from throughout | | 6 kitchen | cottage lighted stream, acres
SPRING GLADE
MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA
French Country home, with renovations in 1999 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Im provements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres
Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 helen MacMahon 540.454.1930
SALEM HILL
MARSHALL, VIRGINIA
Paul MacMahon
Well protected Fauquier location | 6 bedrooms | 4 full and 2 half baths | 3 fireplaces | Great views | Pool with large flagstone terrace | Large county kitchen | 4-car detached garage with apartment/ office | 9-stall barn | Covered arena | Outdoor ring | 4 stall shed row barn | 51 fenced acres
$3,690,000 Mahon
203 acres in River frontage 4 full & 3 1/2 Gunnite pool and private | 5 stall Jim paddocks, pasture | Old d
MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA
4BR, 4.5BA, built in 2019 High-end finishes throughout | Gourmet kitchen: Wolf, Sub-Zero, Miele Family room with fireplace & 9’ ceilings Custom millwork & plantation shutters | Front porch and rear deck Detached garage and private rear parking High-speed internet Walk to shops, dining & town amenities
$2,100,000
Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905
Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868 REED STREET
A remarkable property located within a private enclave just minutes from town | Stone and stucco manor house with main level master suite | 7 additional BR | 5 stone FP
$1,375,000
Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905
Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868
RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA
MARSHALL, VIRGINIA
$815,000
Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868
11066 MORELAND ROAD
MAPLE CREEK
COBBLESTONE COURT
PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media, LLC
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Joanne Maisano
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Elisa Hernandez
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Nicky Marshok
ON THE COVER
Diane Helentjaris caught up with Ariane Carlés Solari about the offerings at The Paradise Antiques. Take a peek inside her barn and read the full interview on page 6. Photo by Caroline Gray.
ON THIS PAGE
Bridget Wilson creates stunning garden escapes, big and small, throughout Hunt Country. On page 20, she shares what inspires her and the benefits of working locally. Photo by Gracie Savage.
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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
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.”
Sarah Hickner is the author of the award-winning Christian memoir “Finding Gideon” and the novel “All the Things That Come Between Us.” A lifelong equestrian and storyteller, she writes about faith, family, and the beauty of life in Virginia horse country.
Sherri Holdridge is a freelance photographer based in the D.C. area. An avid equestrian, she finds herself drawn and connected to the world of equine photography. Though she spends a lot of time with the horses, her portfolio also reflects her love of travel, nature, and portraiture. Sherri’s photography has been published in various magazines and exhibited in galleries around the world. Her work reflects both her passion and commitment to storytelling through the camera lens. More of her work can be found at sherriholdridgephotography.com.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Also in this issue: Tony Gibson and Nova Soul Imagery.
Finding the Perfect Pieces at The Paradise Antiques
Written by Diane Helentjaris
Photos by Caroline Gray
There’s a sign on Zulla Road at the north end of the Middleburg Tennis Club.
“The Paradise Antiques,” it says, hinting at wonderful things. Simply turn down the lane and you will find them. Atop one of the rolling hills, a sparkling white barn with black shutters oversees Ariane Carlés Solari’s antique shop.
A new wing will soon offer a display area for her special pieces, as well as a dedicated place to host events. Since its opening seven years ago, The Paradise Antiques has been the setting for a number of occasions — charity fundraisers, holiday sales, and more. Solari is excited about new opportunities to attract visitors to The Paradise Antiques. As with everything else in her life, she is approaching the future of her business with a combination of deliberation and risk-taking.
Solari is well versed in her trade. She was raised in Argentina, with her mother originally from England. The family traveled back and forth to Europe. Solari grew up with her mother and grandmother both keeping a “beautiful home,” she says.
Paradise | Page 7
Her mother began selling antiques when Solari was small. Initially she sold her goods out of their home. Solari jokes that even the bed she slept in and the table beside it sported price tags. In 1986, her mother opened her own antique shop in Buenos Aires, Rainbow Corner, Paradise | From page 6
explains Solari. “I didn’t see myself as a nomad.”
The Paradise Antiques maintains a fresh, evolving inventory. Solari travels three times a year to Europe to refresh her stock — in February for the summer, in June to explore and investigate new ideas, and in October for the holidays. The new inventory goes into her “barn,” a curved
“I cannot sell what I don’t love.” She readily admits to favoring the French style, particularly that of Louis XVI, but does not limit herself to French antiques. Japanese cloisonné vases and delicate Neapolitan watercolors join with an 1830s French barometer. Bolstering the antiques are modern-day elaborate Portuguese bedsheets, and eventually expanded to two locations. Solari says, “I got the bug from her.”
In her wallet, she carries a note she wrote as an 11- or 12-year-old: “When I grow up, I want to be an interior decorator.” Solari studied interior design in Argentina. She then worked in a design shop for a year, followed by a decade at Rainbow Corner with her mother. Though she does offer interior decorating services through The Paradise Antiques, she particularly enjoys working with other interior decorators and helping them find the perfect pieces to meet their clients’ needs.
In 2009, Solari, her husband, Enrique, and their two small children moved to Phoenix, Arizona. She recalls looking out the window of the airplane as it descended into Phoenix and telling her children, “I think we’re
landing on Mars.” While there, she missed “the green.”
A friend lived in Middleburg and invited her for a weekend visit. “You little English girl, you will love it,” the friend had promised — and Solari did. Now, her family has lived in Middleburg for over a decade. “I grew up with very strong roots,”
page:
building across from the shop built to mimic a line of horse stalls. There she sorts everything and prepares it for display. Her larger pieces are also kept there.
Grand mullioned windows generously light the main shop and set the antiques aglow. This is a curated selection, one united by Solari’s taste.
stationery, Italian linen cushions, and refreshing specialty scents.
The Paradise Antiques is open to the public. Goods in the shop can also be purchased online at theparadiseantiques.com. Along with photos and prices, Solari includes measurements to help customers with their decisions. ML
Left: Hunt-themed paintings and antique furniture. Right: A curated collection of décor and a stack of Bunny Mellon’s book make for a cozy living room.
Left
Ariane Carlés Solari.
QUINTESSENTIAL MIDDLEBURG: Where the Road Slows Down
Written by Shayda Windle | Photos by Gracie Savage
Walk down nearly any long farm drive or garden path in Hunt Country and you will likely hear the unmistakable crunch of pea gravel beneath your feet. Named for its resemblance to garden peas, pea gravel has long been valued for its natural beauty, versatility, and practical use in landscaping.
From drainage projects and garden paths to patios and driveways, the material has remained a staple in rural communities for generations. Part of its appeal lies in its soft, earthy palette, with shades of gray, brown, beige, white, and rust that blend seamlessly into the authentic farms and historic homes of Hunt Country.
“Just think about what this town looked like a hundred years ago,” explains Mackie Jenkins, owner
of Omega Landscape Construction. “Driveways were covered in gravel. Asphalt did not become mainstream until the mid-1900s, and even today it remains more common in urban areas than rural communities.”
Based in Middleburg, with an office above Common Grounds, Omega Landscape Construction has become a well-known presence throughout Hunt Country, celebrating 15 years in business this past February.
Over the years, Omega has worked on everything from small garden enhancements to large-scale property transformations. One of the company’s earliest full-property landscape projects was at 503 Stonewall Avenue, at the time a rare newly constructed home in Middleburg. Jenkins says the project included a com-
Road | Page 11
Road | From page 10
plete master landscape plan designed to complement the architecture of the home while preserving the traditional aesthetic that defines the town.
Today, much of the demand for pea gravel extends beyond Middleburg into the surrounding estates and farms west of Route 15 and throughout The Plains and nearby countryside. Jenkins says many new landowners are intentionally trying to preserve the natural beauty and historic character of the region by installing it.
“There are always going to be things people are looking for in this area,” he says. “What we see is a lot of owners buying land and properties with these long driveways, and they’re trying to preserve the views, preserve the land, and respect the traditional materials that fit the landscape.”
Often referred to as the “quintessential Middleburg driveway,” pea gravel has maintained its popularity throughout Hunt Country not only because of its timeless appearance and affordability, but also due to the warm, welcoming feel it creates for visitors arriving at a home or business. Jenkins says even the Town of Middleburg has embraced pea gravel throughout public spaces because of the way it softens the look and feel of the streetscape.
“It takes out that cold blue tone you get from asphalt and concrete,” he explains. “You will see it sporadically used throughout the town more and more.”
For years, Omega Landscape Construction has been a trusted source for pea gravel landscaping throughout downtown Middleburg, and demand continues to grow. As new residents move into Hunt Country and longtime homeowners refresh their properties, many are seeking the same classic aesthetic, particularly for their driveways.
Pea gravel also appeals to homeowners because it is relatively low-maintenance. Unlike paved driveways, which often require resurfacing or repairs over time, pea gravel can typically be refreshed with simple upkeep to maintain the surface and prevent sinking or soil mixing.
Beyond driveways, pea gravel can be used in a wide range of landscaping projects. It can create a charming patio, a serene garden walkway, or a cozy firepit area. It’s also commonly used as decorative mulch in flower beds or as a weed-suppressing layer beneath larger stones.
Jenkins believes pea gravel’s appeal is as sensory as it is visual. “When you’re driving on asphalt or concrete, you just keep moving,” he says. “But when your tires hit gravel, there’s a sound and texture to it that naturally slows you down and brings you in. It changes the experience of arriving somewhere.”
Last fall, Patty Callahan, a resident of Middleburg, decided to incorporate pea gravel into her own driveway renovation. She initially contacted Omega after admiring stonework the company had completed for a friend’s property, and asked Jenkins if he could install stone aprons at the front of her driveway, where years of rain had caused erosion.
“I ended up having him do much more work than anticipated,” she says. “I cannot tell you how happy I am.”
After living in her home for 22 years, Callahan says heavy rain had taken a toll on the long, sloped driveway leading to the back of her property. What began as a request to help stabilize the entrance eventually evolved into a larger renovation project after Jenkins recommended resurfacing part of the drive with pea gravel.
Road | Page 12
Left page: Pea gravel up close. Top: Megan and Mackie Jenkins. Bottom: A local driveway embracing the traditional style.
Road | From page 11
She says she was especially impressed by the crew’s attention to detail throughout the installation process. “They excavated, laid a base, compacted it with machinery, steamrolled it, and did such a thorough job,” she says. “Now, when I cut my grass, I blow the clippings off the driveway so it still looks
beautiful. My old driveway always had weeds.”
For homeowners looking to preserve the rural elegance and timeless character that define Middleburg, the enduring appeal of pea gravel may be as much about atmosphere as it is about practicality. The familiar crunch beneath your feet is more than just a sound; it is part of the landscape itself. ML
A long estate road utilizes a lot of pea gravel.
REBUILDING THE COMMUNITY: Historic Aldie Wall Is Celebrated After Years of Restoration
Written by William Anderson
Asurviving section of a brick wall built in 1809 by Aldie’s founder, Charles Fenton Mercer, was commemorated as part of the Aldie Mill Historic District on May 16, when the Aldie Heritage Association (AHA) held a dedication ceremony to celebrate its restoration of the wall. The event culminated several years of research, fundraising, and restorative work by AHA and Aldie villagers.
The wall’s significance extends beyond just its age. Mercer built the wall at the same time as his residence, which overlooks the village. The wall originally stretched nearly 1,000 feet along Little River Turnpike, from Aldie’s original post office, “Narrowgate,” to Tail Race Road. The surviving section of 65 feet fronts Mercer’s Home as a direct connection to Mercer, who is a significant figure in early 19th-century Virginia history. Among his
accomplishments, he served in Congress, vocally opposed the slave trade, and advocated for free public education.
As the decades passed, the wall deteriorated due to a lack of maintenance. There was an ownership dispute between the Virginia Department of Transportation and the adjacent property owners. “Basically it fell into disrepair,” explains Gene Gulland, AHA’s president, “because nobody wanted to take responsibility for it for years.” As visitors drove into Aldie, they were greeted by this dilapidated once-stately wall.
The preservation efforts were not as simple as stacking a few bricks. AHA member Neil Conley first began researching the wall in 2017, and the entire process required years of work. Once Conley’s research proved the ownership and provenance of the wall, AHA volunteer members
stepped up to save it. Gulland vividly remembers gathering loose bricks in 100-degree weather. To fund the project, including professional restoration by a historic preservation mason, AHA won a $2,500 grant for seed money from the Loudoun Preservation Society and raised the remaining necessary funds, including collecting donations from Aldie residents, who showed “real enthusiasm” for the restoration, Gulland says.
One of the final steps of the restoration was finding the appropriate capstones, which help protect the wall from rainwater damage, since the surviving capstones were too few in number and too deteriorated for reuse. The capstones had to match the original profile of the wall. The project’s historic preservation mason, Allen Cochran, Restoration | Page 15
Mercer’s wall, aka the Aldie wall.
Photos by Kaitlin Hill
Restoration | From page 14
ordered custom replicas and completed the wall in June 2025.
In September 2025, AHA’s efforts were recognized with an award from the Joint Architectural Review Board (JARB) of Loudoun County “in recognition of [its] dedication to preserving the character of the District with [its] extensive efforts to restore the Mercer Wall,” as stated by the JARB award notification letter.
Gulland remembers moving to Aldie in the early 1980s. “Aldie was pretty neglected. There were a lot of houses that needed paint jobs. Some were in disrepair,” he recalls. Over the years, he’s watched Aldie make a comeback. “The wall is part of that process,” he adds.
The end result was more than just a repaired wall; it was the manifestation of years of persistence from Aldie volunteers committed to preserving one of the village’s oldest surviving landmarks.” ML
Top left: The National Register of Historic Places plaque. Bottom left: Jim and Lina Burton, longtime residents of Mercer’s Home, in front of Mercer’s wall. Right: A brief story of Charles Fenton Mercer’s significance.
BOWA Transforms a House Into a Home IN PAEONIAN SPRINGS
Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Nova Soul Imagery
In Paeonian Springs, just south of Waterford, luxury remodeling firm BOWA lovingly restored a 1930s-era abode, blending the new homeowners’ wishes with a conscious nod to the original features of the house.
“This property was absolutely magnificent — 50 acres, rolling views — but the house was from the 1930s and kind of clunky, like a lot of older homes,” says Jeff Weeks, project leader at BOWA. He adds, “You know, I call it charm.”
Weeks worked with architect Lauren McGee,
who would later join BOWA as vice president of architecture and design. Weeks shares, “I have a great working relationship with her.”
A main focus of the project was to improve the flow of the house, opening up the kitchen to the first-floor living spaces. Modern touches were added, too. “We did a little coffee bar and an eatin island,” Weeks explains. “The couple was very specific that they wanted something traditional but transitional.”
Left: The new open kitchen and dining format. Top right: A cozy breakfast nook with a coffee bar. Bottom right: The reimagined mudroom.
| From page 16
The mudroom got a facelift, with custom cabinetry, a powder room, and a desk area, and BOWA added an outdoor shower for the couple’s dog.
Upstairs, the theme of “opening up” the house continued with a closet relocated to the primary bedroom for better views and more space. Weeks explains, “We made a nice arched opening in there, and relocated closets into the entry of the primary suite. [It] just gave the room a better vibe, because it allowed so much natural light in, and they could see their million-dollar view.”
BOWA also reconfigured the primary bathroom into a wet room with a generous shower and luxurious tub. A sense of calm was achieved through a neutral palette consisting of Calacatta Valentin quartz countertops, Greenwich Linear
sconces, and antique brass hardware. Beyond the big-ticket items, the details made all the difference, with finishing that modernized the space while keeping the overall look traditional. “It looks timeless,” Weeks says. “It’s a classic design, so I feel it fits the 1936 history of the home.” He laughs, “I feel like I could still see a 1936 Ford out front.”
Though the project was completed in time for the couple to move in on schedule, it, as with many older homes, was not without challenges. “For older homes, we do find some things that were done wrong [originally],” Weeks says. “We found floating beams, some wiring that was not great, and some HVAC components that weren’t so great either.” He continues, “But that is the charm of working with older homes. It is just part
of the process.”
Hardships aside, for Weeks the project was immensely rewarding. “My favorite part of the process is the final walkthrough,” he says. “It’s a pride factor… We want that perfection.”
He continues, “The clients were overjoyed.” Joy could describe Weeks’ feelings about the build, too. “I love my job,” he says. “And I truly mean it. I think it comes across with authenticity when we are dealing with clients.” He adds, “I look for relationships, not sales. I care about relationships more than anything. That’s my driving force.” ML
Home
Left: A grand archway replaces an old closet, opening the room up to stunning views. Right: The remodeled bathroom, complete with a wet room.
In the Garden wIth BrIdGet wIlson
Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by
Middleburg is home to many lovely gardens, from structured English-style spaces attached to palatial estates to small side yards nestled between the homes in town. Bridget Wilson has had her hands in the dirt for many of them.
“I have always been a designer at heart, and
the medium has simply shifted over the years,” Wilson shares of her latest adventure — floral and garden design. “I designed children’s clothing and ran a shop in Middleburg called The Magic Wardrobe, and then I turned to the human body and created Native Barre Studios, a method of exercise I built around my own training as a fig-
ure skater. Gardens and cut flowers are the most recent chapter, and it began in 2016 with a single lavender plant,” she adds. That lavender plant blossomed into Bridget Wilson Flower & Garden Design, which boasts an impressive project list, including the recent re-
Garden | Page 21
“I begin every project by really listening, learning how a client lives and what they want to feel when they step outside.” – Wilson
Gracie Savage
Bridget Wilson.
Garden | From page 20
work of Bunny Mellon’s Serpentine Garden. Of her process, the self-taught landscape architect says, “I begin every project by really listening, learning how a client lives and what they want to feel when they step outside. From there I move into detailed drawings and 3D renderings, which I take very seriously, because the process is as important as the result.”
Local partnerships are important to the process, too: “I stay deeply involved through installation, and on larger projects I have the privilege of working with Omega Landscape, drawing on their years of experience alongside my vision.”
More than a planner, Wilson revels in the opportunity to put plants in the soil. “The planting phase is my favorite part,” she admits. “I have installed everything from tiny one-quart perennials to 20-foot topiary trees, and there is nothing I love more than being out in the field laying it all out by hand. I have a wonderful team in Sergio and Miguel, and the three of us work beautifully together to translate my drawings into something real and rooted in the ground.”
Recently, she finished a project with Middleburg resident Julie Slingerman. “I took a couple of her classes at the community center, and I believe I met her during her seed starter class,” Slingerman says. Looking to add to her garden, Slingerman enlisted Wilson’s help.
“My original vision was just a couple raised
beds in the back and to grow some vegetables,” Slingerman explains. “She came over, I told her my vision, and she started sharing her vision.” She finishes with a laugh, “We went with her vision.”
The backyard project would extend into the front yard. “She helped with landscaping all around the house,” Slingerman says. “We planted a bunch of trees out front, a bunch of beautiful boxwoods, but the real masterpiece is the backyard.”
Slingerman describes the backyard as “pretty formal. Bridget refers to it as a parterre.” The design includes topiaries, a pea gravel walk, herbs, vegetables, flowers, and a trellis of roses. “I had this old firepit that came with the house when I bought it back in 2020. I was going to throw it out, but Bridget repurposed it into a fountain.”
She says the finished product is “very spectacular for a small space.”
Of working with Wilson, Slingerman says, “It was a really wonderful experience. She’s so passionate, she’s so knowledgeable, and she’s such
a hard worker. She has a great crew and brings in ideas I would have never, in a million years, thought of… She is always high-energy.”
Wilson’s appreciation for her clients is apparent in her work and the rewarding feeling she gets from operating in this area. “There are the clients, who become real relationships and who understand the land in a way that makes the collaboration meaningful. There is the land itself, the climate, the rhythm of the seasons here. And there is the community of craftspeople, nurseries, and fellow designers who make this corner of Virginia such a rich place to do this kind of work,” she says. “Each piece feeds the others, and together they make Hunt Country the most rewarding place I can imagine practicing this craft.”
For Wilson, the dirty work is worth the beautiful outcome, which she believes is an essential part of well-being. “In the crazy world we live in, why not create a space where someone can go to relax, to have a time out, to feel like they are on vacation in their own yard.” She concludes, “Beauty is medicine, and creating that kind of space for someone else is my medicine.” ML
“There are the clients, who become real relationships and who understand the land in a way that makes the collaboration meaningful.” – Wilson
Left: A recent garden installation. Middle: Purple allium flowers. Right: A firepit turned into a fountain.
FARM
Boyce – Federal style manor house refinished, updated and expanded. Guest house, restored bank barn, and Opequon Creek complete an estate designed for fine living and equestrian pursuits. John Coles | 540-270-0094
Middleburg – Skip the wait! Custom luxury, now. A move-in ready, 6,000+ sq ft French transitional masterpiece in exclusive Banbury Cross Reserve. Extensive upgrades and custom features.
Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201
PENDLETON STREET $2,250,000
Middleburg – Commercial opportunity in the heart of downtown. Over 5,500 sq. ft. with flexible work areas, conference rooms, 3 half BAs, and large break room. Two parking spaces. Zoned C-2.
Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201
122+ acres | $4,950,000
Delaplane – Impressive 7,300 sq. ft. of beautiful living space features high ceilings, large windows, and spectacular views. 2 Barns, 100 x 200 arena, Piedmont Hunt territory. Rolling hills w/ miles of trails. John Coles | 540-270-0094
Markham – Renovated stone and cedar house with stunning views of the Cobbler Mtns. Includes 2-car garage, separate office/studio, pool house & pool. 3 BR / 2 BA log cabin. Pond. Starlink internet. Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201 OAK RIDGE 54+ acres | $2,795,000
UNICORN HILL 74+ acres | $2,175,000
Boyce – 3 BRs / 3 full BAs, custom built in 1985 and has many updates. In Blue Ridge Hunt territory, great ride-out! 2 parcels–In conservation easement.
Wayne Wilson | 540-622-8520
Markham – Personal residence of an original Lincoln Log franchisee! Piedmont views, 3,200 sq ft, multi-gen layout, rental potential. Stone fireplace, 4BR/3.5BA, modern systems. Near I-66, trails & Shenandoah. Wayne Wilson | 540-622-8520 CASA DE PAZ
Berryville – Elegant 4 BR / 3.5 BA stone manor c.1782, with views of mountains and farmland. High ceilings, fireplaces w/ period mantels. 2 Cottages, 4-car garage w/
Delaplane – GORGEOUS VIEWS!!! 7 parcels. Main parcel: 144.9 acres, new driveway, new well, underground electric, 6 BR perc site. Additional 42 acres in 6 parcels between 1.19 to 12.60 acres. John Coles | 540-270-0094 LEEDS MANOR RD.
Great Falls – Fully renovated Colonial. Resort-style saltwater pool, spa, gourmet kitchen, stunning finishes throughout. Private with room to expand. Featured in Home & Design magazine. Natascha Folens | 571-259-3003
Boyce – 3 BR / 1.5 BA huntbox. Exterior paint and new roof. Hardwood floors throughout, high ceilings, 2 working fireplaces. Charming, bring your horses! Blue Ridge Mountain views. Maria Eldredge 540-454-3829 | Anne McIntosh 703-509-4499 SERENITY 14+ acres | $990,000
Middleburg – This parcel is open, private and level, with a pipe stem driveway for easy access. Enjoy a short walk to downtown shops, restaurants, post office, grocery stores, library and more. Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201 BUILDABLE LOT .27
Buyers to a Marvelous Way of Life
We are passionate about Horse Country—it’s our home. Our goal is to pass along the properties, traditions and Horse Country lifestyle for many generations to come. Finding you the perfect place in Horse Country comes naturally to us, so when you’re ready, count on the agents at Thomas & Talbot.
Giana Terranova Photography
SPRITZING AROUND TOWN
Written by Kaitlin Hill
Aclassic “spritz” is an effervescent Italian drink following the 3-2-1 rule of three parts sparkling wine (often Prosecco), two parts bitter liquor (the classic being Aperol), and one part club soda. The combination is bubbly, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days. In Hunt Country, restaurants and bars are offering their take on the popular summer sip with unique flavors, herbaceous add-ons, and even quirky glassware. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites on Main Street and just outside and enlisted the help of spritz enthusiasts to share their thoughts.
TREMOLO BAR’S CLASSIC APEROL SPRITZ
Appropriately, the Middleburg Life spritz tour started with a classic Aperol Spritz from Tremolo Bar. Pretty to look at and even better to drink, Tremolo’s version is “everything you want in an Aperol Spritz,” said Jenny Hausman, who was visiting Middleburg from Old Town Alexandria and enjoying the concoction on Tremolo’s patio at the time of the tour. She went on to compliment the drink as the perfect balance of Aperol and “spritziness,” an ideal drink for the hot summer day.
THE FRENCHY AT GOODSTONE INN
Goodstone Inn’s rendition of The Frenchy is a refreshing and delightfully fizzy mix of white peach puree, house sparkling wine, and Cointreau. Benjamin Hall, the restaurant manager, described the drink as “our playful reinterpretation — lighter, brighter, and just a touch more refined. It begins with luscious white peach puree, soft and fragrant, like biting into perfectly ripened fruit at the height of summer. Sparkling wine lifts
Spritz | Page 25
Spritz | From page 24
it all, adding elegance and a celebratory sparkle. Then comes the twist: a kiss of citrus liqueur. It sharpens the edges just enough, bringing a delicate brightness that feels unmistakably French.” Whether there for a weekend stay or just a nightly tipple, the Goodstone Inn is a great setting to enjoy a cold cocktail as temperatures rise.
GINGER CHERRY SPRITZ FROM NOMAD
Nomad’s bartender, Dillon Baird, admitted he hasn’t come up with a creative name for his take on the spritz, but that in no way detracted from the deliciousness. Made with Sauvignon Blanc, ginger beer, and cherries, Nomad’s take is as unique as the glass it is served in — which has a mustache printed on it. One patron remarked, “It’s got some zip!”
CRENSHAW SUNRISE AT THE RED FOX INN & TAVERN
Anna Adams, food and beverage director at The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, whipped up a Crenshaw Sunrise for her take on the spritz. The pale pink drink is named for Crenshaw Road in Upperville, where Slater Run Vineyards is located. She added, “The color reminds me of a sunrise.” The drink consists of Cirrus Vodka, Lillet, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and Slater Run Sparkling Rosé. For those looking to enjoy the Aperol part of an Aperol Spritz, Adams also makes a Pink Pony, which consists of gin, Aperol, strawberry, and basil. While it’s not technically on the menu, Adams noted that she almost always has the ingredients to make it.
MT. DEFIANCE’S VERMOUTH SPRITZ
For fans of vermouth, Mt. Defiance offers a spritz made of sweet vermouth, orange, and club
soda. The seemingly simple drink has a complex flavor that is “both smooth and crisp,” according to cider barn patron Anna Giragosian. She added that the drink was “subtle and very drinkable,” especially in the heat of the summer. The drink is made with in-house sweet vermouth, which is blended with local honey and caramel syrup.
SPRITZES GALORE AT LOST BARREL BREWING
Lost Barrel offers a few bubbly drinks for its take on the spritz. The menu includes an LBB Spritz of sparkling wine or Riesling mixed with any of its hard seltzers. Lost Barrel also has a Hugo Spritz. Often considered the cousin of an Aperol Spritz, the Hugo Spritz is made of Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, club soda or seltzer, fresh mint, and lime. Both are easily enjoyed on a hot day, surrounded by friends, family, and the welcoming atmosphere of Lost Barrel. ML
Left page: Tremolo Bar’s Aperol Spritz. Photo by Kaitlin Hill. Right page, left to right: Goodstone Inn’s The Frenchy. Photo courtesy of Goodstone Inn. The Ginger Cherry Spritz from Nomad. The Crenshaw Sunrise and Pink Pony at The Red Fox Inn & Tavern. Mt. Defiance’s Vermouth Spritz. Photos by Kaitlin Hill.
Centennial Celebration Wrap-Up at The Hill School
Written by Shayda Windle
The Hill School in Middleburg has just completed one of the most significant years in its history: its 100th. On May 8 and 9, the school culminated its Centennial celebration with a festive Homecoming Tailgate through the Decades, which drew a crowd of nearly 300, and a black-tie Centennial Gala, which drew more than 425 attendees, one of the largest turnouts the school has ever seen. Alumni, parents, faculty, and friends gathered to honor a century of community, character, and confidence building in the heart of Hunt Country.
As head of school, Treavor Lord reflected in remarks throughout the weekend, “These celebrations are about honoring the generations who came before us, celebrating the strength of our community today, and embracing our responsibility to ensure the next 100 years are every bit as meaningful as the first.”
To mark the milestone, students and staff also looked to both the past and the future with the opening of a time capsule placed 25 years ago by the late Arthur “Nick” Arundel, whose legacy includes the Arundel Family Library on campus.
Of the moment, his son John Arundel said: “My dad used to say, ‘If you want a better future, invest in education.’ He spent his life backing that belief by funding libraries across Northern Virginia and helping establish institutions like the Marine Corps Museum and George Mason University, where he served as its first chair.” He added, “My father believed deeply in one thing: education changes everything.”
Inside the Sheila Johnson Auditorium, students carefully examined the contents of the capsule, snapshots of another era, before adding their own artifacts and resealing it to be opened again in 50 years. For the Arundel family, the moment carried particular significance.
“Today was one of those full-circle moments I’ll never forget,” Arundel shared. “Twenty-five years ago, my father placed that time capsule while dedicating the Arundel Family Library. Today, a new generation of students opened it as The Hill School celebrates a century of excellence in Middleburg.”
That spirit of legacy and stewardship also inspired another Centennial project rooted firmly in the school’s landscape and future.
Last fall, the Hill team began brainstorming meaningful ways to commemorate the milestone year with faculty, staff, and students. From those conversations, the idea for the Centennial Grove was born, a living legacy where every member of the Hill community can plant a tree and leave a lasting mark for future generations.
The work began over winter break, when volunteers overseen by Mike Barreda, Hill’s JK-8 sports and outdoor education teacher, dug holes for the trees. Those involved understood the significance of the project and were eager to help bring the vision to life.
“The Centennial Grove is our way of leaving a mark on the school not just this year, but for the next hundred years to come,” Barreda says. “The symbolism of oak trees is not lost on me, as they are something that take decades before they even begin to grow. You don’t plant an oak tree for yourself; you plant it for your grandchildren.”
To date, approximately two-thirds of the school community have planted their contribution to the Grove, with plans for the project to be completed by the end of the school year.
“It may become an ongoing project to maintain the forest over time because of natural attrition," Barreda says, “but at its root, this is a celebration of the last 100 years and an investment in the next hundred.” ML
Top: A snapshot from the Homecoming Tailgate through the Decades. Photo by Middleburg Photos. Middle: Students plant a tree in the Centennial Grove. Photo courtesy of The Hill School. Bottom: The Centennial auction. Photo by Middleburg Photos.
osgf.org/oneday-events
how to help durInG KItten season
Written by Lia Hobel | Photos by Sherri Holdridge
Each spring, as the Virginia countryside gives way to green fields and longer daylight, another season arrives with far greater urgency. It comes in the form of cardboard boxes left on porches, phone calls about litters tucked beneath sheds, and fragile kittens barely old enough to survive on their own. At Middleburg Humane Foundation, this annual rush is known simply as kitten season, though there is nothing simple about it. “Kitten calls are nonstop,” says Ashley Ney, who runs the foundation’s cat and kitten program. “It never really slows down once it starts.”
Ney has helped shape one of the region’s most responsive kitten rescue efforts. She joined MHF in 2017, first concentrating on community cats and trap-neuter-return (TNR) work. Over time, that role widened into a foster-driven rescue network that now reaches well beyond the bounds of a traditional shelter. What began as a practical response to kittens appearing in unmanaged colonies has become a carefully built system designed to save more lives, strengthen foster support, and interrupt the cycle before the next litter is born.
One of the clearest expressions of that growth is the foundation’s “Kitten College,” a foster-based model that pairs kittens with volunteers according to skill and experience. New fosters may begin with older kittens requiring
less attention, while veteran volunteers take on bottle babies and medically fragile cases. The approach is both humane and practical, giving people a way to build confidence while ensuring the most vulnerable animals receive the level of care they need. “We try to set people up to succeed,” Ney says. “If someone has a good first fostering experience, they’re much more likely to come back and do it again.”
Ney is equally quick to recognize the people who make the work possible, especially Dr. Matt Galati, MHF’s full-time veterinarian. The two began working together in 2019, when Galati volunteered with TNR clinics, and his presence has since transformed what the program can do. Kittens in crisis can now be assessed and treated with far greater speed, a difference that is often lifesaving. Galati says one of the greatest advantages of having an on-site veterinarian is the ability to intervene immediately. “Having a veterinarian on staff means that we can treat all of the common and some of the more challenging diseases that cats and kittens may suffer from due to a lack of care and/or exposure to contagious disease,” he says. “That allows for early intervention and better outcomes for the cats, and a significantly reduced cost for the organization; we are able to provide care in-house, immediately, for less than what it would be if we needed to go to an external vendor.”
The need, meanwhile, continues to swell. In 2020, the program handled 118 kittens throughout the season. This year, the number has already risen sharply, and the ambition is larger still: to bring as many as 700 kittens through the program. For an organization built so heavily on foster homes, every additional volunteer expands the circle of rescue. “More fosters really does mean more lives saved,” Ney says.
The program’s mechanics are deceptively simple: kittens come in from outside, from local reports, or from partner shelters in areas with fewer resources. They are evaluated, treated if needed, and sent into foster care until they are old enough and healthy enough for spay or neuter surgery and adoption. In practice, however, the operation requires constant coordi-
Kittens | Page 31
Left: Two tiny kittens at Middleburg Humane Foundation. Right: A little kitten gets a treatment.
nation. Ney maintains a network of roughly 30 fosters and works to match each incoming litter to the right home at the right time. Neonatal kittens are among the most vulnerable animals a shelter can receive, facing especially high risks of illness and death without immediate care, and Galati believes that is where the foundation can make one of its most immediate impacts. MHF, he says, is uniquely positioned in both location and resources to help these cats. “Keeping up with demand during kitten season is always a challenge,” says Galati. “We don’t have the capacity to treat every kitten that we receive a call for help on, but we try to accept as many as we can without compromising care.”
That system is especially vital at the height of the season, when requests can arrive at any hour. Some concern newborn litters found alone; others involve outdoor cats that have been reproducing for generations because no one knew whom to call. In many cases, timing is everything. “If we know about them early, we can help,” Ney says. “If kittens get older and more feral, it becomes much harder to trap them, and much harder to break that cycle.” For her, the work is both strategic and immediate: act quickly enough and a litter can be saved; wait too long and the problem multiplies.
Fostering, however, remains one of the program’s most valuable tools. A single household willing to take in one litter for a few weeks can open the door for several more kittens to be rescued, stabilized, and prepared for adoption. To make that possible, the foundation provides food, supplies, medical support, and guidance from experienced foster mentors. “People often think they have to know everything before they start,” Ney says. “But we can teach them. We can support them. What the foundation needs most is for people to say yes.” Galati puts it just as plainly: “Fostering is hard and there are going to be some difficult days, but it is one of the most worthwhile things you can do to help an animal in need.”
The value of that infrastructure is often revealed in the narrowest of margins. Before Galati joined the effort, urgent cases depended on outside
appointments and uncertain timing. Now, kittens that arrive underweight, ill, or in immediate distress can be triaged far faster. Ney recalls one recent kitten, George, who came in so compromised that staff feared he might not survive. With intensive care, he began to recover. Such stories are small miracles made possible not by sentiment alone, but by preparation, expertise, and the refusal to look away.
The need extends beyond Middleburg itself. While Fauquier County is the foundation’s first priority, the program also assists other nearby communities when capacity allows, and has at times taken in kittens from parts of southwest Virginia where shelter resources are more limited. At the same time, adoptions move quickly. Kittens may be available one week and gone the next — a welcome occurrence, but also a reminder of how fast the program must operate to keep pace.
Inside the cat areas at MHF, the goal is not simply to house animals, but to create an environment where adoptable cats can be seen as individuals. Some live comfortably in shared spaces, while others need quieter rooms of their own, and the foundation’s “catio” gives certain cats a chance to move between indoor and outdoor spaces when the weather is warm.
For readers wondering how to help, Ney’s answer is direct: foster if you can, report outdoor cats early, and support TNR efforts before kitten season becomes a crisis. The foundation also offers financial assistance for community cat support when needed, helping remove barriers for residents trying to do the right thing. Those interested in adopting can visit the MHF website to view available pets and apply, while social media offers updates on current cats, kittens, and special adoption promotions.
In the end, kitten season at Middleburg Humane Foundation is sustained by distinctly local collaboration: neighbors who notice, fosters who make room, veterinarians who move quickly, and a team determined to meet urgency with care. Under Ney’s leadership, the program has become more than a rescue effort. It is a form of quiet, disciplined intervention that changes outcomes one litter at a time. ML
Left: Ashley Ney and Dr. Matt Galati in front of the desk with volunteers Terry Bell and Robert Lustgarten. Middle: An adolescent cat taking a snooze. Right: Middleburg Humane Foundation.
Kittens | From page 30
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“awaKen the warrIor” Brings Local Civil War History to Life
Written by Heidi Baumstark | Photo by Shannon Ayres
War changes everything. It’s not just a moment in history, but a permanent fracture in the lives of those who witness it.
For one Middleburg resident, Dr. Kathleen Fraser, her decades of work as an acupuncturist have resulted in a deeper understanding of how war affects people, particularly active-duty and retired members of the military suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. As the owner of Middleburg Acupuncture and Apothecary, she continues to treat patients who have experienced war and guide them on a path for healing.
“Over my 30-plus years of practice as an acupuncturist and herbalist, my work is rooted in partnership with the journeys of my patients,” Fraser says. “Having specialized in the treatment of PTSD, as well as Complex PTSD (CPTSD), I understand how trauma and recovery shape a person’s decisions, health, and their life direction.”
That experience motivated her to write a historical novel series titled “Blood of a Thousand Souls,” which explores the hidden histories of the Virginia Piedmont during the Civil War and the souls whose lives were forever changed. Her writing is technically categorized as “heavily immer-
sive historical fiction,” which means her work is historically accurate, but with fictional characters.
“When I came up with the concept, the story kept coming to me and grew out of research; basically, the books started writing themselves,” she says. “I’ve lived in Middleburg for years, and my work as an acupuncturist and an equestrian informed the grit and resilience I wanted to capture in these characters.”
Her first book is titled “Awaken the Warrior” and is scheduled for publication on May 7, 2027. The date holds particular meaning, as the book’s storyline unfolds on May 7, 1862, a time during the Civil War when the country was beginning to realize the war would go on for longer than expected. Between Jefferson Davis’ inauguration as president of the Confederacy in February and President Abraham Lincoln’s Compensated Emancipation Act in April of 1862, military orders and rivaling government policies unleashed a mass exodus, driving the populace into a dire scramble for survival.
PEEK INTO THE PLOT
In “Awaken the Warrior,” a 16-year-old elite polo player named Jordan Kane from modern-day Middleburg is thrown back in time to 1862 and finds herself in the heat of battle. As she struggles through war-torn Virginia and a desire to return to the “portal” she passed through, her life becomes intertwined with the affluent Southern gentry and a Monacan tribal teenage warrior, who is passing as a white man so he can search for his young Black friend kidnapped by rebel forces. Desperate to find a way back home, Kane embarks on a dangerous path, forcing her to evolve from a polo athlete into a soldier.
This unlikely trio learns to protect themselves and take a stand for what is right in the midst of a landscape of fluctuating loyalties. Fraser adds, “As they navigate their new reality, they become the ‘shadowed warriors,’ the unsung heroes who risked everything for the liberty of others.”
Readers of the story will recognize local landmarks mentioned; a few include Ashby’s Gap
Turnpike, Crenshaw Road, Snickersville Turnpike, and Goose Creek Bridge, which was built circa 1810 and is no longer in use, but once carried troops across its waters.
The Town of Middleburg is also prominently featured, including The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, originally built in 1728, as well as many buildings and structures that still stand today throughout Hunt Country.
Fraser chose Virginia’s Hunt Country as the backdrop for her writing because with its quaint villages, horse-related activities, stone walls, and natural, open beauty, it’s an adventure in itself. “I hope readers will experience the past not as a distant memory, but as a living, breathing presence that we can engage with and find new insights from,” Fraser says. Moving beyond dates and troop movements, she wanted to make the characters’ struggles and triumphs more relatable, meaningful, and deeply human. “This human element, the visceral, unfiltered reality of people facing impossible choices on the very lands we walk today, is the heartbeat of the ‘Blood of a Thousand Souls’ series,” she shares.
CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
Fraser grew up hearing stories about war, as both of her parents have direct military experience. As part of her father’s service, “he was in the Hungarian Revolution receiving refugees,” she says. This was when the U.S. provided humanitarian aid and processed over 30,000 Hungarian refugees through Operation Safe Haven in 1956. She continues, “My mother is from Scotland and was born right before World War II; the first 15 to 16 years of her life were spent in a war situation.”
Fraser’s roots in the Piedmont run deep. Her father’s family has lived in Virginia since the early 1700s. In fact, Edwards Shop Road in Lignum, Virginia, is named after her paternal great-grandfather’s blacksmith shop, which he operated in the 1800s. It was the location of her great-grandparents’ farm. Her family went to church at Lignum Baptist Church, which is still there but now called
Dr. Kathleen Fraser.
Lael Baptist Church. Her parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents are buried there.
Warrior | From page 34 or in the Shenandoah Valley. In making her characters witnesses to history, she’s done a great job of describing events accurately and portraying the figures in a humane and believable way.”
The stories she heard around the family table about the Civil War were vastly different from what she learned in school, sparking a lifelong quest to uncover an inclusive, fact-based narrative. “There would be conversations in my family about how people survived. It was an extremely scary time — scary for the men and women. Most of the men died, and women were in real fear of being attacked and were without their men. War is generational.”
EXPERTS CHIME IN
For an expert opinion, Fraser asked John Hennessy, an author and retired National Park Service historian, to read her manuscript. Before reviewing “Awaken the Warrior,” Hennessy admits that he was hesitant, since sometimes historical fiction “plays fancy with history itself. But I admire Kathleen’s commitment to getting the history right. She has visited most of the sites she writes about and understands these landscapes, be they in Loudoun
Hennessy adds, “Her success is a product of pure diligence — something not at the top of every novelist’s list of priorities. I was impressed.”
Fraser also contracted Eugene Scheel, a professional mapmaker and author based in Waterford, to make a map for her. “I’ve also used several of his books for my research,” she adds.
The National Sporting Library & Museum in Middleburg awarded her the John H. Daniels Fellowship, which is provided to those who are dedicated to in-depth research. “I was at the library so much,” she recalls.
Her editor, Jennifer Rees (copy editor for all five books of the “Hunger Games” series), has the manuscript now, and a 30-day Kickstarter campaign is scheduled for this September, which will include special offers and research insights.
LESSONS LEARNED
“Awaken the Warrior” invites readers to expe-
rience the historical landscape with real events and historical figures. “Learning about these diverse lives intersecting on the very roads we drive today has deeply changed my perspective,” Fraser shares. “It inspires me to show that our human stories are etched into the landscape, and may it inspire us to value and protect it.”
Thousands of people, including troops, enslaved people, deserters, civilians, and families, traveled throughout Virginia while the world watched with anticipation as to whether the United States of America would remain a united democracy.
Fraser concludes, “If you want to find the courage to live with your heart and integrity intact, learn from those who’ve done so. The Civil War reveals incredible stories of strength and courage expressed by people who had to dig deep within themselves and persevere for the sake of something greater in the future.” ML
To learn more about the Kickstarter campaign this September, visit Fraser’s website, kathleenfraserauthor.com.
Wakefield Senior Studies Local Real Estate for Capstone Project
Story by Kaitlin Hill
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, Wakefield students crossed the stage, accepted their diplomas, and looked to a future of college, careers, and — perhaps most immediately — summer break. However, before graduation, each was asked to complete a yearlong Capstone project relating to one of their interests.
For Madelyn Locke of The Plains, her Capstone project was a deep dive into local real estate, beautifully laid out in a glossy, 23-page magazine highlighting the properties, hunts, and history of Middleburg and Upperville.
“First I wrote 18 pages on the history of Middleburg, the history of Upperville, and the properties that I wanted to research. That’s what I did the first six months of the year. And the last three-ish months, I’ve been working on my magazine, doing pictures, all that,” Locke shares.
Her interest in real estate started early and has endured. “The reason why I
chose this topic is [because of] my grandparents. Because they have been into real estate since I was a child, I’ve always taken an interest as well.” She continues, “Last summer, I worked with Laura Farrell as an intern for a little bit. And I got to see all the properties in Middleburg that she was selling.”
Like many in the area, her love of horses influenced her, too. “I ride horses myself, so I like to see the farms and the properties in Middleburg. And my trainer, she’s in the Warrenton Fox Hunt. I went hunting once with them, and I wanted to look into how foxhunts brought people here and built up the real estate market.”
Her Capstone magazine covers a little bit of everything regarding local real estate. Her article “The Kennedys & National Attention” details the first families’ properties in the area and, interestingly, the financial breakdown of their time in Hunt County, including references to conversations with the lessors of Glen Ora.
Locke, who will attend the University of Virginia in the fall, shares, “I’m going to apply to the McIntire School of Commerce after my first year. From there, I want to do the real estate track with a finance concentration.”
She adds, “I’m going to be on the riding team, too.” ML
Madelyn Locke with her Capstone magazine.
SCENES FROM THE 101ST RUNNING OF THE VIRGINIA GOLD CUP
On May 2, 2026, the sun shone over Great Meadow as world-class equestrian action unfolded in front of a buzzing crowd. As the fast-paced races
2,
thundered by, attendees showed off their best style at the annual hat competition and top-level hospitality across the many tailgates. Photographer Tony
Gibson was there to capture the day, and shares his shots below. For even more photos from the event, visit MiddleburgLife.com
May
2026 | Photos by Tony Gibson
Our Favorite Local Home & Décor Gifts
Indigo Forest Pillow, $298, Available at Federal & Black
Hand-painted Large Pitcher, $190, Available at Crème de la Crème
Horses by Fence Brass Hooks, $47.50, Available at Horse Country
Flower Bookends, $74, Available at Loudon Market
Agate Coasters, $20 each, Available at Atelier Maison
Oyster Plate, $60, Available at Bedford Lee
Freedom 250® Patriotic Basket Birchwood Tray, $65, Available at Chloe’s of Middleburg
Tissue Box, $115, & Tray, $150, Available at Town Duck
Wee Magnets, $16 each, Available at Faire Isle Trading Co.
“What We Keep,” $40, Available at Middleburg Books
Decorative Glass Dish, $98, Available at Every Little Something
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
“NATURE’S PALETTE” AT THE BYRNE GALLERY
June 3 - 28 | thebyrnegallery.com
The Byrne Gallery is proud to present “Nature’s Palette,” a new June exhibit celebrating the joys of summer. Work by artists Craig Arnold, Charlie Evans, Jeffrey Kibler, Liz Miiller, and Carolyn Marshall Wright will be on display, with an artists’ reception to be held June 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. and a gallery talk on June 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. All receptions are open to the public, and everyone is cordially invited to attend.
EXPLORE OATLANDS
June 6 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | oatlands.org
Enjoy a free day of activities, performances, and fun at Oatlands Historic House & Gardens. This family-friendly event will feature a wide range of Oatlands’ community partners, including farmers, conservationists, educators, artists, and more, and there will be face painting, a scavenger hunt, and hands-on arts and crafts activities for the kids. StageCoach Theatre Company will put on a cabaret performance at noon, and Brookfield Dairy will cater an ice cream social at 1 p.m. No tickets are required.
SPROUT ON THE GREEN ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
June 8 | 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | sproutcenter.org
Round up friends, neighbors, colleagues, and business partners and tee off for a cause at the 2026 Sprout on the Green charity golf tournament! Enjoy 18 holes of golf along the picturesque Potomac River, an open beverage cart, delicious food, exciting prizes, and a bountiful raffle — all while knowing participation helps provide life-changing equine-assisted services to hundreds of individuals with disabilities. Visit the Sprout Center website to learn more.
CIDER & SELTZER FESTIVAL AT BEAR CHASE BREWING CO.
June 13 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | bearchasebrew.com
Sip your favorite local ciders at Bear Chase’s second annual Cider & Seltzer Festival, one of the most refreshing summer festivals in Loudoun County. Enjoy the scenic mountain views and discover new flavors while sampling a variety of local beverages all in one place. Tickets are $50 at the door or $45 through Eventbrite, with online ticket sales ending at midnight on June 12. Guests must be 21 or older.
RAY LEONE LIVE AT THE MIDDLEBURG LIBRARY
June 13 | 2 to 3:30 p.m. | loudoun.libnet.info
Listen to spring and summer radio hits from the American songbook performed live by Ray Leone at the Middleburg Library. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public.
ANNA WEATHERLEY PORCELAIN POPUP AT CRÈME DE LA CRÈME
June 14 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | visitmiddleburgva.com
Experience the artistry of celebrated porcelain designer Anna Weatherley during a three-day popup at Crème de la Crème. Her luxurious spring collection of finely crafted vases, cachepots, serving pieces, and decorative objects will be featured and available for browsing.
HOPS FOR HOPE AT LOST BARREL BREWING
June 14 | 3 to 7 p.m. | lostbarrel.com
Enjoy an afternoon of cold beer, live music, and community, all in support of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Lost Barrel Calendar | Page 43
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
will make a fixed donation to NCMEC representing 100% of the net proceeds from its charity beer. Steve Boyd & Friends will perform from 4 to 7 p.m., and the brewery will be open until 8. This event is free and open to the public.
BIRDING WALK AT ROUNDABOUT MEADOWS
June 18 | 4:30 to 6 p.m. | pecva.org
Join the Piedmont Environmental Council for a guided birding walk through the Roundabout Meadows pastures and meadows. Possible sightings may include eastern meadowlarks, field sparrows, indigo buntings, and a variety of other grassland and shrubland species. The walk will cover approximately 1 mile, so participants are advised to wear appropriate footwear and clothing. This event is free, but registration is required. Visit Eventbrite to learn more.
ROSÉ BRUNCH IN WINE COUNTRY
June 20 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | canavineyards.com
Explore a tasting menu of four Cana Vineyards Rosé varieties while enjoying tasty brunch bites and great company. The menu, provided by Pam-
pas Fox Catering, features savory buttermilk ham biscuits, spinach and ricotta quiche, and corn empanadas, as well as sweet blueberry and lemon bars, dulce de leche cookies, assorted croissants, and more. Tickets are available for purchase through the Cana website.
“A RIOT OF COLOR” AT THE ARTISTS IN MIDDLEBURG
June 20 - July 19 | theartistsinmiddleburg.org
View the Artists in Middleburg’s latest exhibit, a celebration of bold palettes, expressive hues, and the emotional power of color. Artwork in all mediums will be on display, exploring color as the central element of composition, mood, and meaning. There will be an opening reception on June 20 from 1 to 3 p.m.
LANDSCAPE OIL PAINTING WITH MEGAN LARK CALDWELL
June 23 - 24 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | nationalsporting.org
Unleash your inner artist in a hands-on landscape painting workshop led by artist Megan Lark Caldwell, back by popular demand. This workshop will guide participants through every step
of preparing a canvas, exploring foundational oil painting techniques, and playing with expressive color combinations, and is perfect for beginner and experienced artists alike. All materials are provided, and the workshop fee covers both days. Register through the National Sporting Library & Museum website.
PUPPY YOGA AT OLD FARM WINERY
June 28 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | oldfarmwineryhartland.com
Enjoy a morning of yoga, puppies, and wine at Old Farm Winery in Aldie. The event will kick off at 11 a.m. with a gentle yoga session guided by Catherine Posey from The Fitness Equation, complete with adorable, adoptable puppies from local rescue Homeward Trails wandering right through class. Afterward, browse a dog-themed craft fair with fun finds from local vendors, and treat yourself to a complimentary glass of wine. This event is open to ages 10 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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