Peter Leonard-Morgan | Realtor®
  • HOME
  • My Listings
    • Listing Search
  • Recent Sales
  • Google Reviews
  • Resources
    • Property Videos
    • Listing questionnaire
    • Testimonials
    • Conservation Easements
    • Home Demand Index
    • Trusted Service Providers
  • Blog
  • CONTACT
    • Sign Up

~ Llangollen on Fox's 'Mansion Global' ~

11/20/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
While on my first airline trip since the start of the COVID pancemic, to visit my about to turn 21 son in June 2022, who was interning in Wichita, Kansas, I took a phone call from a researcher at the Fox Business Channel which had picked up our exquisite Llangollen listing. "We'd like to feature Llangollen in the next season of Mansion Global." he said. "Do you think your clients would be interested?".

That call resulted in a day long July film shoot in Upperville, Virginia, at the 1,100 acre property with its magnificent house, spanning two centuries of development from its original patent house, built in 1795 through additions in 1830, 1918, 1930 and finally 1990. Apart from a little accidental embellishment claiming that George Washington stayed there, which he did not, although he did survey the original land at and around Llangollen, the piece beautifully showcases this very special equestrian property called Llangollen. Enjoy! ⬇️ 
0 Comments

The historic Llangollen estate hits the market

7/21/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Llangollen, begun in 1795 and expanded upon over two centuries
From time to time, a truly iconic property, full of history and aura comes to the market, and our Llangollen estate is a case in point.

Located just outside the quaint village of Upperville, Virginia, Llangollen sits on 1,100 acres of beautiful countryside, in conservation easement, and dates to 1795 when the original patent house was built, in order to abide by the terms of the formal prescription of the lease to the first grantee which required that a dwelling be constructed.
Upperville was the scene of an American Civil War battle which preceded Gettysburg, and the fields surrounding Llangollen saw plenty of action. Locally infamous John Singleton Mosby, romantically referred to as the Gray Ghost, is purported to have spent time at Llangollen, meeting in the downstairs pub seen below.
Picture
The pub at Llangollen beneath the 1830 manor house
The thousands of acres on and around Llangollen were originally surveyed by a young man by the name of George Washington, better known forever as the founding father and first President of the United States of America.

Guests at the property during the nineteenth century included the Marquis De Lafayette who made it his base on the east coast during his grand tour of the United States, as well as our third President, and drafter of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, whose Monticello has been studied by the present owners of Llangollen in order to properly decorate this fabulous house.

The Civil War years and the reconstruction period immediately thereafter were not kind to southern estates like Llangollen, which had previously relied on the abhorrent practice of using the enslaved to farm the land and produce its crops. Decades passed before subsequent stewards took ownership, and began its slow rehabilitation. But it was not until 1930, when John Hay 'Jock' Whitney, publisher of the New York Herald Tribune, President of the Museum of Modern Art and, later, US Ambassador to the United Kingdom purchased Llangollen as a wedding present for his fiancée, Elizabeth Altemus and restored and significantly expanded the beautiful property, creating a new southern wing off the manor house, and building the impressive and quite unique horseshoe barn pictured below.
Picture
The unique horseshoe barn at Llangollen, constructed between 1930 and 1940
Whitney and his wife divorced after ten years of marriage, during which time they developed a formidable racehorse breeding operation, and introduced polo to the property, a sport which Jock excelled at, and which remains to this day, by way of a world class facility with three polo fields and an arena.

Liz Whitney remained at Llangollen until her death in 1988, marrying several more times and in 1989 the property was acquired by businessman and former Nixon Whitehouse official, Roy L. Ash, who founded Litton Industries and was the 21st Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and his wife Lila. The Ash's took on the huge task of restoring Llangollen to its original glory and extending the house on both ends, creating a modern kitchen off the original patent house to the north and the library/guest room wing to the south.
Picture
The original patent house, dating to 1795, now enveloped by the 1830's manor house on one side and the modern kitchen, seen below, on the other.
Picture
This large and well equipped kitchen was added by Roy and Lila Ash around 1990, and further improved by its current owners, the Brennan family.
Llangollen is ready now for its next’s  'custodians', and represents an exciting opportunity to own a rare piece of history and real estate, just an hour from Washington Dulles International Airport, and DC just beyond.
Picture
From left to right, Ellie Wood Keith; Alben Barkley; a lady; Bing Crosby; Liz Tippett (formerly Whitney & Altemus) at the Llangollen Piedmont Hunt Racecourse (1930) - courtesy the Pink Box, Middleburg
Picture
Spectators gather at the Piedmont Hunt racecourse at Llangollen for a race in the 1920's - courtesy Nancy Lee
Picture
Early image of Llangollen - courtesy Library of Congress
0 Comments

Coming Soon 21014 Beaverdam Bridge Road, Middleburg, VA 20117 - $2,195,000

5/3/2022

0 Comments

 
This delightful Middleburg estate, about to hit the market, beautifully encapsulates why one would want to live in this idyllic part of the world. Hidden well away from the beaten track, off a traditional gravel road, the house and barn are sited on ten partially wooded acres and totally insulated from the noise of every day life, except for the sounds of wildlife. 
The house was designed by well respected architect, William E. Poole and built by a local custom builder in 2000. Finishings are to a very high standard and touches such as an eighteenth and a nineteenth century manel, Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors and 10-foot ceilings on the main level make this a home where memories will be created for a lifetime.

Visit 21014Beaverdam.com to pour over the photo album, interactive floor plans and much more. 
0 Comments

Spring Grove

4/27/2022

0 Comments

 
Assisting my broker, Janeen Marconi, in creating an alluring video presentation of her latest listing was more than a delight. It allowed me up close insight into a pre-American Civil War property which has undergone a wonderful and sympathetic restoration by its current owner. It really is inspirational.
0 Comments

New listing - 9485 Ada Road, Marshall, VA 20115

4/13/2022

0 Comments

 
This wonderful new listing on very quiet Ada Road, is just three and a half miles from Interstate 66 and the town of Marshall, Virginia.
Picture
9485 Ada Road, Marshall, an all brick ranch rambler set on 5 secluded acres
Listed at just $595,000, the all brick ranch rambler was built in 1995, and sits on 5 tranquil acres, with a large fenced backyard and freeform in ground pool.
Picture
The home has a gunite freeform inground swimming pool in the fenced backyard
Incredibly, there are almost 4,000 finished square feet on two levels, with the three bedrooms, including the primary bedroom with attached primary bath, on the main, entry level. The main level also includes the open plan kitchen overlooking the family room, a formal living room and formal dining room and second full bath.
Picture
The fully finished lower level is an entertainer's delight with games room, wet bar, wine room and home office
The lower level is truly an entertainer's dream, with its full wet bar and wine room, games area, media area, sitting area, dining area, bonus room, office and laundry room.
Take a look at the listing information page for more detail and the video below!
0 Comments

Belmar farm, Middleburg sale

4/11/2022

0 Comments

 
My listing of the beautiful Belmar Farm on Saint Louis Road, Middleburg just closed, with happy listing clients and delighted new owners.
The home was built by local custom builder, University Group, in 2005 and consists of almost 8,000 finished square feet on three levels. The land upon which the house sits is quite simply spectacular, with incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the 25 acre site.
Belmar Farm is a custom home with 8,000 finished square feet sited on 25 acres of land in Middleburg Virginia
The gates to Belmar Farm with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background
To the side of the family room is the dining room
The dining room of the house is open to the family room with a large entry from the kitchen area
The dining room has very nice hardwood floors and plenty of windows and cabinets
The home office is at the front of the house and includes book cases and large drawers for manuscripts
In addition to the bookcases the home office has windows to the front and the side
There is a nice two-sided fireplace between the living room and the kitchen
The kitchen is large and includes a center island with an additional sink built in and has two dishwashers
One is able to sit at the center island to have breakfast and look at the wolf range and double oven
Off of the kitchen is a large breakfast room surrounded by windows to the outside
The main level of the house has a nice sized powder room with hardwood floor
The primary bedroom includes a fireplace and windows on two sides and has an attached primary bathroom
The mudroom is entered from the side of the house and also has the washer and dryer plus a very cute doggy wash station
The attached primary bathroom is gorgeous with two sinks separated by a large cabinet with drawers beneath and there is a freestanding claw foot tub with windows and also a shower
The landing on the second level is large and includes a space to read a book
Bedroom number two includes windows on two sides and a ceiling fan to keep you cool and has carpeted flooring
A jack and Jill bathroom separate bedrooms number two and number three and has a nice freestanding bathtub
Bedroom number three is prettily painted and again has plenty of windows
Bedroom number four is very interesting because it has a secret sliding bookcase where the door should be which is quite unusual and very attractive
The next bathroom on the second level also includes a freestanding bathtub with claw feet and a separate shower
There is a room in the lower level which walks out to the backyard and also includes a nice fireplace for those cold winter nights
Currently there is an exercise room in the lower level which could be turned into a room for any other purpose
One of the great features of this house is that it has a full second kitchen in the lower level which would be perfect for in-laws or long-term guests
The kitchen in the lower level has tile flooring, a center island and very nice marble countertops
The lower level has two full bathrooms
One of the many lovely features of this house is the large screened in porch where one can eat dinner and also relax as the sun sets to the West
Part of the porch is not screened in and has stairs going down to the outside
The screened in porch is wonderful on those hot nights to avoid bug bites
There is a separate detached three car garage which is opposite the side door of the house across a courtyard with asphalt
There are four Adirondack chairs up the hill facing the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia
This drone photograph nicely shows the meandering driveway from St. Louis Road to the house with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background
This drone photograph nicely shows the meandering driveway from St. Louis Road to the house with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background
This drone photograph nicely shows the meandering driveway from St. Louis Road to the house with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background
As you drive toward the house from the main road there is a large circular driveway with asphalt paving
Part of the backyard is fully fenced so that one can have dogs off leash without fear of running off
The house from the air looking west
A drone image taken from St. Louis Road of the entrance to Belmont Farm
 I must mention the buyers agent with whom I worked on this transaction, Mary Illes, who was absolutely fantastic to work with, and whom I am very grateful for bringing such lovely clients. 
0 Comments

Christmas in Middleburg

12/14/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Members of the Middleburg Town Council lead the way
The first Saturday in December has marked what has become the famous Christmas in Middleburg event, stymied only last year by the pandemic, but back in full force this year.

To help safeguard against transmission of the latest Omicron variant, the Middleburg  Town Council decided to limit paid parking, and therefore visitor numbers, to 1,000 cars in the three main lots, two outside of town and one at the Salamander Resort & Spa.

​Incredible weather and a desire to get out into the open air meant that Middleburg  enjoyed one of the best ever events, with improved visitor dining options and excellent signage all through town.

From our wonderful elevated Washington Street location, we were able to enjoy both the early morning horse and hounds review followed by the parade just after lunch.
The evening before Christmas in Middleburg witnessed the annual town Christmas tree lighting at the Pink Box visitor center, another much anticipated, although far more local, annual tradition.
Picture
The Middleburg Christmas tree
0 Comments

State of the market

3/2/2021

0 Comments

 
The past year has seen so much upheaval globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An unexpected effect of this in the local countryside real estate market has been a significant uptick in sales, and corresponding reduction in available inventory. The net result has been property value increases and bidding wars being the norm, rather than the exception.

Recently, the respected Loudoun County, Virginia magazine, Leesburg Lifestyle magazine arranged an interview at the Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty Leesburg main office with my industry friend and colleague, Debbie Meighan of Washington Fine Properties and myself.
0 Comments

Artist spotlight - Isabelle Truchon

2/4/2021

1 Comment

 
We are delighted to exhibit beautiful horse and animal artwork by Isabelle Truchon at our Middleburg office. Isabelle, who last year relocated from Loudoun County to Oregon, has passionately painted horses and animals for many years. Her polo art is very popular and, we hope, she will paint more of that fast and amazing sport.

My quick tour below shows our current paintings, all of which are also available for sale - except for our own polo canvas.
Please contact me if you would like to see Isabelle's currently available paintings at our office, Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty, 2 W. Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20117.
1 Comment

    Author

    Peter writes for his local magazine, Country Zest & Style, as its Wine Editor. He also enjoys writing blogs on interesting and pertinent real estate matters, so please follow!

    Archives

    November 2022
    October 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020

    Categories

    All
    Antiques
    Art
    Bluemont
    Christmas
    City Exodus
    Coming Soon
    Conservation Easement
    COVID 19 Coronavirus
    COVID-19 Coronavirus
    Design
    Great Falls
    Historical Mortgage Rates
    Historic Homes
    Home Staging
    Horse Art
    Hunt Country
    Land Sale
    Luxury Auction
    Luxury Real Estate
    Market Indicators
    Marshall
    Middleburg
    Mille Miglia
    Mortgage Rates
    National Register Of Historic Places
    New Listing
    Open House
    Property Video
    Ranch/Rambler
    Real Estate
    Real Estate Investment
    Real Estate Trends
    Recycling
    Relocation
    Rental-properties
    Retail Unit For Lease
    Retirement
    Sell Your Home
    Senior Housing
    Social Distancing
    Spring Clean
    Starting Your Own Business
    VA
    Virginia
    Virtual Open House
    Wine
    Working From Home
    Zoom

    RSS Feed

Peter Leonard-Morgan, REALTOR
VA DPOR RE license #: 0225224949

Hunt Country Sotheby's International Realty
About Us
The Company

2 W. Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20117
Tel: (540) 687-8500
Mobile: (443) 254-5530
Email me
© COPYRIGHT PETER LEONARD-MORGAN 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.  Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
  • HOME
  • My Listings
    • Listing Search
  • Recent Sales
  • Google Reviews
  • Resources
    • Property Videos
    • Listing questionnaire
    • Testimonials
    • Conservation Easements
    • Home Demand Index
    • Trusted Service Providers
  • Blog
  • CONTACT
    • Sign Up