Middleburg Life | December 2018

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Volume 35 Issue 9 | December 2018 | middleburglife.com

Presort Std ECRWSS US Postage Permit #75 Fredericksburg, VA

MIDDLEBURG

LI F E Christmas in Middleburg + ‘Tis the Season of Giving & A Look Back at the Past

MIDDLEBURG • 540-687-6321 PURCELLVILLE • 540-338-7770 LEESBURG • 703-777-1170 ASHBURN • 703-436-0077

MiddleburgRealEstateAtokaProperties AtokaProperties MiddleburgRealEstate

Start your search at atokaproperties.com W NE ICE PR

18490 BLUERIDGE MOUNTAIN RD, BLUEMONT 134 ACRES | 4 BR | 4/2 BA Offered at $4,749,995

518 CLIFTON FARM RD, BERRYVILLE 400 ACRES | 5 BR | 4/1 BA Offered at $4,700,000

20022 TRAPPE ROAD, BLUEMONT 94 ACRES | 4 BR | 4.5 BA Offered at $2,600,000

Ryan Clegg (703) 209-9849

Scott Buzzelli (540) 454-1399

Mary Owen Chatfield-Taylor (540) 454-6500

Boulder Crest Estate elegantly renovated historic green stone federal house sits on 134 acres (9 parcels) & boasts breathtaking panoramic views. 2 guest houses, pool, tennis & basketball court, english gardens, barn, greenhouse, 3 car garage, full gym, hiking trails, hunting grounds & cabin. Gated entrance. Appt only.

Megan Clegg (703) 209-9429

39984 BRADDOCK RD, ALDIE 27 ACRES | 6 BR | 5 BA Offered at $1,749,000

Equestrian’s dream property with 6,300 sf custom stone chateau. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and commercial appliances. Main level bedroom, aupair suite/artist studio. 12 stall barn with full second floor. 8 fenced paddocks with waterers and run-in shed.

Scott Buzzelli (540) 454-1399

Peter Pejacsevich (540) 270-3835

14903 NEER LN, PURCELLVILLE 50 ACRES | 2 BR | 1 BA Offered at $1,365,000

Clifton Farm Estate | Boasts 400+ acres of land in a bucolic setting. George Washington visited this estate on many occasions! Includes original ice house & outdoor kitchen. Ideal for horse/cattle farm. Perimeter fully fenced. 20+ acres are wooded. Stunning stone guest house, outbuildings & barns with gorgeous views!

Peter Pejacsevich (540) 270-3835

7728 HAZELAND LN, BOSTON 45 ACRES | 5 BR | 3/1 BA Offered at $1,450,000

Gorgeous property including Blue Ridge Mountain views and and Hazel River frontage! Perfect family home or a weekend escape. Main home with additional 3.79 acre parcel and guest home. Heated pool, screened porches, large brick veranda and ample storage space make this an ideal space for family and entertaining.

Peter Pejacsevich (540) 270-3835

Scott Buzzelli (540) 454-1399

Beautiful equestrian dream property in Piedmont Hunt with 8 stall center aisle barn, outdoor arena, 11 paddocks with run-ins, 4 stall barn, log cabin & guest house. Spacious renovated main house with mountain & pastoral views located between Rt 50 & Rt 7;12 mins to Middleburg, 5 mins to Upperville Showgrounds!

Appt only.

7597 KEITH RD, WARRENTON 47 ACRES | 5 BR 3/1 BA Offered at $1,450,000

Nothing like it on the market! Completely renovated and updated circa 1890 stone and siding country home on 47 private and spectacular acres. Recent updates to: gourmet kitchen, master bedroom suite, metal roofs, septic system, and much more. 2 car garage, tenant house, in-ground pool, 4 stall barn. Truly one of a kind.

Rocky Westfall (540) 219-2633

23590 SALLY MILL ROAD, MIDDLEBURG 4 ACRES | 4 BR | 4/1 BA Offered at $1,295,000

18822 WOODBURN RD, LEESBURG 12 ACRES | 5 BR | 5 BA Offered at $1,070,000

Mary Owen Chatfield-Taylor (540) 454-6500

Scott Buzzelli (540) 454-1399

20141 COLCHESTER RD, PURCELLVILLE 6.7 ACRES | 7 BR | 4/1 BA Offered at $990,000

6827 LORD FAIRFAX HWY, BERRYVILLE 20 ACRES | 4 BR | 2/1 BA Offered at $699,000

5499 CARLETANS LN, THE PLAINS 10.18 ACRES | 3 BR | 2/1 BA Offered at $634,900

Scott Buzzelli (540) 454-1399

Anne McIntosh (703) 509-4499

Rocky Westfall (540) 219-2633

Build your custom home on 50 serene acres in horse country - 9 stalls, machine shed, hay storage, 220’ x 220’ blue stone riding ring, water & run-in shed in all fields, fully fenced, great rideout. Main house site ready with H20, underground electric & super views. Property currently has 2 bedroom house with garage below.

Anne McIntosh (703) 509-4499

Maria Eldredge (540) 454-3829

Antique brick and stone set the stage for this country property on 6.7 beautiful acres with mountain views. The main house features 7 fireplaces, solid cherry floors, large great room with views, separate dining, and a lovely sunroom. The carriage house wing has two bedrooms with a large living and kitchen area.

Peter Pejacsevich (540) 270-3835

RIVER BEND | Lovely custom French Provincial in a quiet, private setting with pretty views and frontage on Little River. Generous sized rooms, open airy floor plan, high ceilings, hardwood floors, three gas fireplaces, covered porch & large deck. Detached Carriage House ideal for office/studio. Charm, character & quality!

PIGEON HILL - Rare find in Clarke County! This 20 acre horse facility in the heart of Blue Ridge Hunt Country comes fully fenced and includes a charming historic house with great room addition made in the 1990’s. Country kitchen, rental income cottage, bank barn and 8 stalls. Fantastic views! Offered at recently appraised value.

Maria Eldredge (540) 454-3829

Sophisticated in its simplicity, private retreat with the timeless feel of an 18th century stone residence. Intimate spaces are found throughout - a cabin with a gracious front porch, private office in the converted crib barn, 2 apartments hidden in the carriage house & a petite sleeping studio overlooking the stone garden.

Beautiful Cape Cod in a fantastic private and scenic location with porches patios & gardens. Many updates including roof, windows, kitchen, baths, wood floors, hot water heater & HVAC. Great open, traditional floor plan with big, well-designed rooms and finished basement.

Please Consider Us For All Your Real Estate Needs! middleburglife.com

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DECEMBER 2018

Peter Pejacsevich (540) 270-3835

Happy Holidays From Our Farm To Your Family!

Join Us for a

Farm & Vine Dinner Featuring Blackwater Beef and Greenhill Winery &Vineyards Wednesday December 5th at 6:30 PM Goodstone Inn & Restaurant 540-687-3333 for Reservations.

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Judges Award & Best New Food Virginia State Fair - 2018

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Goodstone Inn & Restaurant Middleburg, Virginia 540-687-3333

region. Come out to the country and enjoy our award-winning Inn,

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Restaurant and Spa.

DECEMBER 2018

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MIDDLEBURG

LI F E DEC. 2018 middleburglife.com

PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michelle Baker | michelle@middleburglife.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Laura Pizana COPY EDITOR: Chelsea Rose Moore ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Christian Bentley | christian@middleburglife.com ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE Jennifer Richards | jennifer@middleburglife.com Rebekah Pizana| info@middleburglife.com Nickolas Barylski|nickolas@middleburglife.com Heather Sutphin|heather@middleburglife.com Vicky Mashaw|vmashaw@middleburglife.com ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Joanne Maisano CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heidi Baumstark, Erin Bozdan, Callie Broaddus, Kerry Phelps Dale, Kaitlin Hill, Richard Hooper, Aaron Lynch, Chelsea Rose Moore, Beth Rasin, Ashley Bommer Singh, Summer Stanley, Martha Wolfe CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristin Bishop, Callie Broaddus, Tony Gibson, Randy Litzinger, Joanne Maisano, Julie Napear, John Nelson, Yetta Reid, Amber Sky, Doug Stroud MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Abbey Veith

ON THE COVER Christmas in Hunt County at Mullwyck Manor in Upperville, Virginia. Tree designed by the Christmas Sleigh. Ornaments compliments of the White House Historical Association.

Photo by Randy Litzinger.

DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Nicky Marshok ADVERTISE IN MIDDLEBURG LIFE Greenhill Media, LLC P.O. Box 328 | Middleburg VA 20118-0328 540.687.5950 | info@middleburglife.com

ON THIS PAGE The White House Historical Association began offering a unique annual Christmas ornament to the public in 1981. The association generously loaned Middleburg Life two complete sets of the collectible White House ornaments to adorn the tree on this month’s cover. The 2008 White House Christmas ornament honors the administration of President Benjamin Harrison. For more information on the White House Historical Association, visit www. whitehousehistory.org. Photo by Randy Litzinger.

All editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

All unsolicited manuscripts and photos must be accompanied by return postage; the publisher assumes no responsibility. Middleburg Life reserves the right to reject any advertising. Distributed in Aldie, Alexandria, Ashburn, Boyce, Delaplane, Dulles, Front Royal, Gainesville, Haymarket, Leesburg, Manassas, Marshall, Middleburg, Millwood, Paris, Purcellville, The Plains, Rectortown, Reston, Tysons, Upperville, Warrenton, Washington, D.C., and Winchester.

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Fidelio

Mount Gordon Farm

Prime Fauquier County location minutes from Middleburg • Unbelievable finishes throughout • Antique floors and mantels, vaulted ceilings • 6 bedrooms, 5 full, 2 half baths • 6 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen • Improvements include office/studio, stone cottage with office, spa, guest house, pool and lighted tennis court • Landscaped grounds with stream, waterfalls, boxwood and special plantings • 61 acres.

Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

128 acres and immaculate 3 level, 13,000+ sq ft stone & shingle main house • 5 BR • 8 FP • Exceptional finishes on every floor • Caterer's kitchen • Elevator • Spa • Separate guest cottage • Pool • Farm manager residence • 3 additional tenant houses • 12-stall center-aisle stable • Pond • Extraordinary land w/ incomparable views extending beyond the Blue Ridge Mts • Orange County Hunt Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

The Plains, Virginia $9,500,000

Game Creek

Middleburg, Virginia $2,985,000

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 • Beautiful gardens, terraces, salt-water pool, cabana, carriage house & stable with 2 paddocks • Lovely finishes throughout & sweeping lawn to private trails to Goose Creek • 31 acres • Private, elegant & convenient Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Bust Head Road

The Plains, Virginia $1,325,000 82.69 acres • Mostly wooded, mountain views, bold stream in very protected area • Conservation easement • Can not be subdivided • Orange County Hunt location • Halfway between Middleburg and The Plains Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Winchester Road

Marshall, Virginia $749,000 1.69 acres with frontage on Route 17, right off Route 66, currently zoned R-4 • New Marshall code zoning calls for Gateway District, potential office building, etc. • Solid stone house on property • Sold in "As Is" condition • Owner licensed real estate agent in VA Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

The Plains, Virginia $8,900,000

Waverly

The Plains, Virginia $2,950,000

Circa 1755, prime Fauquier County location, between Middleburg and The Plains • Additions in early 1800's & 1943 • Home recently restored • 62 gently rolling acres in Orange County Hunt • 4 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, 6 fireplaces • Improvements include salt-water pool, pool house, large party house/studio, 2 tenant houses, stone walls and pond Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

111 E. Washington St.

Middleburg, Virginia $1,100,000 Stone office building circa 1800 • Completely updated • New roof • Pine floors • Corner lot • 6 offices • Private parking lot in rear • Shows well Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

2 Chinn Lane

Middleburg, Virginia $680,000 Village Hamlet • 3 bedrooms • 2 1/2 baths • Fireplace • Gourmet kitchen with granite counters • Hardwood floors throughout • Lovely terrace and gardens • Garage with workshop • Freshly painted.

Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

info@sheridanmacmahon.com www.sheridanmacmahon.com

Salem Hill

Mayapple Farm

Prime Fauquier location, well protected • 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 Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Original portion of house built in 1790 in Preston City, CT • House was dismantled and rebuilt at current site • Detail of work is museum quality • Log wing moved to site from Western Virginia circa 1830 • 4 BR, 4 full BA, 2 half BA, 9 FP & detached 2-car garage • Historic stone bank barn and log shed moved from Leesburg, VA • Private, minutes from town • Frontage on Goose Creek • 37.65 acres Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Belvedere

Harmony Creek

Gracious home with 5 BRs • Gourmet kitchen • Two story floor-to-ceiling window display of the Blue Ridge Mountains • 3 FPs, coffered ceilings, random width rustic cherry floors • Large home office, gym, rec room, multiple porches and patios • Three finished stories • Carriage house • Garage • 27 acres Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1930

Hill top setting with beautiful distant views • Farm house circa 1920, completely restored and enlarged, • 3BR, 3 BA, 2 fireplaces, wood floors, large country kitchen • 129.15 rolling & useable acres • Improvements include 3-bay equipment shed/work shop, guest house, 4-stall barn complex, riding ring, spring fed pond & stream.

Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Marshall, Virginia $3,690,000

Middleburg, Virginia $1,850,000

Middleburg, Virginia $3,400,000

Hume, Virginia $1,650,000

Thornton Farm

Millwood, Virginia $949,000 23 acres with a 4 bedroom and 3 1/2 bath home • Bright and sunny house with large porch and mountain views • 11 stall stable with wash stall and tack room • 11 paddocks with 8 automatic waterers and large jumping field • 100 x 200 ring with excellent footing • Efficient equestrian property in convenient location between Middleburg and Winchester Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Potts Mill Cottage

Middleburg, Virginia $649,500 2+ acres just east of town • Complete renovation • Everything is brand new • Immaculate & charming home with 3 bedrooms & 3 full baths • Main level master bedroom • Oversized windows with excellent natural light • Quality finishes, wood floors, standing seam metal roof, stonework & large deck overlooking open yard & stone walls & pond • Move in ready • Close to town • owner/agent Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Grasty Place

Middleburg, Virginia $750,000 Charming home in desirable Melmore • Adjacent to the town of Middleburg offering proximity to town & privacy of almost 4 acres • High ceilings, light-filled rooms, new kitchen w/granite counters & stainless appliances • Family room w/fireplace, screened-in porch • 3 BR including bright master suite w/bay window • Home office & finished LL & 2 car garage Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Forest Hill

Bluemont, Virginia $625,000 10 acres & a beautifully maintained retreat with views across the valley • Post & beam home w/ open floor plan • Gorgeous floors, main level master suite, huge stone fireplace, fantastic loft/home office • 2 additional bedrooms on main level • Many option w/ bedroom & full bath in finished space below, w/ walk out • Tons of storage-2 car garage & large workshop Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

110 East Washington Street • P.O. Box 1380 Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687-5588 DECEMBER 2018

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MYSTIQUE JEWELERS: CREATE A LIST & CHECK IT TWICE

By Chelsea Rose Moore

a nice dressy piece and wear it casually with my jeans and my shirt. I get dressed up every once in a while, and it changes the whole look when you’ve got a black dress on.

You must wear your jewelry or redesign it, so it becomes something you wear again, especially if it’s an heirloom piece. Let’s say you have pieces you wear every day. I can help you with layering and change the length of the necklaces, which changes the whole look.

S

anta is checking his list twice! Make sure you are checking yours, too.

If you are planning to put jewels under your tree this year, Mystique Jewelry owner Elizabeth Mandros can help. She answered our questions about what to expect from a shopping experience at Mystique Jewelers and the importance of creating a Wish List.

ML: If a man walks in and wants to buy his wife a piece of jewelry, what are the three questions you ask him or what are the three things he should know about his wife?

Elizabeth: The first thing I do is try and get to know her style and her lifestyle. What does she do? Where does she work? What does she do during the day? Does she go to lunch with friends? Does she go out to dinner? Then, I get an idea of what she wears. I ask if she likes yellow gold or white gold. I ask about her coloring. Does she have blue eyes or brown eyes. Does she like lots of colors?

Gold and diamonds or platinum? Does she like wearing studs or long dangle earrings?

The most important question I’ll ask is: Does she have a Wish List here?

If they purchase something from her Wish List, they know she is going to say, “Wow!” It’s definitely going to be perfect. When you create a digital wish list at Mystique, both stores can see it. We put in ring size, birthday, anniversary, and then all the pieces in the store that they like. When we pull up their name, it pulls up the piece and the description of the

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piece, and it shows if we have it in stock. It can be set up online or through our store, and then emailed to your loved ones.

While you are picking out pieces for your Wish List, we’ll give your jewelry a complimentary clean, and we’ll check to make sure it’s secure. We are a full house goldsmith shop, so we do everything from repairs to custom design to replacing watch batteries.

ML: What are your upcoming December events?

Elizabeth: One of my favorite designers is Jude Frances because the pieces are so versatile. We have a Jude Frances Trunk Show on Dec. 7 in Middleburg and Dec. 8 in Alexandria. The shows are really great because you can try so many pieces on, and add things to your Wish List. Every guest will receive a bag of gifts, including a little dish made by Jude Frances, a travel pouch, and a coffee cup that says, “When I was a little girl I used to collect rocks. Now that I’m a big girl, I still collect rocks.”

RSVP to mystique@mystiquejewelers. com and let them know which show you’ll be attending. All registered guests will receive a goodie bag, and will receive 10% off the day of the show. ML

ML: What is the most popular color gem this season?

Elizabeth: I love blue because I’m blue jean girl. The stone I love is moonstone. I just feel like you can wear it more often. I wear

Mystique Jewelers is located at 112 W Washington St., Middleburg and 123 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria. The Middleburg store hours are Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday 12-4 p.m.

DECEMBER 2018

NSLM ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

T

he National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) in Middleburg has appointed Elizabeth von Hassell as executive director. She will join NSLM this month.

“We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth as NSLM’s Executive Director,” said Manuel H. Johnson, chairman of the NSLM Board of Directors. “She brings a wide range of

experience to our organization. We are excited to begin working with her to grow NSLM.” The National Sporting Library & Museum is in the heart of beautiful hunt country.

Founded in 1954, the renowned research library, and fine art museum highlights the rich heritage and tradition of country pursuits. It offers a wide variety of educa-

tional programs, exhibitions, and family activities throughout the year, and is open NSLM | Page 7

H O L I D AY P O P - U P S AT T H E F E E D S T O R E

DEC

S H O P P I N G, E L E VAT E D.

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Wreath Making Workshop make your own holiday decor with Nature Composed

DEC

16

Entertainment Unfussed demo and tasting with Chef Ryan Ross

DEC

23

Mr. & Mrs. Claus Wrap Up last minute shopping done right

F o l l o w u s o n s o c i a l m e d i a f o r i n f o , re g i s t r a t i o n and updates on our upcoming holiday events!

A R I AT • B A R B O U R • B E R E T TA • C H A R L E S O W E N D U B A R R Y • E N G L I S H R I D I N G S U P P LY EQUILINE • HORZE • HORSEWARE LA MARTINA • LILO COLLECTIONS N AT K O • N U N N F I N E R • R J C L A S S I C S

7 4 0 8 J O H N M A R S H A L L H W Y › M A R S H A L L , VA 540-364-1891 › TRICOUNTYFEEDS.COM

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Custom Designs | Designer Jewelry | Engagement Rings | Jewelry Repair | We Buy All Fin

Make the

this holiday season

M Y S T I QU E J E W E L E R S 112 West Washington Street Middleburg, Virginia 540.687.3100 www.MystiqueJewelers.com Tues - Sat 10:30am until 5:30pm Sunday: 12-4pm

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DECEMBER 2018

NSLM | From page 5

to researchers and the general public.

Visitors can explore many subjects including angling, horsemanship, shooting, steeplechasing, foxhunting, flat racing, polo, coaching, and wildlife in the organization’s general stacks, rare book holdings, archives, and art collection.

Von Hassell previously served as the director of development at James Madison’s Montpelier. In that capacity, she worked closely with Montpelier’s leadership on conservation and preservation projects.

“The Montpelier Foundation, stewards of the home and legacy of James Madison, with great regret announced the departure of Elizabeth von Hassell who has

been recruited to take over leadership of the National Sporting Library & Museum,” said Kat Imhoff, president and CEO of James Madison’s Montpelier. “During her tenure, Montpelier has raised over $45 million but as important has seen an increase in membership and engagement due to her drive and dedication. Elizabeth will always be considered a member of the Montpelier family but her energy, enthusiasm and plain out-right fun spirit will be missed on a daily basis by all. We look forward however to partnering with the NSLM to promote conservation and other opportunities to support their and our work in the Piedmont.”

Before joining Montpelier in 2014, von

Hassell worked at Shenandoah University and spent 25 years living and working between New York City and Clarke County, Virginia as a vice president of marketing in the pharmaceutical industry. Born in Winchester, Virginia, she is a graduate of Hollins University. An avid outdoor person, she enjoys riding, hiking, canoeing, fishing, shooting, and tennis.

Von Hassell is currently on the board of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, and has served on the boards of the Preservation Alliance of Virginia, Millwood Country Club, Long Branch Historic Plantation, Old Chatham Hunt Club, and the Lost Brigade Wounded Warrior Foundation. ML

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DECEMBER 2018

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MEET MIDDLEBURG

Punkin Lee, Leather Goods Designer Story and photo by Kerry Phelps Dale

S

he’s as Middleburg as they come.

Punkin Lee has lived all but a few years of her life in the Middleburg community. After graduating Hill School, she lived away from her hometown only to attend high school at St. Catherine’s in Richmond followed by two years at Centenary University in New Jersey, then graduating college at Florida State University.

As a child she always had horses of her own. “I had two ponies to take care of before I went to school. I would ride one before school and when I’d come home I’d ride the other one.”

“We would ride all weekend, riding wherever,” says Punkin about the way she and her friends spent their spare time. “We would ride over to somebody’s house, pick up somebody else, ride into town. You didn’t come down the road, you would just cut through farms.”

“When I was home from high school and college, I’d ride a horse during my lunch break and jump in with the hunt and then drop out and go back to work,” recalls Punkin who also fox hunted and showed horses.

Clearly, the town has changed over the years, “It’s gotten bigger and busier.” But the reason Punkin has made Middleburg her lifelong home is the one thing that’s remained the same.

“Community. It’s a great place to live if you get involved in things.”

Punkin’s involvement in Middleburg has centered around keeping it healthy for businesses and residents while preserving the history and heritage that make Middleburg so unique. Volunteering as the Middleburg Business and Professional Association president, serving on town landscape and Historic District Review committees, and whatever else comes up in the community, keeps her busy when she’s not at Journeymen Saddlers on Madison Street.

While most people have jumped around from one job to another throughout their careers, Punkin leaves the jumping to her customers. She has owned and operated her shop that specializes in custom riding chaps and belts with finished needlepoint, and

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repairs to saddles, boots, tack and strap goods for 41 years.

Her staying power is matched closely by the majority of her colleagues, most of whom have been with Journeymen Saddlers since the beginning years.

In her shop, there are leather goods everywhere— bridles and halters lie in heaps on the floor, rolled hides stand at the ready in different departments, saddles rest on stands, chaps hang on hooks, boots set on the floor, dog collars are displayed on a board. The intoxicating smell of leather hangs in the air and its soft feel is always within reach.

Leather is organic, artistic, practical and magical in its possibilities.

“You take half a hide and you create. You cut it, you strip it,” says Punkin. “And then it’s something,” At Journeymen, that something is beautiful, functional and of the highest quality. The store’s reputation draws people from afar and keeps customers coming back year after year.

The professionals, the really good horsemen and women, make up the bulk of Punkin’s business, but the weekend horse riders appreciate the craftsmanship of her workshop, too.

A customer came in the shop and wanted to order custom chaps for her very tall boyfriend who was to stop by later to be measured last month. She handled a chain of leather samples of every color and finish imaginable, her fingers ran over the smoothness of the squares. “These are so cool,” she said as she flipped through the selection over and over again.

Leather repair and custom repair work require a pair of human hands. Little of the work can be accomplished by a machine alone, though the treadle sewing machine in the corner is an indispensable tool. Like many

DECEMBER 2018

trades, there aren’t many young people interested in learning leather work.

“We’d like to continue as long as we’re healthy,” says Punkin of herself and her employees. “What else are you going to do? I’m not a sitter.”

Not a sitter at all, Punkin runs regularly.

“We run on Landmark (School Road) a lot, eight miles to the Y and back, 17 hills,” she added. “But, who’s counting, right?”

She and her group of women friends have been running together for more than 20 years and have completed an Ultra Marathon, a marathon, several half marathons and countless shorter races. She said they always run as a group and have picked out a marathon to run next fall in Nags Head, North Carolina. “If we’re going to do one, go flat. If you train on the hills here, you ought to be able to crank that out on the flat.”

Committed, consistent and hard-working, Punkin is a stayer. A get up and go person who is happy to stay put in Middleburg, a life choice our community is all the better for. ML

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Every one of our projects results from intentional, mindful collaboration and sensibilities derived from a true love of the craft. Our architecture and interiors are responsive to our clients’ expectations, and no two clients are alike. We approach each project without preconceptions. At Purple Cherry Architects, we truly love the journey of bringing together our clients with stunning pieces of property where they can build the home of their dreams. With established offices in Annapolis, MD and Charlottesville, VA, we are excited to announce Middleburg will soon be our third home! purplecherry.com

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A LASTING GIFT

By Callie Broaddus Photos courtesy of Rainforest Trust

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or gift-givers in search of a unique and permanent legacy gift, Warrenton-based conservation nonprofit Rainforest Trust has cued up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

On and leading up to Dec. 8, Rainforest Trust is holding the world’s largest ever public species naming auction. The honor of naming newly discovered species is the treasured perk of a scientific career, but this holiday season, scientists are donating the rights to name 12 species in order to help save them.

All species featured in the auction

were discovered on tropical sites protected by Rainforest Trust and their local partners in Colombia, Ecuador and Panama. The eye-catching newcomers to our known world include a tiny grey forest mouse, a cartoonish salamander, a dazzling yellow frog with bright blue eyes and a range of intricate orchids, among others.

The charity auction, hosted by Freeman’s Auction House, is open for bidding online and by phone leading up to the live auction on Dec. 8, which will take place at 8 p.m. at a private event in Washington, D.C. The funds raised from each species name auctioned will go Gift | Page 11

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Gift | From page 10 directly to the reserve each species calls home. According to the Rainforest Trust, “a bid for one of these species’ names is a chance to both save them from extinction and honor someone or something you care about.”

The Rainforest Trust is a 501(c)(3) organization with a 30-year history of purchasing and protecting the most biodiverse and critical habitats on the planet. To date, the group

FUN FACT: In 2005, an online casino bought the naming rights to a new species of Bolivian monkey for $650,000. While any new scientific name has to align to standards set out by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, the common name has fewer constraints. In consequence, there is now a monkey whose common name is officially the GoldenPalace. com Monkey.

has protected nearly 20 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species.

For more information on the Species Legacy Auction, visit: www.rainforesttrust. org/species-auction. To view the catalog, visit: auctions.freemansauction.com/auctioncatalog/1618B. ML

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Callie Broaddus is a member of the Rainforest Trust Council.

Page 10: 1. Ecuadorian frog. 2. Colombian orchid. 3. Panamanian caecilian (legless amphibian). 4. Colombian frog. 5. Colombian orchid. 6. Colombian frog. 7. Colombian frog. 8. Ecuadorian ant. Page 11: 1. Ecuadorian Forest Mouse. 2. Ecuadorian orchid. 3. Colombian orchid.

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Avoid the airline hassle factor and follow the sun to Wellington and beyond this winter.

Blue Ridge Jet Management is a locally owned and operated multi-faceted private aviation services company offering the following: Private Jet and Turboprop Charter Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions Aircraft Management Business Aviation Consulting Learn more at www.blueridgejet.com Call Greg at 571-719-6143

Blue Ridge Jet Management does not own or operate aircraft for hire. We support your mission using approved vendors in a filtered network of proven FAA Certificated Part 135 Air Taxi operators audited by 3rd party industry focused safety auditing firms ensuring best practices are followed and high quality flight crews are selected.

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ChabadGainesville.com/chanuka, email info@ChabadGainesville.com or call 571-445-0342.

The Fauquier Jewish Congregation will hold

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he Fauquier Jewish Congregation and the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Gainesville invite the community to celebrate Chanukah with them this month.

The Jewish tradition and religion is growing in this region. In the last several years, both of these congregations have grown from a handful of people to dozens of families gathering together from surrounding counties including residents from neighboring communities such as Haymarket, Gainesville, Bristow, Culpeper, and Sperryville.

Upcoming area events this holiday season include:

Celebration from 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 7 until 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 at St. James Episcopal Church, 73 Culpeper St. Warrenton, Virginia. Visit www.fauquierjewishcongregation.org for more information.

The Shabbat Dinner and service with the Fauquier Jewish Congregation will be held on Friday, Dec. 7 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 73 Culpeper St. Warrenton, Virginia. For more information on this event, contact them by calling 540-341-1844.

The Fauquier Jewish Congregation Chanukah Party will be held on Sunday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m until 2 p.m. at Highland School, 597 Broadview Ave. Warrenton, Virginia. For more information, call 540-3411844, email fauquierjc@gmail.com or go to www.fauquierjewishcongregation.org. ML

Fine Austrian Apparel and Footwear DECEMBER 2018

The Christmas Sleigh MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA www.thechristmassleigh.com •

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FILLED WITH

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By Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Callie Broaddus Middleburg Life elves found the perfect stocking stuffers around town for wine lovers, equestrian enthusiasts, and everyone else including your pet. Check out this Stocking Stuffer Hit List (all under $50) to find the perfect gift for your loved ones this holiday season!

The Christmas Sleigh: • Equestrian Inspired Door Knocker, $46.00 • Earth Friendly Cloth Garland, $36.00

Lulu: • Pixie Mood Wallet, $30.00 • Bath Therapy Bath Bombs, $10.00 each • Finchberry Soapery Gift Box, $35.00 • Lapcos Masks, $3.00 each • Self-care Kit: Roller ($9.00), Tin ($6.00) and Enamel Emery Board ($4.00)

Moda Lookbook: • Alex and Ani Owl Bracelet, $28.00 • Brittany Fuson Recipe Cards, $10.00 per pack The Fun Shop:

Crème de la Crème:

• Wine Goodies: Towel ($7.00), Ornament ($12.99), Reindeer Wine Stopper ($11.50) and Wine Glass Charms ($12.50)

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• Oldregime® Historical Depiction Screen Cleaners, $10.00 each • Ceramic Cicada made in Paris Virginia, $49.00 • The French Art of Not Giving a Sh*t

by Fabrice Midal, $16.00 • Mini Literary Classics, $13.95 for a set of three or $5.59 each • Disappearing EARing Van Gogh Mug, $16.00 • Dried Lavender Bunch, $19.00 each

Wylie Wag: • Doggie Attire, Bowtie ($4.99), Socks and Legwarmers ($7.99 each)

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Come one, Come all F oxcroft School invites adults and children of all ages to come celebrate the holiday season on Sunday, Dec. 2, with a spectacular free Christmas Pageant.

The performance, which is free, will begin at 2 p.m. in the Engelhard Gymnasium, located in the Foxcroft Athletic/Student Center. Following the performance, there is word that Santa Claus himself may drop by for a visit.

Foxcroft founder Charlotte Haxall Noland began the tradition soon after she established the school in 1914. Each year, Foxcroft’s new students and chorale present the nativity story as a gift to the community using Miss Charlotte’s script — which includes several School | Page 17

THE HILL SCHOOL THE THE HILL HILL SCHOOL SCHOOL THE HILL SCHOOL THE HILL SCHOOL THE THE HILL HILL SCHOOL SCHOOL

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School | From page 16 characters you won’t find in the Bible, along with some animals that you will.

Karin Thorndike, chair of the Fine Arts Department at Foxcroft, directs the performance, assisted by Chorale Director Amy Asbury and accompanist Eric Dombrowski.

Non-stop music and beautiful costumes that have been part of the show for decades are featured, along with some surprises.

The pageant is the culmination of an annual weekend devoted to community outreach and holiday activities by Foxcroft students and faculty. Each year, they decorate the campus, sing carols, share stories of giving, and prepare cards and presents for servicemen on the Friday before the pageant. Then, the next day, students and faculty assist with various “Christmas in Middleburg” activities, including Breakfast with Santa and face painting at Santa’s Workshop. Members of the freshman class ride the Foxcroft float in the “Christmas in Middleburg” parade. The highlight of the weekend for the Foxcroft community and many area residents is the pageant. For more information, call 540.687.4511. ML

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2018

FROM GUTTERMAN SERVICES!

DECEMBER 2018

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Extraordinary Listings

ELWAY HALL $10,500,000 | 300 acres 8394 Elway Lane, Warrenton, VA Mark C. Lowham +1 703 966 6949 Gloria Rose Ott +1 540 454 4394

BALMORAL $4,950,000 | 12.38 acres 13768 Balmoral Greens Avenue, Clifton, VA Jeff Wilson +1 301 442 8533 Cory Molina +1 703 447 5699

HISTORIC ASHLAND $5,500,000 8714 Holtzclaw Road, Warrenton, VA Michael Rankin +1 202 271 3344 Gloria Rose Ott +1 540 454 4394

MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE HEIGHTS $4,450,000 2845 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC Jonathan Taylor +1 202 276 3344

FAUQUIER COUNTY $1,195,000 | 15.43 acres 6483 Cheshire Lane, Marshall, VA Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680

WALNUT SPRINGS $1,499,000 | 54 acres 8467 Springs Road, Warrenton, VA Will Thomas +1 202 607 0364

LOUDOUN WINE COUNTRY $990,000 38699 Old Wheatland Road, Waterford, VA Cindy Polk +1 703 966 9480 Brandy Greenwell +1 540 971 7791

DOWNTOWN MIDDLEBURG $449,000 800 Blue Ridge Avenue, Middleburg, VA Cindy Polk +1 703 966 9480 Brandy Greenwell +1 540 971 7791

PIEDMONT HUNT $1,295,000 9376 Briar Lane, Delaplane, VA Cindy Polk +1 703 966 9480 Brandy Greenwell +1 540 971 7791

RIDGECREST $875,000 5750 Georgetown Road, Broad Run, VA Barrington Hall +1 540 454 6601

ROKEBY $299,000 Rokeby Road, Upperville, VA Barrington Hall +1 540 454 6601

ORLEAN HOUSE $2,195,000 | 18.12 acres 6781 John Barton Payne Road, Marshall, VA Jeff Wilson +1 301 442 8533

©2018 TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed real estate broker. Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission.

Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal housing opportunity. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Price and availability subject to change.

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2018 Sales Highlights

MIDDLEBURG $1,150,000 | Represented Buyer 305 East Washington Street, Middleburg, VA Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680

ATOKA CHASE $1,100,000 | Represented Buyer 34679 Atoka Chase Lane, Middleburg, VA Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680

LANDMARK $2,387,500 | Represented Buyer 2721 Landmark School Road, The Plains, VA Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680

THISTLE HILL $1,350,000 | Sold 5503 Washwright Road, Hume, VA Gloria Rose Ott +1 540 454 4394

HAMILTON $1,075,000 | Represented Buyer 39556 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton, VA Gloria Rose Ott +1 540 454 4394

CREST RIVER FARMS $1,707,500 | Sold 171 Crest River Drive, Middletown, VA Ron Mangas, Jr. +1 703 298 2564

THE PLAINS $750,000 | Sold 4571 Hopewell Road, The Plains, VA Jen Kitner +1 540 660 1804

OAKTON WOODS $962,000 | Sold 2896 Oak Shadow Drive, Herndon, VA Francie Baroody +1 703 622 8550

MEADOW GROVE FARM $1,225,000 | Sold 19634 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA Gloria Rose Ott +1 540 454 4394

MARSHALL $3,200,000 | Sold 2380 Atoka Road, Marshall, VA Cindy Polk +1 703 966 9480 Brandy Greenwell +1 540 971 7791

HIGHLAND $980,000 | Sold 9486 Briar Lane, Delaplane, VA Jeff Wilson +1 301 442 8533 Kyle Meeks +1 202 906 8989

PHILOMONT GENERAL STORE $775,000 | Sold 36550 Jeb Stuart Road, Purcellville, VA Gloria Rose Ott +1 540 454 4394 Francie Baroody +1 703 622 8550

BROKERAGES: McLEAN, VA | ALEXANDRIA, VA | ARLINGTON, VA | GEORGETOWN | DOWNTOWN, DC | CHEVY CHASE, MD | ANNAPOLIS, MD

DECEMBER 2018

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ALL ABOUT THOSE BEANS Story by Chelsea Rose Moore

A

mericans run on coffee. We drink it every morning, we sip it in the afternoon, we wait in long lines to buy to a $5 latte and even put coffee beans in our Christmas stockings.

In recent years there’s been a shift, from coffee at big box stores to artisan coffee at small shops. People are becoming more educated about where their coffee comes from and how it is made.

Here are four Northern Virginia coffee roasters committed to educating customers and paving the way for the future of ethically-roasted coffee. Check out their sites to find last minute Christmas stocking stuffers or to find a new blend to share this holiday.

Happy Creek Coffee & Tea Front Royal, Virginia When Carson Boita trains new employees at Happy Creek, he talks to them about tomatoes. He tells a story of two farmers: the commercial farmer and the heirloom tomato farmer. During peak season, the commercial farmer spends a day taking every tomato off the vine. Harvesting in a single day means, along with the ripe tomatoes, he is collecting both under and over ripe tomatoes in an effort to take every tomato off the plant. When he tries to make salsa, he finds he needs to add heat and extra spices to cover the flavor, and ultimately ends up with something resembling a marinara sauce, heavily masked with seasoning.

On the other hand, the heirloom tomato farmer heads into his field every day. He picks what is ripe, and leaves the rest to ripen on the vine. Unlike the commercial farmer, his salsa is fresh and bursting with flavor, needing little seasoning.

The story of the two tomato farmers showcases the difference between commercial coffee and handpicked beans. With artisan coffee, the quality of the bean speaks for itself.

Quality beans offer beautiful flavor profiles, thus removing the need for flavored syrups.

“You taste the differences [in the coffee], like you do in a wine tasting,” he said.

“Our education is based around what makes

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our coffee different, and my main goal is to get people to taste good coffee. Happy Creek Coffee & Tea is a participant in the Third Wave Coffee mantra: coffee should be sourced responsibly, roasted excellently, and brewed freshly.”

Boita and his wife, Brenda, opened Happy Creek in September 2013. It was birthed

DECEMBER 2018

out of necessity, he said because there was no place to get good coffee. He spent a few years roasting his own beans and experimenting with various brewing methods, and then he opened his first location in Front Royal.

Now, with additional locations in The Plains Beans | Page 21

Beans | From page 20 and Purcellville, and Happy Creek Eatery, a gluten-free restaurant in Front Royal, his vision has paved the way for artisan coffee in Northern Virginia.

“We wanted to make coffee approachable,” he said, “Sometimes there’s quite a bit of pretentiousness around coffee. Our goal was to craft and create really good coffee where anybody could come in and possibly learn a little bit about it. We want people to feel welcome.”

Happy Creek roasts their coffee in their Front Royal location. Deeply committed to producing a high-quality product, they pay special attention to details missed by many commercial coffee companies. Rather than automate, they prefer to do things by hand in an effort to monitor quality.

While Northern Virginia’s coffee scene has exploded in the past five years, Happy Creek has served as a pioneer in Virginia’s artisan coffee movement – and is still paving the way for the East Coast’s coffee culture.

To learn more about Happy Creek, visit their website happycreekcoffee.com.

shop, but wanted to focus on a high quality roasting experience using ethically-sourced, high quality, single origin beans. Today, she sells her coffee at the Leesburg Farmer’s Market, delivers to customers in Lovettsville, and ships her beans worldwide.

With a variety of blends and a cold brew, her goal is to give her customers what they want, while educating them about coffee. Her coffee is served at popular Loudoun establishments like AhSo Restaurant, Cocina on Market, and Market Table Bistro.

“Instead of buying from the grocery store, they are buying from a woman-owned business, a family-owned business, and a locally-owned business,” she said.

Capritta’s husband’s grandmother used to roast coffee in an oven above her bakery in New York City, as the modern convenience of packaged coffee had not yet been introduced.

When Folgers and Maxwell House were born, they marketed themselves as a way to save time and eliminate the need for home roasting. For decades, convenience became king, and the art of roasting and brewing was slowly forgotten.

But there has been a recent movement towards slow living, a hearkening back to the lifestyle of our great-grandparents. Today, people are supporting small shops and sourcing quality products, making food from scratch, and spending more time on artisan experiences.

“Starbucks opened up the door, and broke the mold of Maxwell House and Folgers,” she said. It was really Starbucks that paved the way for smaller roasters, she noted.

Learn more about Catoctin Coffee Company by visiting catoctincoffee.com.

Cordial Coffee Co. Berryville, Virginia

Catoctin Coffee Company Lovettsville, Virginia Before roasting coffee, Kellie Capritta worked in the travel industry. She drank great coffee all over the world, but couldn’t find good coffee at home in Loudoun County. At the time, there were no local roasters, and she was desperate to find something nearby.

She decided to do what any reasonable person would: she started a roasting her own coffee. Beginning in her Lovettsville garage, she started Catoctin Coffee Company in 2011.

She knew she did not want to run a coffee

Brandon Belland’s introduction to coffee started as a teenager. He moved to Virginia Beach and started working as a barista at his local Starbucks. That job would ultimately be his first step in a long journey, leading to roasting his own coffee and owning his own shop, Cordial Coffee Co. “At the time, there were no other coffee shops like Starbucks,” he said, “They didn’t sell other brands of coffee. They sourced and roasted their own coffee. They were taking a wholesale product and taking it straight to resale.”

But it was the people that drew him in. The shop drew customers from every crowd – athletes, musicians, artists, moms – and created an energy that could only be found in the shop, serving as a hub for

community. “Coffee shops are a community magnet,” he said.

He traveled around the country working at various cafes, eventually settling in Front Royal as Happy Creek’s inaugural coffee roaster. In 2016, he and his wife opened Cordial Coffee in Berryville, which has become a center for community in Clarke County. Cordial’s emphasis on ethically produced coffee has opened the door for educational conversations with customers.

“It’s really about making sure our vision is understood by everyone on our team. We educate our employees first, so they can later educate customers,” he said, “We have information on every bag of coffee [explaining] where it comes from, how sustainable the work practices are, and how that determines what flavors each coffee will yield. We insist on making sure that information is passed along.”

The Bellands opened locations in Marshall and Strasburg earlier this year, and are currently building out a fourth location in Aldie.

Learn more about Cordial Coffee Co. by visiting cordialcoffee.com.

Lone Oak Coffee Company Winchester, Virginia Sam Kayser drank coffee all of his life, but it was mostly bad coffee. There was a moment, however, where he had his first cup of specialty coffee, a taste of what would be considered the finest 10 % of coffee in the world.

A single cup of coffee changed the way he saw coffee and changed his life.

He became obsessed with coffee, and purchased a small stovetop roaster to practice roasting his own beans. He bought a French press and started using it. Promising himself that one day he would open his own coffee shop, he took a job as an apprenticeship with a master roaster and focused on learning and perfecting the craft.

A couple years later, he and some friends

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Beans | From page 21 opened Winchester’s Hopscotch Coffee & Records, part café, part record store. Then, at the ripe old age of 24, he started Lone Oak Coffee Company, where he roasts today. Not a coffee shop, Lone Oak supplies artisanal coffee to shops around the area.

The feedback is in his results: in 2016, 2017, and 2018, his coffee won bronze medals at the world’s largest roasting competition, the Golden Bean North American Roasting Competition.

Kayser’s goal is to share his passion for coffee with the world. He wants to create a moment for others, like he had with first cup of good coffee. He wants to hear people tell him they’ve never tasted coffee like his. And he wants them to say they can’t use their Keurig anymore. He wants to change people’s minds about the beverage they drink every day.

“Coffee has the taboo reputation of being a cheap beverage served at diners, that your parents and grandparents drank,” he said, “It was a cheap, G.I. Joe beverage that tastes like mud. It just keeps you awake. People think it’s

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not supposed to taste good – but it actually can. It’s getting people to think of coffee as a craft beverage, like beer or wine.”

His coffee offers intentionality, with the goal of educating customers on coffee’s entire process, from origin to consumer. He’s watching coffee farmers leave the coffee industry, after generations of coffee farming, to pursue corn and soybean crops. It’s an easier alternative and makes more money, but this begs the question: what will happen to the future of coffee?

DECEMBER 2018

To save coffee farms, it is necessary for people to value coffee more, he said. This puts money back into the hands of farmers, whose main goal is to provide food and shelter for their families.

“I hope more and more people get into craft coffee and support their local coffee shops,” he said. “Coffee should be considered a more craft-focused beverage as opposed to a commodity. Support your mom and pop roasters. Vote with your dollar.”

Lone Oak Coffee Company is located at 22 West Bond Street, Winchester. Learn more about their mission and tours, tastings, and classes at loneoakcoffee.com. ML Page 20: Happy Creek roaster Jeromé Ray roasting coffee. Photo by Anna Nantz, courtesy of Happy Creek. Page 21, left: Sam Kayser of Lone Oak Coffee roasting coffee. Photo by Hilary Hyland Photography. Page 21, right: Brandon Belland of Cordial Coffee practicing his cupping. Photo by Hilary Hyland Photography. Page 22: Kellie Capritta of Catoctin Coffee Company roasting coffee. Photo courtesy of Kellie Capritta.

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Orange County Hounds

Team Chase

By Helen Brettell | Photos by Joanne Maisano

Orange County Hounds held their annual Team Chase at Old Whitewood Farm in The Plains on Sunday, Oct. 28.

Despite rain the day before, the ground dried up enough for superb going on Mark and Karin Ohrstrom’s beautiful farm. Although a cold wind greeted the early comers, by afternoon the sun came out to warm the many hardy onlookers for the championship.

Hilltopper pairs kicked off the proceedings with Jane Quilter and Annabel Bybee winning the best turned out. Mo Baptiste and Boyden Rohner pleased the judges with their smooth round to clinch the best Hilltopper pair round the course.

In the afternoon, the First Flight teams tackled the 19 natural hunt jumps after George Kuk, Devon Zebrovious and Maureen Britell, representing Piedmont Foxhounds, won the best turned out prize. The prize for best Hunt Team

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DECEMBER 2018

went to Nina Fout, Helen Hickson and Caroline Fout from Middleburg-Orange County ( MOC) Beagles.

Throughout the event, the four judges had selected those horses which would come forward for the final test to decide the First Flight Junior Champion and the First Flight Hunter Champion. The Junior division was a tightly contested affair with Morgan Botto on Distant Strike from the MOC Beagles winning with Flora Hannum on Snickers as reserve.

Kristin Dillon-Johnson from Piedmont Fox Hounds (PFH) and Nina Fout from Orange County Hounds (OCH) have both won the coveted perpetual challenge trophy, donated in memory of Alfred Hunt, on at least two occasions and this time Kristin on Smooth Jazz came out on top to become the 2018 First Flight Champion. ML

Photos: 1. Junior Champion Morgan Botto on Distant Strike. 2. One of the First Flight Optimum time winner Mollie Chaston. 3. Best Hunt Team Bunny Ho includes Nina Fout Helen Hickson and Caroline Fout.

TEAM CHASE (continued from page 24)

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Photos: 4. First Flight Best Turned out 2 of 3 winners Maureen Britell and Devon Zebrovious. 5. Hilltopper Best Turned out Jane Quilter and Annabel Bybee.

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1

THE SEASON BEGINS:

Formal Fox Hunting Around Our Town Photos by Joanne Maisano

The start of formal fox hunting began the first week of November. Weather conditions varied between windy and cold to a steady rain but that didn’t stop the die hard fox hunters. Just as important as having the right horse is having the right look for the formal hunts. Middleburg Life photographer Joanne Maisano donned her boots to be there so we could share these with you. Here are a few shots from local fox hunt meets around the area. Huntsmen in their scarlet coats are always a handsome sight to see.

The Joint Masters and members braved the elements in style in their formal attire. ML

2

Photos: 1. Piedmont Fox Hounds Opening meet at Oakley farm Whip Johnny Dean, huntsman, Jordan Hicks and whip Michelle St. Onge. 2. Middleburg Hunt huntsman Richard Roberts moving off from Mortgage Hall. 3. Huntsman Reg Spreadborough of Orange County Hounds at Opening meet. 4. Huntsman of Blue Ridge Hunt Graham Buston.

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DECEMBER 2018

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HANGING HISTORY:

THE OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS Story by Kaitlin Hill Photos by Randy Litzinger

T

he tradition of decorating Christmas trees can often turn into a walk down memory lane, with each ornament acting as a ghost of Christmases past. Since ornaments are often given as gifts, the markers of special occasions or, sometimes embarrassing, reminders of now-grown children’s elementary artistic pursuits, they hold their own unique histories and serve as jolly juggernauts of nostalgia. Add string lights, weaving ribbon or twinkling tinsel, and the finished fir can tell the intimate story of a family, a new couple or a set of lifelong friends.

As Americans, our shared history is boldly and beautifully told across the country, and right here in Middleburg, on towering trees and magnificent mantels that are bedecked in Official White House Christmas Ornaments.

For local Nancy Novak McMahon, the ornaments are both patriotic and personal. She

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orders multiples each year and has the entire collection—all 37—which she displays every Christmas. She received her first as a gift from a co-worker after moving to Virginia from Chicago.

“I had a new co-worker who, the first Christmas that we worked together, as a kind of welcome to the Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C. area, gave me the White House Christmas Ornament, which I had never even known existed.” She continues, “I just thought it was the neatest thing and every year for eight or ten years, she always gave me an ornament as my Christmas present.” To Nancy, the ornament is special because of its ties to the Washington region and friends she made while living here.

Even since moving to Middleburg, McMahon carries on ritual by buying one for herself, and giving them as gifts, too. She even sends two as far as Holland, one to a close friend and the other to her friend’s in-laws, who recently downsized.

DECEMBER 2018

“They let me know, the ornaments made the cut…the [current] ornament is still up every year and has a place of honor in their new apartment.” They watch for McMahon’s package with the newly released ornament each year. She laughs, “It’s quite the tradition.”

The ornaments started as part of an outreach initiative by the White House Historical Association (WHHA). Founded by Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961, the non-profit and purposefully non-partisan association was created as a means to educate Americans about the rich history of the White House. Twenty years and six presidents later, including her husband Ronald, former first lady Nancy Reagan launched the White House Ornaments as a continuation of Kennedy’s focus on historical preservation and education.

The first ornament was released in 1981, a two-dimensional golden angel with outstretched wings and a festive horn. It bears a simple inscription, “Christmas 1981. The Ornaments | Page 29

LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT FOR ALL TO SEE Photos by Randy Litzinger

Ornaments | From page 28 White House.” Over the years, the ornaments became more elaborate, including colors, three-dimensional designs and even moving pieces.

In 1984, the fourth ornament is the first to depict a president’s face. Thomas Jefferson sits regally in a circle of gold, called “Jefferson’s Medal of Peace.” And in 1987, the first touches of color are added—evergreen wreaths with Christmas red ribbons adorn the “White House Doors.” The 1999 Lincoln-inspired collectible is a golden book inlaid with a pensive looking Honest Abe that even opens. The portrait was painted by George Healy and still hangs in the State Dining Room.

Not only do these annually revealed Christmas treasures showcase specific presidents, but they also capture moments in time and executive mansion memories that may have been forgotten.

The 2016 edition is a gleaming red and gold miniature representation of the fire trucks that responded to the 1929 Christmas Eve blaze at the White House during a children’s gathering. Herbert Hoover, who was president at the time, invited the same children back the fol-

lowing year and presented them all with toy versions of the red engine as a keepsake.

Each year, a new designer is selected to conceptualize the ornament. Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association says, “Over the years we have used various sources of design. We have had a competition among professional designers, a competition among design school students and we have used the design team at the manufacturer of our ornaments in Rhode Island.” He adds, “From time to time we even receive an unsolicited design.”

The process of choosing a design is collaborative. “We talk it through as a staff and with members of our board of directors and react to several designs,” McLaurin said. Sometimes the WHHA even asks artists to team up. “Occasionally, we will like a couple things from one design and a couple of things from another design and we will ask those designers to work together.”

As for selecting which president to feature each year, that decision was made long ago. “Fortunately for us, Ornaments | Page 30

Joyce Mullins, owner of Mullwyck Manor in Upperville, Virginia, shares her love of Christmas with her friends, her family and even strangers.

Joyce graciously offered her home, Mullwyck Manor, as the backdrop for this month’s cover shot.

Although her home already featured three Christmas trees and decorations in every room, she offered her den as the backdrop for our Hunt Country Christmas tree which was designed and decorated

by Linda Tripp Rausch and Diane Spreadbury of the Christmas Sleigh in Middleburg. The Christmas tree features two complete sets of collectible White House Ornaments, a nod to our nation’s history and our close proximity to Washington, D.C. However, what’s under the tree makes it distinctly Hunt Country. Look closely. The hostess went room to room and gathered her personal treasures to help get that perfect Hunt Country feel. She even added two of her own wrapped gifts alongside the beautifully decorated ones Linda designed and brought for the shoot.

Mullins, along with her son, Rick, creates her own spectacular decoration display that takes a week to put up and tear down for friends, neighbors and strangers to enjoy each year. Most notably, Rick decorates their pond every Christmas with dazzling lights that can be seen from the road. She gives him full creative liberty with the pond.

“He just goes wild,” she says.

Each year, the Christmas light elf tries to up the ante as he knows passersby are excited to see the latest installment.

“It’s to make people smile as they go to and from work. Even when I am putting it up, they beep and wave. They expect it.”

If you happen to drive through Upperville as the sun goes down, be sure to keep an eye out for Mullwyck Manor. This seasonal spectacle is one of the community’s favorite traditions and is not to be missed.

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Ornaments | From page 29 back in the Reagan administration when the idea was first presented to Mrs. Reagan to do a Christmas ornament, the decision was made then that we would feature a different president each year and we would do it sequentially.” He continues, “It started with Washington and we have now worked our way up to Harry Truman. That takes the politics out of it, that takes any favoritism out of it when we know that the next year, it’s the next president.”

As McLaurin mentioned, 2018’s ornament honors Harry S. Truman, and highlights the renovations he made to the White House while in office. The front of this delicate white and gold ornament features the Truman Balcony added between 1947 and 1948. On the flipside, you’ll find The Blue Room, complete with an extravagantly decorated Christmas tree. Perhaps the most significant of Truman-era changes is seen in the Presidential Seal. Prior to Truman’s presidency, the American eagle’s gaze focused on instruments of war clutched in his left talon. Truman shifted the eagle’s focus to its right talon, which grasp olive branches of peace.

Once a concept is selected, ChemArt, a

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veteran-owned small business—the same manufacturer that has produced every ornament from the start—is trusted to bring the vision to life. McLaurin says, “They have worked with us since the ornament started.

They know us. They know the ornaments.”

Customers know the ornaments, too. And as McLaurin tells it, collectors are often eager to purchase the next in line. “There is a big excitement about what the ornament is going to be.” He adds, “Once you start collecting, you have the one the next year. Even more than that, once you start giving them as gifts, the recipient expects to receive one next year.”

Tracking down the ornaments is easily done, and if you happen to miss a year, don’t worry. The entire collection is available for order on the White House Historical Association’s website; shop.whitehousehistory.org.

However, if you prefer to shop locally, The Christmas Sleigh in Middleburg is one of the only shops in Virginia to carry the entire collection. “We are the largest supplier of this ornament in Virginia. We carry the entire series and we have them in stock all the time,” said Linda Tripp Rausch, who owns the Christmas Sleigh with her husband, Dieter Rausch. They are one of the store’s most popular sellers, and it is not difficult to understand why. In fact,

DECEMBER 2018

the store had to reorder before Thanksgiving.

“People are getting something that is unique, it’s historic, it’s a collectable and the proceeds go to a cause,” McLaurin said.

Their philanthropic nature reflects the holiday season’s focus on giving, but moreover, the ornaments themselves are manifestations of the true American spirit. A spirit that is undeniably patriotic, built by veterans and loved by both sides of the aisle.

They speak to the class, elegance and majesty associated with the White House, and remind us of those who have come before us to make this Christmas, and those that follow, possible. ML Page 28: The first White House Christmas Ornament, a two-dimensional golden angel with outstretched wings and a festive horn, was released in 1981. It bears a simple inscription, “Christmas 1981.

The White House.” Page 29: The White House Historical Association’s 2018 White House Christmas Ornament honors President Harry S. Truman. This ornament is designed to illustrate three significant changes made by him during his administration, one to the Presidential Seal, and two to the White House itself. Page 30, left: The 2003 White House Christmas Ornament honors President Ulysses S. Grant and his family. Page 30, right: The 2007 White House Christmas ornament honors the first administration of President Grover Cleveland.

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Several home sites with wonderful views and vistas yet extremely private, half wooded and half pasture with over 2,000’ of Goose Creek frontage. Minutes from Middleburg with easy access to Dulles International Airport & Washington DC. Middleburg Hunt Territory. $2,465,250

STONE HAVEN Nestled on 100+ Acres in pristine Rappahannock County, Stonehaven offers a picturesque and tranquil retreat. Sited at the end of the private drive is the historic Stone residence, c.1745 with additional stone cottage for guests or office and tucked into the woods, beyond the home, is a charming and beautifully restored 2 bedroom log cabin. Gardens, lawn, barns, paddocks and tremendous ride out potential provide an outdoor haven. $1,845,000

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

Please see our fine estates and exclusive country properties by visiting THOMAS-TALBOT.com

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 TELEPHONE: (540) 687-6500

m i d d l e b u r g l i f All e . Pages com • DECEMBER 2018 3211-20_DEC_ML_JohnColes-DT.indd

JOHN COLES 540-270- 0094 REBECCA POSTON 540-771-7520 “Specializing in large land holdings”

HATHAWAY FARM

Sweeping panoramic views and grand trees surround this recently renovated, turn-key residence set on a private 90-acre estate. The home has been finished to the highest standards and features three meticulously finished levels with a modern floor plan, which includes a first-floor master bedroom suite. The location is in prime Orange County Hunt Territory. $4,475,000 Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

Please see our fine estates and exclusive country properties by visiting THOMAS-TALBOT.com

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 TELEPHONE: (540) 687-6500

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1:18 PM

FILL YOUR HOME WITH

EVERGREEN Story and photos by Ashley Bommer Singh

T

his is the month to grab your clippers and bring everything inside.

Greens, berried branches, mistletoe, magnolia leaves, conifers – forget the gardens and fill your home with wintergreen.

Before she wrote The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter made paintings and cards of rabbits dancing around a Christmas piper with holly decking the walls. To capture some of that wild merriment, I fill garland with

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lights, drop paperwhite bulbs in vases, and buy poinsettias. And we always cut down a Christmas tree.

Tree cutting is an adventure. One year, my father who was visiting picked a tree so large it took four people to lift it. Another year, on Christmas eve, we trudged up the snowy Sierra Nevada mountains with out National Forest Service permit in hand, huffed and puffed to drag our tree down through the snow. The tree made the cabin smell like a fairytale. No matter the journey, a freshly cut tree brings

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magic and memories.

Middleburg Christmas Tree Farm is one of Virginia’s oldest and largest choose-andcut farms. Once a working farm with cattle, beans and corn, the land was repurposed in the early 1980s when owners Frans Kok and Mary Shirley bought the property. They planted trees on the abandoned fields to turn the land around and today, there are than 70,000 trees and seedlings on the 100 plus acres.

Evergreen | Page 35

Evergreen | From page 34 This Piedmont treasure is an engine of evergreen spirit drawing families come from across the region.

Kok greets visitors in a jolly red suit when not answering the farm phone that plays Jingle Bells.

Tree hunters better act fast. Even though there are 2,500 trees to choose from, the owners say they may run out well before Christmas Eve. Unlike a tree on your own farm or field, these trees have been pruned, shaped and tended to year-round. Middleburg Christmas Tree Farm Manager Denny Clatterbuck and Kok plant close to 6,000 saplings every year to keep up with demand. They started with white pines 30 years ago, but now grow Douglas, Fraser and white firs and Norway and Blue spruces. They are experimenting with Korean and Serbian firs.

The most iconic Christmas tree, the magnificent Norway spruce, can drop its needles all at once - a disaster if shed before Christmas. They are a prickly triumph with the right care. Rockefeller Center chose a 72-foot, 75-year-old Norway Spruce this year to great fanfare. Tips: Make a ½ inch fresh cut before bringing inside. Water quickly and regularly to keep them going. Some people tie plastic bags around the trunks on the drive home to prevent them from drying out.

Blue spruces go on forever with no hassle, but they don’t have that scent. White pines are native to Virginia and were once the tree of choice with long cones, pale green needles and smooth bark. The firs give a home that smell of pine and citrus. We never know what we will choose until we spot the perfect one.

Buying local helps Virginia farmers who provide tens of thousands of seasonal jobs and provide sanctuaries for wildlife. Farmers plant thousands of seedlings each year with hopes of seeing a profit in a decade all the while dealing with floods, drought, disease and insects. Middleburg Christmas Tree farm is full of redwing blackbirds, blue birds, owls, foxes and cooper’s hawks. Two bald eagles visit every season.

Kok estimates that more than 70% of trees in homes are now artificial, which is crushing to farmers and the environment. Fake trees, almost all from China, crowd the market.

Live Christmas trees are a renewable resource and serve as a carbon sink while growing. A tree can be turned into mulch. Rockefeller Center’s giant Norway spruce will be milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity for housing.

Poinsettias are also the stars in our holiday decorating. Diana Owens at Abernethy & Spencer Greenhouses has been growing thousands of these beauties from cuttings annually for more than 40 years. The cuttings arrive unrooted from Guatemala in March and she plants each by hand. This year she planted 6,000. They grow in 70-degree glass greenhouses, are watered daily, and the leaves start to turn red after October’s full moon.

One cutting has 3-5 flowers, so if you buy a 7-inch pot with three plants, you can expect 9-15 blooms. Because they are grown naturally, homeowners can expect four flowering

months if the plant is watered three times a week and kept in natural light.

Poinsettias are known as “Noche Bueno” in Mexico because they achieve peak bloom on Christmas Eve. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S Ambassador to Mexico, noticed them growing in the countryside and sent cuttings home to South Carolina in 1828.

Mix up the poinsettias decorating with paperwhites, Christmas cactus, cyclamen, and amaryllis. Then, put a roast in the oven, maybe some Yorkshire pudding, add Beatrix’s holly to the wall, and dance around with the ones you love this December. ML

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Taking the Stage this Month

The Calamity Improv Group

D

ark Horse Theatre Company just released the upcoming dates for the The Calamity Improv Group performances which includes an evening of fun to cap off the holiday.

Billed the “Wild West” of improv shows, this troupe delivers an unrelenting evening, full of oh-no-you-didn’t moments. The Calamity has a style that’s never stale.

The Calamity is Fauquier County’s only improv group.

“Prepare to be in disbelief that something made up on the spot could be so hilarious, yet relevant,” said Dark Horse Theatre Company Managing Artistic Director Natasha Parnian.

“You will be simply amazed by this mad dash of improv games, audience participation, and thrills.”

“It makes for one exciting ride,” added Parnian.

The challenge of an improv show is that everything is made up on the spot based on

audience suggestions and circumstances.

The improv group includes Jennifer Arezzo, Star Bobatoon, Jessie Burns, Ali Cheraghpour, Judi Laganga, and Scott Pafumi. The night is hosted by the artistic director herself.

Brittani Hall is the stage manager.

The material is for audiences ages 14

and up.

The only December performance will be on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. at Vint Hill Theatre on the Green, 44225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, Virginia.

Future performance dates include Feb. 16, March 30, April 13 and May 25. ML

PRESENTED BY

jan. 11–13, 2019 preview night: thursday, january 10 IMAGE PROVIDED BY TBSCAPES / TAYLOR B. SAUNDERS

washingtonwintershow.org 36

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40+ outstanding dealers • dealer talks • design panel • jazz night & more

DECEMBER 2018

Greenhill Gift Guide

Give local to those you love this holiday season by shopping a variety of locally sourced items in our Farm Store, open Friday-Monday Noon ‘til 6pm.

Tasting Room open daily Noon ‘til 6pm

(Open Noon- 4pm on Christmas Eve & Closed on Christmas Day, New Years Day.)

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COLORBROKER: FIND THE PERFECT GEM TO SET UNDER YOUR TREE

By Chelsea Rose Moore

T

his Christmas, why not get that special someone a precious stone they will treasure for years to come?

Want to get them something unique and authentic that will be cherished for generations but not sure where to start? Want to make sure the gem was sourced in an ethical manner? Check.

Want a unique color? Check. Want something one-of-a-kind?

Jewelry broker Joel Borgquist is the guy to help in the search for that perfect Christmas piece.

His company, ColorBroker, specializes in

6 South Madison Street, Middleburg Open through Dec 24 Thursday - Monday, 11 am to 4 pm

tracking down gems from all over the world.

Founded after watching friends and family purchase what he says were inferior products at unreasonable prices, Borgquist and his wife, Krista, started the company to develop a solution and ensure gems are extracted responsibly.

“We chose the name ColorBroker because there’s so much color in our world and in our earth,” said Borgquist. “It was one of the things that struck me about our company: a lot of that quality and that color was not getting to the consumer. We are the brokers of these beautiful colors.”

Although people tend to associate gems

Pop Up Shop

Decorator Items One Of A Kinds Furniture Artwork Christmas Decorations All proceeds benefit Middleburg Humane Foundation

For info call 540-364-3272 or www.middleburghumane.org 38

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DECEMBER 2018

Gem | Page 39

Gem | From page 38 with particular colors, Borgquist noted the large variety of colors and types of gems. For instance, a garnet is more than one shade of red; it varies in color. In fact, his company is featuring a wine-colored garnet, called a grape garnet. At ColorBroker, the goal is to find pieces that will be worn and handed down to future generations.

“A lot of people have never experienced this level of quality,” Joel said. “We want to get our clients the piece that is right for them, and we want them to know the information on the piece they are buying. The word ‘rare’ is thrown around a lot, but many gems are actually common. We let our clients know what they are buying and what makes it unique. We try to educate.” In 2016, he started a nonprofit, The Trade Foundation, with the hopes of developing a system to track and trace gems all the way to the consumer.

Different than a Main Street jewelry store business model where customers drop in to browse, ColorBroker’s unique service does not require a traditional brick and mortar

location. Specifically tailored to each client, the Borgquists start with a face-to-face meeting, then move to phone calls during the process, and finally hand-deliver each gem. The Warrenton residents service the entire Northern Virginia area.

“A big focus of ours is to partner with

people who are local,” said Borgquist who serves on the board of the Jewelry Industry Summit. ColorBroker hosts events at local wineries, where guests can sip wine and learn about precious gems. One of their upcoming events – a Holiday Pearl Night – will be held at Barrel Oak Winery on Dec. 7, from 6:308:30 p.m., and is open to the public. Guests will learn what makes a pearl valuable, can touch and hold pearls and learn how to determine if it is a genuine or fake. The couple are both certified pearl specialist by the Cultured Pearl Association of America. Hosting public events is one of the Borgquist’s favorite ways to meet locals and spread the word about their services.

The Borgquists love delivering that special piece to clients.

“The look in their eyes says everything,” he said.

To learn more or to work with Joel and Krista Borgquist, find more details on their website www.colorbroker.com. Find them on Facebook @ColorBroker or contact them via email: Joel@ColorBroker.com. ML

Please join us for the 8th annual

Middleburg Community Center Friday, February 22nd, 2019, 6–8 pm Kevin H. Adams Anthony Barham Brittany Beiersdorf Ross Misia Broadhead Tiffany Budzisz Mike Budzisz Armand Cabrera Debbie Cadenas Teresa Duke Catherine Giglio Gail Guirreri-Maslyk Jillian Holland Bonnie Hoover Laura Hopkins

Cody Leeser Ron Lieberman Tim Maloney Deborah Morrow Marci Nadler Tom Neel Lee Newman Jill E. Poyerd Katherine Riedel Bill Rock Daphne vom Baur Antonia Walker Cathy Zimmerman

artofthepiedmont.org Teresa Duke Poppies with Blue Adirondack

Pre-purchase your tickets online for $20 or at the door for $30 a benefit for Middleburg Montessori School DECEMBER 2018

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MIDDLEBURG MUSEUM — MIDDLEBURG’S STORY

By Heidi Baumstark Photos by Callie Broaddus and Suzanne Obetz

D

reams do come true.

For Eura Lewis the dream of opening a Middleburg Museum has been about 16 years in the making. As a former Town Council member, she is credited for sparking the inspiration for a town museum.

In October, the Middleburg Museum Foundation hired an executive director. As the new executive director, it is the job of Suzanne Obetz to make this dream of a future Middleburg Museum come true.

In 2002, while driving through the Town of Haymarket on her way to Manassas one day, Lewis got the idea of a similar museum in her town. She spotted the old town hall building at 15025 Washington Street that had just opened as the Haymarket Museum that year.

“I thought, if this little one-horse town can have a museum, we can have a Middleburg Museum!”

Originally from southern Virginia, Lewis arrived in Fauquier County in 1951 as a young college graduate in search for a teaching job in an elementary school.

“You know back then, the schools were segregated and I rotated teaching in Warrenton, The Plains, Rectortown. I first taught at a one-room school in Morgantown near Marshall.”

In the early 1960s, she and her husband purchased a home in Middleburg where she still resides today.

After retiring from teaching at Coleman Elementary in Marshall, she ran for Town Council in 2000. But before that, she served on the Planning Commission. “When you run for council, people would always talk about Middleburg and all of its rich history.

And that was part of my platform, my campaign when I ran [for council]. I pushed for a museum to preserve this history.”

But preservation comes with a cost.

Thanks to a generous gift from local philanthropist Dr. Betsee Parker, it was possible for the Middleburg Museum Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, to purchase The Pink Box Visitor and Information Center at 12 N.

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Madison Street plus the adjacent vacant property where the new museum will be built.

The current foundation board includes Eura Lewis (Founder/President), Virginia Jenkins (Secretary), Mimi Stein (Treasurer), Middleburg Mayor Trowbridge (Bridge) Littleton, Maribe Gardiner, Tucker Withers, Melissa Craig and Mary Jo Jackson.

Long-time supporter and community activist Bill Turnure leads the building committee.

DECEMBER 2018

All the board members are dedicated to the history of Middleburg and its preservation.

Obetz, who resides in The Plains, heard that a museum could be coming to town. So she went to The Pink Box to find Eura Lewis, the woman who was rumored about opening a museum. Lewis happened to be the docent on duty at The Pink Box that day. “Suzanne came in asking for Eura Lewis and I said, Museum | Page 41

Museum | From page 40 ‘I’m her,’” said Lewis, the longest serving board member who volunteers as a Visitor Center docent.

“I told Suzanne she was a God-send. The Lord sent her to us. I was looking for someone who could be the museum director and Suzanne just came in.”

With an historic preservation degree from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Obetz has the credentials and fits the bill for the job. She has experience in this role having served as executive director at Warren Heritage Society in Front Royal and interim director at the Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail in Warrenton.

She is also a board member of the Fauquier Historical Society.

Now, she is busy immersing herself in Middleburg’s history, building connections and fundraising.

“I’m working on a capital campaign effort and doing some grant writing. The sooner we raise the money, the sooner we can break ground.”

The groundwork has already been laid when it comes to designing the approximate 1,200 square-foot space. A scaled version was designed. It will include museum-quality lighting, exhibit displays and software. A

timeline of Middleburg will display Native Americans, colonial era, the town’s founder, Revolutionary War figure Lt. Col. Leven Powell (1737-1810), Civil War, African-American history, Civil Rights, Middleburg’s desegregation in the 1960s, equestrian and fox-hunting notables, plus celebrities from the 20th century like the Kennedys, actress Elizabeth Taylor and former Virginia Senator John Warner.

Designs include rotating exhibits and moveable walls; smaller cases can change out every six months or so. Plans are underway for a multimedia room to invite the public for films, lectures, oral and video histories.

Obetz is hoping to get corporate sponsors on board soon.“We’ll also go to businesses asking for them to sponsor a room or certain exhibit,” Obetz said.

There will be a connecting breezeway leading to The Pink Box. This historic pink brick building will remain as the town’s visitor and information center run by volunteer docents and will include a small gift shop in back. Here, visitors can pick up brochures featuring local attractions vital to the local tourism industry. Since the museum will be built as an addition to The Pink Box, the Foundation wants to ensure the museum will be constructed with the same period design for an integrated feel. Behind the property, the grounds will be groomed into a park-like

setting with additional seating and a gazebo.

Obetz added, “Now, our main focus is to make people aware of the museum. We want the public to know we’re looking for artifacts.”

“I’ll come to anyone’s house who wants to donate or loan items or old photographs, which will be displayed with signage to give credit to the owner,” said Obetz.

The collection currently includes more than 300 historic photographs, plus a large bell that was on a church on Marshall Street. The bell was made in Philadelphia by the same company that cast the Liberty Bell. Another item is a painting done by Leven Powell’s son.

Lewis said, “We need a nice chunk of money before we can break ground. We don’t want to start something we can’t finish. I’ve always been a go-getter and have a stick-to-itness perseverance; I’m determined to see this museum built.”

A plaque placed by the Middleburg Town Council outside The Pink Box states that in 1763, Joseph Chinn (first cousin of George Washington) sold 500 acres to Leven Powell for $2.50 per acres, a total of $1,250. Originally, the area was known as Chinn’s Crossing, a tiny hamlet in what was still the colony of Virginia. It had four buildings centered around Chinn’s Ordinary, a stone tavern

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Museum | Page 42

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Museum | From page 41 that is today’s iconic Red Fox Inn. A placard on the stone building states the inn was established circa 1728 and is thought to be one of the oldest continuously operated inns in Virginia and the U.S. According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation in Richmond, Middleburg has more than 160 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Born in Manassas, Powell played a key role in the country’s early history as a businessman, politician and soldier. As a colonel in the Continental Army, Powell spent the harsh winter of 1777-1778 with George Washington at Valley Forge. After the Revolutionary War victory over the British, he returned to his wife, Sarah, and children in Loudoun County and wanted to establish a town surrounded by abundant farmland. The plaque outside The Pink Box states, “On November 2, 1787, pursuant to an act of the [Virginia General] Assembly, Powell subdivided 50 acres [of his own land] into 70 one-half acre lots for the development of a town.” It was named Middleburg since it was midway between the port

of Alexandria and Winchester (Shenandoah Valley) along a major trade route, Ashby’s Gap Road. Today, this is U.S. Route 50, also known as John Mosby Highway named for Confederate John S. Mosby’s raids up

and down this road during the Aldie (June 17, 1863), Middleburg (June 19, 1863) and Upperville (June 21, 1863) Civil War battles.

When it comes to Civil War history, Obetz, originally from Tennessee, was inspired by her eighth-grade teacher, Buddy Blakemore.

“We were studying the Civil War at the time and he made history come alive through telling stories,” she said. “When I moved to D.C. in 1995, coming into Virginia, I saw signs for Manassas. I thought, ‘Wow, this is where it [Civil War] happened. And now I’m living in the middle of it.’ I want this museum to help people connect the dots of what happened here. History is my passion. I’ve always admired conservationists. I thought, ‘Wow, I can actually save history. I can do what conservationists do.’”

Town Council members are great advocates for the museum, including Mayor Littleton, former Town Council member and a native son who was born and raised in the village. The museum has personal meaning for Littleton; his grandmother was a docent at The Pink Box and his family has deep Museum | Page 44

We thank you for your patronage throughout the year.

Happy Holidays and all the best for 2019!

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Museum | From page 42 roots in town.

“When people see an artifact in the museum, we want them to see how that fit into the larger picture of our nation’s history. We want the stories to focus on the people who shaped the community,” said Littleton.

The Pink Box, located in the heart of Middleburg, is in an ideal location.

“Businesses will be able to rent space for meetings or groups can host intimate book readings or lecture series,” said the mayor.

When asked what he thinks the take way will be for visitors to the future museum, he answered, “I think they’ll walk away with a sense of the importance of community and the contributions the town has made and how we formed as a nation.

It’s not just about this little town. We’re in danger of losing it if we don’t understand our history.”

The museum’s tagline, “Experience Our Story” sums up its mission.

“I want visitors to learn our story and have a sense of pride about their community. We’re

part of the American fabric,” Obetz added.

Lewis wants visitors to walk away changed.

“I want people to be so spellbound that I have to give them smelling salts! I want them to know about the wars fought around here,

Civil Rights, Kennedy. I want them to seehistory really come alive, something they’ll cherish. I can hardly wait for the groundbreaking.”

Considering Lewis and her vision for the museum, Obetz said, “When it comes to breaking ground, I want Eura Lewis to cut that ribbon.” That will truly be a dream come true.

On Nov. 30, at 4 p.m., prior to the annual tree lighting, people can meet museum board members and learn about membership opportunities while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies. The town’s annual Christmas tree lighting and caroling is scheduled to commence at 5 p.m. on the lawn of The Pink Box, 12 N. Madison Street, Middleburg. For more information, visit www.themiddleburgmuseum.org, call 703-853-2174 or follow the museum on Facebook. Monetary donations can also be accepted through the website. The Pink Box number is 540-687-8888. ML The Middleburg Museum Foundation’s collection currently includes more than 300 historic photographs of the area’s history. Page 44: This is the bell from the Asbury church in town built in 1829.

Come Visit During the Holidays!

Sir Alfred James Munnings (English, 1878 - 1959), My Horse is My Friend: The Artist’s Wife and Isaac (Detail), c. 1922, oil on canvas, 40 x 50 inches, Pebble Hill Plantation, Thomasville, Georgia

On Fly in The Salt:

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American Saltwater Fly Fishing from the Surf to the Flats On View Through March 3, 2019

On View Through March 24, 2019

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DECEMBER 2018

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8:30 AM

A LOOK BACK

AT THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL GOLD CUP Photos by John Scott Nelson Photography Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these riders from the swift completion of their appointed rounds. While the International Gold Cup like the United States Postal Service has no official motto, the die hard Gold Cup fans could steal the postal workers motto for this October’s event. Despite the not so cheery weather, fans donned their best hats and put on their smiling faces to brave the damp weather and enjoy what

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DECEMBER 2018

turned out to be an exciting day at Great Meadows on Saturday, Oct. 27.

The lush green grass was a bit wet and made for some muddy boots, but the steeplechase races went on and the horses didn’t seem to mind. The day didn’t go to the dogs. However, the entertaining Terrier Races in the paddock did start the day and grabbed everyone’s attention. ML

GOLD CUP (continued from page 46)

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HANDS IN THE AIR Photos by Tony Gibson

C

an you dig it?

For one night only, some 350 guests clad in sequins, bell bottoms, and fringe gave Windy Hill Foundation an evening to remember at the Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg.

At this year’s gala on Nov. 10, the Studio 54 theme brought out the spirit and joie de vivre that characterized the infamous nightclub and inspired guests to donate nearly $140,000 ...making the night one of Windy Hill’s most successful ever.

It was the personal appeal from two

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local women who set the generous tone for the night. Honorary Chair Ann MacLeod took the stage to give her personal appeal to the audience for support. Then standing by her side, Gala Chair Beth Ann Mascatello, who was the guiding force behind the evening’s festivities, entreated attendees to make a difference and it worked.

Not only was it one of the best fundraising events, some say it was also one of the best dance parties ever. Led by the returning and popular group, The Right On Band, the dance floor was electric all night keeping partygoers on the scene until midnight.

DECEMBER 2018

Due to the generosity of sponsors, donors and supporters, the live auction and paddle raise paved the way for the nonprofit to purchase another van for Windy Hill residents, young and older. The remaining proceeds will be added to The Horizons Scholarship Fund, which provides resources for Windy Hill’s high school students to pursue higher education.

“It so encouraging to see all our loyal supporters in one room, having a great time supporting a cause they truly believe in,” said Board Chair Jonathan Catherwood.

Gala | Page 49

Gala | From page 48 Windy Hill Executive Director Bob Dale stated that he is beyond thankful for all the amazing support. “The funds will go directly to the family services programs that improve the lives of the residents of Windy Hill”.

The theme of the event, Studio 54, was a designer’s dream for the creative team of Manuel Simpson of Eye Manuel Designs and Lydia Strohl. From the Warhol pillows to the gold glitter blow-up chairs and large black and white posters of original Studio 54 famous faces, the event conjured up Studio 54’s heyday of stars and infamy. Middleburg resident and business owner Jenny Long of Long Design lent her creative talent to all print and promotional materials.

Creativity took center stage in the tent as well. None of which could have happened

without the committed and loyal volunteers who contribute their time and talent year after year. Longtime Windy Hill volunteer and artisan Kelly Johnson designed the beautiful floral arrangements which lent an air of sophistication and beauty to the glitz and glamour. The event team also included Marcy Deetz, Silvia Fleming, Cindy Pearson, Jamie Pearson, Melissa Lamb and Alyn Beauchamp along with a crew of glamour enablers who braved the cold morning temperatures to

make the event an incredible night. Windy Hill Foundation staff said that it is also fortunate to rely on the generosity of several enduring community sponsors such as Greenhill Winery & Vineyards, Double Wood Farm, Monoflo International, John and Diana Jaeger, YHB, and Wasserman Foundation.

Although they are still sorting this year’s disco balls, the committee is planning next year’s exotic Moroccan gala event which will feature a Casablanca theme. ML

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19606 TELEGRAPH SPRINGS RD* PURCELLVILLE

$1,995,000

PETER PEJACSEVICH

540.270.3835

LD

JANE HENSLEY

571.550.2728

SO

LD

16182 HILLSBORO RD**

37175 ADAMS GREEN LN**

240 ASHLEY WOODS LN

1007 CALMES NECK LN

$1,324,000

$899,000

$885,000

$864,000

PURCELLVILLE

CAROLE TAYLOR

GEORGE ROLL

703.577.4680

SO

703.606.6358

LD

MIDDLEBURG

SCOTT BUZZELLI

SO

540.270.3835

LD

41216 DUTTON CT*

23372 MINERVA DR

$775,000

$729,900

WATERFORD

ASHBURN

ALANNA NICHOLS

KRISTIN DILLON-JOHNSON

571.258.7962

703.673.6920

SO

PETER PEJACSEVICH

540.454.1399

LD

SO

LD

BLUEMONT

SCOTT BUZZELLI

540.454.1399

PETER PEJACSEVICH

540.270.3835

SO

LD

36160 PAXSON RD

$685,000

$675,000

$675,000

ANNE MCINTOSH

540.454.3829

SO

703.509.4499

LD

MIDDLEBURG

LD

SO

LD

40413 STONEBROOK HAMLET PL WATERFORD

$659,000

KIM HURST

571.550.2728

703.673.6920

SO

PURCELLVILLE

JANE HENSLEY

KRISTIN DILLON-JOHNSON

540.454.6500

SO

12 CHINN LN

MARIA ELDREDGE

MARY OWEN CHATFIELD-TAYLOR

Best Wishes fo Happy New Ye

162 GREENFIELDS LN* WHITE POST

BOYCE

703.932.9651

LD

SUZANNE AGER

540.454.0107

SO

LD

17285 CREEKSIDE GREEN PL

361 WINDWOOD LN*

315 HANDLEY AVE*

301 WILDMAN ST NE

$589,900

$570,000

$499,000

$440,000

ROUND HILL

KIM HURST

PARIS

MARIA ELDREDGE

540.454.3829

703.932.9651

ANNE MCINTOSH

703.509.4499

WINCHESTER

MARIA ELDREDGE

540.454.3829

ANNE MCINTOSH

703.509.4499

LEESBURG

SUZANNE AGER

540.454.0107

The above are only some of the many homes sold by Middleburg Real Estate | Atoka Properties, displayed in order of closing date from 1/1/2018 through 11/27/2018 *Represented Buyer Only **Represented Buyer & Seller

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View hundreds of beautiful homes online

MIDDLEBURGREALESTATE.COM FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SO

LD

SO

LD

SO

LD

SO

34380 BLOOMFIELD RD

2397 DELAPLANE GRADE RD*

38138 FOREST MILLS RD**

$1,795,000

$1,750,000

$1,575,000

BLUEMONT

PETER PEJACSEVICH

SCOTT BUZZELLI

540.270.3835

SO

DELAPLANE

540.454.1399

LD

PETER PEJACSEVICH

SCOTT BUZZELLI

540.270.3835

SO

540.454.1399

LD

LEESBURG

SCOTT BUZZELLI

SO

540.270.3835

18970 SULLYSTONE LN

$850,000

$849,900

$795,000

KRISTIN DILLON-JOHNSON

JANE HENSLEY

703.673.6920

KIM HURST

571.550.2728

or a ear!

703.932.9651

ROUND HILL

THANK YOU SO SUCCESSFUL

703.673.6920

PURCELLVILLE

KIM HURST

571.550.2728

LD

SO

17064 WILSONS GAP RD

703.932.9651

LD

22235 NEWLIN MILL RD

ROUND HILL

MIDDLEBURG

$699,000

PETER PEJACSEVICH

KIM HURST

LD

SO

LD

SO

35720 PORTRAIT VISTA LN

6028 KEYSER RD

$625,000

$625,000

$618,000

BLUEMONT

PURCELLVILLE

SCOTT BUZZELLI

KRISTIN DILLON-JOHNSON

540.454.1399

703.673.6920

D

L SO

LD

PETER PEJACSEVICH

540.270.3835

D

CAROLE TAYLOR

703.606.6358

205 FLYFOOT DR*

133 MAIN STREET EAST

$417,000

$369,900

$189,500

ANNE MCINTOSH

703.509.4499

MARIA ELDREDGE

540.454.3829

ANNE MCINTOSH

703.509.4499

MARIA ELDREDGE

S EA

540.454.3829

703.509.4499

ED

20638 FURR RD**

BOYCE

MARIA ELDREDGE

ANNE MCINTOSH

540.454.3829

L

17654 CLEVELAND PARK DR

STEPEHENSON

THE PLAINS

D

SO LD SO

ROUND HILL

LD

$595,000

GEORGE ROLL

703.577.4680

540.454.1399

7084 BUNKER HILL RD

HUME

L SO

SCOTT BUZZELLI

540.270.3835

20942 WILLISVILLE RD

540.454.3829

19945 TELEGRAPH SPRINGS RD

$699,966

SO

MARIA ELDREDGE

LD

FOR MAKING 2018

LD

L SO

540.270.3835

JANE HENSLEY

703.932.9651

SO

PETER PEJACSEVICH

540.454.1399

$779,000

KRISTIN DILLON-JOHNSON

SO

SCOTT BUZZELLI

SO

34642 ATOKA CHASE LN MIDDLEBURG

MIDDLEBURG

LD

35469 MILLVILLE RD MIDDLEBURG

6532 CRUMMEYS RUN LN $1,500,000

PETER PEJACSEVICH

540.454.1399

LD

ROUND HILL

$2,900

ANNE MCINTOSH

703.509.4499

MARIA ELDREDGE

540.454.3829

ANNE MCINTOSH

703.509.4499

Please consider us for all of your real estate needs in 2019!

DECEMBER 2018

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Wishing You and Yours a Safe and Happy Holiday Season 52

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Sage Hill Farm House, Markham, VA 70 acres, $595,000

Marshall, VA 50 acres, $2,100,000

Turner Mountain, The Plains, VA 200 acres, Orange County Hunt Territory

SOLD | Norwood, Clarke County, VA $1,375,000

SOLD | Atoka Chase, Middleburg, VA $1,185,000

SOLD | Hopewell Rd, The Plains, VA 26 acres, $750,000

Malone & Kitner

Chris Malone cmalone@ttrsir.com +1 540 454 3775

Jen Kitner jkitner@ttrsir.com +1 540 660 1804

DECEMBER 2018

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ORIGIN OF A RECIPE BRINGING A FRENCH TWIST TO THE TABLE Story by Aaron Lynch and Amber Sky Photos by Amber Sky Since 1981, L’Auberge Provençale has brought true, generational European “farm-to-table” to the Virginia countryside.

T

his month, we had the great privilege of visiting L’Auberge Provençale. L’Auberge Provençale is a quintessential French Country Inn and Restaurant located in picturesque White Post, Virginia. Owners Alain and Celeste Borel have created a remarkable Provence experience in their nationally acclaimed, four diamond rated establishment. Stepping into L’Auberge Provençale, I felt like I was transported to the luxuriant French countryside.

Alain Borel, who is a fourth generation French Chef, creates amazingly authentic French food, which makes for an unforgettable experience when appreciated with his incredible stories and recipe origins.

Alain and Celeste are so friendly and passionately want each guest to experience a piece of the opulent French culture. They are extremely intentional with every detail and ingredient they incorporate. Alain invites one to savor his modern regional cuisine with a French flair by giving inventive commission to Head Chef Richard Wright who takes Alain’s generational recipes and creates contemporary versions that fuse the flavor and beauty of each dish.

Alain’s great-grandparents owned the Hotel du Louvre, in Avignon, France, and the recipe we will share today was perfected in that hotel over a century ago. Alain’s great-grandmother prepared the memorable Coq Au Vin for her family and her hotel guests. Coq Au Vin is a classic French stew with chicken that is slowly braised in red wine and brandy. Alain shared how once a year his family in France would use the lone rooster on the family farm to create this special Coq Au Vin dish. They would marinate the rooster for hours to make it tender and juicy. It is simply a divinely delicious dish!

Alain began his training to become a

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chef at the tender age of six. He worked as an apprentice to his grandfather and his first assignment was to peel and cut potatoes. When Alain was 13, he moved to Canada, where his father owned L’Auberge Provençale, just outside of Montreal. Alain continued his culinary training under his father and his uncle. At 14, he started his full-time career as a chef. Alain’s roots are Provence and he still stands firm on those today.

Provence style is essentially farm-totable with only using the freshest of local ingredients. In 1981 when Alain and Celeste came to Virginia, they set out to live and share the style of Provence. That was in a sense counter-cultural in the 1980s. Finding local fresh organic meats and produce did not really exist. The pair would travel north and south to find their ingredients. Being the inventive and creative chefs they are, they raised rabbits and pigs and created an extensive herb garden, vegetable garden, and orchard.

After a time, they were able to procure local pork, beef, chicken, fowl, produce, and fruit that met their high standards for them to use in a sustainable farm-to-table Provence fashion. They were ahead of the time, stayed true to their convictions, and definitely influenced many to consider the Provence lifestyle.

Though the Coq Au Vin recipe was perfected at the family French hotel, Alain brought this recipe and many others to the west. L’Auberge Provençale’s goal is to enhance each dish to it’s highest standards.

Alain is equally passionate about continually evolving his family recipes and cuisine. That was made so evident when we met with Alain, Celeste who adore watching Chef Rich take the family recipes and ingeniously embellish them. Today, L’Auberge Provençale uses the freshest local farm-raised chicken instead of a rooster.

Sometimes Chef Rich adds lentils to his Coq Au Vin to give it a new spin.

L’Auberge Provençale’s owner is the epitome of what all chefs would want to be. As Shenandoah’s original farm-to-table chef, he is the essence of what a true

“foodie” is. From a 200 to a 2,000 square foot kitchen and from chasing pigs around the fields to catering a 700 person wedding, he has experienced and perfected the culinary arts. The legacy continues through Christian, Celeste and Alain’s son, as the fifth generation Borel to complement the lifestyle of Provence. Christian is L’Auberge Provençale’s Certified Sommelier and Front House Manager. He oversees the extensive 8,000 bottle wine collection that was started before he was born. They hope the family business will only continue to grow through Christian’s daughter, Jacqueline.

The warmth and flavor of the Coq Au Vin dish are perfect for family and holiday dinners. It is a dish you can be creative with, just as L’Auberge Provençale continues to do.

We are so grateful to Alain and Celeste for sharing L’Auberge Provençale and this century-old family recipe with us. Bon Appétit!

Coq Au Vin Serves 4 Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 tablespoons olive oil ½ cup smoked bacon, diced 1 (3-4lb) chicken, cut into eighths Salt and pepper 1 cup of carrots, peeled and cut into 1” pieces 1 medium onion, sliced ¼” thick 1 tablespoon chopped garlic 2 ounces good brandy 1 bottle dry red wine, Burgundy 8 ounces chicken stock 10 sprigs fresh thyme ¼ stick of butter 1 ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour 8 ounces pearl onions, peeled and parboiled slightly 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stems removed and sliced thick, sauteed lightly ¼ cup chopped, fresh parsley

Directions •

• • • • •

Marinate chicken pieces with wine, carrots, onion, garlic, and half of the thyme for at least eight hours.

Drain chicken well reserving the liquid.

Separate chicken and vegetables and set aside.

Bring chicken marinade to a simmer and skim the foam frequently for 10 min.

Strain and reserve.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

• •

• • •

• • • • • • •

•

•

Cook bacon, in a Dutch oven, in oil until crispy and remove from pan.

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towel and season both side with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Sear chicken well on both sides in bacon fat and remove to a plate.

Turn heat to medium-low and melt butter.

Sweat carrots, onions, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1teaspoon black pepper with no color for 10 minutes.

Add garlic and cook for one minute.

Add brandy and cook for one minute.

Sprinkle flour evenly over the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes.

Add a little of the wine and whisk until smooth.

Add the rest of the wine along with the chicken stock and the rest of the thyme.

Add chicken, bacon, and any juices that accumulated on the plate.

Bring to a simmer, cover with a tight fitting lid and place in the oven for 30 minutes.

Add pearl onions and mushrooms and return to the oven, uncovered for 20 minutes.

Make sure chicken is cooked through and remove to cool slightly (or place over a burner and simmer sauce to

desired consistency).

•

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with a nice piece of warm baguette.

Aaron Lynch is the co-creator of Origin of a Recipe and the chef-owner of Hidden Julles Cafe in Haymarket, Virginia.

Photographer Amber Sky, co-creator of Origin of a Recipe, works alongside Lynch to share the chef ’s vision with readers. Visit originofarecipe.com to read more. ML Page 56: (Top) Writer Aaron Lynch with L’Auberge Provençale owner Alain Borel. (Middle) L’Auberge Provençale Head Chef Richard Wright. (Bottom ) L’Auberge Provençale is a family affair. Pictured: Christian, Alain, and Celeste Borel. Page 57: Coq Au Vin. We’re excited to announce Middleburg Life’s new food column, Origin of a Recipe, in which popular chef Aaron Lynch—known for his knack for creating unusual dishes in the kitchen at his establishment Hidden Julles Cafe—will take to the road with photographer and writer Amber Sky to discover the origin and passion behind unique recipes from some of the best restaurants in the area. Together, they will uncover the hidden stories behind local favorite dishes, offer cooking tips and share recipes each month in the pages of Middleburg Life magazine.

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Perfect any night.

Fresh garden to table selections any night of the week.

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S A L A M A N D E R

R E S O RT

&

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Enjoy a complimentary dessert with the purchase of a dinner entree from the Butcher’s Block on Wednesdays & Thursdays in December.* *Complimentary desserts only valid for single serving dishes.

Health& Beauty Reserve your space in the January issue today.

Space Reservation: January 2, 2019 Ad Copy: January 3, 2019

Contact Us Today info@middleburglife.com 56

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A LOOK BACK AT THE PAST:

Middleburg Christmas Parade 2008 Photos by Jim Poston

Christmas in Middleburg kicks off each year with a Saturday filled with festivities.

We thought it would be fun for readers to take a trip down Memory Lane to 2008.

Due to early holiday deadlines, this issue of Middleburg Life does not include photos from the 2018 Middleburg Hunt and Hounds Review or of the Christmas Parade.

However, the 2018 photos are just a click away on your computer, tablet or phone. Don’t miss the beautiful handiwork of our elves who snapped photos on Saturday, Dec. 1! Follow our social media to see a sneak peak. Once the 2018 parade photos are edited, check out the gallery online at Middleburglife.com. Then, be sure and grab a January issue. We plan to carry the Season of Giving into 2019. Merry Christmas! ML

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1

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CELEBRATING 90 Photos by Joanne Maisano

Rose Marie Bogley celebrated her 90th birthday with 65 of her closest friends on Nov. 17. Her Upperville, Virginia home, Peace and Plenty at Bollingbrook, was filled with beautiful flowers which the birthday girl arranged herself. Opera singers and dancers from the American Ballet celebrated the day and entertained the guests. It was a birthday party she will not soon forget. ML Photos: 1. Rose Marie Bogley. 2. Rose Marie Bogley and Bob Heggestad 3. Casper Sigmon and Joyce Mullins. 4. Nick and Mildred Slater. 5. Olga and Bob Ryan. 6. Fabulous table setting.

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McGowan

Associates

Wish You A Wonderful Holiday

Mary Ann McGowan 540.687.5523 Jim McGowan 703.927.0233 Brian McGowan 703.927.4070 D

N

LA

BOLINVAR

Magnificent Estate on 100 acres in a spectacular setting.

The stone house boasts 22 elegant rooms, 9 fireplaces, high ceilings, all superbly detailed and beautifully appointed.

Brilliant gardens surround the heated pool. Fabulous 11 stall stone stable with 2 staff apartments. Riding ring, green house all in pristine condition. Additional 227 acres are available. $8,495,000

RANDLESTON FARM

Beautifully sited on the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Randleston Farm encompasses 70 acres of lush pastures, flowering trees and English gardens. An exquisite 10,000 square foot stone manor is meticulously restored, with incredible views & borders the Shenandoah River. 20 stall stone and stucco stable, run-in sheds, all create a fabulous equestrian facility. Additional acreage or parcels available. $3,495,000

LOCKE FARM

Located in the heart of the renowned Piedmont Hunt Territory, Lock Farm encompasses 141+ acres of lush pastures and magnificent woodlands. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of perpetually protected land in easements; This property offers an excellent opportunity to place the land in easement and benefit from substantial tax credits. $5,750,000

GRASSLAND FARM

Bluemont ~ 97+ acres beautifully sited at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The historic main residence was built in 1840 with several modern additions. High ceilings, Paneled Library, Formal Dining Room, updated Kitchen & Baths, 3 finished levels, 2 center aisle Stables, 2 Tenant Houses and several Storage Buildings. Tennis court and several ponds. land in easement. 5 additional parcels available! $2,900,000

FRENCH COUNTRY ESTATE

Custom built French colonial on over 92 acres of magnificent land just minutes from Middleburg.

Extraordinary quality & design, featuring 3 finished levels, a pool surrounded by stone terraces, 4 wood burning fireplaces, a gourmet country kitchen, heated floors & beamed ceilings throughout. A six stall center aisle stable, fabulous new barn & paddocks make this a spectacular equine estate. $2,850,000

G IN M N O OO C S

D

N

LA

THISTLE HILL

Hume ~ Spectacular land with rolling, verdant fields, lush woodlands and a spring fed pond, on 415+ gorgeous acres in unspoiled Hume. Offering four parcels of 100+ acres each, this property is ideally located off scenic Leeds Manor Road, amongst other beautiful estates, many in conservation easements. Easy access to I - 66 and within an hour of the nation’s capital. $5,000,000

EBENEZER CHURCH

POSSUM HOLLOW

A spectacular 88 acre parcel at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a quiet country lane. Surrounded by beautiful estates & picturesque horse farms. The land is open & rolling with a strong stream. An ideal setting for a gracious country estate & perfect for equestrians. Recently approved permits for the well, septic and roadway to the beautifully sited building envelope. $1,195,000

MOUNTVILLE

Fabulous 227 acre parcel with magnificent land bordering Goose Creek. A charming and spacious one level residence, beautifully updated, a 2 bedroom tenant house and a 22 stall stable are included. Board fenced paddocks, ponds, rolling fields and stonewalls complete this idyllic farm. $4,994,000

WINDY HILL

Incredible custom built 3 Bedroom 4 Bath log home offers soaring ceilings, stunning stone 2 story fireplace, 3 fireplaces, hand hewn logs, fabulous decking in a magical setting on 42 gorgeous acres (additional 17 acres available). Impeccably maintained: New roof, New HVAC, grand sun filled rooms. 2 story barn/garage, Whole Home generator, workshop on walk-out level. $1,199,000

T

R DE RAC N T U N O C

Delaplane ~ Stunning estate on 27 gorgeous acres of rolling country side with breathtaking views of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. Stone pillars and a long tree lined drive mark the entrance. The all brick 3 level residence features 5 bedrooms and 5 full baths, with spacious rooms and incredible views. The manicured grounds include a spectacular pool with stone terraces, a center aisle stable, a huge indoor riding arena and a tenant/ guest house. $1,150,000

Stunning antique colonial, circa 1790, with over $50,000 in recent updates. Approx. 4400 sq.ft. of elegant living space with hardwood floors, antique fireplaces, charming sun filled rooms all in excellent condition! French doors lead to flagstone terraces. Separate 1 BR apt. Commercial zoning allows multiple uses for this fabulous property with beautiful rear yard. $895,000

Snickersville Turnpike ~ Outstanding equestrian property on 27 acres of open fields & lush board fenced paddocks.

Beautifully maintained three/four bedroom historic colonial (circa 1850) features spacious rooms, four fireplaces, wood floors and enclosed side porch. Great center aisle barn and lighted riding arena, make this a horse enthusiasts dream. $850,000 Additional 19 acres available.

WHISPERING PINES

RIDGEMONT

FOREST HILL

MIDDLEBURG HOUSE

BEAVER HILL

D

N

LA

19562 RIDGESIDE RD

Beautiful land located on just over 12 acres with views of A long winding drive leads to a beautifully renovated, Fantastic 3 bedroom home with approx. 3000 sq. ft Two beautiful wooded parcels totaling 27.4 acres located the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ideal property for horses with single story residence in a secluded setting. Gleaming of beautifully updated living space with new kitchen in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Loudoun a run-in shed, well, board fenced paddocks and great “ride wood floors grace the main rooms, multiple windows & and baths. Attached garage plus carport. In pristine County. (Tax ID# 665392980 & 665492430) The land out”. Property is in 2 separate parcels but are being sold glass doors bathe the rooms in natural light, a fabulous condition with hardwood floors throughout, huge walkout offers privacy with spectacular views. Property is currently together. In land use, seller not responsible for roll-back gourmet county kitchen is a true chef ’s delight, & the level opens to new decks and brilliant gardens, towering in Land Use. taxesOffers subject to errors, omissions, change of price luxurious master suite iswithout a dream notice. retreat. Barn & newly contained trees on 1.2herein privateisacres. or withdrawal Information deemed reliable, but is$427,750 not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.$225,000 $550,000 fenced paddocks make this a perfect hunt box. $549,000

Please see our fine estates and exclusive country properties by visiting www.THOMAS-TALBOT.com

THOMAS & TALBOT REAL ESTATE A Staunch Supporter of Land Easements

LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967 Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687- 6500

11-20_ML_McGowans_X-MAS.indd 1

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THE HISTORY OF YULETIDE & ITS MOST ICONIC CAKE

Story, Recipe and Photos by Kaitlin Hill

W

ith towering, bauble-bearing trees, gleaming multi-colored string lights, a sparkling dusting of snow and Bing Crosby’s velvety voice on every channel, the Christmas season is an undeniably magical time. Though these days the meaning of Christmas is sometimes lost in a pile of presents, a look at the holiday’s most iconic cake, the Yule Log, reveals a celebration centered on faith and festive food.

Tracing the Yule Log, or as the French say, the Bûche de Noël’s roots leads to the very foundation of Christmas, a relatively modern Christian holiday inspired by elements pulled from Pagan predecessors and

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Norse mythology. Centuries before the birth of Christ, the winter solstice was initially a celebration of longer days and more sunlight.

This period, also known as Yule, typically spanned from Dec. 21 until early January and was recognized by bountiful feasts and warming bonfires.

In Europe and Scandinavia, cattle were killed in winter due to limited access to grain. As such, fresh meat, typically a rarity, was available in abundance and consumed throughout the season. Additionally, wine and beer in process often reached the final days of fermentation in mid-winter, making Yuletide an ideal time to celebrate. Spiritual aspects were at play, too. Animals were offered as sacrifices, and parties were thrown

DECEMBER 2018

to honor the Norse god, Odin, known to Germanic Pagans as Jolnir.

Yule was also characterized by frequent bonfires, which again had both practical and nonmaterial applications, and is where the Yule Log tradition gets its start. Burning logs not only provided warmth in the bitter cold, but was believed to have non-secular significance as well.

Norse mythology considered it a fertility ritual, each spark representing new livestock to be born. The people of Babylonia, observing Akitu, torched wooden effigies to ward off evil.

As Christianity spread, the wintertime custom of timber incineration—along with Cake | Page 61

Cake | From page 60 other B.C. beliefs—was absorbed into Christmas. Europeans living in the Middle Ages lit logs for the twelve days of the holiday to ensure good luck. In Medieval England, landlords were gifted firewood by their tenants.

As long as the log blazed, the landlord provided the tenant’s meals.

Yule Logs increasingly became objects surrounded by superstition. It was thought that placing the ashes from the previous year’s log under the bed protected the house from lightning strikes, and couples that wrapped cloth around trunks, which they then set ablaze, believed the flame-broken bands predicted their marriage timelines.

These days, though Christmas has largely shifted from spiritual to secular and homes are fitted with thermostats and central heating, the tradition lives on in the form of a cake that perfectly represents a heritage of feasting and fire. Believed to be of French origin, the delicate sponge cake was first referenced in The English Huswife by Gervase Markham, published in London in 1623.

Some 300 years later, Francophile Julia Child popularized the cylindrical cake in American households with a 1965 episode of “The French Chef.” Hers was a classic: sponge cake filled and topped with chocolate buttercream and adorned with meringue mushrooms. Even more recently, Cronut™ creator Dominique Ansel premiered his unique take, a raspberry and rose Bûche de Noël, at his bakery in Japan. He reinvents his recipe annually with unusual flavors and cutting-edge design, while still paying homage to the centuries-old technique.

Locally, one can find traditional and contemporary Yule cakes made by Jason Reaves, pastry chef at the Salamander Resort and Spa. “The one we sell at the market is a traditional Bûche de Noël cake. It’s a chocolate roulade cake, rolled up with whipped cream or Chantilly cream filling on the inside. Then we do chocolate buttercream on the outside and comb it to look like a Yule Log, decorate it with meringue mushrooms, little leaves and different things.” He continues, “We do a more modern take on Bûche de Noël for the entire month of December on our menu at Harriman’s…we call it a two-person dessert; but in actuality, it serves three or four.” This more current rendition has, “dark chocolate mousse layered with almond joconde sponge, exotic fruit mousse and raspberry gelée. The Bûche will be finished with a decorative glaze, dark chocolate, freeze dried raspberries and gold leaf.” He even does mini Bûche de Noëls for holiday banquets.

If you are unable to stop by Market Salamander or Salamander Resort and Spa to purchase one of Chef Reaves’s Christmas cake masterpieces this year, you can always make your own. Though the final product may have you convinced it’s a daunting dessert, Reaves says, “The traditional Yule log is actually pretty easy to do.” He adds, “…it’s meant to look a little bit rustic, like a log, so the frosting doesn’t need to be perfect.”

Whether you’re hoping to fend off sinister spirits or flex your culinary creativity, make Bûche de Noël a part of your Christmas festivities. It just may become your new favorite, or at least most delicious, tradition.

As Julia Childs says, “The thing that’s good about the Yule Log is that after decorating and trimming it, you can sit down and eat it too. And that’s more than you can say for a Christmas tree.”

INGREDIENTS: For the cake: • 8 eggs • ½ cup of granulated sugar • ½ cup of cake flour • 2 teaspoons of baking powder • 1 teaspoon of vanilla • confectioners’ sugar for dusting For the Whipped Cream: • 1 pint of heavy cream, cold • 1/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract For the Chocolate Buttercream: • 2 sticks of butter, at room temperature • 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar • 5 ounces of dark chocolate, melted and cooled • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract • Mint leaves and cranberries for garnish DIRECTIONS: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 jellyroll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Separate the eggs, reserving both the whites and yolks in separate bowls.

To make the cake batter, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl. Stir in the vanilla.

Mix together the cake flour and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients into the eggs and sugar, whisking to combine.

In a separate large bowl, beat the egg whites on high until soft peaks form. This will take about five to six minutes.

Add one third of the egg whites into the cake batter and fold in with a spatula. Add the remaining egg whites into the cake batter and Cake | Page 62

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Cake | From page 61 fold in gently, being careful not to deflate the egg whites, while making sure they are completely incorporated.

Spread the batter into the prepared pan and place in the oven. Bake for ten minutes, then rotate the pan and bake for another ten minutes. The cake is done when it has browned around the edges, springs back to the touch and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a clean dishtowel that has been generously dusted with confectioners’ sugar.

Starting with the long side, roll the cake into a cylinder. Set aside to cool completely.

While the cake cools, make the whipped cream filling.

MIDDLEBUR

In a large bowl, beat the cream on medium-high speed using a hand or stand mixer with a whisk attachment. As the cream begins to thicken, add the confectioners sugar slowly. Follow with the vanilla.

Continue to beat for another four to five minutes until the whipped cream is stiff enough to spread. Set aside.

Unroll the cooled cake onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Spread the whipped cream filling all over the cake and then reroll it, again starting on a long side.

Tightly wrap the cake in the plastic wrap on which it is sitting, and transfer to the refrigerator to set up for at least an hour or overnight.

While the cake firms up, make the buttercream.

In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a

hand mixer, cream the butter while slowly adding the confectioners’ sugar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. When all the confectioners’ sugar is added, pour in the cooled chocolate and mix to incorporate.

Finish with the vanilla.

Remove the cake from the refrigerator.

To make the branch, cut off about three inches from one end on a diagonal. Place it about half way down the center of the log.

Adhere the branch with chocolate frosting.

To decorate, slather the entire cake in chocolate frosting using an offset spatula. Drag the spatula through the frosting to make a rough bark-like texture all over. Decorate with mint leaves, fresh cranberries and a dusting of powdered sugar snow.

Serve immediately! ML

G H U M A N E F O U N D AT I O N

PET OF THE MONTH

MIDDLEBURG HUMANE FOUNDATION Hi! My name is Buttermilk and I am a 20-year-old Palomino miniature mare. I am around 35 inches tall. I can be skittish when attempting to catch but well-mannered once you have caught me. I load well onto the trailer when prompted. I am a very curious little pony.

Middleburg Humane Foundation operates a private, 4.5-acre farm shelter located in Marshall, Virginia. It is their goal to provide a haven for abused, neglected and at risk animals, both large and small.

Photos courtesy of Middleburg Humane Foundation

WWW.MIDDLEBURGHUMANE.ORG | 540.364.3272

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MIDDLEBURG HUMANE FOUNDATION

A HOME FOR THE A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! A FOR HOLIDAYS! A HOME HOME FOR THE THE HOLIDAYS! HOLIDAYS!

MIDDLEBURG HUMANE FOUNDATION MIDDLEBURG HUMANE FOUNDATION

Adoption fees are WAIVED Nov 21st - Dec 31st www.middleburghumane.org | 540-364-3272 Adoption fees are WAIVED Nov 21st - Dec 31st Many thanks to our generous benefactor! www.middleburghumane.org | 540-364-3272 Adoption fees are WAIVED Nov 21st - Dec 31st Many thanks toWAIVED our generous benefactor!

Adoption fees are Nov| 540-364-3272 21st - Dec 31st www.middleburghumane.org www.middleburghumane.org | 540-364-3272 Many thanks to our generous benefactor!

Many thanks to our generous benefactor!

12/1

Middleburg Hunt & Hounds Review (11 a.m.): Mounted foxhunt riders and hounds down the main Washington Street, Middleburg. For more information about the parade, parking and road closures visit: christmasinmiddleburg.org.

Middleburg. ‘Tis the season! Bring the entire family to this favorite holiday tradition. Presented annually as a gift to the community from Foxcroft’s New Girls, this rendition of the traditional nativity story features live animals and music and creates a spectacle that is a treat for all generations. Following the Pageant, Santa Claus will stop by to deliver special treats for all the children!

12/1

Middleburg Christmas Parade (2-4 p.m.): Floats and animals down the main Washington Street. For more information about the parade, parking and road closures visit: christmasinmiddleburg.org.

12/1

Cana Vineyards Holiday Party (1-4 p.m.): Enjoy a special Holiday show by the band Modern Vintage at Cana Vineyards, and Winery of Middleburg, 38600 John Mosby Highway.

12/1

Friends and Family Open House by Amanda’s Regal Canine (9 a.m.-6 p.m.): Holiday pet photo session with award winning Julie McGuire to help support the Semper K9 Assistance Dogs in Woodbridge, Virginia. JulieMcGuirePhotographyBookings.as.me/amandasregalcanine Social snacks and drinks all day!

12/1

Holiday Party at 50 West (11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.): 50 West Vineyards Holiday Party, featuring live music from Chris Bone from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Cozy up next to a fire pit with a glass of mulled wine and enjoy the afternoon at 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg.

12/1, 2

Piedmont Singers 20th Anniversary Concert: The Piedmont Singers, a musical outreach of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Middleburg, will celebrate their 20th anniversary by performing the Christmas portion of Handel’s beloved oratorio MESSIAH, conducted by Wendy Oesterling and accompanied by chamber orchestra. Two performances: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. Emmanuel Episcopal Church is located at 105 East Washington Street, Middleburga. Tickets are not required. A free will donation of $15 is recommended. For more, call Emmanuel Church at (540) 687-6297.

12/2

AiM Holiday Open House and Fundraiser (4-7 p.m.): Join the Artists in Middleburg at 102 W. Washington Street, for a holiday open house and fundraiser. Drink hot cider, snack on holiday treats and peruse holiday art.

12/2

Celebrating the Piano World (4-7 p.m.): Hosted by Middleburg Music Fest International and Greenhill Winery & Vineyards, internationally recognized concert pianists Nikita Fitenko and Katherina Zaitseva. They will perform some of their favorite compositions by Brahms, Schubert, Grieg, Dvorak, Liszt, Mussorgsky, and Barber in the barrel room. Attendees are invited to enjoy a wine reception to meet the artists, mingle with other music lovers, and enjoy the beautiful facilities usually reserved exclusively to Greenhill Winery Club members. General admission sales end on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75.

12/2

Sugar Plum Fairy Luncheon (12-3 p.m.): Start the holiday season by joining Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts, Inc. for a magical afternoon with the Sugar Plum Fairy and friends at the Salamander Resort & Spa. Enjoy a delicious luncheon and excerpts from LBPAC’s upcoming performance of the holiday classic The Nutcracker, featuring many dancers in full costume. Meet the ballerinas and get photos and autographs! Luncheon seating is at tables of 10 that will be pre-assigned in order of purchase. Contact lbpactickets@gmail.com with questions and specific seating requests. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

12/2

Traditional Christmas Pageant (2-3 p.m.): Hosted by Foxcroft School, 22407 Foxhound Lane,

12/4

Wine & Painting Class (7-9 p.m.):· Hosted by Salamander Resort & Spa, each Tuesday in December, the Wine and Painting Class is a fun way to paint and create your own original piece of work while sipping on different local wines. $85 per person. Reservations required, please call 540-326-4060. Two person minimum.

Participants must be over the age of 21.

12/6

Temari: The Art of Japanese Thread Balls (6-9 p.m.): Try your hand at the art of Japanese Temari with Trish Harris, a member of the Japanese Temari Association, who has been stitching and studying Japanese Temari since 1992.

Supplies will be provided. No experience necessary. For adults. Held in the Meeting Room at the Middleburg Library.

12/8

L ive Music C lark Peklo at Chrysalis Vineyards (2-5 p.m.): Join Chrysalis Vineyards, 39025 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg, for live acoustic music by Clark Peklo and wine.

12/8

Grand Opening/Holiday Open House (10 a.m.-6 p.m.): Join Moda Lookbook as they celebrate the opening of our NEW location, 22 E. Washington St., Middleburg. This holiday open house will have complimentary gift wrap, pick your discount, and bubbles/bites.

12/9

Christmas Favorites with Spencer & Beane (3 p.m.): Bringing new life to traditional melodies at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 105 East Washington St., Middleburg. To reserve a seat call (540) 687-6297. Suggested donation of $10.

Refreshments will be served. For more visit www.emmanuelmiddleburg.org.

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Calendar | From page 63

12/11

Biz Buzz & MBPA Awards at Emmanuel Episcopal Church (5:30–7:30 p.m.): Biz Buzz, the monthly Middleburg Business and Professional Association networking event, will hold the annual awards ceremony and holiday party at 105 East Washington St, Middleburg Members free, non-members $10.

Please RSVP via Facebook or by e-mail to info@visitmiddleburgva.com.

12/14

3rd annual Nova Holiday Concert (6-10 p.m.): 3rd annual Nova Holiday Concert features recording artist Dan Rodriguez and his Christmas show “All I Want for Christmas is Whiskey.” This year the venue is the beautiful Middleburg Barn at Fox Chase Farm in Middleburg. Desserts are included in the ticket price and drinks are $5.

12/15

Salvation Army Holiday Charity Yoga (11 a.m.-12 p.m.): Warm your heart by giving back this holiday season! Enjoy an all-levels heated yoga class at Salamander Resort & Spa, 500 N Pendleton St, Middleburg, with all of the proceeds benefiting the local Salvation Army center. $35 per person. For reservations, please call (540) 326-4060.

der Resort & Spa, 500 N Pendleton St, Middleburg. A little of this, a little of that... the delicious brunch buffet includes holiday specialties, live omelet station, fresh seafood, seasonal fruits, breakfast favorites, freshly baked breads and so much more. The perfect treat after opening presents all morning! $72 per person, $38 per child. Reservations required, please call (540) 326-4070. Prices do not include tax and gratuity. For more: https://www. facebook.com/events/550273472076274/.

12/31

New Year’s Eve Dinner (510 p.m.): On the last night of 2018, a culinary masterpiece is prepared in a special five-course dinner from Executive Chef Ryan Arensdorf at Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill 500 N Pendleton St, Middleburg. The indulgent tasting menu highlights new dry-aged steak program, seasonal ingredients with house-made specialties, elaborate desserts and a complimentary glass of champagne. $182 per person, $48 optional wine pairing. Reservations required, please call (540) 326-4070. Prices do not include tax and gratuity.

12/15

Gre y h ou n d Ad opti on Day at Kriser’s Natural Pet (12-3 p.m.): Share the joy of a new family member - join and celebrate pets ready for their forever homes. For more: https://www.middleburghumane.org/.

12/22

The I,IV,V’s at the Red Horse Tavern (9:30 p.m.12:30 a.m.): Enjoy late night live music at the Red Horse Tavern, 122 W Washington St, Middleburg. The I,IV,V’s will be playing blues to make you move.

12/25

Family-Style Christmas Dinner (3-7 p.m.): Join Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, 500 N Pendleton St, Middleburg, for a festive Christmas family-style dinner. Served for sharing, enjoy classics such as Alaskan plank salmon, Virginia honey-glazed ham, housemade fixings, and indulgent desserts. $89 per person, $45 per child. Reservations required, please call (540) 326-4070.

12/25

Ultimate Holiday Brunch Buffet (10 a.m.-3 p.m.): Eat, drink, and be merry with a Christmas Day brunch buffet in the Ballroom at Salaman-

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Brunch with Santa (10 a.m.3 p.m.): Hosted by Visit with Santa and his elves while enjoying a delicious brunch in Salamander Resort & Spa’s winter wonderland. The ballroom transforms into Santa’s workshop this month. Make a holiday keepsake, take a photo with Santa Claus himself on Dec. 1, 8, 15 or 22. $55 per person, $30 for children. Reservations required, please call (540) 326-4070. Prices do not include tax and gratuity.

12/1-31

GASP: Great Art, Small Prices Public (12-5 p.m.): The Artists in Middleburg (AiM) and the jurors: Tony Barham Terri Parent William Walsh Invite you to AiM’s current juried exhibition: GASP: Great Art Small Prices. The exhibit will be open Wednesday-Sunday throughout the month.

The show is located at 102 W. Washington St., Middleburg. For more information visit: https://www.theartistsinmiddleburg.org/.

12/2

Gingerbread House Decorating at Market Salamander (1-3 p.m.): Create your very own Gingerbread House! Supplies will be provided to create your delicious home for the holidays on Dec. 2, 16 or 23 at Market Salamander. $35 per person. Reservations required, please call (540) 687-8011. Prices do not include tax and gratuity.

12/7 ONGOING EVENTS

12/1

Carriage Rides with Molly & Doc (1-4 p.m.): Take a surrey ride through Greenhill Winery & Vineyards, available Dec. 1, 7, 21 and 28! Grab some sparkling Blanc de Blancs and your favorite cheese plate and enjoy a ride with driver Molly and “Doc Holliday” (resident camera-ham). Free. Rides are first come, first serve and seat up to 3 persons. Note: there are breaks between rides to give Doc a rest.

12/1-2

Hot Chocolate Bar (8 a.m.-2 p.m.): When the weather outside is frightful, join Market Salamander for hot chocolate! Every Saturday and Sunday in December, offering hot chocolate bar from a local chocolatier with all the fixings. For additional information, please call (540) 687-8011.

DECEMBER 2018

Storytime with Mrs. Claus (7-8 p.m.): Gather around the Christmas tree and the cozy fire at Salamander Resort & Spa on Dec. 7, 14 or 21 for special stories read by Mrs. Claus that will surely warm your heart. For additional information, please call 540-326-4060.

12/8

Holiday Market At The Barn (11 a.m.-5 p.m.): Stop by The Last Resort Farm, 35748 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg, to shop for all your holiday needs in one place. Choose from a variety of vendors and dates, the market will be open Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16. Middleburg Humane Foundation will be at Market at the Barn on Dec 15th, swing by and adopt a new friend.

12/9

Holiday Cookie Decorating (11 a.m.-1 p.m.): Perfect for the entire family, join Market Salamander on Dec. 9, 16 or 23 to decorate your favorite Holiday Cookies to take home! $25 per person.

Reservations required, please call (540) 6878011. Prices do not include tax and gratuity.

Close to home, but a world away.

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

Escape to Salamander Spa this winter and receive 25% off 80-minute treatments on Tuesdays or Wednesdays throughout the end of the year.

This is just what your body, mind and soul have been searching for.

Book your escape at SalamanderResort.com | 855.813.1311

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PROPERTIES IN HUNT COUNTRY EW

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GONE AWAY FARM

Zulla Road, The Plains ~ Set on a knoll with views of the Blue Ridge Mtns, this 83 acre farm is well designed, offering every amenity. The main house has 4 BR, 7 BA, 4 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen & gracious entertaining spaces inside and out. 3 BR, 1½ BA tenant house; charming guest house; swimming pool; covered terrace; outdoor kitchen; 4 ponds; fruit trees and mature gardens. Newer 4 stall barn with heated tack, feed and wash stall; 2 - 2 stall shed row barns; 3 run in sheds.

In Orange County Hunt territory. $4,495,000

Emily Ristau 540-454-9083

STONYHURST

Middleburg ~ Own a piece of local history. Meticulously renovated c.1890 VA fieldstone manor house set on 94 acres only 1 mile from town. Features formal LR & DR, gourmet kitchen, 3+Bedrooms, 3½ Baths, Office & 2 porches. Original hardwood floors, 5 fireplaces & custom cabinetry throughout.

Extensive landscaping, rebuilt stonewalls & new driveway.

Pool, 2 barns, workshop, old tenant house & 4-board fencing.

1 division allowed. One of a kind! $4,425,000

Cricket Bedford 540-299-3201

THE GRANGE

The Plains ~ Stunning addition & complete restoration create a classic and elegant Virginia manor house. Attention to detail throughout including a custom designed kitchen open to the family room. Property also includes pool, guest house & 4 stall barn on 18 acres in the Orange County Hunt Territory.

Convenient access to I-66, Rt. 50 and Dulles International Airport $2,675,000

Cricket Bedford 540-299-3201

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BUCKSKIN MANOR

Jeffersonton ~ Unique 4 BR country house with pool and outbuildings. One and 1/2 mile of Rappahannock river frontage. Open, rolling fields. Investment, horse farm, brewery, B&B, farming or winery potential. All around views, flowering gardens, privacy & peace. 15 minutes to Warrenton. $1,991,000 on 239+acres or $1,443,000 on 142 acres

Outside of Hillsboro ~ A true treasure! Lovely home dating back to the 1700s on 66 acres with mtn. views. 5 BR 4½ BA main house; guest house; stable; pool with outdoor entertaining areas, pizza oven and fireplace. Extensive plantings, stone work, mature timberland and large pond. EZ commuter access to DC. $1,700,000

Rein duPont 540-454-3355

Emily Ristau 540-454-9083

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TALLWOOD

Warrenton ~ Located on 24.31 acres, constructed in 1939 by W.J. Hanback, one of Fauquier County`s most accomplished builders. There are 4 BR and 3 BA upstairs, the kitchen is spacious, with custom cabinetry and wood countertops. Hardwood floors throughout. Fauquier County zoning allows the construction of five additional houses on the acreage. $1,400,000

Cary Embury 540-533-0106 or Susie Ashcom 540-729-1478

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208 SYCAMORE STREET

UPPERVILLE HOUSE

Upperville ~ Fully renovated c. 1843 Greek Revival style home in the historic village of Upperville. 4 BR, 3 BA, enclosed Sunporch for office or Bedroom. 2-car detached garage and potting shed. Can be Commercial or Residential.

Priced below appraised value. $769,000

Cricket Bedford 540-299-3201

Middleburg ~ Charming brick home in heart of historic Middleburg. 2 BR, 2 BA, Family Room with fireplace, Kitchen with Breakfast Room, Dining Room and full basement. Hardwood floors. Fully fenced front & back yards. Large rear covered patio area with pergola makes an ideal entertaining space. Opens to gorgeous swimming pool. Two detached garden sheds. Mature trees. $389,000

Cricket Bedford 540-299-3201

Please see our fine estates and exclusive country properties by visiting THOMAS-TALBOT.com

THOMAS & TALBOT REAL ESTATE Susie Ashcom Cricket Bedford Catherine Bernache Snowden Clarke John Coles Rein duPont Cary Embury

A Staunch Supporter of Land Easements LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967 Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687- 6500

Phillip S. Thomas, Sr.

Celebrating his 56th year in Real Estate.

Julien Lacaze Anne V. Marstiller Brian McGowan Jim McGowan Mary Ann McGowan Rebecca Poston Emily Ristau

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

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