WOODLEY

Millwood, Virginia

This classic pre-Civil War era home has been lovingly restored with great attention to detail, full of original woodwork and striking features. Woodley sits atop 383+/- rolling acres, with mostly open land and sweeping views of quintessential Virginia countryside and the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Daniel W. Sowers purchased the land in 1833 from Fairfax Washington and built the main portion of the house in 1835.  The Blue Ridge Hunt races are run in the front field of the property.

THE LOCATION: Sited between the quaint villages of Berryville and Millwood, Woodley is in the heart of Blue Ridge Hunt territory.  Just one hour from Washington, D.C., and Dulles International Airport, Woodley is easily accessible from both Rts. 7 and 50.

THE RESIDENCE: A winding drive leads through fields to the striking house atop a hill.  Marvelous old oaks trees shade the drive, while a wide front porch overlooks the grand vistas.  The original, main section of the house was built in 1835 of Flemish bond brickwork; a Civil-War era addition of common bond brickwork completes the structure.  With 11-foot ceilings, ornate woodwork and the gracious elegance of that era, renovations have been done with innate respect for the history of the house.

MAIN LEVEL: The wide front door opens to an expansive Main Hall (38’ x 12’), where the 12-foot ceilings, intricate woodwork and heart pine floors that appear throughout the house begin.  An original curved staircase with classic woodwork leads gracefully to the upper levels.  At the far end of the hall, another wide door leads to another large porch, which overlooks a remarkable back garden with dramatic vistas, a unique boxwood allée, and a lap pool.

To the left of the main hall is the Front Parlor (18’ x 18’), featuring a wood fireplace with an original wood mantelpiece, tall windows that frame spectacular views, and pocket doors in an arched doorway leading to the Rear Parlor (18’ x 18’).  There, the same tall windows showcase the back garden and there is a gas fireplace. The mantelpieces of the four downstairs fireplaces are reproductions of early 19th century mantles, installed in the 1930’s.

To the right of the main hall is the Dining Room (18’ x 18’), where large windows highlight the marvelous setting and there is a wood fireplace.  A swinging door leads to the kitchen.  Also to the right of the main hall is a small hallway, with another flight of stairs to the upper level, which leads to the kitchen and to the Library (18’ x 12’), which has a wall of built-in shelving and cabinets as well as views of the back garden.  There is a gas fireplace and an attached half-bath. All the doors in this section of the house are original six-panel cherry.

The Kitchen (24’ x 16’) has been completely renovated in recent years and combines all the modern conveniences with classic country charm.  Custom cherry cabinets, granite countertops and professional-grade, stainless steel appliances create a contemporary feel.  A large island has a six-burner and griddle range, while a large stainless steel sink rests below a large window with views of the front fields.  There is also a built-in wine cellar and pantry.  The kitchen has a lovely pine wood floor.

A door leads from the kitchen to a small back porch, perfect for summer family meals.  A set of steps leads down from the kitchen to the Family Room (18’ x 17’), where the original kitchen cabinets, of pine and glass, hang.  A small hallway leads from the family room to an Office (11’ x 10’) and a back door with small porch. 

Stairs lead from the family room to a suite of two bedrooms (16’6” x 10’) and 13’ x 10’) and one full bath upstairs, separate from the main upper level. 
 
SECOND LEVEL: The lovely main staircase curves from the main hall up to a landing.  To the right is the Master Suite, where the Master Bedroom (19’ x 18’) has a marvelous wood fireplace, ceiling fan, and large windows overlooking the back garden.  The adjoining Master Bath features a large steam shower, classic tiled floor, tub, his-and-her sinks, and a brick fireplace.  It’s attached to a Dressing Room with a walk-in closet.

Bedroom 2 (19’ x 18’) has a fireplace, two closets, ceiling fan and views of the front of the property.  It adjoins a full bath.  Bedroom 3 (18’ x 12’6”) has a wonderful fireplace, ceiling fan, and built-in shelves.  A door leads to a full bath that is shared with Bedroom 4 (19’ x 16’), which lies down a small hallway and has a wonderful wall of cabinets.  The stairs from the hallway off the main hall lead up to here.

THIRD LEVEL: Bedrooms 5 and 6 (17’6” x 14’) have window seats and share a full bath.

LOWER LEVEL: In the lower level is a Laundry Room (17’ x 16’), a Recreation Room (17’ x 16’) with slate floor and fireplace, a utility room and ample storage.  A door leads out to under the back porch.

THE PROPERTY: The 383 acres of Woodley contain rolling hills, expansive fields and mature woods.  An eight-stall barn includes a tack room, feed room, grooming stall and wash stall, while there are 40 acres of fenced paddocks.  There is also a huge bank barn.  Two tenant houses complete the property.  The first has three bedrooms, two full baths and a 36’ x 24’ great room with stone fireplace as well as a kitchen and stone fireplace. The second is a newly built 2,200-square-foot Cape Cod with three bedrooms and two and a half baths in an open floor plan.
 

MLS: CL6978814                   PRICE: $4,900,000                     TAXES: $11,306 (2006)

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.