CLIFTON FARM

Berryville, Virginia

Clifton is a perfectly proportioned and wonderfully sited Classical Revival home. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, it was the product and center of a prosperous antebellum plantation. Clifton Farm was created in 1770 for Warner Washington, Jr. by his father, Warner Washington, Sr, a mentor and first cousin of George Washington who spent many days at Fairfield as he established his surveying career in Winchester, just twelve miles to the west. Clifton Farm was 650 acres, broken off from Washington Senior's estate, Fairfield, and is now offered on 411 acres.

THE LOCATION: Sited just north of Berryville, Clifton is in the heart of Blue Ridge Hunt Territory.  Just one hour from Washington, D.C., and less to Dulles International Airport, Clifton is easily accessible from Route 7.

THE RESIDENCE: Clifton was built on a grand scale, with perfect proportions. It measures 66' by 42'; its portico roof is supported by columns 25' tall; its wide doorways opening into a large central hall provided the necessary breezes prior to air conditioning. The four-over-four floor plan has generous rooms with 12½' ceilings and large windows, many with original glass. The living room and dining room have jib doors that lead out to the front portico, where the view is essentially as would have been seen when construction was completed in 1834. At least two of the seven fireplaces have original 1834 Winchester style mantels that mirror precisely the surrounds of the front and rear doors and fan windows. The house was fully renovated in 1990 while preserving the historical character and interior and exterior features of Clifton .  As a result, the owners were awarded Clarke County’s first historic preservation award.

Original architectural features remain, such as front and rear fan windows, front and rear doors, elaborate interior doors, heart pine interior flooring, original window glass in a substantial number of windows on the first and second floors, extensive fireplace hardware, and plaster and wood moldings inside and out.
 

MAIN LEVEL: The wide front double door opens to an expansive Main Hall (38’x12’), with a dramatic double-height ceiling, and where the intricate woodwork and heart pine floors that appear throughout the house begin.  An original curved staircase with classic woodwork leads gracefully to the upper level.  At the far end of the hall, another wide double door leads to a large porch, with a marble and limestone floor.

To the left of the main hall is the Dining Room (24’ x17’), featuring a fireplace with a hand carved mantel from 1912, egg and dart crown molding, and a jib window to access the front portico.  From the dining room there is a spacious hallway leading to the kitchen, with another flight of stairs to the upper level. A powder room with hand painted French sink is tucked neatly underneath the stairs. 

The Kitchen (19’x15’) has been completely renovated in recent years and combines all the modern conveniences with classic country charm.  Custom pickled oak cabinets, Corian countertops and professional-grade appliances create a contemporary feel.
A large island has a stainless steel sink, dishwasher and an oven below. The kitchen has a lovely pine wood floor.

To the right of the main hall is the Living Room (19’x24’), where more large windows  highlight the marvelous views and there is a wood fireplace adorned with Wedgewood insets. Another jib window accesses the front portico as well as original egg and dart trim. 

Also to the right of the main hall is the Library (24’ x17’), with a wall of built-in walnut shelving and cabinets as well as more spectacular views and a passageway to the living room, housing a state-of-the-art audio-visual system extending throughout the house.

SECOND LEVEL: The lovely main staircase ascends from the main hall to a landing and above. To the left is Bedroom 1 (21½’x17½’) with a wonderful fireplace, and built-in shelves.  A door leads to a full bath that is shared with Bedroom 2 (24½’ x17’) which has a fireplace, two closets, and views of the front of the property. Across the hall is the Master Suite (25’x17’) with a marvelous wood fireplace and large windows that are overlooking the front fields. The adjoining Master Bath features a tile shower, dressing area and vanity.  Down the hall and to the left is a small hallway with a second set of stairs leading down to the kitchen and up to the attic. The hall has a Full Bath and accesses Bedroom 4 (15½’x12’). 

LOWER LEVEL: Underneath the main staircase, stairs lead to the English Basement level with ample storage. The Laundry Room is first to the right with an exterior door which leads out to the Summer Kitchen (circa 1770’s). Beyond is a Recreation/Fitness room with a rough in for a steam shower and full bath. Across the hall is an office/bedroom with a full bath. To the left of the stairs is the Utility Room, housing a 4 zone oil fired boiler. A large double door with sidelights leads outside to beneath the front portico.

THE PROPERTY: The 411.85 acres of Clifton contain rolling hills, expansive fields and mountain views. The pool is curved, with a disappearing edge and a built-in hot tub.  It has sweeping views across the property to the Blue Ridge.  Yet its location affords privacy, and there are ample terraces that lead to it, excellent for entertaining large groups.  Gardens surround the pool and terraces. There are two tenant houses: one lovely, fully-restored 1844 stone 3 bedroom plus library home and the other a framed 2-3 bedroom farm house. The extensive farm operation includes a large bank barn, a 4 stall barn with a run-in wing and a drive through corncrib, a farm office attached to a milking barn, 3 silos, a 15 bay machine shed, a run-in, and an 11 stall center aisle barn with feed and tack rooms.

 PRICE: $6,900,000 on 411.85 acres

               $5,400,000 on 274.75 acres
 

Offer subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change of price or withdrawal without notice.
Information contained herein is deemed reliable but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.