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From hand-blown glass, delicate pottery and luminescent paintings to culinary delights Rappahannock County has long been home to a thriving arts community. Inspired by the remarkable natural beauty, local artists create works that please the eye and soothe the soul. And with its proximity to the Nation’s capital, and over 500,000 visitors who cross the County to enter the Shenandoah National Park, Rappahannock County has plenty of patrons to support its burgeoning art scene. Oldway Art Center offers a rare opportunity to take part in this fascinating and creative community.
Oldway Art Center has a prime retail location with long frontage on busy Lee Highway just west of the village of Sperryville and about two miles from the Shenandoah National Park. In addition to the excellent location, the complex includes 7.4 acres of commercial and industrial zoning (the only industrial zone in Rappahannock County) plus 18.6 acres of Rural Residential zoning which allows for five acre lots.
Oldway Art Center features an ample parking lot on Route 211 with plenty of space for visitors to stop on their drive to the Park. A classic suspension footbridge over the Thornton River entices visitors to enter the arts complex where a large gallery welcomes the guests. Featuring almost 4,000 feet of retail space, the gallery with its soaring ceiling is warm and filled with light. The first floor includes several built-in showcases for displaying special items as well as a built-in waterfall and plenty of open floor space for retail displays. The second level includes a long art gallery, split into two rooms, with plenty of wall space to showcase a wide range of mediums.
Behind the gallery is a large meadow surrounded by several studios. On the right side of the field is the pavilion where a glass blower plied his trade. Featuring 12 overhead doors on the front and sides, the pavilion can be completely opened for public demonstrations. On the opposite side of the meadow are artist studios. The 1,200 sq. ft. main building features four separate studio spaces, each with its own entrance. Across from the main studio building is another smaller studio. On the opposite end of the meadow there is a fourth studio and a pole barn. In addition to the footbridge for pedestrians, there is vehicular access via a deeded right-of-way through the adjacent property.
Above the meadow and studios, an old stone wall separates the complex from the residentially zoned property. The lower portion of the property is relatively flat and could easily be cleared for livestock, gardens or other agricultural pursuits. The property gently rises into a pine forest that eventually gives way to a mix of hardwoods. From here, the property offers stunning views of Oventop Mountain, Mary’s Rock, Pass Mountain and the Shenandoah National Park. Despite its proximity to Lee Highway, this portion of the property feels quite remote.
With its superior location, flexible zoning and over 10,000 sq. ft. of retail/studio space, Oldway Art Center has limitless potential. Close by is the village of Sperryville that has become the new, thriving heart of Rappahannock County bringing in additional visitors. Recent years have seen the addition of a coffee shop, two nano craft breweries, Haley Fine Art Gallery, RPK – a wood-fired pizza kitchen, Happy Camper – an outdoor gear and lifestyle shop, Stonewall Abbey Wellness and Yoga, and Three Blacksmiths restaurant. Sperryville is also home to the Corner Store, Hair Gallery, antiquing, multiple restaurants, Wild Roots Apothecary, Copper Fox Distillery, and a nine-hole golf course.
