28 Briar Ridge Lane is a private, tranquil 16 acres of solitude. Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of nature; the wall of windows lets the outdoors in. Fall asleep to the rustle of the wind in the trees and the stream splashing along its rocky course. Invite your friends for a Rappahannock weekend. With three bedrooms and ideal entertaining space both indoors and out, your guests might not even be tempted by the many recreational, historical or cultural opportunities the area has to offer.
Perched on a small knoll, the home looks out across an open yard bounded by an impressive stone wall with forest and the Shenandoah National Park beyond. In the other direction, the screened porch and open decks soar over open woods with a cool, clear mountain stream meandering through mossy rocks. The unusual home is both traditional and modern at the same time. The use of natural stone, wood and earthy colors gives the structure a feeling of belonging in its setting, while the striking shape makes one take notice.
A custom front door invites the visitor to step into a breathtaking great room with high ceilings and an impressive wall of picture windows. These windows provide passive solar heating during the winter and are shaded by the eaves in the summer. The space is an ideal wildlife viewing gallery. The current owner has observed deer, black bear, turkey, and red fox while looking out of the great room windows. The feeling is of being in a tree house. The wide open space encompasses half of the circular floor plan. There is a round wood stove in the great room that echoes the combination of earthy and modern and lends a cozy, rustic ambiance.
The beautifully renovated open kitchen has stainless steel appliances, a bar counter, built in wine rack and microwave nook. The kitchen leads to a dining pavilion that is surrounded by windows and a sliding door to the deck. Take the party outdoors and let the sounds of nature serenade your dinner guests. The multiple decks, including a screened porch, invite sitting, socializing, and perhaps sunning with a good book.
Rounding out the main level, quite literally, is a bedroom with an ensuite bath. Down a spiral staircase in the center of the home, the lower level is comprised of the master suite, an additional bedroom and a bath, a TV room that could be used as an additional guest room, and the laundry/mudroom. The master suite features a nook with reading lights for the bed and a large walk-through closet. The closet leads to the ensuite bath. The room’s wood paneled headboard wall and curved outer wall continue the juxtaposition of traditional with modern. The laundry/mudroom has a washer, dryer, and large utility sink. There is an exterior door allowing you to leave muddy hiking boots here after your latest adventure.
The property’s 16 acres include an open field with a dry-stacked stone wall and a fire ring, surrounded by forest on all sides. The northern boundary follows the meandering course of Broad Hollow Run. The small creek that is visible from the home, an unnamed but lovely tributary to the Hazel River, is in the southern corner. At the foot of the knoll that the home occupies, there is a three-bay garage with a separate workshop. It provides plenty of storage for your mower, canoe, fishing gear, and more.
Briar Ridge Lane is an ideal jumping-off point for your adventures. Walk out your front door and go for a hike: the Broad Hollow Trail is only a quarter mile up the gravel road. This beautiful trail boasts a strong stream, waterfalls, and large trees and you will rarely see another hiker.
The home is only a two miles on gravel roads to the Hazel River Trail, another beautiful hike and a great place to fly fish for native brook trout. Old Rag Mountain, one of the must-do trails for avid hikers, is nearby. The park is also home to scenic Skyline Drive with its overlooks as well as many miles of trails.
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 two hours from Washington, DC, and about an hour from Charlottesville, the property is within an easy driving distance for weekend getaways.
