Fishhawk Pass is understated luxury at its best. This extremely well-constructed, well-thought-out home combines classic elegance with modern technology and contemporary style. Located off of the scenic Ben Venue Road on a private lane just south of the village of Flint Hill, the 30-acre property has open pasture near the road frontage and is wooded as you go up the hillside. The home is sited to take advantage of the lovely views of vineyard, hills, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, and yet still be wonderfully private. This scenic yet convenient location is only 20 miles from Interstate 66, 20 miles from Warrenton, and less than 70 miles from Washington, DC.
The unassuming front of the home deceives the first-time visitor. Walking through the leaded glass front door, reminiscent of a Frank Lloyd Wright design, reveals a soaring art wall and a wide-open great room surrounded by glass doors and large windows. The hexagonal great room centers on a slate-tiled gas fireplace and has cherry floors, six Velux skylights, and three large glass doors that open out onto the expansive deck, making it an excellent space for entertaining.
On the northwest side of the great room you will find a gourmet kitchen complete with a professional-grade Dacor gas cooktop and conventional and convection ovens. Cherry cabinets, a separate prep sink, and a walk-in pantry complete the picture. There is also a second refrigerator in the nearby laundry room. The kitchen is large enough for your guests to join in the cooking or they can observe from the roomy bar counter. Next to the kitchen is a space large enough for a long dining table.
On the south side of the great room, through a set of French doors, you will find a library with handsome bookshelves and a large picture window. It is just the perfect spot to curl up for some quiet time with your favorite book. Across the hallway from the library is a convenient half bath. Beyond the library is the master suite wing of the home. From the master bedroom, walk out the glass door to the deck and enjoy your morning cup of coffee overlooking the hills and nearby vineyard. The entire end of the master wing is made up of the master bath, which has a jetted soaking tub, dual vanities, two Velux skylights, and two large walk-in closets. The walk-in shower’s clever design means no shower curtain or glass door to clean. The north wing rounds out the main floor, where you will find two more bedrooms, a full bath, and a laundry room.
The enormous lower level mirrors the open floor plan of the main level. The main space has a family room area, perfect for entertaining or family movie nights, and a kitchen/bar area—no need to go back upstairs for more popcorn. Four-panel glass doors allow access to the slate patio and backyard space. The north wing has two more bedrooms and two full baths, while the southeastern wing (below the master suite) has a large office space with an additional full bath and access to the back yard. This space could also be used as an in-law suite. Behind the scenes is a wine cellar, a second laundry, and a large storage area. The home also has an oversized, extra-deep, three-car garage.
The beauty of this home goes more than skin deep, however. Built using Polysteel Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) and Icynene insulation, the home is sturdy, well insulated, and energy efficient. The home was sited to take advantage of the benefits of passive solar heating, while the long deck roof allows for plenty of natural light without direct sun. On-demand Takagi tankless water heaters, three-zone energy-efficient heat pumps, and triple-pane Pella windows add to the energy-saving design, as do the whole-house lighting system and recessed LED lights. Other great features that may go unnoticed are the wired-in speakers on the main level and deck, the central vacuuming system, and the propane line for the gas grill on the deck. All rooms are wired for cable, cat 5, and phone, plus DSL and broadband Internet service is available. Please see the link below for a complete list of the home’s specifications.
Rappahannock County is home to the world-renowned Inn at Little Washington, along with numerous other restaurants and wineries; and many art galleries and antique stores. It is a popular entrance point to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. The charming village of Flint Hill has several restaurants including Griffin Tavern, Flint Hill Public House, and Twenty-four Crows. There is also Merry Moo Market and Horse n’ Hound. Just north of town you will find Rappahannock Cellars, Desert Rose Winery, and Chester Gap Cellars. While relatively close to the Washington, DC, area, Rappahannock County feels worlds away. Come visit Fishhawk Pass and fall in love.
