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Traveling the mile long drive with its lovely stone bridges gives a glimpse of the current 191-acre estate, which encompasses beautiful farmland, ponds, breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoys over ½ mile of dramatic river frontage on the Rappahannock. Located in the coveted Warrenton Hunt, Canterbury is also adjacent to the Fauquier Springs Country Club, with its 18-hole golf course, built on the grounds of the famous and historic Fauquier White Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa of pre civil war times.
The manor home has been meticulously maintained and restored to it original elegance. Upon entering the beautiful sun filled Grand Reception Hall (38 x 16) one is immediately aware of the quality and the many fine details such as the intricately laid marble flooring with black inlays and delicately carved trim and molding. Through an arched doorway your eyes are drawn to the exquisite three story Carrera Marble flying staircase, one of the few in the world. Marble was used extensively throughout the residence including much of the flooring, many of the 14 elegant fireplaces and the exterior windowsills. The beauty is more impressive when one learns that beneath the beauty is construction of commercial quality with the use of steel and concrete supports and floors and solid brick interior walls making this one of the most structurally superior and costly of residences to build.
Included in the more than 30 rooms of Canterbury is the richly carved English Oak paneled Canterbury Room (48 x 20) with stately fireplace, book shelves, Palladian window capturing the expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and French doors leading out to the columned veranda with views of the landscaped grounds. The cozy English Heart Pine paneled Weather Room (16 x 12) has hidden doorways behind which stairs lead to the upper and lower levels. On each side of the Reception Hall is the formal Dining Room (24 x 17’8) and formal Living Room (25 x 18) each with inlaid wood floors, intricate molding and beautiful fireplaces. The luxurious Owner’s Suite has combined two of the previous stately bedrooms and includes the Bedroom, Sitting Room, Exercise room as well as two marbled baths. Six additional bedroom suites most with dressing rooms and each with a working fireplace and private bath are located on the second and third floors.
Step back in time as you enter the lower level. The arched and columned Hunt Room reminiscent of medieval times has hosted many hunt breakfast. Also included in this room is an English tavern and 2000 bottle wine vault. On this level are numerous game rooms, storage and mechanical rooms as well as a large laundry.
In 2007 major renovation came to Canterbury. In keeping with the superior quality of the home, the current owners commissioned Clive Christian Kitchens to design and install their new exquisite kitchen, family room (27 x 21) and prep room (23 x 10) with walls of fine cabinetry, superior appliances and marble countertops. At the same time they remodeled the space above this area into a lovely one-bedroom apartment.
Also in 2007, all electrical and plumbing throughout the home was replaced. Commercial quality, energy efficient heating and air conditioning systems were installed throughout the entire home, providing comfortable and affordable heating and cooling.
From the impressive back verandah of the home, the formal lawn was extended by leveling an area above the dramatic slope to the Rappahannock. With spectacular and expansive views over protected land, the grounds have the potential to be truly magnificent world-class gardens. The hardscape design of Ferruccio Vitale is still in place; the beautiful old stone walls, serpentine brick walls and terraced lawn still exist. The Swimming Pool with its two bathhouses is gracefully sited at the base of the grand terraced lawn. The Tennis Court has its own pavilion with kitchen and bath. Both the pool and tennis pavilion are exquisite and awaiting restoration.
DEPENDENCIES: Three tenant homes, two of which have been remodeled; one of the homes is rumored to be the oldest home in Fauquier County.
LOCATION: Forty-five minutes from Dulles International Airport and in the magnificent countryside west of D.C., Canterbury with its extensive grounds and convenient location offers the potential to afford the new owner an elegant country home, corporate retreat or private hotel.
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