Originally known as The Maples, the Middleton Inn is one of the crown jewels of Washington Virginia, a charming small village believed to be the first town surveyed by George Washington. It is renowned for historic preservation, a thriving dining and hospitality scene and numerous old buildings dating from the late 1700s.
The stately old home occupies a prominent position on a rise above the western entrance to the Town. From this strategic site it looks over estates in conservation easement and the mountains of the Shenandoah National Park. Almost all the property in the western view shed is protected from development forever. The home is tucked back against a copse of mature maple trees (hence the name, The Maples) so it is well protected and private on all sides.
Built c. 1840, by Middleton Miller, a local businessman who supplied wool to the Confederate army, the Middleton Inn is a two-story brick home in the late Federal Style. It has stepped parapet walls, each finished by twin chimneys and a semi-circle fanned window. The bricks were hand made on the property and are laid in running bond. White hand hewn timbers cap the windows and a frieze of simple dental molding ornaments the exterior. There are later additions on each end; one is a two-car garage and the other houses an office.
The entire property is in excellent condition and has been impeccably maintained through the years. The current owner operates an award-winning boutique Inn in the home, but it is just as viable as a private residence.
The classic front porch opens to a splendid center hall that extends to the rear porch. The kitchen, dining room and office occupy the one side of the hall and an expansive living room is on the other side. (Because the bed and breakfast needs more dining space, the current owner has switched the living and dining rooms.) The main floor rooms have high ceilings and excellent proportions. Flooring, millwork, windows and doors are all original. Gentle modifications for modern amenities do not detract from the historic ambience.
The upper level has four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Similarly almost all finishes and architectural details are original to the home.
The property has a total of six bedrooms, six bathrooms, one half bathroom, nine fireplaces and immeasurable historic ambience.
There is a lower level that houses an office, another bedroom and space for storage. This level is fascinating for the construction details, secrets and techniques it reveals. This area is ideal for a wine cellar and tasting room.
The original brick servants’ quarters has been repurposed as a quaint and comfortable two-level guesthouse. The main floor has a living area and simple kitchen facilities and the bedroom is on the second floor. The guesthouse has a delightful fenced lawn and garden area with spectacular views.
An old springhouse that functioned as natural refrigeration before the days of handy electric appliances is now convenient storage for lawn and garden furniture and supplies. Above the springhouse is an office/studio.
The third dependency is an original brick smokehouse used to preserve meats from animals raised on the farm. It has interesting brick vents that allowed just enough air into the smokehouse to keep the hickory fires smoldering.
The property also includes a separate three-acre lot that is board fenced for horses. A picturesque old barn houses two stalls for horses.
Washington Virginia is the County Seat for Rappahannock County. It is a quintessential small mountain village with period homes, interesting shops, art galleries and several dinning destinations. It is home to the renowned Inn at Little Washington, one of the best inns and restaurants in the United States. It routinely receives the highest accolades and was recently awarded two Michelin stars. Further afield in Rappahannock County is an array of wineries, interesting farms, art galleries, great eateries, breweries, a distillery and an entrance to the Shenandoah National Park.
