“Ferngully” is a one-of-a-kind gem in sought-after Rappahannock County. With a view of both Old Rag and Red Oak Mountains, long frontage on Turkey Run, a heated salt water pool, and many other luxuries, it is an unbeatable country retreat. The unique home has a huge, wide open great room, four bedrooms, four full baths and a gorgeous kitchen, perfectly sited on about 18.5 acres.
Drive up the long private driveway through the trees and Ferngully comes into view around a bend. The home is a clever mixture of modern materials, like steel beams, juxtaposed with broad porches and warm wood, giving a nod to its country roots. The front porch welcomes you home with plenty of space for rocking chairs, a fire pit and outdoor breakfasts overlooking the pond. Inside the front door, the smart enclosed foyer keeps out cold drafts of air in the winter time. From there you step into the “wow-factor” great room, surrounded by big windows, with two-story-plus cathedral ceilings paneled in warm wood and held up by steel I-beams. The floor in the great room is slate tile with decorative accents. There is radiant floor heating throughout the home, in four zones, which is both comfortable and energy efficient. There are two heat pumps for in-between weather and for cooling. The system also has a new integrated humidifier.
The great room includes the living area, dining area, kitchen with bar seating and “cocktail lounge” area, plus a library nook. It is an ideal entertaining space where your guests can spread out yet still be part of the action. The living area includes a free-standing Vermont Castings wood stove and has a view of Old Rag and Red Oak Mountains in one direction and the water-lily covered pond in the other direction. On the other side of the great room, the dining area has plenty of space for a long table and buffet sideboard. Between the two sides, there is space for a lounge area or perhaps your favorite sculpture. Off to one side, near the wood stove, is a library nook with beautiful built in oak shelves and window seats. Extra-wide double doors open from the great room to the expansive back porch, which spans the entire width of the great room. There is space for lounge seating, alfresco dining, and a large grill, all overlooking the back lawn, forest, and mountains beyond.
Framed in the center of the space, the kitchen boasts a large custom European style AGA stove—a type that is no longer available in the US—and custom maple cabinetry with inset stained glass in the upper cabinets. The huge double sink, Hans Grohe faucet, Bosch dishwasher, and custom pantry shelves are newly installed. There is a fabulous expanse of counter space and a separate prep sink. The bar-height wood counter features an inlaid pattern and provides enough space for up to six bar stools. Behind the kitchen area there are large closets that allow for storage of additional pantry items, extra platters, seasonal decorations and more. All of the home’s many closets have custom made, 9-foot wood doors.
The rest of the main floor includes three bedrooms, two full baths (one with roll-in shower), a study/guest room, and the family room and gym area. Two of the bedrooms are joined by a Jack-and-Jill bathroom with double vanities. This could be used as a main floor master bedroom suite, with the second adjoining bedroom as a private, attached, seating area. The third bedroom and the study/guest room are on the opposite side of the home. The cozy family room is in the back of the house and features a built in media cabinet and speakers. The family room leads out to one of the two car ports, providing space for up to four vehicles, and from there to the pool. Just off the family room is an additional space currently being used as a home gym.
The loft space is above the back part of the home and looks out over the great room from a soaring height. The views of forest and mountains can be seen through the upper windows. The loft provides a second master suite option with a dressing area and a large bath that includes a jetted soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower.
The pool pavilion echoes the unique style of the home with steel alongside cedar siding. The pavilion has a covered grilling and dining area with a large sink, a full bath with radiant floor heat, and a storage room. The second car port is located on the back side. The inviting L-shaped salt water pool is heated and ranges in depth from 3 to 8 feet. There is plenty of patio space for lounging and entertaining, beautiful landscaping, and even a horseshoe pit alongside.
Walking down the driveway from the home and swimming pool, there is a woodland garden to the right. Along with the lily pond to the left, it is one of numerous spots to enjoy nature, quiet contemplation, and maybe a good book. From there, continue down the drive to the vegetable garden and the workshop building. The garden is fully fenced and has its own water spigot for easy maintenance of your heirloom tomatoes, prize beans, or maybe cutting flowers. Sit under the charming grape arbor and admire your handiwork. The steel-clad workshop is conveniently located adjacent to the garden. There is a large enclosed work area with electricity and double doors, just right for woodworking and handyman projects. Attached to the workshop is a covered machine shed for storing firewood, mowers and other lawn equipment, and perhaps a canoe. A large cistern catches rain water from the roof and can be used to water your plants. On the other side of the workshop building a spiral staircase leads up to another space that could be used as a studio, a kids’ play space, or perhaps more storage.
The trail head is just a short piece past the garden and workshop. The approximately two-mile long loop trail, recently created, is traversable by foot or by ATV. It meanders down through the woods and along the fern-covered “gully,” a tributary to Turkey Run and the property’s namesake. The tributary, and the trail, meet up with Turkey Run at the southern boundary of the property and includes both sides of the stream. The trail follows along a good portion of the approximately 1,000 foot stretch of stream and offers multiple invitations to wade in and cool off for a spell. At the downstream end of the reach, the trail follows another tributary back up the hill, along an ancient stone wall, and to the back gate of the fenced lawn.
For adventures further afield, Rappahannock and surrounding counties offer endless recreational possibilities. Shenandoah National Park, home to scenic Skyline Drive, Old Rag Mountain, and many miles of trails, is only about 15 minutes away. 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 under two hours from Washington, DC, and about an hour from Charlottesville, Ferngully is an easy drive for a weekend getaway yet it feels a world away. It also offers a full time resident easy access to these two metropolitan centers and all they have to offer.
