June 2025 by Middleburg Life

Berryville’s Jim Burton Goes to La Biennale

de Gournay’s Bunny MellonInspired Collection

KEEPING UP WITH DESIGNER

BARRY DIXON

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Artwork

Artwork by Palmer Smith

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PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media, LLC

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Kaitlin Hill | kaitlin@middleburglife.com

COPY EDITOR & DIGITAL ASSISTANT

Susan Stark

ON THE COVER

We chatted with Warrenton-based designer Barry Dixon on all things design and décor in an exclusive Q&A. For the latest from his collection and reflections on his career, turn to page 6.

Photo by Michael Butcher.

ON THIS PAGE

A peek at the de Gournay and Oak Spring Garden Foundation wallpaper collaboration inspired by none other than Bunny Mellon. Diane Helentjaris shares the story of the inspired collection on page 14. Photo courtesy of de Gournay.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Shannon Ayres is a Reston-based freelance photographer. His work has appeared in Arlington, Chesapeake Life, Northern Virginia, Virginia Business, and USA Today magazines. He has an MFA in fine art photography from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University. His editorial work can be seen at sdayres.com

Callie Broaddus is a Warrenton native and graduate of the University of Virginia. After seven years as a book designer at National Geographic Kids, Callie founded the nonprofit, Reserva: The Youth Land Trust, in 2019. Callie’s land preservation projects and focus on youth empowerment are aided by her talent as a professional photographer. In her spare time, Callie enjoys Earl Grey tea, “Harry Potter” trivia, and dreaming of getting back into the jumper ring.

Caroline Gray is a D.C.-based conservation and freelance photographer. A Virginia native and MBA graduate from the University of Virginia, her work blends a love for exploration, nature, and horses with her fashion background. When not behind the camera, Caroline enjoys hiking with her Labrador, Captain, visiting her retired horse, Cleverly, and exploring new restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Diane Helentjaris chose Loudoun as her “forever home” in 1990. A former clinical physician and public health administrator, she has returned to her humanities roots. Diane’s latest book, “I Ain’t Afraid — The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl,” is a rollicking biography. Her novel “The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill” won the 2024 Maryland Writers’ Association novel competition in the historical/romance category.

Dulcy B. Hooper and her husband Richard moved to the country from Washington, D.C., nearly 10 years ago. Shortly thereafter, both began writing occasional articles for Middleburg Life. Dogs are a big part of the Hoopers’ lives and several of Dulcy’s earlier articles focused on the couple’s Chinese crested powderpuffs!

Beth Rasin graduated from Middlebury College, where she studied nonfiction creative writing. She worked as a writer and editor at The Chronicle of the Horse for more than 25 years, including 10 years as the president and executive editor. As a freelancer, she’s contributed since 2015 to Middleburg Life, as well as Northern Virginia Magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, the former Loudoun Magazine, and many others. She lives in Hume, where she and her husband and daughter run a boarding facility for retired horses. She enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her adopted dogs and cats.

Shayda Windle is a freelance writer covering the arts, people, and places that make Hunt Country so special. Her work has been featured in Plein Air Magazine, the Fairfax County Times, and several online media outlets. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors and exploring Northern Virginia with her husband and two children.

Heidi Baumstark has been writing for several lifestyle magazines and newspaper publications since 2005, specializing in history-related articles highlighting Virginia’s Piedmont. She has been with Middleburg Life since 2014. Heidi hopes to inspire readers to pause and consider the people, places, and events that have shaped the story of our local history.

Michael Butcher is the owner of Butcher Photography. Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, he resides in Springfield, Virginia, with his family. For the past 15 years, Michael has specialized in portraiture, event, and editorial photography. When not behind the lens, he enjoys gardening and swimming. More of Michael’s work can be found at butcherphotography.com.

Laticia Headings is grateful to call Middleburg home. She discovered Middleburg by attending the first annual Middleburg Film Festival in 2013 and has come back to the event every year since as a volunteer and attendee. Laticia is the founder of Latitude Media and has 23 years of experience as a producer, writer, and camerawoman for television (Discovery, National Geographic), and for the documentary film

“Everest: A Climb for Peace.”

Lia Hobel is a freelance journalist, known for her blog, Uplift Loudoun. In addition to her work for Middleburg Life, Lia writes periodically for online platforms with articles appearing on GOBankingRates, Forbes, Huffington Post, and Yahoo! She is a Loudoun 40 Under 40 honoree and a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the county.

Bill Kent’s journalism has appeared in more than 40 national and regional publications including The Washington Post, Art & Antiques, Philadelphia Magazine, Baltimore Magazine, New Jersey Monthly, and The Hunt. A former correspondent for The New York Times, he taught writing and journalism at the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers, and Temple universities, and is the author of seven novels, a Fodor’s Guide, and a history of Atlantic City. When not writing, he enjoys walking his westies on Washington Street.

Gracie Savage is a local photographer who grew up in the village of Aldie and has been photographing local weddings, portraits, and events since 2016. Her passion began when she received her first camera in middle school and she continued to study the craft in high school and in college. She was a photographer at Georgetown University for over three years and joined Middleburg Life as a contributor in the spring of 2022.

Also in this issue: 22Gates Photography.

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KEEPING UP WITH BARRY DIXON

Written by Kaitlin Hill

We caught up with Hunt Country-based and internationally renowned designer Barry Dixon, be -

tween his many domestic and global projects, to chat about what’s new with his collections, what he draws inspiration from, and how he would ad-

vise those just starting to find their own interior aesthetic. Over the course of the conversation, he

Barry Dixon at his Elway Hall home. Photo by Michael Butcher. Dixon | Page 7

Dixon | From page 6

reveals an unsurprising but serious love for his craft, his favorite projects, and his plans for the future. Read our conversation with Dixon below and visit MiddleburgLife.com for more photos of his stunning work.

ML: How did you end up working as a designer?

BD: My father worked for a foreign corporation and we moved all over the globe. These internationally celebrated designers, they’d send their decorators to do our new home in India, or New Caledonia, or South Africa. I think that living in these world-class residences all over the world… shaped my aesthetic brain.

I got bitten by the bug seeing these homes be put together as I grew up, mixed with my own innate Southern sensibilities of entertaining and hospitality that I was raised with.

ML: How would you describe your style?

BD: My style is a distillation of different cultural influences intermixed with a love for classic and timeless design. There’s a way to put that all together. I think it’s important to remember that we live in the 21st century, and we don’t want to live in a museum or stage set. Nor do we want to live in the past. We want to live a modern life, surrounded by the most beautiful things that we can collect through history. A blend of modern functionality and comfort and style, but also history.

ML: What inspired you to create the Barry Dixon Collection?

BD: It’s funny, I never set out to design a collection for anyone, and now I have all these different collections for everything. In each case, I was called by the manufacturer. They would see our magazine covers, our books, or they’d see me. Or the [manufacturers] would walk other designers through their factory, and the designers would say, “We love these frames over here.” For example, Tomlinson decided to ask me if I would just have a very distinct collection. Now it’s something like 60 different upholstery frames — sofas, lounge chairs, beds, sectionals, dining chairs, occasional chairs — old and new. Some of them are contemporary and some of them are traditional.

ML: Do you have a favorite piece of furniture, textile, or wallpaper you have designed?

BD: I have a favorite in each collection, but one of my favorite pieces is the Magnolia Pod Pendant from the new collection with Iatesta Studio. It’s inspired by the pod of a magnolia after the big petal blossoms fall off that center core.

One of my favorite things from Arteriors is definitely our Aramis Sconce. We have 61 pieces in the next collection, but I’ve designed hundreds of pieces for them over the years.

My new favorite is a fabric I just launched for Clarence House called “Bird and Bitter Vine” — inspired by Fauquier County. I have seven of my favorite songbirds in that fabric. I’ve got Warrenton toiles, and Elway Hall, my house, is in the toile fabric. All of the color collections I do for C2 are also inspired by the colors of Fauquier County: “Approaching Storms,” “Snow Sky,” “Barn Roof,” and “Pond Ripple” are all drawn from colors that I saw in nature here.

ML: How has the reception to the newest pieces of the Barry Dixon Collection been so far?

BD: They debuted in Paris at the Paris Déco Off in January, and many are already sold out. New batches are already reordered. Next we debuted in London. All of these projects and products are sold internationally, not just domestically.

We’ve won international awards for designs in each collection. We get editor’s picks, editor’s choice awards. If it is not well received, you don’t get to do the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh collections, and … I am up to 14 different collections with Tomlinson alone. Our designs have been well received, they’ve sold, and that’s why we’re still working.

ML: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to develop their own interior design aesthetic?

BD: Look around and see what’s out there, but don’t emulate it. Do what really excites you, even if it doesn’t seem like something you see every-

Top: The library at Elway Hall with Dixon’s “Spore” mirror, designed for his Arteriors collection. Bottom: A peek inside the music room at Elway Hall featuring a metal table, pendant light, and mesh pedestal designed by Dixon for Iatesta Studio. Photos courtesy of Barry Dixon Dixon | Page 8

where. Don’t copy things that are out there, but be aware of what’s out there and know the history of design and ornament. Make something that is reverent to the history of art and design and ornament and decoration, and relevant to the time you’re living in and to the place you live.

ML: Do you have any exciting projects coming up that you can share with us?

BD: It seems like whatever project [I’m] working on right at that moment is the new favorite. I’m very excited right now about an incredible home that we’re about to install on Nantucket Island for the summer. Yesterday, I was in upstate New York, and I’m all excited about this new home in Bedford, New York.

We’re working on some beautiful historic properties. I always love doing that. And a contemporary house on Kiawah Island, right on the sand. We can’t wait to get that one installed. There’s always something new. We’re working in Texas —

that’s just going to be so spectacular. It’s one of the larger homes we’ve ever done, and it’s much more modern, but it has tempered, traditional overtures played within a modern context. I’m really excited about that. And our work at Blackberry Farm just outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. We love all those projects and are excited about our body of work.

ML: Now 31 years on from launching your firm, what has been the most rewarding part of your work?

BD: The most rewarding aspect of being a designer is turning the project over to the client and seeing how excited the family is. Every home we do is designed as a couture fit for the family. When you turn that house over and you see how it’s going to change someone’s life, to have the perfect home built for them in that place and in the style that they love, that’s the most rewarding thing.

The rewarding thing about doing collections is that I continue my education as a designer. I sharpen my designer skill set, and I become a bet-

ter designer for the next client that hires me.

ML: Open mic! What do you want our readers to know about you, your work, or the Barry Dixon Collection?

BD: Though we’ve installed projects in China, Russia, Italy, Europe, the Caribbean — all over — all of our favorite projects are the ones that we can drive to that are right here in our backyard. The projects I’ve done in Loudoun, Fauquier, Fairfax, Albemarle, and Bath counties, in Maryland and D.C., up at The Homestead, and up at The Greenbriar in White Sulfur Springs, all these are things I drive to. … I especially love the regional work and historic properties, and giving them a new life.

What I love about design, in general, is that it doesn’t feel like work to me. I love it so much. It’s a passion. I don’t want to retire. I will work until I can’t work, if that’s 85 or 90. I don’t plan on ever retiring because I would be bored in retirement. ML

Dixon | From page 7

Left: Sofa and lounge chairs from Dixon’s collection for Tomlinson. Middle: A carnelian-toned guest room at Elway Hall featuring fabrics from Dixon’s collection for Vervain Fabrics via Fabricut. Right: Dixon’s elegant “Magnolia Pod” dining table is the centerpiece of this chic dining room in Atlanta. Photos courtesy of Barry Dixon.

Picture Perfect Framing at Joan of Art in Marshall

Written by Lia Hobel

Photos by Callie Broaddus

For 30 years, Regina Hilleary has handled customers’ beloved artwork and memorabilia with precision and care at her custom framing shop, Joan of Art, on Main Street in Marshall. The circa 1870 house where frames are mantled and mats are cut also happens to be her home. “I work downstairs and live upstairs, which is really convenient, as you can imagine,” she says.

Hilleary bought the house in 1999 after being at another location for five years. A lot of her customer base is from Middleburg, where her framing business began on West Federal Street in 2002.

“When somebody brings something to me, I really take great interest in it,” she says. “I make sure to do the best job possible on it. They have pieces that are either their grandmother’s or are their children’s, and then oftentimes, they have pieces that you can pass down through the family. So, it is valuable. It might not be actually valuable, but it’s valuable to them.”

The fascinating stories of customers and their precious keepsakes is all part of the fun that her now 64-year-old hands have helped to meticulously preserve. “I had a lady come in and she had an original Walt Disney

Framing | Page 11

Regina Hilleary.

drawing of Mickey Mouse — it was signed and everything,” she recalls. “I mean, she knew it was valuable, but I don’t think she realized how valuable it was.”

Beyond art, Hilleary has framed or shadow-boxed objects of all shapes and sizes, including fossils, wedding dresses, and swords. The business has framed horse ribbons and Westminster Dog Show ribbons, and fulfilled the framing needs of Bunny Mellon, Sheila Johnson, and Janet Hitchen.

“That was a big honor,” Hilleary says of the opportunity to frame the portrait of Johnson’s second husband, Arlington County Circuit Court Judge William T. Newman, which now hangs at the Arlington County courthouse. Additionally, Hilleary’s framing business had the pleasure of encasing all the prints within the guest rooms at the Salamander Resort & Spa. She and her staff have also custom framed jerseys for the Mystics, Wizards, and Capitals, all part-owned by Johnson and on display at the Salamander Washington DC.

Hilleary’s reputation for excellence is well known by the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, and she was asked to frame many of the displays and photos for its latest exhibition, “The Final Resting Place of President John F. Kennedy: The Untold Story of a Lost Memorial.” In addition to helping with the framing, “There’s one of my photos in the exhibit that my grandfather took while

my family was at JFK’s funeral. There’s a photo of that day with my sister, mother, and I,” she shares.

Hilleary was 2 years old at the time of the photo. Her mother, Joan, is where the name and play on words for the business came about. She had always been a source of inspiration. “She was a real go-getter,” explains Hilleary, who notes that as a woman, having an education and standing on her own two feet was of utmost importance to her mom. She made sure that all seven of Hilleary’s siblings went to college.

Strong women have been a source of motivation for Hilleary throughout her art framing career. It was a nun at her Catholic high school in Arlington who first encouraged her love of art. “She was just amazing,” Hilleary remembers. From there, she went on to earn a degree in art history at the University of Mary Washington and began framing part time. “I’m an artist as well, so I’ve always framed my own things, and then I went to work for a place called Artist Proof,”

where she recalls cutting mats all day. “This is way before they had machines to do it. I did them all by hand. I really learned how to cut a mat properly.”

Other sources of inspiration have been women in the industry, like Shirley Damon of Damon Galleries, which has operated in Vienna, Virginia, for 40 years. She helped Hilleary get her certification in framing, which involved a two-hour test for different framing and hinging techniques. There was also Nina Fout, who had a shop in Middleburg for many years called Middleburg Gallery of Country Sport. “I figured if they could do it, maybe I could try… Those ladies were both inspiration to me as a framer,” she shares.

The work takes a team. “Good framers are hard to find,” she says about her coworkers, Becky Cornwall and Alice Beach, who have been with her for more than half of the journey. “If it weren’t Framing | Page 12

Framing | From page 10

Top left: Hilleary and Alice Beach. Top right: Beach works on a frame. Bottom: Hilleary delicately handles a recent project.

Framing | From page 11

for those two, I wouldn’t still be in business.” Beach feels the same about Hilleary. “A lot of people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes here — how much blood, sweat, and tears goes into it. Everything is done by hand, and Gina

An array of frames waiting for their photos.

is very good at what she does and puts 100% into it,” she says. “I’ve learned a lot from her, I enjoy putting the frames together, and there is perfection and pride in the job, because it has Gina’s name on it.” She concludes, “She’s been an inspiration and I’ve learned so much from her.”

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Though Joan of Art continues to be in demand, Hilleary’s ready to start her next chapter. Her hands have made the choice for her, as the intricate work involved in custom framing can be challenging for individuals who suffer from arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, making tasks that require fine motor skills and dexterity difficult. Additionally, her mother passed away last year, and Hilleary has plans to move into her home. She’s been trying to sell the business for the past year but laments, “Framing is a dying craft.”

She hopes her employees will be able to stay on if someone does purchase the business. As for her future, she says, “It is going to be another chapter for me.” She looks forward to experiencing what “off the clock” truly means when work and home life don’t coincide. ML

Joan of Art 8387 W. Main Street Marshall, VA 20115

connecting

•

At Home with the Bunny Mellon Collection BY DE GOURNAY

Written by Diane Helentjaris

“Our first visit to Oak Spring was serendipitously in April — the garden a riot of exuberant daffodils, tulips, and grape hyacinths, the ornamental trees heavy with pale pink blossoms. Witnessing for the first time the Virginia landscape carefully cultivated for over 60 years by Rachel ‘Bunny’ Lambert Mellon was like stepping into a springtime dream. We were there to explore the possibility of designing a collection of wallpapers, what would become the first of its kind to pay homage to this special place and the extraordinary woman behind its creation.”

| Page 15

Home | From page 14

This is how Dayle Wood, the editorial and U.S. marketing director for de Gournay, describes the beginnings of the Bunny Mellon Collection.

The British company de Gournay, founded in 1984 by Claud Cecil Gurney, has collaborated with the Oak Spring Garden Foundation to bring forth its newest creation, a collection of

School. She married Paul Mellon in 1948 and her primary home became the 4,000-acre Oak Spring Farm estate outside of Upperville, Virginia.

Bunny Mellon was a world-class garden designer, horticulturist, and philanthropist. At the request of former President John F. Kennedy, she redesigned the White House Rose Garden. She also designed landscapes for River Farm, which is the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society, and helped with the restoration of the

hand-painted wallpaper and handmade porcelain dinnerware inspired by Bunny Mellon’s extraordinary vision as a garden designer.

Born Rachel Lambert in 1910, her childhood nickname “Bunny” lasted throughout her 103-year-long lifespan. Her prosperous family’s wealth was rooted in such stalwart American brands as Gillette Safety Razors and Listerine. Born in New York, she was educated at Foxcroft

Potager du Roi in Versailles. Along the way, she gathered a superior collection of artwork, books, and references to inform her passion for beautiful gardens.

The Bunny Mellon Collection, released April 29, includes six wallpaper designs, two dinner services, and a charger plate. The de Gournay team describes the style as “distinctly ‘Bunny Mellon.’”

According to Wood:

The Oak Spring Garden Library became our lodestar for the de Gournay collection, with our friend Head Librarian Tony Willis as our guide. On that first visit, a parade of treasured objects, all diligently collected by Mrs. Mellon throughout her life, appeared before our eyes — medieval herbaria, 17th-cen -

tury botanical manuscripts, works on canvas, and modern lithographs. Each individual artifact transported us to its own enchanting, plant-filled world. We marveled at artworks by masters Georg Dionysius Ehret, Jan Van Kessel, and Pierre-Auguste Redouté, and were Home | Page 16

Left page: A de Gournay artist paints the Hortus Medicus wallpaper by hand. Top left: Florilegium is perfect for plant lovers like Bunny Mellon. Middle: A peek at the Miss Gough line. Right: Le Bon Jardinier, inspired by Oak Spring’s greenhouses. Photos courtesy of de Gournay.

Home | From page 15

captivated equally by the naive watercolors of little-known artists that Mrs. Mellon also greatly admired. We spent hours studying exquisitely painted renditions of wildflowers drawn from life hundreds of years ago, poring over the notched shape of a leaf or the subtle variations of color on a flower’s petal. With every turned page came a sense of discovery — in many ways, being in Mrs. Mellon’s library was like being in the garden, always in anticipation of what natural beauty lies in wait around the corner. Our minds were thoroughly immersed in the magic of Oak Spring and Mrs. Mellon’s singular vision.

In designing the collection, we set out to interpret these rare works of art much in the way that Mrs. Mellon used them as inspiration for her own gardens. We looked for color, form, and composition, of course, but also for those hard-to-describe details that can be what make an object most sing, like the particular way the artist depicted twine tied around a bundle of red poppies, or the painted moldy spots on a fallen pear so tactile one could almost grab it off the page. We became voracious in our pursuit of these charming, humble moments that most sparked our imagination, knowing that they were perhaps what Mrs. Mellon would have most loved, too. The result is that, within each wallpaper and porcelain design, the story of Oak Spring is quietly revealed through the constellation of these highly personal and beautifully rendered details.

Sir Peter Crane, president of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, confirms the organization’s enthusiasm about the collaboration with de Gournay. “Plants are at the core of our mission, and have always been central in the decorative arts. De Gournay’s exquisite designs will allow us to highlight the botanical treasures of Mrs. Mellon’s spectacular library in a new and exciting way,” he shares. The proceeds the foundation

receives from the project will support local educational and outreach programs.

The wallpapers are hand-painted by de Gournay’s in-house artists in their studio near Kolkata, India. To emulate the styles found in the Oak Spring Garden Library collection, which are often painted in gouache, an opaque paint is used. Many of the designs are painted on handmade Xuan paper. A blend of natural rice and bark fibers, its texture mimics that of worn canvas or vellum. Some designs are then sanded and distressed by hand to add to the antiqued feeling of the originals at Oak Spring Garden.

Two of the Bunny Mellon Collection wallpapers have been installed at Oak Spring and will be viewable during the property tours on June 27 and 28. The Bunny Mellon Collection is available to both trade groups and the public, with global showrooms in New York, London, Paris, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Beirut, and Shanghai. ML

For more information about the Bunny Mellon Collection, visit degournay.com. To learn more

about the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, visit osgf.org.

Oak Spring Garden Foundation 1776 Loughborough Lane Upperville, Virginia 20184

Left: Behind the scenes of porcelain production. Top right: Research materials. Photos courtesy of de Gournay. Bottom right: Oak Spring Garden Foundation. Photo by Durston Saylor.

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VIRGINIA GOLD CUP’S 100TH RUNNING

Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by 22Gates Photography

On Saturday, May 3, the 100th running of the Virginia Gold Cup was held at Great Meadow in The Plains. The event drew huge crowds, showcased intense competition, and offered the opportunity to reflect on the storied history of the races.

Organized by eight local sportsmen, the first running in May 1922 consisted of nine horses running a single race on a four-mile course at the Oakwood estate off Waterloo Road in Warrenton. It would move to Broadview Farm in 1924 and officially follow national steeplechase rules that year as well.

The race would be paused during World War II and resume with a new generation of legendary

An action shot from the 100th running.

riders. Of note, brothers D.M. “Mikey” Smithwick and A.P. “Paddy” Smithwick would join the Hall of Fame for running five Gold Cup winners between them. In 1967, Leeds Don, ridden by Joe Aitchenson, would be the first horse to accomplish a triple win. Aitchenson would go on to win eight Virginia Gold Cups on eight different horses, solidifying his place in the Hall of Fame. Following Leeds Don’s success, competition between Paul Mellon, Senator John Warner, and Dr. Joe Rogers would become the event’s most memorable rivalry, with the Cup passing between them.

After 50 years at Broadview, the race moved to Great Meadow in 1985 for its 60th running. Forty years later, the appeal of the event hasn’t wavered.

From the wiener dog race in the paddock to the hat contest at the Winner’s Circle, along with the gourmet tailgating and first-class steeplechase, the Gold Cup has something for everyone and maintains its popularity year over year.

“I just look forward to the energy of it,” shares Chris Morris. Morris has been the hornsman for the Gold Cup for the past 16 years. He says, “I love going. I enjoy it; my family enjoys it; my friends enjoy it. They’ll have me for the foreseeable future playing ‘Call to Post.’”

Trainers Sam Cockburn and Julie Gomena are familiar faces at the races, too. Of the races, Gomena says, “Whether it’s a hundred years or not,

Gold | Page 19

Gold | From page 18

Gold Cup is a special place to race. It’s such a great venue, the course is lovely, the crowds of people — it’s always fun.”

Cockburn adds, “It’s a great way for people from outside of our world to get to come and see our sport. The finishes are always good, and the races are always very good. [Spectators] get to see the best racing in the country here.”

Cockburn’s former horse, Keys Discount, contributed to the excitement for the 2025 running. Now

owned by Jack Fisher, Keys Discount won the $100,000 2025 Virginia Gold Cup by a measure of two lengths. Graham Watters was the jockey.

And there to capture the action year after year is photographer Tony Gibson of 22Gates Photography. His dynamic field shots and snaps of the crowd do a better job of illustrating the excitement of the Gold Cup than words ever could. See his incredible captures of the 100th running below, and visit MiddleburgLife.com for even more. ML

Top left: The wiener dog race. Left: Graham Watters on Keys Discount. Below: Watters collecting his trophy. The Color Guard: Saint Andrew’s Society Pipes & Drums. Horses dash through the water. A couple of spectators in their race day finest. A lavish tailgate.

Experiences Rich in Flavor

41 acres | $6,299,000

Marshall – Gracious country living meets modern luxury. OCH territory minutes from Middleburg or Rt 66. 7 BR, 8 full and 2 half-BA. Spectacular views–Ashby Gap to Cobbler Mountain! Isabella Wolf | 703-338-7452

WOODMONT 18 acres | $4,295,000

Marshall – Orange County Hunt Territory, completely renovated historic estate with high ceilings, gleaming wood floors & fabulous casement windows. Rear terrace and inground pool. Jim McGowan | 703-927-0233

KITTERY POINT 74 acres | $2,400,000

Berryville – Iconic Blue Ridge Hunt property has sweeping Mountain views. Light-filled brick home offers 5 BRs / 3.5 BAs on three full levels. 10-stall barn, multiple outbuildings. Maria Eldredge 540-454-3829 | Anne McIntosh 703-509-4499

RECTORTOWN RD. .83 acres | $1,050,000

Marshall – Generous c. 1927 stucco home blends modern amenities with historic charm. 4 BR / 3.5 BA on 3 levels. Mountain views. Updated systems throughout. Generator and high-speed internet. Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

CLOVERWOOD 78+ acres | $5,750,000

The Plains – With frontage on Zulla Rd. & Burrland Rd. the estate features an elegant one level main residence, pool, guest house, 2 tenant houses, 2 stables–w/total 26 stalls and a 4 acre pond. John Coles | 540-270-0094

Upperville – Extraordinary 7 BR, 7.5 BA English Manor in prestigious Greystone. 3 level residence boasting over 6,950 sq. ft. Fenced paddock and run-in shed–ideal for equestrians! Jim McGowan | 703-927-0233 WESTFIELD 51+ acres | $3,650,000

Aldie – This exceptional 5 BR / 5.5 BA Wetherburne-built home has been beautifully updated inside and out, offering country charm and modern conveniences. Privacy and mountain views. Will McCulloch | 540-326-5270

LITTLE RIVER TPKE. 2+ acres | $975,000

Aldie – Charming historic home, ca. 1820, with kitchen and baths recently renovated. Move-in ready. Verizon FIOS, 2-car garage, a party barn, a studio/office, gardens and mature landscaping. Rebecca Poston | 540-771-7520

Delaplane – Impressive

Marshall – Stretching from 5 Points Rd in the Plains, to Rectortown and Frogtown Roads in Marshall. Protected by an Easement with the VOF. Prime OCH territory. a most prestigious location!

John Coles | 540-270-0094

EAGLE REST 18+ acres | $2,895,000

Middleburg – Exquisite estate on a picturesque country road minutes from town. 7 BR / 8 BA, 10,000 SqFt. Sweeping lawns & brilliant gardens, heated pool & spa – all in a magical setting!

Jim McGowan | 703-927-0233

PRICE

MISTY HILLS 30+ acres | $1,499,999

Bluemont – Country charm meets modern convenience.

3 BR / 3 BAs in sought-after location, 6 stall barn and a riding ring. Ready for you and your horses to call home.

Kristin Dillon-Johnson | 703-673-6920

BIRD’S-EYE VIEW 4+ acres | $799,000

Delaplane – 3 BRs / 3 BAs log cabin is your harmonious retreat to nature. Features a main-level primary suite, stone fireplace, and top-of-the-line appliances. Four porches. 2-car garage.

Kristin Dillon-Johnson | 703-673-6920

HORSE COUNTRY ROOTS

Our roots in Horse Country run deep. Since 1967 Thomas & Talbot has participated in the purchase or sale of almost every property in Horse Country and our agents have life long relationships in the community. Finding you the perfect place in Horse Country comes naturally to us—so when you’re ready to put down roots of your own, count on the agents at Thomas & Talbot.

InnovatIon Flows Into the Barn aIsle wIth Freshwater

Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Joanne Maisano

The problem was common enough that Stuart Thompson set out to fix it. A resident of Millwood, Thompson had been in and out of enough barn stalls to become irked by the time-consuming practice of supervising a filling bucket. “I’ve watched grooms, I’ve watched owners, I’ve watched riders that have to wait for their bucket to fill. I thought, ‘Wow, that’s really a huge waste of time.”’ He continues, “There is an opportunity here.”

Thompson is an inventor by nature. “I am always thinking that way. I am always trying to solve a problem mechanically,” he shares. Growing up in Florida, he got his start innovating products related to sports cars. “It’s a mechanical world, and I have developed products for the market and been very successful there.” He says, “Those products were very niche. They satisfied a small market. My dream was to find a product that would reach a broader audience.”

Following a son who joined the Navy, he moved from Florida to Hunt Country and swapped the racetrack for the barn aisle. He shares, “I knew this area because I’ve got a lot of family in the military and they all have houses here. I was exposed to this area and thought, ‘This is where I want to be.’”

After the move, he “started playing around with the idea” of a hands-free water faucet with the ability to shut itself off. The result? FreshWater, a handcrafted hose attachment made of brass and stainless steel with a float valve sensor to gauge the water level in a vessel.

“I’ve been in development for maybe a year… We’re through beta testing and we have the final product,” Thompson explains. He adds with a laugh, “I say ‘we,’ but it’s really just me… It was my concept, I developed it, and I handmake each

of these faucets. It is a bit of art and science getting all the pieces to fit just right. I have to feel each piece into place to ensure the correct fit. I actually have to bake each faucet in an oven, which sounds ludicrous but it’s true.”

He continues, “I’ve got a former Olympian that beta tested the product and a dressage barn in Clifton. It is out in several places.”

Thompson will officially launch FreshWater at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show this month, but his soft launch has yielded encouraging feedback. “Everyone has had positive thoughts about the product. … People tell me how much time it saves and what it means to them as far as peace of mind. The response has been very good.”

He adds that, for busy barn dwellers, “It is one less thing that they have to worry about. It is like having an assistant.”

At full pressure, the FreshWater system can fill a standard bucket in a minute. But, Thompson notes, “You can vary that. You can throttle it back a little if you want more time outside the stall to accomplish what you need to accomplish. You could have a three-minute fill time. You have flexibility there.”

As for what’s next for Thompson, “I would like to get out there and beat the streets. I want to show people the product.” Mentioning bringing the product to New York, Florida, and the West Coast, he adds, “And then there is the international market.”

Beyond FreshWater, which is from his Barn Aisle brand, he also shares that “I have another product in my back pocket that I am going to develop.” ML

To keep up with Thompson and his latest inventions, visit barnaisleva.com.

Top: The stall is swept while FreshWater handles the bucket-filling. Middle: FreshWater. Bottom: FreshWater in action.

antIquIng around town: NEW FINDS & OLD FAVORITES

Written by Kaitlin Hill

From elegant 18th-century French furnishings to cottagecore décor accents, Hunt Country has no shortage of antique shops with vintage finds for every style, budget, and home. This issue, we are celebrating new shops and revisiting old favorites with much more antiquing coverage at MiddleburgLife.com through the month of June.

BAILEYWYCK ANTIQUES

4274 Loudoun Avenue, The Plains, VA 20198

Housed in a repurposed fire station, Baileywyck has been a favorite of collectors, designers, and homeowners for nearly 20 years. The 6,400-square-foot gallery specializes in “period antiques, 1700s and upward, with an emphasis on continental European — especially French provincial, Swedish, and primitive American pieces,” according to the owner, Lisa Vella. She says, “We also carry some mid-century modern pieces, custom upholstered sofas and chairs, lighting, tabletop décor, and unique equestrian art and collectibles. We have one of the region’s largest and most meticulously curated collections.”

When asked what makes Baileywyck unique, Vella says, “Scale, diversity, and quality.” She adds, “We really try to create a comfortable atmosphere, which now includes a small garden area and a wonderful gathering area that will be available for rent with five vintage sofas from the Gramercy Hotel in New York.” The area will be used to showcase local artists and musicians, too.

When passing through The Plains, a visit to Baileywyck “is sure to spark inspiration,” according to Vella. “The most rewarding thing is meeting and connecting people with each other as well as becoming a part of their homes, whether it’s a beautiful French armoire that evokes Provence or

an equestrian painting that captures their love of Hunt Country.”

ELSASS FURNISHINGS

5 E. Loudoun Street, Round Hill, VA 20141

The century-old, adorable blue building off of Route 7 in Round Hill is home to an abundance of gorgeous antiques sourced exclusively from the Alsace region of France. Owned by Pamela Graff, the business opened on Bastille Day in 2023 and has “an eclectic mix of furniture, art, and décor items,” Graff shares. She continues, “... our inventory has a more rustic feel that fits well to the Virginia Hunt Country aesthetic.” While Elsass’ most sought-after offering is its art collection according to Graff, there is something

Antiquing | Page 27

Top left: Baileywyck Antiques. Bottom left: Gorgeous drinkware and gold accents. Photos by Camden Littleton. Right: Elsass in Round Hill. Photo by Gracie Savage.

Antiquing | From page 26

for everyone and at every budget. She says, “We travel to the Alsace region of France and go to local markets, trusted dealers, and individual residences to source the most unique and quality pieces and the best possible prices.” Beyond being an antiquing destination, “Our clients often just stop in for a chat or to catch up! We love being a place for people to stop by to say hello and to see what is new,” Graff explains. She finishes, “We love being part of the community and to provide a beautiful and friendly place for local residents and tourists to visit.”

NEW IN MARSHALL: FROST STREET COLLECTIVE

4238 Frost Street, Marshall, VA 20115

Aptly named, Frost Street Collective, which opened this February, combines the buying powers of a group of small businesses that handpick, create, or curate all the goods in the shop. The result? A unique collection of finds including everything from furniture and art to live plants and vintage clothes. Visitors will find cottagecore furnishings by Cottage Lane Vintage, new mosaics and oil originals by local artist Terry Schulman, and even Remnant Farm Kombucha on tap. Owner Melanie Wentworth shares, “Every piece is intentionally chosen to reflect a commitment to creativity, wellness, and conscious living. Vendors

source items from trusted vintage markets and small businesses that prioritize ethical, sustainable practices. Shopping here is an experience — one that connects a passionate, like-minded community in the heart of Hunt Country.”

NEW IN MIDDLEBURG: ROGER ON MADISON

6 S. Madison Street, Middleburg, VA 20117

Fans of Linda Mason, owner of Middleburg Antique Gallery on Washington Street,

now have a new opportunity to shop with her. On April 19, Mason opened Roger on Madison around the corner in the former Middleburg Bride space. Of Roger’s inventory, she says, “This is special because it’s all curated by me. So it’s my look.” The new space evokes a gentleman’s lounge where one would not look out of place smoking a cigar. The moody blue walls, leather furniture, and expansive collection of antiques is as inviting as it is inspiring for anyone looking to find the perfect piece for their home. Mason shares, “You can find a painting for $50,000 or for $50.”

Mason is also excited about the rotating themes she’ll bring to the shop. So far she’s executed a nautical theme and, based on a recent trip to Montana, will transform the space into a mountain lodge next. Her ability to transition between themes and keep her inventory fresh is down to having “great pickers … so I’m able to get all of these great European finds from these amazing people that have been doing this their

Antiquing | Page 28

Top left: A table full of antique finds. Top right: Vintage art, stunning candlestick holders, and a lovely floral vase waiting to be taken home. Photos by Gracie Savage. Middle left: Trinket dishes and antique silverware for a stunning table setting from Frost Street Collective. Middle right: Frost Street Collective’s inviting exterior. Bottom: Artwork and antique books make the perfect office adornments. Photos by Callie Broaddus.

Antiquing | From page 27

whole lives.” She is also working with local artist Anthony Barham and his brother, who lives on Portobello Road. “Every three months I am getting new inventory.”

Mason wants clients to feel like they can sit and stay awhile, too. She says, “It is set up where you feel like you can sit down and hang out with your friends … and I just got my ABC license approved, so Roger will be selling wines hand-selected by me.” For Mason, who is no stranger to owning a successful antique shop, this one has even more meaning as it was inspired by her father. She shares, “It means a lot that most everyone who knows him walks in and says, ‘Your dad would be so proud.’ It’s like we can feel him here sitting on the couch having this beer with us.”

VINTAGE29

365 W. Shirley Avenue, Warrenton, VA 20186

“Our inventory comes from all over, really. We scour estate sales, auctions, old barns, other antique stores, and flea markets all over the country,” Vintage29 owner Jolie Carroll shares. “Several of our dealers source in Europe when

possible. We are constantly looking for special and unique items and spend a lot of time on the road every week sourcing.” She adds, “We have 40 incredibly talented dealers who are dedicated to sourcing and curating quality items. They work really hard to display their items beautifully for our customers.” In those displays, visitors to the shop will find “a wide variety of antique and vintage goods to include furniture and accessories, clothing, original art, and lighting. We also offer some handmade local apothecary [items], leather goods, art, and local honey. We have some newer home décor sprinkled in, as well.” Carroll hopes returning customers will always find something new. “We strive to have fresh merchandise every time our customers visit us,” she explains. No matter what her customers are shopping for, “It’s so fun to see what people fall in love with for their own homes or helping them find a special gift for a loved one.”

Find even more antique shops at MiddleburgLife. com, where the roundup continues.

Top left: Recently opened Roger on Madison. Top right: A cozy lounge area offers inspiration to recreate at home. Second: Anthony Barham’s art. Photos by Camden Littleton. Third: Vintage29 in Warrenton. Photo by Michael Butcher. Bottom: A peek inside. Photo courtesy of Vintage29.

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HASTENING DESIGNS A Timeless Blend of Art, Elegance, & Heritage

Written by Shayda Windle | Photos by Shannon Ayres

Tucked into the heart of Hunt Country, Hastening Designs is more than a showroom — it’s a sanctuary for beauty, history, and artistic craftsmanship. Founded by artist and designer Louis Shields, this elegant gallery and design studio has become a beloved destination for collectors, interior design enthusiasts, and lovers of European antiques.

A direct importer of 18th- and 19th-century French provincial, Italian, and English furnishings, original artwork, and rare decorative pieces, Hastening Designs reflects Shields’ lifelong devotion to craftsmanship and aesthetics. But its appeal goes far beyond the provenance of its treasures. Every corner of the space tells a story, whether it’s an 18th-century games table from the south of France, a six-foot-long coffee table Shields restored with a

rich green patina, or a bold abstract painting juxtaposed against antique bookcases.

Shields’ journey to Middleburg is as storied as the pieces he curates. Born in Alabama, he studied painting at the University of Alabama, printmaking at the Washington Studio School, and figure drawing at the Corcoran. He began his career in fashion design in San Francisco and went on to open a boutique on New York’s Fifth Avenue. In 1971, he followed his artistic instincts to England, envisioning a quiet life as a painter in a countryside cottage.

“Instead, I got married, had my first daughter, and discovered that working with antiques was a natural path for me,” Shields recalls. Over the next decade, he restored historic homes — including a 15th-century residence he and his family owned

Hastening | Page 33

Louis Shields.

Hastening | From page 32

— cultivating a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship of the past.

When he returned to the U.S. in 1981, he sought a place that echoed the beauty and tradition he had grown to love in England. He found it in Middleburg. “It felt like coming home,” he says. He opened the first Hastening Designs in 1982, importing European pieces by sea and restoring each one with meticulous care. The community quickly embraced his work, and the business flourished.

As clients’ needs evolved, so did Shields’ offerings. He began designing custom furniture to complement his antiques, added upholstery services, and eventually expanded into full-service interior design. A friend’s suggestion led to his first design commission — soon followed by others.

He approaches interior design with the eye of a painter. “Designing a space is like creating a painting,” he says. “But it’s one you can walk into and sit down in.”

His projects are as ambitious as they are inspired. One recent example: a six-story classical residence on Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, D.C., completed over three years and thoughtfully curated with European antiques and modern art. Another past project is a striking replica of a 16th-century villa from Spello, Italy, built in Middleburg. That home features stone fireplaces

from the 16th through 18th centuries, antique painted doors from Paris and Italy, and stone floors, all on 61 acres of rolling Virginia countryside. Three years after selling the Middleburg villa, the owners brought him on again — this time to design the interiors of an authentic 16th-century villa they purchased in Florence.

Today, Hastening Designs offers a comprehensive design experience, from selecting period-appropriate furniture and custom upholstery to choosing color palettes, fabrics, lighting, and fine art. Shields also accepts commissions for original paintings and restores antique artwork himself with a masterful touch.

Even the finishing details carry his signature flair. In true 18th-century style, Hastening Designs offers its own custom-formulated beeswax furniture polish, based on a traditional English recipe, to nourish and preserve the wood’s natural patina.

At its core, Hastening Designs remains a reflection of Louis Shields himself: imaginative, refined, and steeped in history. Whether you’re seeking a centuries-old armoire, a bespoke daybed, or simply design inspiration, a visit to this Middleburg gem is nothing short of a journey through time. ML

Hastening Designs

103 W. Federal Street Middleburg, VA 20117 hasteningdesigns.com

Top: Shields’ original art. Middle: Hastening has unique pieces around every corner. Bottom: Furniture, brasses, and paintings are just a few of the items visitors to Hastening will find.

Wonderful in Warrenton

From now to the end of November, 700,000 visitors will gather in Venice, Italy, to attend La Biennale, a festival held every other year that represents the cutting edge of international architecture.

Among those exhibiting at this most prestigious gathering is Hunt Country’s Jim Burton. In 2023, Burton represented the only firm from America’s mid-Atlantic region at La Biennale. This year he gave a talk about his work.

“This is a very big deal for Jim,” says Ron Mangas, a McLean realtor and founder of listModern. Mangas is developing a residential project with Burton in The Plains and has attended La Biennale in the past.

“At the Biennale, you get the ‘star-chitects’ who have made their reputations,” Mangas continues. “But you also get those who may not be so famous whose work is worthy of attention. The Biennale puts these people together. Then they go very deep into what architecture is right now, what it could be, and where it could go.”

Burton, Mangas adds, “has been keeping a modest profile and letting his work speak for itself. He has lectured at Virginia Tech. He publishes technical essays in books that are read by

Hunt Country’s Star Architect Goes to Italy

Written by Bill Kent | Photos by Michael Butcher

his peers. To be honest, I think he’d rather go fly fishing than attend the Biennale. At least now he’s finally getting the attention he deserves.”

“At least now he’s finally getting the attention he deserves.” — Ron Mangas

Jim Burton is the son of Jim Burton Sr., a former Loudoun County supervisor and retired

Top: Jim Burton. Bottom: A kitchen interior.

Air Force colonel. Burton Sr. lives in Aldie with his wife, Lina. His son lives in Winchester with his wife, Cynthia, managing editor of the Winchester Star.

For more than 25 years, Burton and his firm, Carter + Burton Architecture, have occupied the second and third floors of the former Masonic Lodge, now called the Carter Building, on Berryville’s Main Street. Though he has designed and built some 40 buildings on sites from Massachusetts to North Carolina, most of Burton’s work has been in Hunt Country in a style that film producer Burton Gray calls a “a quiet wow.”

With homes in the District and Florida, Gray says his favorite place is his River House, an award-winning Madison County vacation home designed by Carton + Burton on a farm overlooking the Rapidan River. “It is quite simply a joyous, happy place to be,” he says.

Gray admits the 200-degree views of the Blue Ridge bring some of that joy, but so do the geothermal flooring and green, living roof. “The house is at a constant mid60 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in winter, we’ve never had to blow air around.”

It’s quiet inside, too. “I listen to music, so I’m very sensitive to sounds,” Gray shares. “There are no bouncing echoes in this house. It is quiet, in a good way. You

“Our clients have often said the homes feel like you are arriving at a special pilgrimage or vacation spot while living there every day.”

– Jim Burton

come from wherever you’ve been in and you say, ‘Wow.’”

Growing up in Springfield, Virginia, before moving to Aldie, Burton never thought he’d become an architect. “I was going to be a professional basketball player or a cartoonist,” he says. He took architecture courses in high school and ended up finding his calling at Mississippi State University, where he majored in architecture and minored in art.

One of his many influences is Frank Lloyd Wright. Like Wright, Burton situates his buildings so that they take advantage of views, sunlight, the slope of the land, proximity to water, and other natural features unique to the location. But he differs from Wright, whose buildings tend to emphasize design over comfort and practicality.

Burton wants his buildings to be “uplifting. Our designs are often inspired by time-tested regional knowledge while we incorporate the warmth of more familiar materials to create a retreat for living.” He continues, “Our clients have often said the homes feel like you are arriving at a special pilgrimage or vacation spot while living there every day.”

A short walk from Burton’s Berryville office is an example that has uplifted the entire region.

Completed in 2011, the Barns of Rose Hill include a Architect | Page 38

Top: Jim Burton at a project site. Bottom: The construction of the house.

“Of course we had to see that. We were so impressed with his sketches that we asked if he would design and oversee construction management for us.” – Paul Mahon

Architect | From page 37

concert hall, museum, and welcome center for Berryville and Clarke County. Part of a gift from the Smithy family, the site comprises two 1910 dairy barns arranged in a T shape. Burton did the design concept work without charge as a community service because, he says, “good things come from it.”

Berryville Township Manager Keith Dalton, who has attended several concerts at the Barns, calls it “the centerpiece of Berryville’s historic downtown. The facility is well known for its Great Hall, which is visually pleasing, warm, and intimate. It also has incredible acoustics. Several performers have returned to the facility to record tracks for release.”

Burton’s most celebrated buildings are closer to Middleburg, where he built a house for himself and his family that he named “Loggerheads,” after the expression “to be at loggerheads.”

The house is fully sustainable with a comforting inner quiet and spectacular views. Loggerheads won an American Institute of Architecture award.

The property is now owned by lawyer and biotech executive Paul Mahon and his wife, Annie, who founded the Circle Yoga Cooperative in the District. The Mahons liked the house so much, they asked Burton to renovate their Washington townhouse. They also commissioned a building adjacent to Loggerheads where Annie could offer yoga classes.

“Jim mentioned that he had drawn up sketches for a studio consisting of three curved planes,” Paul Mahon recalls. “Of course we had to see that. We were so impressed with his sketches that we asked if he would design and oversee construction management for us.”

The result is a narrow, airy two-story yoga studio that also doubles as a guest house. It gained attention as Hunt Country’s first U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold residence. In creating it, Burton incorporated

some of the ideas he had developed as an architecture student.

Called the Yoga Studio, it won seven regional, national, and international awards. That building, along with a Staunton vacation home, Elk Run Ridge, got so much international attention that Burton received his first invitation to exhibit at the Venice Biennale.

For several years, Burton was too busy to accept. His architect partner, Page Carter, had retired, and he and his staff of four had projects to complete.

Currently, among several designs in progress, the firm is working on a barn in Massachusetts, a nature preserve with outbuildings and a boardwalk for the Powhattan School in Boyce, as well as a welcome center and museum for the Patsy Cline House in Winchester, where Burton is a board member.

Another project awaiting funding is a sanctuary near the Appalachian Trail in Bluemont to house a Nakashima Peace Table. Conceived by the late Pennsylvania artist and furniture maker George Nakashima, Peace Tables are meant to bring people together from all backgrounds and faiths.

Burton, who likes to hike and mountain bike, got the idea for a Hunt Country Peace Table from artist Tom Nakashima, his fly-fishing friend and George Nakashima’s nephew.

“It was to be an endowed artist retreat that adjoined a larger multipurpose pavilion to serve as a respite for weary hikers,” Tom Nakashima remembers. Chris White, a supporter of the sanctuary and founder of Bluemont’s Native American Church, says, “This Peace Table could bring together individuals from various backgrounds to facilitate meaningful conversations. There’s no better time to elevate its importance than now.” He considers Burton a “dedicated visionary.”

With a number of projects on the drawing board and La Biennale still ongoing, Burton’s future as Hunt Country’s star architect is only growing brighter. ML

Top: One of his houses with stunning views. Bottom: Books Jim Burton might take inspiration from.

Tickets at Barnsofrosehill.org Facebook | Orange on the Blue Ridge

written by Suni Mackall

Music by Morgan Morrison, Aimee Curl, and Melissa Wright

Our Favorite Local Gifts for Your Home

Photos by Callie Broaddus

Tian, Handmade in France, $118, Available at Les Jardins

Rainbow Cloud Pillow, $45, Available at The PLAYroom

Chambray Dining Pieces, $38 - $44 each, Available at The Town Duck

Cotton Linen Pillows filled with Goose Down, $274, Available at Federal & Black

HAWS Watering Can, $70, Available at Every Little Something

Flour Sack Tea Towels, $20 each, Available at Nature Composed

“Live with the Things You Love,” $55, Available at Crème de la Crème

Acacia Cookbook Stand, $49.99, Available at Tri-County Feeds

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

“THE HORSE, DOG/HOUND AND FOX IN ART” AT AIM

June 1 - 29 | theartistsinmiddleburg.org

Find the best local art capturing the majestic creatures that define Hunt Country at the Artists in Middleburg gallery. Interested parties can view and purchase work from the exhibit throughout the month of June to bring a piece of the region into their home.

UPPERVILLE COLT & HORSE SHOW

June 2 - 8 | upperville.com

This year marks the Upperville Colt & Horse Show’s 172nd running. This is the oldest horse show in America. Throughout the week, the nation’s top ranked hunters and jumpers will be competing against local ponies, sidesaddle riders, and the future of the sport, hunter breeding and lead line classes. There will also be non-horsey competitions, which include the Horses & Horsepower Car Show and the Pup Parade.

YOGA AND CHARCUTERIE AT BLOOMING HILL LAVENDER FARM

June 7 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | bloominghillva.com

Join Natalie from Joy Yoga DC and Blooming Lavender Farm for a morning of rejuvenation. The all-levels yoga class will take place from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by vegetarian charcuterie, tea, and coffee served in the garden. It is recommended that guests bring their own yoga mat and book their spot in advance. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased through Eventbrite.

NORTON SHOWCASE AT PIEDMONT

MEADOWS

June 7 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This all-day celebration highlights Virginia’s native grape, bringing together top Norton producers from across the state. Guests will enjoy tastings, winemaker meet and greets, educational panels, live music, and local food trucks. This is a family-friendly event with tastings limited to those 21 and older. For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/485640867416714

YOGA BY YOGAWORKZ

June 9 | 9 to 10 a.m. | yogaworkz.com

Nancy McMahon, an advanced-level Yoga Alliance instructor, is hosting a yoga event at the Middleburg Community Center. Her goal is to help participants feel, look, and be their best self through yoga. McMahon provides students with personalized attention and assistance to make yoga more accessible. Classes are small, personalized, and open to everybody.

HISTORIC MAIN STREET WALKING TOUR

June 14 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | fauquierhistory.org

Stroll Warrenton’s commercial street while learning the fascinating history of the town’s entrepreneurial past. The tour starts at the Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail and will last for one hour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Tickets are $15 and can be booked through Eventbrite.

Calendar | Page 43

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Calendar | From page 42

FLUTTERS & FLIGHTS

June 14 | 2 to 3 p.m. | chrysaliswine.com

Experience the magic of a butterfly release and wine tasting during Flutters & Flights at Chrysalis Vineyards, in partnership with Glasshouse Butterfly Farm & Garden and Painted Lady Butterfly. The tasting will include wines that highlight Chrysalis’ distinct production process and are held to standards above a “typical” Virginia wine. Tickets are available through the Chrysalis website.

FATHER’S DAY SHRIMP BOIL AT OLD BUST HEAD

June 15 | 12 to 8 p.m. | oldbusthead.com

Celebrate dad or any father figure with a lowcountry-style feast catered by Ned’s New England Deck. The festive menu includes all the classics like peel and eat shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn, and some extras like lobster rolls,

crab rolls, truffle fries, and malt vinegar fries. Old Bust Head will also release its new Goldvein Hefeweizen — and don’t miss live music from 1 to 4 p.m.

MIDDLEBURG ARTS & CRAFTS

WORKSHOP SERIES AT LOST BARREL BREWING

June 21 | 1 to 3 p.m. | lostbarrel.com

Get creative at Lost Barrel Brewing with a workshop on making oyster shell trinket dishes. Participants will learn to decoupage oyster shells using decorative paper and gold detailing to transform three shells into one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Tickets are $25 and can be reserved through Eventbrite.

GARDEN AND GALLERY TOUR AT OAK SPRING

June 27 - 28 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | osgf.org

Explore the gorgeous grounds of Oak Spring Garden with a self-paced walking tour. On the

tour, see the formal walled garden, the Mary Potter crabapple arbor, and view selections from “Fantastic Flora,” an educational exhibit blending art, culture, history, and science. In the gallery portion of the tour, Oak Spring’s latest exhibition, “The Final Resting Place of President John F. Kennedy,” will be on display. Reservations are required and can be booked through OSGF’s website.

PAWS & PINTS AT HENWAY HARD CIDER

June 28 | 12 to 4 p.m. | henwayhardcider.com

Shop dog-friendly vendors and meet adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes. This free event will include arts and crafts, a photo shoot, doggie bingo, and frosty paws ice cream. Bring your pals — human or canine — for a day celebrating man’s best friend.

For more Hunt Country events, visit MiddleburgLife.com or scan here: