In a county known far and wide for its breathtaking scenic beauty, MorningSide may have the best setting in all of Rappahannock County. The pastoral meadows surrounding the home offer sweeping views of the storied Blue Ridge Mountains from Front Royal to Madison. Anchoring this dramatic 50-mile horizon is the craggy peak of Old Rag Mountain dominating the foreground.
Befitting this magnificent setting, the home, accessory buildings and gardens are a symphony of casual sophistication, comfort and restrained elegance. From solar energy and geothermal heating to delightful architectural detailing and lovely ornamental gardens, no detail has been spared. The result is an easy living jewel of a home that sits gently on the land.
From Slate Mills Road, the paved driveway winds through a landscaped stone bridge entrance, and up a gentle knoll meandering past the guest cottage, two vineyards and a garage/guest apartment. At the main house, there is a pea gravel parking terrace enclosed by stone walls, ornamental gardens and lush lawns. A bluestone walkway leads to the neo-classically columned front porch.
The front entrance is a spacious open room that flows seamlessly into a library/ music room and then down two steps to the living room, which features a soaring wall of windows that drink in the mountain panorama. These west facing windows are shielded by a motorized scrim that when lowered filters the sunlight without obscuring the dramatic mountain views. Sunsets are superb.
The kitchen, great room and a dining room are on the northern side of the entrance hall.
The kitchen features top of the line appliances, acres of granite countertops, a laundry room/pantry with a wine cooler, ice maker and glass fronted hanging cabinets. There is an island lined by stools for informal meals and casual entertaining.
The kitchen opens to another bright and airy living space that includes a fireplace and windows framing western views. Adjacent to the living room is the dining room which has a series of French doors that open to a pergola covered porch that’s perfect for al fresco dining and outdoor entertaining.
On the southern side of the of the entrance hall is a splendid and unique primary suite. It is comprised of two bedrooms, two gorgeous bathrooms and a spacious walk-in closet that is accessible from both bedrooms. The larger of the two bedrooms is a comfortable, expansive room with spectacular mountain views. One bathroom has a large, free-standing soaking tub.
On the second level, there is a cozy media room, two more bedrooms, two luxurious bathrooms and a cheerful nursery/playroom that could be used as a craft room or private studio. The bedrooms are generously proportioned and designed for privacy and serenity.
Down the hill a bit from the main house and separated by a dense thicket of evergreens is a delightful chocolate box of a guest house. It has a two-story great room, anchored by a wood burning fireplace with a galley kitchen and dining area. There is a bedroom and full bath on the lower level and another bedroom and full bath on the upper level. The brick-floored rear porch has wonderful views of rolling meadows and Old Rag Mountain.
Across the parking terrace from the main house is a two-story garage. The lower level has two over-sized bays with plenty of room for vehicles, workspaces, garden implements and storage. The upper level is an ideal studio for a musician, writer or artist. It has a large, well-lit open room, a siting alcove and a full bath. It could be used as another guest room or with the addition of a kitchenette, a studio apartment for a farm manager or caretaker.
The grounds around the house are just stunning in all seasons. They range from informal plantings of herbs and perennial flowers to more traditional gardens of shaped boxwoods and red roses. The landscape is highlighted by a profusion of ornamental shrubs and flowering trees. The crepe myrtles are magnificent in late summer! There is a small home orchard and a cottage garden for herbs and vegetables.
To vineyards add a romantic old-world flair to the landscape. The first vineyard is 1.6 acres in a mix of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot vines that were planted eight years ago. The second vineyard is Cabernet Franc and the vines are six years old. Both vineyards are designed to reflect the contours of the rolling meadows of MorningSide. They are professionally trellised, pruned and maintained. The yield is approximately 6.5 tons of grapes per year.
MorningSide is located in the southern part of Rappahannock County in the gorgeous FT Valley between the villages of Sperryville and Etlan. It is in an area of large farms, estates and land protected by conservation easement. 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.
MorningSide is located about 10 minutes from Sperryville, 45 minutes from Charlottesville and about 75 miles from Washington DC.
