THE LOCATION: Lower Broad Hollow lies just minutes south of the quaint village of Middleburg. It is a 45-minute drive to either Washington, D.C., or the Dulles International Airport. The farm is in the heart of prestigious Orange County Hunt territory.
THE RESIDENCE: The winding private road leads up to the circular drive in front of the house at Lower Broad Hollow, which sits atop a hill with sweeping vistas. A stucco and stone exterior and classic Georgian façade make this a house with understated elegance and timeless charm. Extensive landscaping surrounds the house, and a remarkable porch at the rear of the house provides a serene setting. Lower Broad Hollow is full of unique touches and thoughtful details, with random-width walnut and oak floors, eight working fireplaces, 10-foot ceilings, striking molding in each of the rooms, and genuine refurbished antique hardware on the windows and doors.
MAIN LEVEL: As you enter Lower Broad Hollow’s center foyer, the elegant woodwork and finishing touches are immediately evident. A powder room and coat closet lie off the foyer, and stairs curve gracefully upstairs. Arched doorways lead to the left and right, to the living room and dining room. The Living Room (19’ x 15’) has one of the house’s signature fireplaces, with a marble surround and lovely wood mantelpiece. The beautiful details of ornate, custom molding and antique hardware that are evident throughout the house are here as well. There is a closet, and paneled walls. A small hallway, lined with built-in shelves and cabinets, leads through to the Library (19’ x 14’). In the library, shelves and cabinets—all with subtle lighting—line the walls, while charming window seats give cozy nooks for reading. There is a marble fireplace here as well.
French doors from the library lead to the back porch, which offers scenic views of the property and the stocked pond. With semi-barrel beaded-board ceilings, ceiling fans, custom handrails, and speakers for the in-house stereo system, this is the perfect place for summer entertaining. French doors also lead from the porch to the foyer, and to the kitchen.
To the right of the foyer is the Dining Room (19’ x 15’), which is a stylish place to entertain. The extensive molding—unique in each room—makes the 10-foot ceilings even more impressive. There is a fireplace in this room, and a lovely custom built-in china cabinet, with glass doors and soft lighting. Paneled walls and window seats complete the room. From the dining room, double arched doors lead through another small hallway with shelves, to the Den (19’ x 15’). The den is the perfect family area, with a fireplace, an entertainment center built into the corner, and French doors to the back porch. It’s completely open to the Keeping Room (24’ x 15’), which is a room that evokes old-world charm. Rough-hewn exposed beams and striking quarter-sawn floors made from a local red oak tree frame the enormous stone hearth, which features a wonderful wood mantel and an 18th century crane. Just off the keeping room is a convenient Butler’s Pantry, with glass-doored cabinets, shelves, a sink and refrigerator. Also off the keeping room is a Mud Room, complete with an adjoining Powder Room with an antique 1800-era dry sink.
Also open to the keeping room is the marvelous Kitchen (24’ x 17’), which has exposed beams and rough-finish plaster walls, lending it an historical feel. Soapstone counters and sinks—including a large country sink—complement the wood and glass cabinets. All the appliances are state-of-the-art, and amenities include a warming tray, Sub Zero refrigerator, and professional Wolf range. A large island has a sink and is topped with a custom-built maple counter-top. A Dutch door leads from the kitchen to the back porch.
UPPER LEVEL: The stairs lead up from the foyer to a landing, which doubles as a sitting room, with built-in shelving. The Master Bedroom (19’ x 15’) features the distinctive fireplace, elegant molding, and sweeping views that make the house so special. There is a linen closet, and an adjoining Master Bath, which is the height of luxury with a multi-head rain shower, multiple body jets, a whirlpool tub, and heated towel racks. Travertine stone tile and counters add to the elegance. Also adjoining the master bedroom is the Dressing Room (23’ x 12’ 6”). Here, built-in racks and shelves give ample storage, and doors lead to three additional storage rooms.
Bedrooms 2 and 3 (both 19’ x 15’) adjoin through a full bath, which has both a tub and shower, and features rough-finish marble. Bedroom 2 has a fireplace, and both rooms showcase the wonderful views of the property. There is also a laundry room on this level, with sink and built-in storage. The third floor houses a large Office (14’ x 11’), and more storage areas.
LOWER LEVEL: The fully finished lower level is carpeted throughout. There is a Guest Bedroom (18’ x 13’6”), with adjoining full bath, which also has a large walk-in closet, and French doors leading out to the flagstone terrace beneath the back porch. A Music Room (18’ x 13’6”) is fully soundproofed, and also has French doors to the back terrace. Just off the music room is a fully climate-controlled Wine Cellar and tasting area (18’ x 6’), with a rustic imported tile floor and plenty of storage for the finest collections. The Bar/Entertainment Room (22’ x 17’) is the ideal place for casual entertaining. An impressive full-size walnut bar can accommodate many guests, with sink and refrigerator. The large stone fireplace makes this reminiscent of an old tavern. And an Exercise Room has a second laundry room and powder room adjoining.
THE PROPERTY:A three-car garage by the house is bordered by a lovely raised-bed garden. Set on 251+- acres of pristine meadows, Lower Broad Hollow also features professional quality equestrian facilities. The 18-stall barn is workmanlike, yet stylish, with paneled walls. There are eight oversize stalls, two wash stalls with hot and cold water, and heat lamps. All the stalls are fully matted, and have fans. The office has tile floors and paneled walls, as does the expansive tack room, which also has cabinets, a sink, washer and dryer, and refrigerator. There is a feed room and storage room on the main level. A large hay loft not only provides ample storage, but also has overhead access to every stall. There is also a large climate-controlled, sealed storage room in the loft.
A remarkable two-bedroom barn apartment is accessible from the main barn aisle, and from an outside stairway. The apartment features a soaring cathedral ceiling, large great room, and full kitchen.
There is a 300’ x 150’ sand/bluestone ring right next to the barn, six paddocks, and two large fields, all with automatic water. Three fields have run-in sheds. And there’s a round pen. An expansive Machine Shed has four bays, and a huge work area. There’s an additional workshop with storage that’s heated and air-conditioned.
Priced at $8,500,000
