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“The most beautiful gift of nature is that it gives one pleasure to look around and try to comprehend what we see.” –Albert Einstein
Thornton River Retreat is tucked away in a remote corner of the Shenandoah National Park where it borders the North Fork of the Thornton River. Sited on a bluff at the edge of the Park, the home is a timber framed, lodge-like country retreat. A large, screened porch, broad side deck and lower porch overlook a tree studded lawn as it rolls to the river. Delightful natural landscaping, fieldstone walls and two traversing mountain brooks enhance the lawn. Above the towering Sycamores, Pickeral Ridge looms on the horizon. There is no better place to look around and comprehend nature.
A wide staircase leads to the screened porch and main entry. The entry foyer opens to the soaring two-story great room with wood paneled ceilings, high dormer windows and heart-of-pine floors. At one end is an impressive floor to ceiling fieldstone fireplace bracketed by built in shelves for entertainment equipment, books, photos and objet d’art. A half bath for guests is off the living area.
The opposite end of the great room is the dining area with a rustic light fixture secured from the high ceiling. Three sets of glass French doors open to the screened porch that spans almost the entire length of the home. The porch is a delightful living space that allows enjoyment of the mountain breezes, rippling of the river, wonderful views and the sounds of the night. To the side of the porch there is a broad open deck with fine views of Pickeral Ridge.
Behind the dining area is a gourmet eat-in kitchen featuring top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink and plenty of cherry and maple cabinets.
The primary suite is on the main level. Removed from the great room, it is a quiet cozy retreat with tall ceilings, wide windows on three walls, ample closet space and a tiled bath.
The upper level includes two bedrooms accessed by an open elevated balcony overlooking the great room. There is a full bath on this level
The lower level features a bedroom, living area, full bath and large storage area with built in cabinets. The living area opens to a wide covered porch surrounded by lush landscaping. There are delightful views across the front lawn and forest beyond. With a separate outside entrance, the lower level could easily become a “in-law” suite or separate guest apartment.
The grounds feature a 4-bay drive-in garage/barn, fieldstone firepit with surrounding circular stone walls for sitting and a fieldstone wall along the driveway delineating the edge of the property.
There is a handsome barn and wooden play fort near the river in a grove of sycamores and poplars. The 2-story barn is equipped with electricity and is ideal for a workshop, studio or a clubhouse for playing cards and telling tall tales.
The property is accessed by a private bridge across the Thornton River and the property has long frontage along the river.
Although the property borders the National Park on one side, it is a quick half mile walk up Hull School Road to the Thornton River Trail. This wonderful and lightly used trail follows the Thornton River for several miles and connects to an extensive network of hiking trails in the northern portion of the Park.
Thornton River Retreat is located in the western part of Rappahannock County near the village of Sperryville. Rappahannock and surrounding counties offer endless recreational possibilities. There are wineries and breweries, great restaurants and cafes, antique stores, farms and orchards, and much more. Looking for cultural activities? Visit one of the many art galleries, attend a play or a concert at one of the theaters, or visit the Rappahannock Historical Society’s museum.
Located about an hour and a half from Washington, DC, and about thirty minutes from Warrenton, Thornton River Retreat is about 70 miles and 50 years from Washington.
