This jewel box is a real Rappahannock Treasure. With a restored historic home, old stone walls, delightful outdoor gathering spaces, screened porch, private pool, lovely landscaping, ideal location and kings ransom of charm, The Cottage on Ben Venue Road has a little of everything you could dream of in a country property.
The property is anchored by a circa 1800 log home that sits gently on the land as you would expect from a home built in the early 1800s. It has been carefully renovated, updated, expanded and completely modernized and now it is a captivating and comfortable country home.
The grounds include 21 +/- acres in two separate lots, bisected by a small stream. The property is mostly open and interspersed with old shade trees, ornamental gardens and several hayfields. There is a large old barn on a knoll and the hillocks have wonderful views of the Ben Venue Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The main floor is accessed via an entrance hall with a convenient coat closet. To the right is a large open living room with exposed beams, the old stone chimney, a slate surrounded fireplace and wide windows. There is access to the screened porch for additional entertaining space in nice weather.
Behind the living room is the dining room which has the aura of an old tavern with exposed chestnut logs, wood floors and a fieldstone fireplace.
Across the entrance hall and through a passage of built-in bookshelves is an open, airy and bright sunroom that was recently added. It’s a refreshing contemporary counterpoint to the wood and stone found throughout the home. With large windows on three walls, natural light pours in, and the views of the grounds are delightful. It has slate floors, a cathedral ceiling of bleached tongue and grooved paneling and French doors that open to the enchanting rear terrace and gardens.
The kitchen is in the corner formed by the living room and sunroom. On the rear of the home, it also overlooks the rear terrace and gardens. It features wide plank floors, exposed beams, granite countertops, quality appliances and an antique farm table that functions as an island. There is a passageway to the living room and another passage to the sunroom for convenient casual dining.
Behind the kitchen is a full guest bath with a cast iron claw-foot tub and shower.
The main level includes a cozy and comfortable primary suite. It has exposed chestnut logs, wide pine flooring and a fireplace. There is a good-sized closet and bathroom with tile shower and sliding glass doors. The primary suite also has access to the front porch.
The second level includes two guest rooms, one with a fireplace. There is an innovative half bath tucked into the corner of one of the rooms.
One of the greatest pleasures of country living is sitting outside, listening to the sounds of nature and watching the light play on the mountains. 509 Ben Venue Road has magical outdoor spaces for these simple delights. There is a traditional front porch with a portion of it screened for comfort on those humid evenings. Behind the house is a multi-level stone terrace for relaxing, cooking, dining and watching the stars. The terrace is naturally cooled by a large old shade tree.
A pool is a short stroll across the rear lawn. It is nestled between a hedgerow of evergreen shrubs and a hillside terraced with stone walls, so it is completely private. There is a hardscape deck covered by a shady awning at one end and a cute little country inspired shed at the other for pool equipment.
Beyond the lawns, the property is rolling open hayfields with great views from the higher hills. There is an old bank barn on one hillside and an old stone wall traverses the property. The 21 +/- acres are in two separate lots which means a portion of the property can be sold separately or deeded differently for family financial planning. Additionally, the second lot includes the right to build a second home on the property.
Tucked away on a designated scenic by-way, the Cottage on Ben Venue Road is private yet convenient to Flint Hill and Little Washington, where you’ll enjoy easy access to boutique shops and excellent restaurants. For larger shopping needs, Warrenton and Front Royal are conveniently located just 30 minutes away. It is little over an hour from Washington, DC (on a good day). This unique property combines the peacefulness and beauty of country living with proximity to vibrant local towns, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking comfort and convenience.
