Inspired Spring 2015

The Willowsford, Virginia Lifestyle

VOL. V | 2015 | $4.95

An Evening to Remember Craft Culture in Downtown Leesburg The Power of Therapeutic Riding Getting to the Core of Healthy Living

INTEGRITY HOMES at Willowsford

Integrity Homes only builds our quality, hand-crafted homes in distinctive locations with honest personalities – places like Willowsford. Designed and crafted especially for Willowsford, Integrity homes offer up to 5,000 square feet of relaxed, authentic luxury, with up to 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths along with exquisite features like personal courtyards, sunrooms, balconies, reading nooks and gourmet chef’s kitchens. Integrity homes are genuine and timeless, and just like the naturally planned community of Willowsford, truly inspiring.

Single-Family Homes from the Mid $500’s | Willowsford.com/Integrity 41025 Willowsford Lane, Aldie, Virginia 20105 | (703) 327-7662

thoughts from the fi eld

Letter from Willowsford In the evolution of any truly great planned community, there’s a point at which it stops being directed solely by the developer’s vision and becomes something even better—a real place.

To watch that transformation happening at Willowsford is truly a pleasure. With a lifestyle built around farm-fresh food, outdoor recreation and fine living, Willowsford has developed a discernable, authentic culture. And as residents of all ages, life stages and backgrounds move here, they make their own imprint on that culture, making it a community that is not only defined by its architecture, amenities and landscapes, but by the people who live here.

Something else that breathes life into the built environment is the wonderful variety of programming and events that bring the community together.

Our full-time lifestyle team carries out an array of community activities, including cooking and fitness classes, trail running and mountain bike races, nature exploration, concerts and movies in our amphitheaters.

Photo by Tom Lussier

It’s this sense of being a real, vibrant, varied place that has earned Willowsford recognition both locally and nationally as ‘Community of the Year’ for the last three years, and we’d love to have you come see what’s so special about this community for yourself.

A publication of Corbelis Development NOVA, L.L.C. Publisher: Willowsford, L.L.C.

In the pages of Inspired, I hope you’ll enjoy reading about the people, businesses and experiences that make Loudoun County and Willowsford such an amazing place to call home.

Managing Editor: Laura Cole Contributor: Wallace & Company WallaceAndCompany.com ©2015 Willowsford, L.L.C., Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, Inspired, Inspired Living, A Naturally Planned Community and are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this magazine is expressly prohibited. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising matter.

The information, illustrations, maps, and depictions contained in this magazine concerning the Willowsford development are based on the current proposed development concepts; actual development may vary from what is depicted. As the vision for the project evolves, facilities, features and other components are subject to change. Certain features and amenities depicted within the magazine have not yet been, and may not be, constructed. Dues, fees and assessments may be imposed for the use of some amenities. Photographs and images are not necessarily of the Willowsford development, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be an actual representation of any features or designs of any specific community, neighborhood, amenities, facilities or improvements.

Here’s to finding out what inspires you this season.

All the best,

Brian Cullen Corbelis NoVA President Developer of Willowsford

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Contents

Spring 2015 1

thoughts from the field

Letter from Willowsford

26

The Shop Around the Corner Books and Other Found Things

Brian Cullen

4

Lorin Fairweather

eat local An Evening to Remember with Bryan Voltaggio

55

drink local

Alex Aloise

12

good earth

Deborah Dramby

rooted Lorin Fairweather

homescape Life Tested Pulte Homes Advances the Art of Consumer Collaboration ®

Alex Aloise

inspired living Meg Bradley

64

heart and soul

Getting to the Core of Healthy Living Alex Aloise

70

A Family Legacy Lives On Descendants of Alexander Dove Lee

20

60

Snapshots from Willowsford

Love Weeds, Will Travel How Willowsford’s Goats are Giving Back

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Jaimee Reinertsen

Spring 2015

Craft Culture MacDowell Brew Kitchen Brings Beer and the Beach to Downtown Leesburg

stewardship ‘Possibilitarians’ Help Clients ‘Walk On’ Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center

Jaimee Reinertsen

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shop local

kids’ corner

Dance It Like You Mean It Kelly Morris

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on the cover

Your Table Awaits Sycamore House Becomes a Pop-Up Restaurant

VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 5

eat local

An Evening to Remember with Bryan

Voltaggio

by Jaimee Reinertsen

“ I guarantee things like this are NOT happening in other communities right now.”

That’s what Willowsford resident Ian Walsh had to say as celebrity Chef Bryan Voltaggio (of Top Chef, VOLT and RANGE fame) transformed Sycamore House into a stunning 5-star restaurant for two very special nights.

Ian, who was one of the first 20 homeowners in Willowsford, said, “We moved here because we loved the concept of Willowsford. The activities aren’t just the same old stuff you see in other neighborhoods, like just an occasional 5k. This is amazing.”

Residents began the night in the lamp-lit formal gardens, where they were treated to sparkling signature cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres and an oyster bar at the outdoor kitchen.

Once seated, community tables of eight made fast friends of neighbors over the pleasure of great conversation and seven beautifully presented courses paired with locally sourced wines.

Using produce picked fresh from Willowsford Farm in his culinary creations and meats from Willowsford’s Farm Stand vendors, Chef Voltaggio helped Willowsford’s farm-to-table lifestyle find its finest expression yet.

“Seeing Sycamore House transformed into a gracious, fine dining restaurant for the evening was a dream come true for all of us at Willowsford who spent years planning for the kitchens to accommodate a wide range of culinary experiences,” said Culinary Director Bonnie Moore. “Bryan’s exquisite menu did a beautiful job of showcasing the Willowsford Farm harvest.”

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For residents, the dinner exemplified Willowsford’s commitment to memorable experiences.

“The whole environment of Willowsford brings people together. The dinner was so well done. It just made the community feel even more like a family,” said resident Sharon Reynolds. “Willowsford always does things with class – but with a homegrown feeling.”

Bonnie Moore and Willowsford Farm Director Mike Snow chatted with guests at each table and thanked them for supporting the vision of Willowsford. Sharon said the vision really came through in the dinner, as well. “I love the nature and the Farm Stand and how the developer preserves the land. You just felt all of that in the elegance of this dinner. It was wonderful.”

At the end of the evening, Chef Voltaggio received a hearty round of applause and seemed to return the enthusiasm. “I have really enjoyed this experience at Willowsford,” he said. “I’ll come back anytime.”

Bryan Voltaggio is the executive chef and owner of five restaurants including VOLT, Lunchbox, Aggio, RANGE, and Family Meal (a second one of which is opening soon in Ashburn). As a finalist on Top Chef Season 6 and Top Chef Masters Season 5, Voltaggio is the first chef to compete on both Top Chef and Top Chef Masters. The two-time James Beard Foundation Award finalist co-authored the cookbook, VOLT.Ink, with his brother, Michael. Visit BryanVoltaggio.com

eat local

Cuisine Photography by Alan Bushnell

drink local

Craft

Photography by Molly Peterson

Culture MacDowell Brew Kitchen Brings Beer and the Beach to Downtown Leesburg

by Alex Aloise What’s better than spending a night listening to a band with a cold drink in your hand and your toes in the sand? It sounds like the beginning of a hit country song, but you’re not in Nashville or Nassau. No, this particular beach bar is located somewhere a little less conventional—downtown Leesburg, Virginia, and that’s no Rum Runner you’re sipping. Here, the drink of choice is any one of the dozens of locally brewed craft beers on the menu.

Since opening its doors just three short years ago, MacDowell Brew Kitchen has quickly become a staple of the emerging downtown scene. One third of the famed “Beermuda Triangle” (along with neighboring restaurants Tuscarora Mill and Fireworks), it is now a can’t-miss destination for both novice and veteran beer enthusiasts.

“We don’t get many requests for Bud Light or Miller Light around here. People come specifically for our great craft selection,” says manager Sam Athanas. “If they ask for something like a Blue Moon, we’ll tell them ‘We don’t have that, but this is similar,’ and give them something from a nearby brewery. And we’re always updating our selection, so the next time that person comes in, they can try something different, maybe find a new favorite.”

In Leesburg, the number of “nearby breweries” is staggering. There are currently well over 100 micro or nanobreweries located in Virginia, Maryland and The District. Across the entire country, craft beer is on the rise. From 2012 to 2013, sales of craft beer jumped 20% to $14.3 billion. As of March 2014, there were more than 2,800 craft breweries located in the United States and the numbers show no signs of slowing down. (continued)

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drink local

MacDowell Brew Kitchen serves many local craft beers, and also produces small batches of their own.

“We’re a nanobrewery,” says co-owner Nils Schnibbe.

“It’s a small, half-barrel system. We try to brew about three to five beers during the winter months.”

“We fly through it all,” adds Sam. “People hear that we have our brews on tap and they flock down here.”

Just as the Kitchen is regularly rotating its roster of available beers, the homebrewed selections are rarely the same each year.

“The big IPA drinkers tend to look for specific hops, so we like to experiment with all different varieties,” Sam says. “There are always so many new ones coming out.

I could tell you what the favorite is now but by the time you publish this it will have changed two or three times,” jokes Nils.

The team at MacDowell Brew Kitchen refers to themselves as enthusiasts of craft beer enthusiasts, with their ears constantly to the ground for whatever is next in the world of craft beers. That insistence on staying ahead of the curve is also what sets them apart from other bars in Loudoun County, and is what led to the creation of its signature beach bar.

In addition to the sun soaked environs, MacDowell Brew Kitchen features live music four nights a week, and hosts a stand-up comedy night on the third Friday of every other month in the recently opened upstairs lounge. Though the beach bar closes in the winter, the outdoor patio stays open and heated for patrons to enjoy a break from their hectic days.

“Life is fast around here. People need an outlet,” says Nils.

“They need to go somewhere and unwind. What’s more relaxing than a beach?”

To view MacDowell Brew Kitchen’s full list of craft beers, as well as its live entertainment schedule, visit MacDowellBrewKitchen.com

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Alewerks Brewing Co. – Williamsburg, VA Blue Mountain Brewery – Afton, VA Bold Rock Hard Cider – Nellysford, VA Devils Backbone Brewing Co. – Roseland, VA

VIRGINIA’S FINEST Get a taste of some of the local breweries featured at MacDowell Brew Kitchen

Lost Rhino Brewing Co. – Ashburn, VA Port City Brewing Co. – Alexandria, VA Starr Hill Brewery – Crozet, VA Three Brothers Brewing – Harrisonburg, VA

good earth

Love Weeds, How Willowsford’s Goats Are Giving Back

by Deborah Dramby, Willowsford Farm Market & Education Coordinator Folks often ask, “How did you get into working with goats? Did you grow up in 4-H?” I usually tell the story of renting Brian Knox’s herd, Eco-Goats, to clear poison ivy, Canada thistle and Japanese honeysuckle from a University of Maryland hillside in order to build a teaching and community garden in College Park; and how that four-day rental turned into a summerlong adventure of ticks, chiggers and nights spent in Maryland’s weediest woods inside the “Shepherd Shack” next to 30–60 goats. Sometimes I’ll talk about using my first film camera as a kid to photograph “Mr. Goat,” who was probably a nanny, while my sister took horseback riding lessons at a farm in Maryland. No matter what path the answer takes, the questioner is sure to get at least ten minutes worth of sweet, funny or mischievous goat stories.

The calm charm of a herd of goats, however, was not the only thing that pulled me into their world. First, it was their simple, chemical-free solution to a plant problem.

I believe in Mother Nature; in her choreography and her ecosystems. I believe in examining and modifying our behavior to facilitate and encourage natural and self-sustaining processes. Herbivores (goats) eating vegetation (weeds) is one of those processes. When I first read about Californians using goats to manage unwanted vegetation, I experienced the same simple “a-ha” moment so many of us have around what we do here at Willlowsford. An ancient idea reintegrated.

Effortlessly appealing. (continued)

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Will

Travel

Photography by Deborah Dramby

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When I came to Willowsford, to Virginia, I said bye-fornow to the Maryland-based Eco-Goat herd and focused on vegetables, real food and community building. The herd came to visit that fall, weeding and fertilizing parts of The Farm, and gave Mike Snow, Willowsford’s Director of Farm Operations, a peek at what it would be like to have small ruminants on premises. Much to my delight, the neighbors loved having the goats around and they not once ate any vegetable crops. After their job well done and a few conversations in the field, I got the green light to spend some time over the winter planning for our own herd.

In April of 2013, we got the call that the ten goats we’d reserved at Blue Ridge Goat Dairy were weaned and ready to be picked up. Mike and I rode to Keedysville, Maryland and in a conversation oscillating between excitement and nervousness about these ten living beings, we talked through some common health problems, advice I’d aggregated, and how these ten male dairy goats, at the bargain price of $50.00 each, were chosen based on foraging statistics and friendliness of breed.

Before we knew it, six LaManchas, three Oberhasli and one Nubian were in our hands and hearts.

As the little herd settled into The Farm, they garnered a whole lot of love and attention. More and more of our Thursday volunteer hours (“Happy Gardening Hours”) wrapped up with the neighborhood kids visiting the goats. It became clear that these boys were as valuable as an educational tool as they would be for grazing.

So when the call came in from a friend at the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Agriculture that they needed some farm animals to visit and a farmer to talk to their young campers about the role of animals in the farm system, I scooped up three of our friendliest goats, trailered over, and watched children’s faces light up with wonder when they learned that horns don’t dictate gender, and that cashmere comes from goats.

It was in these precious moments, watching the goats interact with people and plants, that they revealed their unique personalities and earned their names. From day one on pasture, the copper-colored LaMancha had a tendency to overeat on fresh forage and would bloat.

The kids would ask, “Why is that one fatter?”

“He doesn’t pace himself,” I’d say. “Like Augustus Gloup in Willy Wonka’s chocolate river.” And so he became known as Gus.

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Our goats’ friendliness didn’t just serve my personal mission of broadening goat understanding in the world, though. On the business end, it helped us understand their behavior and trust that leaving the goats on properties, unattended and separated from humans, roads and predators by only a row of flimsy electric fencing, was safe for everyone. They don’t bite. Heck, they don’t even have teeth on the top. They can hold their own against an aggressive dog or two. When frightened, their instinct brings them to the nearest human, not darting off into the wilderness or traffic.

Confidence in these goats has led us places I’d never even imagined. In the spring of 2014, DC Greens, a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., invited us to participate in their Growing Green Teachers

good earth programming for The District. The organization managed to get goats legalized for educational purposes so that we could take goats to classrooms. This led to more than 700 students in the city engaging with the animals over three visits.

Our first big grazing gig came to us through the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Nicole Hamilton, President of the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, had seen Mile-A-Minute encroaching on the forest margins within Morven Park and suggested goats as a management tool. This high-visibility graze led to more jobs and more educational opportunities.

Throughout the 2014 season, our herd cleared nearly 20 acres of invasive plants like Autumn Olive and Japanese Honeysuckle, and unwanted brambles and poison ivy in Leesburg, Purcellville, Hamilton, Ashburn and Aldie.

As they defoliated and disrupted the seed banks of these unwanted plants, they opened up space for native plants to return, returned that digested matter to the soil in the form of fertilizer, and opened paths for humans, park visitors, and horses to reach shade in woods previously impassable. And along the way, they brought hundreds of people back to nature, charmed visitors and spurred stories of family farms past.

The herd has several grazes planned for the 2015 season, and will continue to participate in educational programs. We welcome new inquiries—for more information on renting the goats, please email ddramby@willowsfordfarm.com

In the spring of 2014, DC Greens, a non-profit organization in Washington, D.C., invited us to participate in their Growing Green Teachers programming for The District.

First Day of School!

VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 17

The Descendants of Alexander Dove Lee

rooted

A Family

LEGACY Lives On

by Lorin Fairweather

To Willowsford residents, the stone dairy building beside Sycamore House is a quaint historical marker. To the descendants of Alexander Dove Lee, the dairy is a family heirloom.

The stone structure has been preserved from Lee’s 200-acre farmstead, which dates to around 1800. Some of the wood beams and stone were reclaimed from the neighboring home known as the Stone House, which had fallen to weather and age. The materials were reused in what is now Willowsford’s Tenant House Information Center.

A group of the Lee family descendants drove from Mount Airy, Washington, D.C., Strasburg and Fredericksburg to reunite in the community at the very site of the former Stone House where their ancestors once lived.

Two sides of the Lee family were represented at the Willowsford reunion—those descended from Alexander Dove Lee’s first marriage to Anna Elizabeth Lee, and those whose family ties are from his second marriage to Margaret A. McFarland. “Some of us connected on Ancestry.com and some of us connected through family research that Jim (Lambert) did,” says Amy Robinson.

Four of the relatives also grew up in Loudoun County together. Jim and his cousin Bruce Grimes took turns recounting memories from childhood, like sledding all night to the glow of a burning bonfire and munching on roasted corn in a field under a huge ash tree.

Preserving family history and stories of their ancestors carries a deep importance among the Lees. “From when I was this high, I was listening to my Grandpa tell stories

Tenant House Information Center

about the Lee side of the family,” Amy recalls, now living in Loudoun County close to, if not on, the border of the former farmstead. “We were in Washington State and I moved back here and found my roots here. And to land in the same area? It’s meant to be.”

As the family members toured the community, from the newly built Sycamore House to the Farm Stand, appreciation for all that had been done developmentally to maintain the Lee family heritage was apparent.

“What I really like is the way (Willowsford has) taken the time to understand our history, get to know the families and that they reused some of the Stone House’s wood and stone on The Tenant House,” says Peggy Wingfield.

“The Arcola I knew is gone, but this is the new Arcola.”

“The idea that they want the new residents to have some kind of context and heritage of the region is wonderful,” agrees Bruce. He said, even though the Lees no longer own any of the land, their legacy lives on.

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Keep Cool This Summer!

K. Hovnanian Homes ®

®

At Willowsford

K. Hovnanian® is a family-owned and operated, national homebuilder that has been committed to excellence since 1959, and today builds in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, the Southeast, the Midwest, Texas and Arizona. The company combines its national experience with a local focus in each market, which led the Willowsford development team to select K. Hovnanian® as one of Willowsford’s dedicated homebuilders. K. Hovnanian® custom-created a new line of homes specifically for Willowsford that captures Virginia’s history, with architecture inspired by heirloom family farmhouses and Colonial manors. Interiors offer up to six bedrooms and up to six-and-a-half baths, with up to 5,000 square feet of thoughtfully appointed space.

Front porches and porticos enter into genteel, welcoming foyers, gourmet kitchens open to light-filled great rooms that are the hearts of the homes, and gracious owner’s suites soothe away the stress of daily life.

Single-Family Homes from the Low $600’s | Willowsford.com/KHov 23510 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148 | (888) 559-1536 Prices, terms, features, incentives and savings subject to change without notice, see Sales Consultant for community specific details. K. Hovnanian® American Mortgage, L.L.C.TM, 3601 Quantum Boulevard, Boynton Beach, FL 33426. NMLS#3259. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Licensed by Virginia State Corporation Commission #MC2661.

Life

TESTED®

by Alex Aloise

Pulte Homes Advances the Art of Consumer Collaboration Understanding what customers want is a crucial component to the success of any business. But very few companies have the resources or commitment level to ask customers for feedback mid-way through a product’s development—and reinvent it if needed.

One homebuilder at Willowsford, however, has built its business model—and its reputation—on doing just that.

“We build consumer inspired homes and communities to make lives better,” says Lewis Birnbaum, Mid-Atlantic Division President for Pulte Homes. “That’s our corporate vision statement, but it’s also, in a nutshell, exactly what we do.”

As part of their Life Tested® approach to homebuilding, Pulte seeks validating consumer input from the very start of the home design process, all the way to the finished product and beyond. The first step is a study where prototypes of the new products are built in a warehouse or sometimes on-site.

Pulte then recruits the specific consumers for whom the floor plans are intended to provide feedback on the designs. Once design adjustments are made based on the consumer feedback received at the prototype stage, floor plans are built ‘live’ in a community. Consumers are invited back for what is called 1st Build Consumer Validation to provide feedback on the home when it is fully built and decorated. (continued)

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homescape

Photography by Maxine Schnitzer

The goal of the consumer walk-throughs is to design a home that more accurately represents how homeowners use their space today.

homescape

Pulte Planning Center 速

Everyday EntryTM 24 | VOL 5 SPRING 2015

The Kingswood

‘ I just had to come back.

This feels like home.’

At Willowsford, one Prototype test was conducted on the Kingswood model, as well as one 1st Build test on the Sherwood model.

“Willowsford is the first community in this part of the country that was truly Life Tested®,” says Anissa Willis, Pulte’s General Sales Manager at Willowsford.

“Our Kingswood model home had a consumer walkthrough done when it was in framing, and we brought the consumers back once it was finalized. The changes that were suggested in that walk-through are what you will find in that home today, and in fact, it’s now our flagship model home.”

The goal of the consumer walk-throughs is to design a home that more accurately represents how homeowners use their space today. It’s more than just adding features for flair, there is a consumer-backed purpose for every adjustment that is made.

During the consumer walk-throughs, Pulte saw that homebuyers are less interested in having traditional, formal rooms, but they don’t want to give up space and square footage.

With that in mind, Pulte’s designers reallocated the space used for living and dining rooms to create more flexible and practical spaces such as the Pulte Planning Center®. This unique feature, located off the kitchen near the main living area provides space to manage today’s busy home life—charge electronics, check email, do homework and simply stay organized with space to store crafts and extra household items.

The Everyday EntryTM is an expanded pathway through the most-used entrance in the home—the garage—and serves as a drop zone for things like backpacks, shoes and other items. In the kitchen, a larger, walk-in pantry solves the storage problem for families that prefer buying their groceries in bulk, and an all-new Wine Bar serves a dual purpose as a transitional kitchen island (because everyone gathers in the kitchen no matter how much living space you have) and built-in wine refrigerator.

“With the ideas we got from the consumer walkthroughs, you would have thought that these people were redesigning and refurbishing their own homes,” says Birnbaum. “They took pride in being involved.

Even if they weren’t currently in the market to buy, they appreciated having their voice heard so that the feature or design they wanted would be there in five years when they are ready to move.”

Since opening the Kingswood model home in The Grove village at Willowsford, the response to the consumer-inspired home has been overwhelming.

“People come into the model and sit down just like they live there,” says Willis. “And they come more than once. I’ve heard people say, ‘I just had to come back.

This feels like home.’”

“We were excited from day one to be a part of Willowsford,” adds Birnbaum. “Everything about this place is ‘inspired,’ and we build consumer-inspired homes. It’s a perfect match.” (continued) VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 25

homescape

6

What Makes a Willowsford Home Unique?

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Exterior home designs at Willowsford are based on historic styles prevalent in Loudoun County, including Federal, Folk Victorian, Gothic Revival, Exterior home designs at Willowsford are based on Queen Annestyles andprevalent Arts & in Crafts. historic Loudoun County, including Federal, Folk Victorian, Gothic Revival, Queen Anne

In deference historic evolution, a Willowsford and Arts &toCrafts.

In deference to historic evolution, a houseWillowsford mirrors the of a house built houseappearance mirrors the appearance of a house built over time. Requirements include useof of high over time.

Requirements included thetheuse highquality materials andsiting siting homes in ain wayathat creates quality materials and homes way that cohesive, appealing streetscapes. creates cohesive appealing streetscape.

The following are standards The following areasstandards forthe homes as seen from for homes seen from street: the street: - Exterior cladding must be brick, stone, stucco or cementitious siding.

Vinyl is not permitted.

Exterior cladding must besiding brick, stone, stucco

or cementitious siding.

Vinyl siding is not permitted - Windows, glass doors, sidelights and transoms must have authentic-style exterior muntins on the glass.

- Windows, glass doors, sidelights and transoms - Exterior-projecting fireplaces must be masonry. must have authentic-style exterior muntins on the glass - Roofs must, at a minimum, have architectural grade shingles.

- Exterior-projecting fireplaces be masonry - Porches are encouraged that aremust classically

PULTE KINGSWOOD HOME: 1 2 3

4 5 6

9 foot ceilings on the first floor

PUlTe Steeply pitched roof KINgSWoOD HoMe:

Minimum 4” corner boards and window trim decorative crown 9-FoOt CEIlINgS On THe FIrSt FlOoR 1 with

2

StEePlY pITCHeD RoOf Cementitious Clapboard siding MInImUm 4” COrNeR BoArDS AND WInDOW TrIM

3

High windows WITH quality DECoRAtIVE CRoWN with authentic muntins on the exterior of the glass 4 CEmeNtITIoUS CLApBoARD SIDInG

5

HIGH QUALItY WINDoWS WITH AUtHEnTIC Architectural Grade Shingles or standing seam MUnTInS On THe EXteRIor Of THe GlASs metal ARCHItECtURAl GrADE SHInGlEs

6

7

8

Or StANDInG SeAM and mEtAL Doors, sidelights transoms with authenticexterior applied the glass DOoRs, SIDeLIgHTs AND muntins TrANsOmS on WITH 7 style AUTHeNtIC–StYLe, EXteRIor–APpLIeD MUnTInS On THe GlASs

Trim work stylistically appropriate to the house 8

TrIM WOrK StYLIsTICAlLY APpRoprIATe tO THe HOUsE

designed and style-specific.

- Roofs must, at a minimum, have architectural- Garage doors are not permitted to face the street grade shingles unless set back toward the rear of the house.

- Porches are encouraged that are classically designed style-specific 26 | VOLand 5 SPRING 2015 - Garage doors are not permitted to face the street unless setback toward the rear of the house

Renderings are artist concepts and elevations may include optional features. This floorplan is intended as a representation of the blueprints. Window sizes and placements are per elevation. Brochures are intended as use for illustrative purposes and are not a legal document. Contact Sales Manager for details.

Relax ... Enjoy the view!

We’ll handle the rest.

SunriseLandscapeAndDesign.com

DESIGN

|

BUILD | LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

|

703.544.0028

shop local

the

Arou nd

Photography by Molly Peterson

Book s and O the r Found Thin g s

by Lorin Fairweather When you’re starting over, it’s generally good advice to make the most of what you have. For Allen and Nancy Robinson, that was about 15,000 books.

When the Robinsons relocated to Virginia from Hawaii to be close to their grandson, they began looking for business opportunities. Allen noticed the building on Loudoun Street in Leesburg that now inhabits their shop, Books and Other Found Things, while out on a walk one day.

“I thought it would make a great bookstore,” says Allen, a former ranch caretaker, hardware store owner and business consultant. “We thought, well, we’ve got a lot of books and bookcases. It was actually about the only thing we could think about doing with the resources we had.”

After doing “thorough due diligence,” Allen says with a wink, the shop was open within a month and a half, just

The Cor n er around the corner from bustling South King Street in downtown Leesburg. With years of business experience between them, the Robinsons set out to create a homey, book-filled oasis for readers of all ages, genres and literary preferences. “We wanted our bookstore to be the same as our reading interests – pretty eclectic.”

books. “We have over 20 artists who have their work here on consignment,” says Allen.

The shelves of Books and Other Found Things are a who’s who of the literary world, stocked with preserved works from the early 1800s, great American classics, beloved children’s favorites, and newer kids’ series like The Magic Treehouse.

“People tell me, ‘I look at a computer all day at work. The last thing I want to do to relax is look at another screen,’” Allen says. “It seems like e-books, for the moment anyhow, have kind of peaked and the novelty has worn off.”

“We have people who look around and say, ‘All my friends are here!’” Allen says with clear delight.

The “Other Found Things” are a result of the Robinsons’ travels throughout the world and moves across the United States. Many of their souvenirs make up the array of found things for sale, while work of local artists adorns the walls and shelves.

From elegant, recycled paper angels and ceramic pendants to knitted wool booties and patterned aprons, the store displays an assortment of items for sale on tabletops, across the mantel and among the stacks of

It’s the rarity of this combined collection that Allen thinks still earns him a place in the hearts of today’s download-friendly consumer.

The come-as-you-are bookstore also sets itself apart with extended business hours, staying open until 8 pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays and until 7 pm on Sundays.

After a dinner in downtown Leesburg, readers and browsers are invited to make their way over to Allen and Nancy’s cozy spot.

Visit Facebook.com/booksandotherfoundthings for store information, hours and the latest news, and follow along on Instagram @booksandotherfoundthings. If you are looking for a space to host your book club, contact the store about reserving time in their available upstairs room.

VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 29

Annual Kids’ Berry Festival

Picking golden raspberries at Willowsford’s Farm Garden

THE DESIGNER COLLECTION

LIMITED EDITION LIVING FROM PIET BOON, ONLY AT WILLOWSFORD The first of Willowsford’s Designer Collection homes is Line K, with three distinctive model homes now open.

Line K is a stunning collaboration between K. Hovnanian® Homes® and Piet Boon®, an internationally acclaimed designer.

Together, they bring to Willowsford a modern interpretation of the community’s historically inspired architecture, with just 22 homes in a small enclave of The Grant village.

Single-Family Homes from $1.2 Million For more information, visit Willowsford.com/LineK

Prices and terms set forth herein are provided by home builders within Willowsford who are not affiliated with the owner and developer of the community. Such prices and terms, and the quality of the home builder’s homes, are not verified or warranted by owner Willowsford, LLC. or its affiliates. Dues, fees and assessments may be imposed for the use of some amenities. Paid advertisement. This material shall not constitute an offer or solicitation in any state where prior registration is required. © 2015 Willowsford, L.L.C. Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, Inspired Living and A Naturally Planned Community are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. February 2015.

Mitchell & Best Homes At Willowsford For generations, the Mitchell & Best mantra has been, “Without Quality, There Is No True Value.”

Willowsford homeowners will experience that quality first hand in the environments, architecture, features and craftsmanship of Mitchell & Best’s exclusive new homes. Mitchell & Best’s mission has not wavered since its beginnings in 1975, and now its award-winning reputation for matching tradition with innovation, and quality with value, comes to The Grove village at Willowsford.

Single-Family Homes from the upper $700’s | Willowsford.com/MitchellBest 41025 Willowsford Lane, Aldie, VA 20105 | (571) 271-9086

Life.

Experienced.

2012 | 2013 | 2014 COMMUNIT Y OF THE YEAR!

MORE

memories PER ACRE

This is what it’s all for.

Shared pleasure over farm fresh food. A morning walk through rolling pastures. Wide-eyed wonder at a butterfly’s new wings.

And daily living that adds up to a pretty memorable life.

From our award-winning home designs to our amenities and gathering spaces, you’ll notice that every element of Willowsford was inspired by the natural environment, community connections and the joy of living well.

36 | VOL 5 SPRING 2015

You might also notice that we’ve done things a little differently with the land. In fact, we left half of it alone. Of Willowsford’s 4,000 acres, 2,000 have been set aside for not only environmental preservation, but recreation, including an elaborate network of trails through dense woodlands and pastures, and agricultural use through a 300-acre working farm.

On the other 2,000 acres, four distinct villages (The Grant and The Grange, located north of

Route 50 in Ashburn, VA, and The Grove and The Greens, south of Route 50 in Aldie, VA) feature homes that were designed exclusively for Willowsford, and are shaping the character of each intimate neighborhood, while amenities and gathering spaces bring everyone together.

Welcome to Willowsford, the Capital Region’s only farm-to-table new home community.

VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 37

NOW this is just fun At its heart, Willowsford is simply about enjoying life.

And with so many options, you likely won’t run out of ways to do just that. Whether it’s an outdoor adventure race, dinner at a pop-up restaurant, or simply the love of learning something new, the variety of experiences you’ll be able to have in your own back yard is virtually unmatched in the area.

And unlike many other new communities, the great majority of Willowsford’s amenities are already built, so you can enjoy them all from day one. Our full-time 38 | VOL 5 SPRING 2015

lifestyle team is programming these spaces with an array of activities, including cooking and fitness classes, trail running and mountain bike races, nature exploration, concerts and movies.

And as our community grows, residents are taking the lead in establishing new traditions like the Willowsford Waves Swim Team, which in its first year competed with more than 70 Willowsford kids.

MORE FUN TO DISCOVER WILLOWSFORD FARM, OFFERING FRESH SEASONAL PRODUCE, AN ANNUAL CSA PROGRAM, A FARM MARKET, HAPPY GARDENING HOURS AND A COMMUNITY GARDEN COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS, CULINARY CLASSES AND EVENTS POP-UP RESTAURANTS AT THE LODGE AND SYCAMORE HOUSE MILES OF NATURE TRAILS OFFERING VARYING DEGREES OF INTENSITY FOR WALKING, HIKING AND BIKING WILLOW LAKE FOR FISHING OR BOATING, WITH KAYAKS AND CANOES PARKS, PICNIC AND CAMPING AREAS, DOG PARKS AND SLEDDING HILLS POOLS WITH CABANAS AND CHILDRENS' SPRAY-AND-PLAY AREA OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATERS AND VILLAGE GREENS FOR CONCERTS AND EVENTS COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS COORDINATED

BY OUR LIFESTYLE TEAM

VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 39

40 | VOL 5 SPRING 2015

COUNTRY LIVING Close at Hand

Brimming with history, character, and economic vitality, Loudoun County is home to some of the capital area’s most beloved restaurants, retailers and vineyards, as well as all the conveniences modern life demands.

Willowsford is located on the north and south of historic Route 50. Within 15 minutes, Washington Dulles International Airport, Reston Town Center, Route 28, the Dulles Toll Road and I-66 are all accessible. The Metrorail extension to the airport and beyond to Route 772 (Ryan Road) is currently underway with projected completion in 2017.

607

606 267

621

Washington, D.C.

620 659

Interested in visiting Willowsford? We’d love to show you around. Our award-winning information centers are staffed with Community Guides, not salespeople. So you can feel comfortable learning about the community without any sales pressure. Information Centers are open daily from 11am–6pm. For directions, visit Willowsford.com/Visit or call 571-297-2000.

TENANT HOUSE INFORMATION CENTER 23510 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148

BOAT HOUSE INFORMATION CENTER 41025 Willowsford Lane, Aldie, VA 20105 VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 41

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The Willowsford Conservancy was established as a not-for-profit organization by the community’s founder in 2011. It is the long-term steward of approximately 2,000 acres progressively dedicated to the Conservancy as the community develops.

Conservancy lands comprise a preserved example of Virginia Piedmont countryside to be privately owned, managed and maintained in perpetuity as provided for in the Community Covenant.

Residents and partner organizations support The Willowsford Conservancy through registrations, farm sales, volunteer efforts, and small contributions

ucation Ed

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2011

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Each property owner has a stake in preserving this beautiful land for generations to come.

THE CONSERVANCY IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH: BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA GIRL SCOUTS OF AMERICA JOHN CHAMPE HIGH SCHOOL LOUDOUN INTERFAITH RELIEF LOUDOUN WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY made annually and at the time of resale. This means each property owner is also a Conservancy member and has a stake in preserving their beautiful land for generations to come.

REV3 ADVENTURE TROUT UNLIMITED

THE MISSION OF THE WILLOWSFORD CONSERVANCY: The Willowsford Conservancy protects, maintains, and promotes the viable, longterm use of the land, integrating farming, recreation, conservation and education to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Willowsford and Loudoun County.

VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 43

Agri

One of the more intangible but nonetheless distinctive characteristics about Willowsford is the true culture it has developed, unique to its own place. That is, in large part, owed to the sustaining influence of Willowsford Farm. There is something significant about knowing the first names of the people who grow your food. Or watching your child’s face light up as he bites a sun-ripened tomato he picked for himself. Or being able to ask someone just what, exactly, you are supposed to do with kohlrabi.

As part of the 2,000-acre Willowsford Conservancy, Willowsford Farm manages over 300 acres of agricultural land, growing more than 150 varieties of vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers, and raising several breeds of livestock.

44 | VOL 5 SPRING 2015

CULTURE The produce is available through the CSA program and at the Farm Market. The Farm also hosts educational activities and events, and supports local area businesses as a distribution point for sustainably raised meat, poultry and dairy products.

Our mission is to grow healthy, lively food right where people live, and to offer The Farm as a place to realize their connections to the natural world and to each other.

It is an old model, but new to our time and place.

healthy, lively food VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 45

The Lodge at Willow Lake is an iconic building set within a vibrant recreation area that links the villages of The Grove and The Greens. Its rustic architecture is reminiscent of a large family lake house. Inside are the warm great room, state-of-the-art fitness center and a teaching kitchen. Outside, the camp-like atmosphere includes a grand patio, bocce courts, yoga lawn and event lawn, as well as a pool complex with a terraced sun deck overlooking the mountains. The Boat House Information Center is also part of this recreation area, complete with a fishing dock, outdoor fire pit, canoe launch and storage.

46 | VOL 5 SPRING 2015

The Lodge features a professional teaching kitchen and state-of-the-art fitness center open to its residents.

VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 47

The centerpiece of The Grange, Sycamore House is a gracious gathering space designed in the fashion of an elegant countryside manor. The rambling “estate” includes The Tenant House Information Center, which was constructed using re-claimed stone and wood from a historical farmhouse built on the property circa 1800. Sycamore House overlooks a grassy outdoor performance stage and opens onto a large village green surrounded by “country-formal” gardens with a fish pond, and a resort-style swimming pool with cabanas and a sun ledge. Approximately 70% of the finished wood used in Sycamore House came from Willowsford, milled right here on the property and installed by Local Wood of Berryville.

48 | VOL 5 SPRING 2015

A highlight of Sycamore House is its teaching kitchen, with periodic visits by local and celebrity chefs who use ingredients picked fresh from Willowsford Farm to create pop-up restaurant menus.

VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 49

EV FUTURE HANSON REGIONAL PARK

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The Grange is defined by its natural setting, with rolling hills and woodlands traversed by Upper Broad Run. It is located in the heart of the community and features Sycamore House, which is one of the main gathering spaces; The Tenant House Information

50 | VOL 5 SPRING 2015

Center; the Amphitheater; Willowsford Farm; and a number of other unique amenity areas accessible from its trail network, including a dog park and community garden.

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Stretching from its secluded entrance off Evergreen Mills Road to Route 50, The Grant is defined by its expansive natural backdrop, featuring lush forested areas and scenic meadowlands bordered by hedgerows traditional to Loudoun County. A village loop and extensive nature trail

network are designed to access the unspoiled beauty of more than 1,000 acres of naturescape, linking multiple parks and camping facilities. In keeping with its natural elegance and wide-open spaces, The Grant offers some of the largest estate lots in Willowsford.

VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 51

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The Grove has an active, outdoor appeal characterized by its mature forests intertwined by two woodland streams, a park and nature area. The character of this village is emphasized by a scenic, main thoroughfare running along forests and parklands to connect its individual neighborhoods with the abundant recreational 52 | VOL 5 SPRING 2015

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opportunities presented by The Lodge at Willow Lake, adjacent to its southern border (in The Greens). Whether on an outing with family and friends, or taking a quiet contemplative stroll through the woods, The Grove invites interaction with the land at every turn.

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The Greens is the largest village in Willowsford, defined by an extensive patchwork of scenic forests, meadows and agricultural land of rambling topography extending from Braddock Road down to its southern border along Bull Run. In keeping with this diverse landscape, The Greens is designed to offer a variety of living and entertainment

options. The Lodge at Willow Lake, a resident destination for sports and outdoor recreation, is located along its northern boundary off Braddock Road. Nearby is the trailhead for a loop trail that will circumnavigate the entire village with varying degrees of intensity to interconnect planned camping and picnic areas.

VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 53

THE BUILDERS OF WILLOWSFORD

Arcadia Communities

Beazer Homes

From the Upper $700’s | 3,005–6,658 Sq. Ft.

From the Low $600’s | 3,099–3,620 Sq. Ft.

Camberley Homes

Integrity Homes of Virginia

From the Mid $700’s | 3,600–4,126 Sq. Ft.

From the Mid $500’s | 2,300–4,000 Sq. Ft.

The Wil 8 Homebuilders.

15 Collections.

21 Decorated Models.

Line K From $1.2 Million | 4,046–5,458 Sq. Ft.

54 | VOL 5 SPRING 2015

The importance of architecture in creating a unique community feeling can’t be overstated. Each home is a building block of the streetscapes that collectively become the “walls” of the outdoor room and give the community shape and style. That’s why, at Willowsford, each homebuilder offers a selection of signature home designs that are exclusive to Willowsford.

K. Hovnanian® Homes®

Mitchell & Best Homes

From the Low $600’s | 2,830–4,996 Sq. Ft.

From the Upper $700’s | 3,749–3,853 Sq. Ft.

Pulte Homes

Richmond American Homes

From the Upper $500’s | 3,014–3,514 Sq. Ft.

From the Low $700’s | 3,587–4,283 Sq. Ft.

lowsford Home What will you find in a new home at Willowsford?

• Homesites from under 1/4 -acre up to 1 1/2 acres • Home sizes ranging from 2,300 to over 4,000 square feet, to meet virtually any lifestyle • Breathtaking indoor and outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly • Luxurious master suites, available upstairs and on the main level in select floor plans

• The highest quality materials that blend the best of today’s energy and cost savings with classic character and timelessness • Unrivaled architectural requirements that combine classic style with contemporary design, such as brick or stone exteriors, architectural-grade shingled roofs, authentic muntins on every window and more

For more information about the current builders’ collections in Willowsford, visit the community website at www.willowsfordhome.com

VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 55

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© 2015 Willowsford, L.L.C., Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, Inspired, Inspired Living, and A Naturally Planned Community are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. (“Owner”). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this magazine is expressly prohibited. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising matter.

The information, illustrations, maps, and depictions contained in this magazine concerning the Willowsford development are based on the current proposed development concepts and actual development may vary from what is depicted. As the Owner’s vision for the project evolves, facilities, features and other components are subject to change. Certain features and amenities depicted within the magazine have not yet been, and may not be, constructed. Dues, fees and assessments may be imposed for the use of some amenities. Photographs and images are not necessarily of the Willowsford development, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be an actual representation of any features or designs of any specific community, neighborhood, amenities, facilities or improvements.

The information in this magazine is only intended as general information about Willowsford and the surrounding community and is not an offer or solicitation to sell property. Lots within Willowsford are not for sale to individual buyers. Owner intends to only sell lots to unaffiliated homebuilders. If you are interested in purchasing a lot within Willowsford, please contact homebuilders building within the community. All information concerning homes and homebuilders within this publication was provided by the builders and not independently verified by Owner.

Owner does not warrant or guarantee the obligations, construction, or pricing of builders who may build and sell homes in this community.

Buyers of homes in Willowsford contract directly with the builder and must rely solely on their own investigation and judgment of the builder’s construction and financial capabilities in as much as Owner does not warrant or guarantee such capabilities, nor does Owner warrant or guarantee the design, pricing, engineering, construction, or availability of any home or any other building constructed by such builder or the obligations of any such builder to the buyer.

This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law.

Owner encourages and supports an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are not barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. February 2015.

WillowsfordMG.com | 571-297-2000

‘Possibilitarians’ Help Clients

stewardship

‘Walk On’ Photography by Alan Bushnell

Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center

by Jaimee Reinertsen

Serendipity seems to have taken a shine to Brooke Waldron.

In 2009, she was teaching 7th and 8th grade science in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, serving as the head of the science department for Stone Hill Middle School. Her undergraduate degree was in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, but she had never quite found a way to merge her love of horses with her love of teaching.

Brooke Waldron VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 57

stewardship

That’s when her cousins called to ask if she would turn a soybean farm they’d purchased into an equine therapy center for people with special needs, in honor of their late father who had been afflicted with polio in the 1940s.

“I really loved my job but this was an opportunity I felt I would never receive again,” Brooke recalls. “My husband and I bet everything we had and moved onto the farm.”

Fast forward one year, and Brooke had founded Mustard Seed Stables and Sprout Therapeutic Riding Center, with construction underway on the first barn to be fully customized for people with special needs in Northern Virginia. With indoor and outdoor riding arenas, an accessible classroom and 10-stall barn, Sprout had 200 participants the first year and 400 the next. “We knew

58 | VOL 5 SPRING 2015

who we wanted to serve from the start, so we were able to design everything to suit their needs.”

With 10 horses, four PATH International-Certified Instructors and more than 200 volunteers, Sprout serves people with a wide variety of special needs. Each person’s case is unique, but the team works together to create a customized therapy plan.

“We don’t start with someone’s limitations. We start by asking, ‘What is possible for this person? What can they do?’” Brooke says. “That’s why we call ourselves ‘Possibilitarians.’”

The center offers Therapeutic Riding Lessons, Equine Assisted Learning, Equine Movement Therapy and Community Services (see sidebar).

‘A Fun Therapy’ Last spring, while at the library with her daughters, Brooke met 4-year-old Olivia Enos, who was there on her first outing after a craniotomy that partially removed a brain tumor. The surgery left her unable to walk on her own, speechless and without full use of her left arm.

Her mom, Sara, took Olivia to the library to practice using her walker in public. Brooke introduced herself and suggested equine therapy. Within 8 weeks of therapy with Cowboy, Sprout’s 18-year-old Welsh pony, Olivia was walking independently, speaking comfortably, and no longer in need of occupational therapy.

Working with Cowboy, Olivia has developed core strength and balance by staying properly positioned in the saddle. Cowboy’s rhythm and gait has helped her relearn body mechanics, since equine hip movement so closely mirrors that of humans. Finally, her speech has returned and her cognition is improving. Now, she takes and gives directions, starting each ride with the command: “Walk on, Cowboy.”

Sprout Programs Therapeutic Riding Lessons Riding lessons designed by PATH International-Certified Instructors designed to motivate each rider to reach their personal potential

Equine Assisted Learning Individuals learn about themselves and others by participating in activities and discussing thoughts, feeling and observations

Equine Movement Therapy Utilization of the horse in physical, occupational and/or speech therapy

Community Services Vocational and life skill training, adaptive recreation groups, field trips and community-based instruction for public schools

Olivia with Cowboy “What’s great is that it’s a fun therapy,” Sara says.

“It’s something Olivia can do that feels normal. In fact, she doesn’t even know it’s therapy; she just knows she gets to ride Cowboy.”

It was a truly crowning moment for both Sprout and the Enos family when Olivia rode Cowboy in the leadline class at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show last year, earning the award for “Most Improved.”

That Brooke happened to be at the library that day?

Well, there’s that serendipity again.

Sprout is always looking for volunteers because each rider needs the support of three people in lessons. Learn more about Sprout and how to get involved at SproutCenter.org

VOL 5 SPRING 2015 | 59

Patios and Retaining Walls Theme Gardens Water Features

TRANSFORM

Jorge Gómez OUTDOOR SPACE DESIGN

Landscape Lighting Pergolas and Arbors

www.jgladesign.com (703) 789-0588 direxpo@hotmail.com Licensed and Insured

It’s Not About Us

It’s About You and Your Home!

Whether Buying, Selling or Building We Are Your Loudoun County Real Estate Experts!

Ben Heisler

REALtOR

®

Direct: 703-727-7950 E-mail: benheisler@kw.com 20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, #110, Ashburn, VA 20147

   •

•

•

•

..

Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated

Pulte Homes

at Willowsford At Pulte, all of our homes are Life Tested® because we take ideas from home buyers and our own homeowners to get feedback to improve home designs. Because, to us, quality means not only paying attention to detail but also anticipating what our homeowners want and how they live their lives. Our homes in the Manor and Premier Collections at Willowsford range in size from 3,014 square feet to over 5,000 square feet and proudly include Life Tested® features like the Pulte Planning Center,TM Everyday Entry,TM oversized pantry, owner’s retreat and super laundry.

Pulte Homes, a subsidiary of PulteGroup, Inc., has been providing the dream of homeownership to families for over 60 years. Each new home at Willowsford will be built with an unwavering commitment to quality and a disciplined approach to construction.

Single-Family Homes from the Upper $500’s | Willowsford.com/Pulte 41025 Willowsford Lane, Aldie, VA 20105 | (571) 367-4303

inspired living

The Trails of Willowsford

by Meg Bradley, Lifestyle Director

Maybe it’s because we have so much of the natural world in our back yard here, but spring always brings a palpable excitement to the atmosphere at Willowsford.

Everyone’s ready for warmer weather and longer days—and we’ve got plenty of ways to enjoy both in our award-winning community. Here are just some of the things you can do at Willowsford this year!

• Visit Willowsford Farm each week for fresh veggies, fruits and locally sourced products • Stroll through the gardens at Willowsford’s newest gathering center, Sycamore House • Challenge your family to fun-filled Rev3 Adventure races scheduled throughout the spring and summer • Take a cooking class led by Chef Bonnie Moore and other culinary experts in our award-winning teaching kitchens at The Lodge and Sycamore House • Cast a line or take a morning walk around Willow Lake • Monitor bluebirds along the Farm Loop Trail with our partner, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy • Visit your neighbors at weekly “Happy Gardening Hour” in the Farm Garden • Up your fitness level at Willowsford’s state-of-the-art fitness facility • Stroll, hike, run or bike incredible trails throughout the community Visit Willowsford.com/calendar to keep up with everything happening at Willowsford and stay inspired!

62 | VOL 5 SPRING 2015

Sycamore House Great Room

Kids’ Berry Festival

Sycamore House Grand Opening

Resident Fall Campout

Willowsford Farm Goats

The Farm Stand

4th of July at The Lodge

inspired living

Willowsford Waves Swim Team

Rev3 Glow Run

For more information on upcoming community events, visit Willowsford.com/calendar

heart and soul

Getting to the

CORE of Healthy Living

by Alex Aloise Life in Northern Virginia is constantly moving (and if it’s not, it’s probably because you’re stuck in traffic).

Days and nights are jam packed, so trying to find time for something like a class at the gym is often more strenuous than the workout itself. There just aren’t enough hours in the day...unless you spend your days at Willowsford.

A new program launched this past summer aims to motivate residents to get in better shape by bringing professional motivators directly to the community.

Damien Woodson and his team of personal trainers from CORE Motivation Fitness can be found several days a week at either The Lodge at Willow Lake or Sycamore House, doing everything from 1-on-1 personal training to hugely popular Zumba classes.

“We try to provide the residents with whatever they want. We don’t have set days or times. It’s all based on the residents’ demand and desire,” says Damien.

Photography by Alan Bushnell

“When I worked in Hollywood, my clients were entertainers and their goals were short term. Here, people are more concerned with feeling good.”

66 | VOL 5 SPRING 2015

From a young age, Damien was conscious about his health and wellbeing. Though he enjoyed a steady diet of his Granny’s home cooked meals, he saw the toll that a lack of activity and exercise took on her life, and knew that he had to do something different. While coaching youth basketball clinics between college seasons, a friend introduced Damien to personal training, which led to a new career in West Hollywood, CA as a celebrity trainer. Work eventually brought him to the east coast, where he founded CORE Motivation Fitness.

The clientele in Loudoun County is obviously different from Hollywood, but for Damien, the reward is in the results. “When I worked in Hollywood, my clients were entertainers and their goals were short term. P. Diddy had to be in shape to audition for (the film) Any Given Sunday. J. Lo had to get ready for her tour. It was much more about looking good,” he says. “Here, people are more concerned with feeling good. In my experience, when you’re doing this for your health, you stick with it longer and get better results.” (continued)

A Beginner’s Guide to Fitness at Willowsford CARDIO

FLEXIBILITY

STRENGTH

Eliptical machine at the fitness center Treadmill at the fitness center

Stretches on the yoga lawn Downward Dog on the yoga lawn

Power walking on the trails Jogging on the trails Swimming laps at the pool Interval training on the trails

Hip flexor on the yoga lawn Plank on the yoga lawn Cat and Dog stretch on the yoga lawn Arm circles on the yoga lawn

Stability ball crunch at the fitness center Squat to overhead press with dumbbells at the fitness center Push-ups at the fitness center Squat thrusts on the trails Running through the water at the pool Lunges around Willow Lake

heart and soul

Along with feeling healthier, Damien and his team want to make working out more fun, and feel less like work.

“That’s the big draw with a class like Zumba,” he says.

“You get to burn calories and dance without thinking about ‘Oh, I’m exercising.’” Within the first month of the Zumba class opening at Willowsford, attendance more than doubled.

The CORE team also offers less intense classes like Flexible Strength. A more fitness-focused form of yoga, Flexible Strength helps with lower back issues, pressure on the joints and more. Damien says that it’s become one of his most popular classes because of the undeniable results.

As the demand for a larger variety of classes and training sessions grows, Damien and his team plan to develop new and exciting ways to keep residents motivated and healthy, while also encouraging them to take advantage of everything that already surrounds them.

“From the way they put the trails together, canoeing on the lake, the farm, there are a lot of ways that people can use what they have here already to stay healthy and burn off calories without thinking about what they’re doing,” says Damien. “That’s why we came here. We want to be a part of this place. Our goal is for people to have fun, to see results and to feel like they have no need to leave their community to stay healthy. We want to make it easy to fit being fit into their lifestyle.”

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Arcadia Communities At Willowsford Arcadia Communities is a family-owned company with over 50 years experience in the new home building industry in the Mid-Atlantic and the San Francisco Bay area.

Arcadia Communities delivers more of the features and finishes you want, included as standard in all of our homes.

We’ve eliminated stress and confusion from the new home buying process and simply included everything you want in your new home.

At Willowsford we are introducing brand new home designs exclusive to the community with an unexpected openness that seamlessly integrates the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape with the interior elegance of floor plans that celebrate the way you want to live today. A real breath of fresh air compared to the same-old cookie-cutters.

With Arcadia Communities at Willowsford get ready for unparalleled service from start to finish.

at Willowsford

“G e t u sed to g e t ting more!”™

Single-Family Homes from the upper $700’s | Willowsford.com/Arcadia 23510 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148 | (703) 327-7400

Continually Supporting Our Community Dr. Neal Kravitz is proud to be recognized as South Riding & Ashburn’s premier orthodontist.

No doctor puts more of his heart & soul into supporting the community. Support the team that supports your community.

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Neal D. Kravitz D.M.D., M.S. Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics Specializing in Orthodontics for Children & Adults

25055 Riding Plaza, Suite 110 South Riding, VA 20152

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Located off of Loudoun County Parkway in the Home Depot shopping center.

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www.KravitzOrthodontics.com Open Weekdays 7am-7:30pm & Saturdays 8am-3pm

Located in One Loudoun next to the Alamo movie theater.

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kids’ corner

Dance it Like You Mean It

by Kelly Morris

“Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, because rhythm and harmony fi nd their way into inward places of the soul.” - Plato Denise Fumagali looks around the room as her students are waiting to perform. The dance competition is a fluster of nervous energy with young students carefully rehearsing choreography in their heads, eager to get a Win. In a generation of kids who want to win — thinking it’s not worth it if they don’t—Denise prefers to build her students up by connecting them with the joy of dancing.

Amid the chaos of competition, one of Denise’s students takes the stage and across her face emerges a huge smile. A smile full of enthusiasm, energy and pride. It’s moments like these, Denise says, that are the reason she opened Applause! Applause! Performing Arts Center!

(AAPAC). “That smile is what it’s all about,” she says.

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confidence, poise, Denise founded AAPAC in 1996 with a passion for dance that began when she was just three years old. A William & Mary graduate and retired teacher in the Loudoun County school system, Denise brings not only talent and knowledge of dance to her studio but also years of experience teaching and nurturing. With a wide variety of dance classes offered including tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballet, the Southern Academy of Irish Dance and musical theater, it’s not hard to see what makes her studio stand out and why her students travel from as far away as Richmond.

Denise describes the studio as “child-centered.” Each child’s individual needs are considered, and it’s a place where instructors, students and their families can foster a connection with each other. The kids come in after school happy to be here, even with demanding schedules.

“We’re an oasis for children and their parents. The kids come in for class, do homework between classes, and their parents talk and laugh and share their lives. They embrace what they love doing; they look for ways to help each other,” says Denise.

The bonds that form between teachers and students are equally as strong. Mary Shelton, Assistant Director at AAPAC, says it’s summed up nicely by the bedtime prayer one of her small students used to say: “God bless my family, God bless Cinderella, and God bless Miss Mary.”

She laughs, “I thought coming in second to Cinderella was pretty good!”

These connections are just the start of the benefits of Applause! Applause! The performing arts give children so many skills that may not be learned in a classroom setting and can be applied for the rest of their lives. Students learn confidence, poise, time management, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, focus, perseverance and non-verbal communication...to name a few.

“Competition gives you a purpose for dancing. But that’s not our only purpose,” Denise says. She explains that criticism through competition allows her students to gain feedback on their form, work to improve and gain self-esteem through that improvement.

So how young is too young to get started? Denise and Mary encourage parents to try a free-class pass to find out if their child is ready. “You might just be surprised at how your child opens up. In fact, we welcome anybody, especially if you can’t dance!” Denise says.

time management, teamwork, focus, creativity, problem-solving, perseverance and non-verbal communication While many of the students at Applause! Applause! start young, Denise explains that “the older kids who come in blossom—age doesn’t make a huge difference.” No matter the type of dance you study, Denise begins every performance with one motto for her students of all ages, “Dance it like you mean it!”

Applause! Applause! Performing Arts Center! in Dulles isn’t just for toddlers to teens. Visit applause-arts.com for more information on taking adult classes including: jazz, hip-hop, ballet, tap, Irish Dance and Zumba.

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on the cover

Setting the table for Willowsford’s first pop-up restaurant with Bryan Voltaggio Roasting marshmallows during the Fall Campout in The Greens

el od s M en ur r e O G t e si h Vi in T

RICHMOND AMERICAN HOMES at Willowsford

Richmond American Homes has been building and financing the American Dream for families across the U.S. for nearly 40 years. The company’s reputation was founded on superior craftsmanship and f loor plans designed for the way people truly live. Since 1977, the company has taken great pride in the more than 175,000 homes it has built. At Willowsford, Richmond American will continue its tradition of creating homes where great memories are made.

Single-Family Homes from the Low $700’s | Willowsford.com/RAHomes 41025 Willowsford Lane, Aldie, Virginia 20105 | (703) 348-0025

Beazer Homes

Ashford Model

At Willowsford Beazer Homes, one of the top ten homebuilders in the U.S., is pleased to offer five exclusive home designs in The Grove at Willowsford. Each of these homes is inspired by craftsman-style architecture reflecting old-world style combined with the modern conveniences you love. Homeowners will love the welcoming front porches, gabled roofs and multitude of windows that each of our exteriors will offer. The interior of the homes feature between 3,090 to just over 3,620 square feet of finished living space, 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ to 4 ½ bathrooms and a main-level master suite or bedroom is available on select plans. Beazer builds homes that meet and exceed ENERGY STAR® requirements offering increased savings and a lower ongoing cost of ownership.

Priced from the Low $600’s 41025 Willowsford Lane | Aldie, VA 20105 703-327-2964 Model Open Daily 11–6pm

Willowsford.com/Beazer Prices, features, and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. Homes started after 2/14/11 will be ENERGY STAR® homes. To find out whether a particular home is qualified, contact your Beazer New Home Counselor. ©2015 Beazer Homes

Gateway

Make Your Dream Living Space a Reality.

With over 15 years of experience, our family-owned and operated business offers professional and quality deck and patio design and building services. From concepts to completion we pride ourselves on fulfilling and exceeding your expectations. Let us create your dream outdoor living space – the perfect getaway at the end of your day.

DeckoratorsVA.com Call Today for Your Free Estimate

571-208-0900 #1 Rated Deck and Patio Company in Va on Angie’s List #1 Trex Dealer in Va, 2011–13 Top Home Advisor Pro

CAMBERLEY HOMES at Willowsford

Camberley Homes, formed by Winchester Homes, one of the region’s most respected names in residential homebuilding, was created to provide its clients with not just a distinctive home, but with a customized homebuilding experience. Designed exclusively for the unique villages at Willowsford, the architecture of Camberley’s Willowsford Collection will feature a classic/contemporary feel – open floorplans, abundant windows and flexible spaces that can easily accommodate today’s diverse living styles. Ranging from approximately 4,000 to nearly 5,000 square feet of quality craftsmanship and stylish comfort, Camberley Homes at Willowsford will offer timeless architectural designs and a personalized home buying experience on beautiful wooded ¾- to 1½-acre home sites.

Single-Family Homes from the Mid $700’s | Willowsford.com/Camberley 41025 Willowsford Lane, Aldie, VA 20105 | (703) 542-7390

FARM-TO-TABLE COMES HOME Fresh. Local. Natural. Right in the neighborhood.

The Farm Stand in The Grange offers: Seasonal Vegetables | Fresh Fruit | Farm Fresh Eggs Local Meats | Fresh-Cut Local Flowers | Local Honey Dairy Items | Baked Goods | Pantry Items | Gifts Potlucks | Tours and Volunteering | Kids’ Activities

“The CSA has made me a more creative cook. The mix of vegetables we’re used to and ones we didn’t know encourages us to try new things.”

–Willowsford CSA member

The Farm Stand is open May through November.

Check our website for updates!

Visit WillowsfordFarm.com to sign up for the 2015 CSA season and to learn more about Willowsford and Willowsford Farm.

Willowsford is a 4,000-acre community in Loudoun County, 2,000 acres of which have been conserved for environmental preservation, recreation and agricultural use.

WillowsfordFarm.com This material shall not constitute an offer or solicitation in any state where prior registration is required. © 2015 Willowsford, L.L.C. Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, Inspired Living and A Naturally Planned Community are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. March 2015.

Life.

Experienced.

Prices and terms set forth herein are provided by homebuilders within Willowsford who are not affiliated with the owner and developer of the community. Such prices and terms, and the quality of the homebuilders’ homes, are not verified or warranted by owner Willowsford, L.L.C. or its affiliates. Dues, fees and assessments may be imposed for the use of some amenities. This material shall not constitute an offer or solicitation in any state where prior registration is required. Š 2015 Willowsford, L.L.C. Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, Inspired Living and A Naturally Planned Community are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. February 2015

Willowsford.com