hang their coats.

The kitchen now expands into a more open plan family room and sunroom, a cozy screened-in room with a fireplace for cooler evenings, wraparound deck and – on the opposite end of the new addition, a full master bedroom suite and bathroom with all the latest features. Now, wherever you look, large windows bring in great light and a more beautiful outside view, thanks to outside patio and landscaping by River’s Edge Landscapes.

Inside, one bright, open, comfortable setting flows on to the next making room for a house full of conversation and congeniality.

“The overall effect is not just to update a décor that was becoming a little worn and ragged, but to improve its maintenance and performance through better windows and doors throughout,” Matt says. “It provides way more functional space for them, and turns an older home into one that can compete with any newer construction homes on the market.”

And it all happened with complete transparency on budget and execution for the homeowners. “We call it client control – a process that brings them on our side of the table so they can see what we see and participate in any phase of the decision making, which builds trust in us and satisfaction with the results: a fundamental change in the home’s personality – higher quality, better design, and better function,” a.k.a a great place to live.

A More Spacious Living Room Flows into the Larger Kitchen

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H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E + DE S I GN

Expanded, Upgraded Kitchen Leads Off into Pantry

CONTINUED > MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

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Brand New First Floor Master Bath

A New, Large, First-Floor Master Bedroom

Butler's Pantry

New Side Entrance Welcomes Guests (Who No Longer Have to Walk Through the Garage)

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H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E + DE S I GN

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ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY HALL

Performance fabrics resist wear

A REFRESH SO COZY EVEN THE DOG APPROVES

Clients call award-winning interior designer Julie Shaheen for many reasons. Lately, the impetus ranges from disliking the décor of a recently purchased house enough to consider reselling it, to needing a simple refresh.

The owners of the home whose refresh we chose to spotlight are empty nesters who have lived in the home for 20 years. They had a tight budget in mind because they thought they would likely sell the house in another five to seven years.

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T R E N D SE T T E R | HOM E S E RVI CE S

Fixed curtains let in light

JEWEL MARIE INTERIORS

New paint, molding, tile and countertops brighten an aging kitchen

In the kitchen, the decision was made to simply paint rather than replace the cabinetry, installing hardware where there had been none. Paint was applied to the center island as well, but in a different color and with the addition of some molding around the base and sides to make it appear more like a piece of furniture. All new countertops and appliances, a new ceramic tile backsplash and floor refinishing that extended to the rest of the first floor topped off the new look.

That same family room is where the whole family hangs out, including the dog, so performance fabric was chosen for the sectional and ottomans to diminish wear and aid in cleanup. Light from the large windows framing the TV and fireplace was needed to brighten the family room, so fixed, partial curtains frame the fireplace rather than drapes that would fully close.

Julie works either as an-onsite contractor or in consultation with clients who want to the painting, staining and refinishing themselves. What makes this process seamless either way is her use of 3-D software that can help both hands-on and hands-off clients visualize the completed look, down to the colors of the walls and upholstery. A punch list of furniture and fabric providers completes the process, with Julie on hand to answer any questions that arise.

Call Julie Shaheen, Jewel Marie Interiors at (571) 831-1770, email julie@jewelmarieinteriors.com, or book a 20-minute discovery call for free here: schedule.jewelmarieinteriors.com/discover

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

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cstutz@sonrisestrat.com 899a Harrison Street SE Leesburg, VA 20175-4033 703-403-3187

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Colleen M. Stutz, Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Licensed Insurance Agency. *Financial Adviser offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies LLC, A Registered Investment Adviser. SonRise Strategies, LLC is not owned or operated by NYLIFE Securities LLC or its affiliates. NYLIFE Securities and Eagle Strategies are New York Life Insurance companies.

Chilly Days

Chili Fundraiser

In support of the Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department Saturday, March 5, 2022* • Noon to 4:00 p.m.** at Old Ox Brewery • Cost: Donation to AVFRD

Baby, it’s cold outside and we have just the thing to warm you up! Enjoy unlimited tastings of chili graciously provided by Ashburn restaurants—all proceeds will be donated to the AVFRD. Bring the kids to see the fire truck!

Celebrity Judges & People’s Choice Awards

*Rain date is March 26

For more information visit: www.ashburnfirerescue.org/go/chili

**or until the chili is gone

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O P E N H O U S E : P R I S T I N E A N D P R I VAT E , 10 M I N U T E S F R O M D O W N T O W N 26

4,476 Square Ft. in Gilead

Asked what makes this month’s featured open house so special, the listing agency, Realtor Pamela Jones from Extraordinary Transitions says, “well, obviously, it’s the land.” And for once, that’s quite an understatement.

The $2.7 million property that goes on the market March 1, is so unique and so private that the only sound you may hear is that of a bluebird singing. Yet it’s thirty-seven miles to the Washington Monument, 12 minutes to downtown Leesburg, and 26 minutes to Dulles Airport.

This custom architecturally designed home sits on a private, 62.4-acre wildlife preserve that boasts a 40-acre lake shared

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

by just 8 other families for fishing, boating, and swimming. Nestled along the beautiful Catoctin Ridge and integrated with the remote Village of Mount Gilead, the surrounding land is incorporated as part of the original 774-acre tract which held the 18th century historic Loudoun County landmark known as the Shelburne Glebe.

For background a “glebe” is an area of land within an ecclesiastical parish used to support a parish priest. The Glebe of Shelburne Parish was built in 1773 by the Anglican Church of Shelburne Parish, itself named for the original Earls of Shelburne. Virginia ordered the sale of all

ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOMEVISIT

glebes in 1802, but the parish resisted and it wasn’t sold until 1840. Though the main house on the large tract wasn’t listed on the National Register of Historic Places until 1975, the land and all its now 9 contiguous properties surrounding the lake, are protected by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Loudoun County Goose Creek Historic District, and the National Register of Historic Places. Each organization now contributes to the covenants and easements that serve to uniquely protect the area from encroachment and further subdivision.

With the land equally divided between forest and meadows, the natural beauty of the place does tend to whisk you away to another place and time. Various hiking and equestrian trails beckon engagement

with the surrounding wildlife. It boasts incredible views of the western Loudoun Valley and the Blue Ridge mountains, an un-broken view of the spacious sky, and a profound sense of privacy.

If all this sounds like more retreat than home, don’t worry. True, the home is custom built to last hundreds of years with a natural, original stucco and stone exterior.

But as Pamela puts it, “this is a very special place where you can really get away without being far away.” There’s high-speed Verizon FiOS internet connectivity and the home was designed to suit contemporary tastes with high ceilings and a 36-inch tall stone fireplace with plenty of interior beams, lots of oak, and plenty of interior storage, all a short drive to the grocery store.

“It’s truly magnificent,” Pamela said.

A 40-acre Semi-Private Lake Offers Views, Recreation

For a link to the listing when it goes live, call Pamela at 703-587-7440, email her at PAMELA.JONES@longandfoster.com or visit pamsellsfinehomes.com.

CONTINUED > MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

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Front Lawn

Dining Room

Kitchen

Family Room

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O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

Panoramic Views of the Blue Ridge

“THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL PLACE WHERE YOU CAN R E A L LY G E T A W A Y W I T H O U T B E I N G F A R A W A Y.”

Breakfast nook MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

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So, You Want to Buy a Horse Farm?

Debbie Meighan with her horse "Kevin"

Ask an Expert ARTICLE BY M E LINDA G IPSON | PHOTOG R APHY BY SA S EQUINE PHOTOG R APHY, UPWARD STUDIOS

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H OW TO | L IFE + CU LTU R E

The Grand Prix field at Newstead Farm, Upperville

Loudoun remains the beating heart of Virginia’s hunt country with more than 15,000 horses in residence, higher than any other county in the Commonwealth. The reasons are many – it’s an affluent area close enough to D.C. to benefit from both true enthusiasts like Jacqueline Kennedy and mere hobbyists with the means to dabble. More importantly, the history of horse farming in the region is as old as the Republic, and a handful of locals have made it the family business for nearly that long.

Debbie Meighan, one such enthusiast, bought a 10-acre horse farm in Leesburg in 2004 so her daughter could grow up around horses, and now sits on the board of the Loudoun County Equine Alliance. She is such a passionate horse woman that those who know her well are surprised to learn that she doesn’t come from an equestrian family. “My parents didn’t ride and we weren’t wealthy, to be honest. My grandfather used to exercise thoroughbred race horses though, so maybe it’s in my blood!”

As virtually any “horse person” could relate, she doesn’t remember that the first time she set eyes on a horse as a child she was intrigued by them. When she finally had the chance to touch and smell one – “I fell in love and just wanted to be part of that world more than anything.”

Raised in Danbury, Connecticut, she worked on a horse farm to pay for riding lessons. After moving to Virginia and marrying a home builder, she at last had the means to realize her dream of owning horses along with the ideal place to raise them. Her daughter who shared her love of the animals became an accomplished rider. “We had a great time, and she even bred her own pony. We did many things together that we never would have if we hadn’t had our own place,” Debbie says.

Her own farm has a five-stall barn with a tack room, wash rack and training ring, demonstrating that horse ownership doesn’t always demand estate-level acreage, but it does take commitment. Debbie explains, “I love my dogs, trust me, but there is something so special about being near a horse and taking care of it yourself – it’s a very special relationship and having a horse farm helps to deepen that connection in many ways.” Horses don’t care when you’re sick or if there’s a snowstorm and the trough is frozen – they need your full attention. “I remember fighting my way to the barn during Snowmageddon when the drifts were up over my hips,” Debbie recalls. “If you’re buying a horse farm, you need to be prepared that it’s a true lifestyle choice, not a pastime.”

For the last several years, her own passion for horses has been channeled into helping others live the life she and her family enjoyed as a Realtor with Washington Fine Properties.

Last year Debbie sold 13 horse properties, worth more than $19 million, so she’s clearly expert in the process. “Purchasing a horse property is a process that can take some time, so it is

CONTINUED > MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

33

only the most determined buyers, only the most motivated and committed buyers, who are going to be successful,” she says. She says there is always availability for the determined buyer, but cautions that preparation is key because the competition is so stiff that a property may come on the market on a Thursday and the owner is reviewing offers

by Sunday. Fortunately, Debbie often is made aware, long before a listing occurs, when horse farms of various sizes and price points may be headed to market.

Debbie’s advice to the would-be buyer: Step one: Align yourself with a realtor experienced in horse properties. Her horse community roots coupled with experience in helping both buyers and sellers through the process are key. But Debbie also points to her own strong work ethic as one of the keys to her success in facilitating horse farm ownership.

Step two: The devil is in the details. Are the farm’s fences and gates properly tended? Is the arena well weeded and the surface properly prepared? Is the floor in the horse barn level and fitted properly with rubber matting? How recently were the stalls refinished? What are the contours of the property – is it gentle and rolling? How much of it is open pasture and how much of it is wooded? Do streams or ponds bisect the useable pasture? How many horses can it accommodate? Are there any restrictions on the land use such as conservation easements or rights of way that could

Aerial shot of Cherry Branch Farm, Lovettsville

Luxurious Interior of a barn on Enon Church Road

34

H OW TO | L IFE + CU LTU R E

The 8-stall barn at Cherry Branch Farm, Lovettsville

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Step three: Find the right lender. Here, Debbie’s YouTube conversations with Steve of the Bank of Charles Town and Matt Donnelly from PNC Bank are highly instructive. BCT is more inclined to view a farm, even one with large acreage, as residential instead of commercial, so long as the owner lives on the property as his or her primary residence.

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Barn Interior at Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center

Aerial shot of Lucia Farm on Berlin Turnpike

Both BCT and PNC Bank retain their own portfolio of properties, which allow them to write their own rules on qualifying buyers.

PNC doesn’t have an acreage limit on financing a horse farm, so long as it can get comparable prices for an appraisal, and has a High Net Worth program that can offer “significant savings.”

To contact Debbie and explore your options, call Debbie at 571439-4027, email her at Debbie. meighan@wfp.com or follow her on YouTube: @debbiemeighanrealestate, Instagram: @debbiemeighanrealtor or Facebook: @ debbiemeighan.

Virginia’s Point-to-Point racing season kicks off March 7 with the Rappahannock Hunt and continues with events every weekend through the end of April. The Loudoun Hunt point-to-point season starts April 18, loudounhunt.com/ point-to-point-races.html.

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H OW TO | L IFE + CU LTU R E

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A Well-Sculpted Garden Marks Kane's Creations

Gorgeous Gardens Color, Creativity, Contrast, and Cultivation Combine in Kane's Creations ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON

The Garden Club of Virginia adds Leesburg to its tour this April. While he can’t say what really entices judges in their selection of showcase properties, Josh Kane of Kane Landscapes can certainly speak to the elements of a gorgeous garden.

“What typically makes for an exceptional garden are unusual plants in an idyllic setting,” Josh says. “How a garden is cared for – how it demonstrates stewardship of the earth – with plant diversity and some architectural interest all come into play.”

A Kane Garden brings with it not only those elements, but an overarching sense of harmony and cohesiveness.

You can tell that a master craftsman was at work to sculpt these entrances, walkways, pool-sides, covered porticoes and even “secret” Zen-like retreats. Josh offers these tips to help make your garden tour-worthy.

“Combining plants of different textures and colors that play well off each other makes a garden appear lush,” Josh explains. Hostas can come in bright green, white or green and white, but appear more interesting CONTINUED >

40

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HOME S E RVI CE S

Kane Kids Play Around a Giant Fountain

Paperbark Maples Add Interesting Texture

A Little Zen for the Soul MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

41

Lighting Is Its Own Accent Varied Rocks Can Add Architectural Interest to Simple Daisies

42

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HOME S E RVI CE S

when juxtaposed with a lacy fern. Savvy gardeners might even challenge themselves to create interest through different textures, but in all one color like white, or craft a moon garden where all the plants flower open later in the evening.

Architectural interest comes in all sizes and shapes – as large as a covered portico for shade, or as small as river rock juxtaposed with moss-covered boulders and mulched daisies. Night lighting lends its own flair, as can the right outdoor bench or trellis or a colorful vase in just the right spot. Josh’s daughters play beside a large travertine and marble fountain, but it takes a garden of some scale to pull that off.

Other textures can come with ornamental grasses of varying heights and blades.

Boxwoods add bones and structure.

Color comes from roses or perennials, but also in soft greens like lamb’s ear. Some die-hard perennials, like the “Catmint” plant “Cat’s Pajamas,” have been bred to resist fungus. Roses typically require a higher degree of dedication to maintain, but Josh’s company does offer periodic grooming and tending services 6-8 times yearly if needed.

The lay of the land determines underlying plant, shrub and tree choices. Sun counts, but so does wind. “In Leesburg, you can get substantial wind off of the mountains,” Josh says. If you have a wooded lot, “decide which plants can work around those trees first. In a shade garden, you have to concern yourself with the deer and consider whether you need fencing.”

Soil too is a factor, and in all of Loudoun shale predominates. Warmer temperatures have spawned insects that don’t die off without colder winters, ending the use of blue spruce, Josh notes. He cautions, “A lot of home-owners will go to a garden center and select a beautiful plant because they love it, but that doesn’t mean it will work in their location.”

“A landscape architect knows the kinds of plants that will work in your garden and how they’ll look year-round.”

A landscape architect knows the kinds of plants that will work in your garden and how they’ll look year-round. Homeowners love Japanese maples because of the bright red or maroon foliage, for example. But did you know there are different varieties maples with different shades of bark in the winter? “Paperbark maples have peeling bark when the tree exfoliates which can add interest to a garden. Crepe myrtle are colorful, and triad maples offer brilliant fall color and stay smaller,” Josh explains.

“Even hydrangeas have different varieties like Quick Fire and Little Bobo, which offer different colors of blooms.”

The wrong variety of plant may outgrow its usefulness. Some butterfly bushes attain giant proportions and suffer broken limbs in the winter. “If you’re looking to attract pollinators and hummingbirds, try the Pugster butterfly bush, which stays low to the ground,” Josh suggests.

Spring brings excitement for daffodils and forsythia and dogwoods, Josh adds, but all these have short blooming seasons.

“Just be aware of when you’re more likely to be outdoors – typically when it’s warmer – and plant things you can enjoy then.”

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MAKE

A

"I'D LIKE A TREE HOUSE," ANDREW SAID.

W I S H!

Treehouse With Zip-line

ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL STEINKOLER

46

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

At age 7, Andrew had the misfortune of being stricken with childhood leukemia. A Cancer diagnosis can be one of the most daunting and intimidating events of one’s life, especially for a child. Add to that, with everything shut down in a Pandemic, not even the Make a Wish Foundation could send him to Disney World. One can only imagine the dismay Andrew and his family must have felt.

As luck would have it, Andrew is a child with uncommon imagination. So, when Make a Wish asked him, absent all the usual choices, what he wished for, he didn’t hesitate. “I would like a tree house,” Not just any tree house, but one with sweeping angles like the prow of a ship, fun-house windows and scales like a dragon! Moreover, it should have a secret entrance that only the worthy might enter just like in the movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Add a Zip line, a climbing wall and a sliding board for fast get-aways, and that might just do it.

Now, all Make a Wish had to do was find someone willing to build it.

They turned first to PRO Mid Atlantic, a trade association representing the most qualified and ethical professionals in the local remodeling industry. PRO (for Professional Remodeling Organization) was at the time undergoing its own upheaval, in the process of splitting from its former alliance with NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. In its re-emergence, it retained its loyal following thanks to its strong commitment to making sure that homeowners who contract with its professionals are pleased with both process and results.

Community service is one of the values its members uphold, so you’ll understand why, when Daniel Steinkoler, owner of Superior Construction Services, LLC, saw the note in a PRO newsletter about Andrew’s wish, he couldn’t look away.

Of his own business, Daniel said only, “We do residential remodeling and we’re very, very good at it.” Given how many NARI awards his company has earned over the years, that amounts to modesty. Along his 30-year journey, he’s built a mobile art classroom for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and a community center through the Sasha Bruce Organization for homeless youth. But nothing – not even the flashy award winners – gave him as much joy as building Andrew’s tree house.

“I build these multimillion-dollar projects for clients, yet I feel more satisfaction from this tree house than anything I’ve ever done,” Daniel said. “It sounds corny, but I mean it.” The goal was to send a message about hope, strength, growth, perseverance and creation to a boy whose fight to survive was inspiring. As it turned out, the process of designing, fund-raising, obtaining supplies and then finally assembly served as a near parallel struggle to Andrew’s, as he battled towards remission.

CONTINUED >

A Ship With Dragon's Scales

Interior With Secret Entrance

ANDREW MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

47

Side Window Detail

Installing Shake Shingles

Daniel explains, “This build took us for a ride through what felt like a mathematical maze of angles, complex corners, dipping and undulating roof lines, material shortages and more. We faced many hurdles, from supply chain disruptions to our lumber supplier’s multiple efforts to procure cedar shake siding.”

To begin, Michael Beidler with Trout Design Studio met with Andrew and learned that he had a pretty clear vision for what his tree house would look like. After a year’s effort, the final version rises into the tree-tops like something from Bilbo Baggins’ Shire: “There is a magic glass floor at the entry door where only the worthy may pass -- if you know the secret code.

Wonky windows reinforce the spirit world, where nothing is quite as it seems, and the exterior shingles suggest dragon scales creating a sense of flight and loftiness,” Daniel says.

“Add a zip line, climbing wall, slide and skylight to the mix and this is an exceptional adventure!” Daniel says

48

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

that in cedar siding alone, it probably cost $30,000, plus tens of thousands more in labor. Still, it was such fun, he plans on doing it all again for Kalli, another survivor of childhood leukemia this spring, hopefully with the reprised support of contributors Design for Change, Barron’s Lumber, Chad Hackman with Alair Homes, Gibbons Design Build Inc., ABW Appliances and Sherwin Williams Paint.

As for Andrew, “His is a great story,” says Daniel. “He’s cancer free, he’s got all his hair back and he’s a happy little kid. You know he’s the star of the neighborhood with that tree house!”

Contact Virginia’s Make-A-Wish Foundation at wish.org/va; Superior Construction Services, LLC, at buildwithsuperior. com/; or PRO Mid Atlantic at promidatlantic.org/, which has a directory of PRO professionals on its website.

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JC Silvey Can Help Either Buyers or Sellers Make the Most of Their Transaction

52

EXP E RT H E LP | R EAL ESTATE

Lessons for a Hot Home Market JC SILVEY SEES BOTH SIDES ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON

In Real Estate, there’s a difference between price and value. It’s an appraiser’s job to give an opinion of fair market value. “Price and Value are typically close in a balanced market where supply and demand are in equilibrium.” says JC Silvey of Silvey Residential. “But right now, when inventory is so tight and buyers are out in droves, price and value can diverge significantly.”

JC is in the rare position of being both a Certified Appraiser and Realtor, so we asked him how buyers and sellers should behave in the current seller’s market.

Buyer lesson one is, don’t get caught up in the chase.

“When twenty groups of buyers are interested in the same property there will inevitably be one or two that make an offer that is perfectly rational for them but is totally irrational for you. Everyone has different needs, wants and motivations. It’s important not to attach someone else’s motivations to yours. It’s not always in your best interest to waive the appraisal and home inspection just to have the winning bid.”

Buyer lesson two is, don’t let cosmetic issues dissuade you from a great property.

“Most buyers think emotionally. Many will walk right out the door if the house has the wrong paint colors or soiled carpet. I tell my buying clients, ‘this is your opportunity!’ We can fix carpet; we can fix paint; we can fix a lot of these cosmetic issues. And we won’t have to compete with crazy, escalating offers the way we would if the house showed impeccably well.” JC explains.

On the flip side, sellers should understand that preparing the home for the market has a huge return on their investment. “I’ve seen $3000 of updates result in a $30,000 return. People who don’t understand the dynamics of the market will tell you not to paint or replace carpet -- that

the new owners will replace it with what they want. That’s just really bad advice. And we have plenty of data to prove it.”

Seller lesson one: Marketing and Exposure still matter!

Anyone can put a sign in your yard, load pictures into the MLS, and sell your house. It that is all you are looking for, hire the cheapest person available. But the best agents in Loudoun tell stories about their listings, and design creative marketing campaigns that promote an emotional response from buyers. They have influence within the community to not only promote Loudoun County but to manage a contract negotiation.

Video, staging, digital ad campaigns -- these cost money, but the best Loudoun agents provide them, not because they need them to sell the house, but to build a level of exposure that sells the house for the maximum price.

Seller lesson two: Prepare your exit.

“Unless they want to pack up their family and move to Kansas, sellers have a buy-and-sell problem that has to be solved. They’re bombarded with advertisements from agents saying ‘now’s the time to sell.’ We all know that. But selling is just half of the equation. Many of our clients love Loudoun and have no desire to move elsewhere. They just might have a growing family and need a bigger house, or he kids have moved out and they want to downsize. Managing two transactions here in Loudoun County is where we can really help. We help busy families upsize or downsize into the home that fits their lifestyle.”

Ready to have the conversation? Call JC Silvey, Realtor & Certified Appraiser, M: 703-577-1946 or check out silveyresidential.com/, and notice JC’s expert use of video in marketing.

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

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MARCH 2022

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Leesburg.

N E I GH BO RH O O D

ORIGIN AL PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

Beacon Hill

$1,750,000

$1,750,000

100%

0

5

4.55

Clarks Gap

$1,350,000

$1,425,000

106%

6

4

3.5

Colts Run

$1,350,000

$1,425,000

106%

1

4

4.5

$888,823

$900,000

101%

3

5

4.5

Creighton Farms

Courtland Rural Village

$4,200,000

$3,725,000

89%

109

6

7.555

Edwards Landing

$769,000

$833,500

108%

6

6

4.5

Gleedsville

$3,300,000

$3,300,000

100%

54

5

5

Goose Creek Club TH

$960,519

$960,519

100%

0

3

4.5

Goose Creek Club Det

$1,200,000

$1,040,000

87%

6

5

4.5

$995,000

$885,000

89%

170

3

2

$1,200,000

$1,050,000

88%

41

3

2.5

Historic Leesburg Hunts End Lansdowne on Potomac TH

$815,000

$801,000

98%

6

5

4.5

Lansdowne on Potomac Det

$1,285,000

$1,285,000

100%

12

6

5.5

Long Meadow Hamlet

$889,900

$930,000

105%

3

4

3.5

Meadow Brook Farm

$1,109,990

$1,109,990

100%

0

4

4.5

Near Hamilton

$1,000,000

$1,050,000

105%

12

5

5.5

Park Meadows

$1,525,000

$1,555,000

3

5

5.55

100%

102%

15

6

6.5

$1,002,500

101%

5

4

4.5

$1,350,000

100%

7

5

4.55

$985,000

$1,000,000

102%

4

5

4.5

$760,000

$825,000

109%

4

5

3.5

$921,715

$899,990

98%

28

4

3

3

5

4.5

When it comes to buying and selling homes virtually, “Rely on Pam”!

Raspberry Falls

$1,349,000

$1,349,000

River Creek TH

$995,000

River Creek Det

$1,350,000

Rokeby Hamlets Rosemeade

White Oaks Farm

After retiring further south, we decided to sell our River Creek home after leaving it on the Woodlea Manor $989,000 $1,015,101 103% rental market for over ten years. Selling an older home in a high-end neighborhood, with a tenant in place, with $150k of needed updates, long-distance and during COVID-19 pandemic—this could have been the ultimate real-estate horror story. Instead, it was one

of the easiest, smoothest house sales I’ve ever experienced. Pam handled everything and quickly sold the house for more than the asking price. Pam is the most professional and capable agent that I’ve ever worked with.

—Former River Creek Residents

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MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

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ARTICLE BY HANN LIVINGSTON

An Elegant Kitchen Remodel

56

I NSP IR E D BY | HOM E + DE S I GN

A couple in Fairfax Station had lived with a drab, small kitchen for years. They approached Michael Nash Design build to create a dream room with lasting appeal. The original design was dark and cramped, wasn’t set up for functional use and was cut off from other rooms which made daily living and entertaining very difficult. Dark brown cabinets, black countertops and a small island added to the gloomy, dated feel. CONTINUED >

MICHAEL NASH DESIGN BUILD CREATES ANOTHER STUNNER

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / L E E S BUR G

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“The kitchen is really the heart of any house,” says Sonny Nazemian, master designer/remodeler at Michael Nash Design Build. “And the expectation with a modern kitchen is that it fits seamlessly into daily life since so much time is spent there. It has to be connected, functional and beautiful...a place where people want to spend their time.”

In order to achieve the new look, the design team needed to take down walls, reconfigure the stairway, open up more windows to add light and move appliances for functionality. They removed a bearing wall connecting the old kitchen to a small pantry and laundry room. The island was expanded to 12 feet with seating for up to 6 people, and now houses a microwave and extra storage. A new 48” Thermador professional range with two ovens and a large matching stainless steel hood sit across from the island and serve as an eye-catching centerpiece. A beautiful new stainless farmhouse sink is now flanked by dishwashers on either side. The adjacent wall houses Thermador 36” refrigerator and side-by-side 36” freezer and

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additional cabinetry. After removing a cramped desk area, the opposite wall now features a bar area complete with wine cooler. A dining area fits seamlessly in the large open space.

“One of the design elements we love about this kitchen is the contrasting cabinet colors,” says Sonny. “The majority of the custom cabinetry is dove white to bring a light feel to the room, but the island and the bar cabinets carry a cherry molasses color. Something as simple as the contrasting dark wood steps and white of the stairwell, carries this color scheme and gives the room another unexpected pop. The white Cambria quartz countertops add elegance to the room. Recessed lights combined with beautiful matching pendant lights and chandelier have completely transformed the brightness.”

Another unique feature is a wall of custom cabinetry with a large interior-lit middle cutout. The Sea Stone porcelain floor tiles are another modern touch to bring this kitchen into the 21st Century and will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Discover Foxcroft Experts in Educating Girls

Home to Artists, Actresses, Riders, Musicians, Scholar-Athletes, Poets, Gamers, Animal-Lovers, Bibliophiles, Food Enthusiasts, Deep-Thinkers, and World Travelers since 1914

Our 4 Promises: • • • •

Unique Learning Experiences in and Out of the Classroom An Uncommonly Beautiful Setting in Which to Learn, Grow, & Thrive A Residential Community of Understanding Hearts A lifetime of Friendships and Global Connections

1:5

Faculty/ Student Ratio

11

Average Class Size

• Girls’ school graduates have an edge in math, public speaking, and writing compared to peers of coed schools (UCLA, 2009 & 2018)

75% Boarding, 25% Day - however every student has a dorm room, roommates, and a bed on campus

Over 30% of recent Foxcroft graduates have gone on to pursue an undergraduate major in a STEM field

*Some icons from Flaticon.com

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43 miles west of Washington, D.C. Foxcroft students are from 18 different states, Washington DC, and 9 countries 25% of domestic students self-identify as a student of color

Academic Concentrations

500 acres; 48 buildings, including:

• STEM *First girls’ school in VA to utilize Purdue University’s Engineering Projects in Community service

• Animal Science • Global Studies • Arts In-Person Experiential Learning

• 3 full-size gyms • 8 tennis courts • 2 turf fields • 60-stall stable • Indoor riding arena

Traditions and Fox/Hound

17

teams

11

sport offerings

Class of 2021: 43 students; 218 acceptances; $3.1 million in merit scholarships awarded

We Value: Kindness, Integrity, Respect, & Service

www.foxcroft.org/admission/why-foxcroft 540.687.4340 | admission@foxcroft.org