If Monet had a home in the mountains it probably would look just like Old Stonewall. Artistic in every sense, Old Stonewall occupies a gentle ridge with breathtaking views of the Peak, Mount Marshall and a wide panorama of the Shenandoah National Park.
The 30-acre property is a painterly canvass of rolling fields, woodlands, a pond and natural landscaping framed by a masterful old stonewall. Throughout the property are interesting sculptures of found objects, rocks and gnarled logs.
With an updated Prairie-Style home, expansive porches and decks, a stone-lined pool with built-in spa, sauna, tennis court, separate studio building and a perfectly private setting: Old Stonewall is a true country retreat.
The cedar-sided main house has a creative atmosphere with an open floor plan, varied ceiling heights, interesting alcoves and wide windows to take advantage of the spectacular mountain vistas.
The kitchen features granite counters, a convenient curved island, gourmet appliances, cherry cabinets and a large breakfast area suitable for casual meals. The expansive living/dining area has a fieldstone fireplace, exposed trusses, built-in wine service, wet bar and clerestory windows above the dining area.
The main floor is ideal for a couple living on the first floor, with privacy from guests but also easy access to the laundry room, kitchen, intimate library with a stone fireplace, office and a luxurious master suite with two walk-in closets, mountain views and whirlpool bath. All the spaces feature wide walls, little nooks and long shelves provide ample areas for displaying art, fine crafts and special tchotchkes.
Stairs scissor up the front bay to a wide sitting area overlooking the living/dining areas. There are dramatic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from windows high above the lower rooms. The upper level includes two size-able bedrooms, both with panoramic western views, walk-in closets and a full bath.
The lower level is all about relaxing and having a good time. At the foot of the steps in a comfortable living room and a real climate controlled wine cellar. There is also a screening room with projector, wide screen, audio/visual components and expansive leather reclining sofas and an old-fashioned popcorn maker. Adjacent is an art poster-lined game room with a regulation billiard table. On the western side of the lower level is the fourth bedroom and a full bath. The lower level is cleverly configured to provide facilities for the pool, including a mud room with a shower, which exits onto the pool area.
The outdoor spaces are designed for outdoor entertaining and enjoying the wonderful natural surroundings. The home opens to an expansive multi-leveled rear deck that includes a covered al fresco dining area off the kitchen and features a motorized retractable rear awning for additional shade. The deck overlooks the pond and woodlands with big mountains dominating the western horizon.
Steps lead to the lawn and delightful pool complex. The pool has a motorized pool cover, built-in spa and slate coping. A landscaped stone terrace that has a fire pit at one end surrounds the pool.
Beyond the pool is the tennis court and a second two-car garage with a studio.
A path through the upper meadow leads to the pond at the edge of the forest. From the pond, a trail winds through the forest for bird watching, exploring and walking.
Old Stonewall is conveniently located near the village of Flint Hill where there are several restaurants and shops. Just a few miles down a bucolic road in the other direction is the historic town of Washington with its world famous Relais and Chateau inn and two-star Michelin Guide restaurant: The Inn at Little Washington. 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 a stone’s throw away. Just over the mountain, the Shenandoah River offers canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing. 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, including the famous Castleton Theater, or visit the Rappahannock Historical Society’s museum. Head in the other direction and Front Royal is just over Chester Gap, about 15 minutes away. Front Royal has pubs, restaurants, shopping, a hospital and more.
Conveniently located only about 66 miles from the White House, and about 70 miles from Charlottesville, Old Stonewall is an easy drive for a weekend getaway yet it feels a world away. It would also offer a full time resident easy access to these two metropolitan centers and all they have to offer.
