Discovering Virginia’s
Minutes from historic Downtown Leesburg, this working equestrian estate spans more than 10 acres.
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By LEE MUSHO
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Discover Hunt Country with Corcoran.
With many family-run farms in the area, along with miles of hiking and biking trails, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities, no matter the season. So while you may work in busy central D.C. during the week, weeknights and weekends can be filled with farm stand hopping or tailgating a steeplechase race.
Restaurateurs and chefs have long been inspired by the rich land of Virginia Hunt Country, and it’s easy to find locally influenced cuisine throughout the region. Numerous farms, artisan cheese makers, craft breweries, and those aforementioned wineries offer a wealth of fresh and delicious products. Head to Warrenton and Marshall for charming shops, farm-to-table restaurants — like Marshall's Field & Main, dedicated to sourcing local ingredients — and The Whole Ox, a whole-animal butcher known for its in-house-ground burgers.
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Discover turnkey modern luxury at the Residences at Salamander, a prestigious new community in Middleburg.
Centered in Fauquier and Loudoun counties, and extending into Rappahannock and Clarke counties, Northern Virginia's Hunt Country is aptly named. From September to April, there’s a fox hunt nearly every week — but fear not, hounds and horses more often follow synthetic scents these days, keeping the spirit of the tradition alive while sparing bushy-tailed targets.
The most common thing to “hunt” here, however, is a more relaxed pace of life. Looking to live out your farmer dreams? You’ve come to the right place. Want to ride your cares away on horseback? Virginia Hunt Country is home to the world-renowned Middleburg Spring Races, as well as the oldest horse show in the United States, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, which has been running for 170 years. It’s the kind of area where you’ll find feed and tack shops in town, and large estates with stables outside it.
Just outside Washington, D.C., this storied heritage region, known for its rich culture, emerging wineries, and world-class equestrian scene, is a thriving destination to slow down in good taste.
Though equestrian life thrives in other nearby reaches of the capital city, such as Albemarle and Culpeper counties to the south, Virginia Hunt Country traditionally describes the region of the Commonwealth west of Washington's suburbs, heading into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Western Loudoun and Fauquier are known for their large properties and historic homes, while Eastern Loudoun has seen an increase in suburban developments, making it more accessible for workers from the Dulles Technology Corridor and those working in and around Washington, D.C. It’s a place where you don’t have to sacrifice modern amenities for rural solace, where you can relax in the fresh air while still commuting into the Beltway.
No matter where you go in Virginia Hunt Country, history is steeped into every acre. Caught in the throes of countless formative chapters of American history, the region held an advantageous position during the Revolutionary War as well as the Civil War — it was even briefly home to both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, which were brought to Leesburg for safekeeping during the War of 1812. Several presidents have also lived or sojourned in the area, including James Monroe, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan.
Though Virginia Hunt Country has held tightly onto its time-honored traditions, it has managed to find new relevance in the 21st century. Lately, the region has enjoyed renewed interest among oenophiles as an emerging wine destination. While Virginia locals have been growing wine since the area was settled, it wasn’t until the past few years that the state has gained country-wide acclaim.
Both Loudoun and Fauquier counties boast several destination-worthy wineries, crafting wines from grapes like Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and less-common varietals unique to the area. First Lady Michelle Obama was a rumored regular at Middleburg's Greenhill Vineyards — their Blanc de Blancs made the gift bags at the 2016 Oscars. The 300-acre Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg has ample outdoor seating with views of rolling hills. At nearby Casanel Vineyards, you'll taste local Pinot Gris on the deck overlooking a pond. Delaplane’s Blue Valley Vineyard is a favorite for weddings, with its expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you’re intrigued by indigenous grapes, Chrysalis Vineyards actually specializes in the Norton varietal, native to North America. Its popular Norton Nouveau is comparable in style to Beaujolais Nouveau.
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For historic ambiance, you can’t go wrong with Tuscarora Mill in Leesburg. The restaurant is housed in a restored, 19th-century grain mill. Or, head to Middleburg’s Red Fox Inn & Tavern. First opened in 1728, it’s one of the oldest continuously operated inns in the country, with a cozy tavern that offers two-, three-, and four-course dinners.
If you’re looking for a weekend escape from D.C. without being inconveniently far away, Hunt Country may be your ticket — whether you ride or not. With fresh cuisine, fascinating wines, and timeless Virginia charm, its historic towns — and homes — are easy to fall for in any season.
Peter Pejacsevich, Corcoran McEnearney
“Hunt Country offers a rare combination of timeless landscape, privacy, and proximity to Washington — buyers aren’t just purchasing a home here, they’re investing in a lifestyle.”
Though equestrian life thrives in other nearby reaches of the capital city, such as Albemarle and Culpeper counties to the south, Virginia Hunt Country traditionally describes the region of the Commonwealth west of Washington's suburbs, heading into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Western Loudoun and Fauquier are known for their large properties and historic homes, while Eastern Loudoun has seen an increase in suburban developments, making it more accessible for workers from the Dulles Technology Corridor and those working in and around Washington, D.C. It’s a place where you don’t have to sacrifice modern amenities for rural solace, where you can relax in the fresh air while still commuting into the Beltway.
No matter where you go in Virginia Hunt Country, history is steeped into every acre. Caught in the throes of countless formative chapters of American history, the region held an advantageous position during the Revolutionary War as well as the Civil War — it was even briefly home to both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, which were brought to Leesburg for safekeeping during the War of 1812. Several presidents have also lived or sojourned in the area, including James Monroe, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan.
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