OVER THE MOON
Hunt Breakfasts and Scarlet Tails
The Horsy Set gathers for post-hunt repasts at “Blue Ridge Farm” and “Huntland,” the Firestones’ promising colt, and Bunny Mellon sells her Cape Cod estate to Bill Koch BY VICKY MOON
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he hunt breakfast is a Britishinspired gathering after a day of fox chasing. In England, riders gather in a pub for a meal and recall a triumphant day galloping on the downs. In Middleburg, the landowner invites neighbors and participants to gather later in the day at the main house. The term “hunt breakfast” is a misnomer since it usually takes place late in the afternoon and sometimes in the evening for a formal celebration. More on that later. George Grayson and Maria Tousimis, along with Cabell and Susan Grayson, recently hosted a warm and cordial afternoon hunt breakfast at the Grayson family’s “Blue Ridge Farm” near Upperville. Maria, who is in the office of protocol and special events at the National Gallery of Art, was able to introduce her sister, Dr. Eleni Tousimis (fresh off an appearance on Katie Couric’s new chat show) and husband Raphael Thiney, a trend analyst and software developer, to life in the country as they ventured out from their new home in Georgetown. Dr.Tousimis is now chief of surgery at the Betty Lou Ourisman Breast Health Center at the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University Hospital. Charley and Julie Matheson, Gregg Ryan and Linda and Vas Devan gathered around a table filled with hunt breakfast staples like ham biscuit and warm artichoke dip. Meanwhile, Daniel Michael “Speedy” Smithwick Jr., a charmer much like his late father, Mikey, held court in a corner. Smithwick has returned to Virginia from Kentucky after 20 years, along with his beautiful wife, Eva, and he will continue to train horses at the family farm, “Sunny Bank.” The stately brick and white-columned “Huntland,” now owned by Betsee Parker, glowed in the cold December twilight for separate
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ABOVE: Huntland at twilight. RIGHT: Maria Tousimis and George Grayson. (Photos by Vicky Moon)
evening hunt breakfasts for the Middleburg Hunt and The Piedmont Fox Hounds. Both invitations discreetly noted: “Scarlet if convenient.” Male members of the hunt, who have earned the privilege, are encouraged to wear a formal scarlet tailcoat; all other men are in black-tie. Built in 1911 by Joseph Thomas, guests at this estate have included President Lyndon B. Johnson and Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn. This time, for the Middleburg Hunt gathering, the noted guest was Olympic gold medalist equestrian Joe Fargis. As 2012 came to a close, many, including Fargis and Parker, who owns a string of champion show hunters, headed south to Florida for yet another winter season of show jumping, polo and thoroughbred racing. At Gulfstream Park, Diana and Bert Firestone’s home-bred 3-year-old started off on a promising note in January. This colt could very well be one to watch as the racing season
builds toward Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby the first Saturday in May.The aptly named “Middleburg” is a chestnut colt sired by Lemon Drop Kid, winner of the 1999 Belmont Stakes, with lifetime earnings of $3.2 million. In his first race at Gulfstream Park, Middleburg didn’t win, but showed plenty of speed in a highly competitive mile and 1/16th race. Watch this space for updates. In real estate news, centenarian Rachel “Bunny” Mellon of Upperville has sold her 26-acre Oyster Harbors property near Cape Cod to billionaire Bill Koch for a reported $19.5 million.A tennis court, guest lodging and greenhouse are included along with the 7,000square-foot main residence. Koch, who also purchased an adjacent 12-acre parcel, is a highly successful energy entrepreneur (president of the Oxbow Group) with a large collection of art masterworks, instruments and antique model ships. He also owns a number of life-sized versions ,such as the 78-foot sailboat America3, winner of the 1992 America’s Cup. For anyone interested in moving to Upperville, consider “The Maples.” Purchased in 1999 from the original owners, the Fletcher family, it has since been restored and enhanced while maintaining authentic 1850s architecture. The manor house features heart pine floors, 12-foot ceilings, seven fireplaces, original hand-crafted details and is fully networked and wired.There is a spacious stone guest house, four-story bank barn, pool and spa, mature landscaping on 60 acres. It is listed by Andy Stevens of Long and Foster in Middleburg for $5.3 million.
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