March 2026

from throughout | | 6 kitchen | cottage lighted stream, acres

SPRING GLADE

GOLDVEIN, VIRGINIA

Hard-to-find 404.71 wooded acres between Warrenton & Fredericksburg, recorded in three parcels | Frontage on Deep Run with access to the Rappahannock River | Zoned Rural Agricultural with zoning letters for up to 21 potential lots Long-term family ownership with valuable timber and Hunt Club lease

BARBOURSVILLE, VIRGINIA

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

French Country home, with renovations in 1999 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Improvements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres

$9,000,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

$3,900,000

SALEM HILL

One of Albemarle County’s oldest farm wineries | 35 acres across 3 parcels in prime location | Easy access to Charlottesville; approx. 90 minutes to Northern Virginia |22 acres of producing vineyard (plantings dating to 1977) |Avg. yield approx. 2 tons/acre | 2,000 cases annually | Three residences with mountain views: main house, guest house & manager’s residence | Winery building with tasting room, office, kitchen & event space Production facility plus 40’ x 60’ warehouse |Turnkey operation with strong potential for events, expansion & multiple income streams

SUMERDUCK, VIRGINIA

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

Well protected Fauquier location | 6 bedrooms | 4 full and 2 half baths | 3 fireplaces | Great views | Pool with large flagstone terrace | Large county kitchen | 4-car detached garage with apartment/ office | 9-stall barn | Covered arena | Outdoor ring | 4 stall shed row barn | 51 fenced acres

$2,500,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 540.454.1930

|

DELAPLANE, VIRGINIA

Circa 1875 farmhouse, fully restored (Restoration completion projected date 1/15/26) | 3 BR, 2 BA, 1 fireplace | Stucco-over-frame; longtime family property | 9.50 acres, open and rolling | Mountain views; surrounded by large conservation easement farms | Natural spring on property (possible pond site) | Historic barn and family cemetery | Family connection to Mosby’s Rangers

GAME CREEK

MIddLEBuRG,

VIRGINIA

A remarkable property located within a private enclave just minutes from town | Stone and stucco manor house with main level master suite | 7 additional BR | 5 stone FP | Beautiful gardens, terraces, salt water pool, cabana, carriage house & stable with 2 paddocks | Lovely finishes throughout & sweeping lawn to private trails to Goose Creek | 31 acres | Private, elegant & convenient

$950,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

$2,650,000

helen

191.5 wooded acres ideally located between Warrenton and Fredericksburg, held by the same ownership for generations | Features marketable timber and is not in a Conservation Easement, offering excellent flexibility for future us | Enjoy access to the Rappahannock River with parkland bordering two sides for exceptional privacy and natural beauty | County subdivision letter on file

$1,915,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

$3,690,000

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

LINDEN, VIRGINIA

HALCYON HILL

RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA

17 acres of rolling pasture land in the village of Rectortown | Convenient to both Routes 50 & 66 | Newly renovated | Private setting with magnificent mountain views | 4 bedrooms, 4 full bath, 1 half bath, 2 fireplaces | Heated pool & spa | 2 bedroom guest house | Large shed & 2-car garage

37.59 wooded acres |Private, secluded setting surrounded by large tracts | Elevated build site with potential long-range views |Easy access to Route 66 Abundant wildlife & mature timber — a hunter’s paradise |Great for outdoor recreation or a peaceful retreat | Established drive/easement for convenient access

$750,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

$2,475,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

203 acres in River frontage 4 full & 3 1/2 Gunnite pool and private | 5 stall Jim paddocks, pasture | Old d alix

dELAPLANE,

PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media, LLC

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kaitlin Hill | kaitlin@middleburglife.com

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Elisa Hernandez

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Nicky Marshok

ON THE COVER

Camden Tufts ’28, Raqeeqah Khan ’29, and Clair Wu ’28 pose inside Foxcroft’s new Mars STEAM Building. Shayda Windle takes readers inside the building on page 6. Photo by Michael Butcher.

ON THIS PAGE

On February 17, a crowd gathered at the Middleburg Community Center for the release of “The Enchanting Interiors of Bunny Mellon,” a new book from Rizzoli. On page 12, we dive into this latest release, and online we share more photos from the event. Photo by Tiffany West.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Shannon Ayres is a Reston-based freelance photographer. His work has appeared in Arlington, Chesapeake Life, Northern Virginia, Virginia Business, and USA Today magazines. He has an MFA in fine art photography from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University. His editorial work can be seen at sdayres.com

Michael Butcher is the owner of Butcher Photography. Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, he resides in Springfield, Virginia, with his family. For the past 15 years, Michael has specialized in portraiture, event, and editorial photography. When not behind the lens, he enjoys gardening and swimming. More of Michael’s work can be found at butcherphotography.com

Laticia Headings is grateful to call Middleburg home. She discovered Middleburg by attending the first annual Middleburg Film Festival in 2013 and has come back to the event every year since as a volunteer and attendee. Laticia is the founder of Latitude Media and has 23 years of experience as a producer, writer, and camerawoman for television (Discovery, National Geographic), and for the documentary film “Everest: A Climb for Peace.”

Sarah Hickner is the author of the award-winning Christian memoir “Finding Gideon” and the novel “All the Things That Come Between Us.” A lifelong equestrian and storyteller, she writes about faith, family, and the beauty of life in Virginia horse country.

Sherri Holdridge is a freelance photographer based in the D.C. area. An avid equestrian, she finds herself drawn and connected to the world of equine photography. Though she spends a lot of time with the horses, her portfolio also reflects her love of travel, nature, and portraiture. Sherri’s photography has been published in various magazines and exhibited in galleries around the world. Her work reflects both her passion and commitment to storytelling through the camera lens. More of her work can be found at sherriholdridgephotography.com.

Bill Kent’s journalism has appeared in more than 40 national and regional publications including The Washington Post, Art & Antiques, Philadelphia Magazine, Baltimore Magazine, New Jersey Monthly, and The Hunt. A former correspondent for The New York Times, he taught writing and journalism at the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers, and Temple universities, and is the author of seven novels, a Fodor’s Guide, and a history of Atlantic City. When not writing, he enjoys walking his westies on Washington Street.

Gracie Savage is a local photographer who grew up in the village of Aldie and has been photographing local weddings, portraits, and events since 2016. Her passion began when she received her first camera in middle school and she continued to study the craft in high school and in college. She was a photographer at Georgetown University for over three years and joined Middleburg Life as a contributor in the spring of 2022.

Heidi Baumstark has been writing for several lifestyle magazines and newspaper publications since 2005, specializing in history-related articles highlighting Virginia’s Piedmont. She has been with Middleburg Life since 2014. Heidi hopes to inspire readers to pause and consider the people, places, and events that have shaped the story of our local history.

Caroline Gray is a D.C.-based conservation and freelance photographer. A Virginia native and MBA graduate from the University of Virginia, her work blends a love for exploration, nature, and horses with her fashion background. When not behind the camera, Caroline enjoys hiking with her Labrador, Captain, visiting her retired horse, Cleverly, and exploring new restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Diane Helentjaris chose Loudoun as her “forever home” in 1990. A former clinical physician and public health administrator, she has returned to her humanities roots. Diane’s latest book, “I Ain’t Afraid — The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl,” is a rollicking biography. Her novel “The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill” won the 2024 Maryland Writers’ Association novel competition in the historical/romance category.

Lia Hobel is a freelance journalist, known for her blog, Uplift Loudoun. In addition to her work for Middleburg Life, Lia writes periodically for online platforms with articles appearing on GOBankingRates, Forbes, Huffington Post, and Yahoo! She is a Loudoun 40 Under 40 honoree and a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the county.

Dulcy B. Hooper and her husband Richard moved to the country from Washington, D.C., nearly 10 years ago. Shortly thereafter, both began writing occasional articles for Middleburg Life. Dogs are a big part of the Hoopers’ lives and several of Dulcy’s earlier articles focused on the couple’s Chinese crested powderpuffs!

Beth Rasin graduated from Middlebury College, where she studied nonfiction creative writing. She worked as a writer and editor at The Chronicle of the Horse for more than 25 years, including 10 years as the president and executive editor. As a freelancer, she’s contributed since 2015 to Middleburg Life, as well as Northern Virginia Magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, the former Loudoun Magazine, and many others. She lives in Hume, where she and her husband and daughter run a boarding facility for retired horses. She enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her adopted dogs and cats.

Shayda Windle is a freelance writer covering the arts, people, and places that make Hunt Country so special. Her work has been featured in Plein Air Magazine, the Fairfax County Times, and several online media outlets. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors and exploring Northern Virginia with her husband and two children.

BUILT BY WOMEN FOR THE FUTURE: Inside Foxcroft School’s Mars STEAM Building

Written by Shayda Windle

This January, Foxcroft School students returned to campus with a remarkable addition to their learning environment: the new Mars STEAM Building. The milestone was marked with a small ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 6, 2026, followed by students stepping inside the state-of-the-art space, many attending their first classes in the new labs and classrooms that very day.

Then, on January 23, 2026, Foxcroft’s board, leadership, and the greater Middleburg community gathered alongside members of the Mars family (Victoria Beth Mars ’74, Pamela Mars Wright ’78, Bernadette Victoria Russell ’03, and Charlotte Audrey Rossetter ’12) to officially cut the ribbon on a building that had been years in the making.

The Mars STEAM Building highlights women-led philanthropy, education, and the innovation shaping Foxcroft’s future. Part of the Building for Our Future campaign, the new building provides modern facilities that empower students and teachers alike. The building was made possible by an extraordinary $22 million contribution from the Mars family.

At the ceremony, the Mars family spoke about their commitment to education and to Foxcroft. Wright said, “Foxcroft is a place where girls discover who they want to be. With a new building encouraging exploration beyond ‘supposed’

strengths, combined with the school’s spirit, it has all the ingredients to inspire magic… Those of us connected to it know just how special it truly is.”

The multigenerational nature of the Mars family’s gift underlines the deep connection Foxcroft alumnae maintain with the school. The Mars women hope that their support for Foxcroft will inspire future philanthropy.

Dr. Lisa Kaenzig, Foxcroft’s head of school, reflected on the project’s long journey and thanked everyone who made it possible: the Mars family; former Head of School Cathy McGehee, who launched and guided the campaign; Chief Financial and Operating Officer Tom Gorman and Director of Institutional Advancement Hayley Munroe; and alumnae, board members, administrators, and staff, all of whom, in Kaenzig’s words, “helped make this literal dream come true.”

The Mars STEAM Building itself reflects a deliberate, values-driven approach to learning, one rooted in Foxcroft’s founding philosophy. As Kaenzig explained, the school followed the educational vision of Miss Charlotte Noland, who founded Foxcroft in 1914 and believed that girls learn best by working in small groups and engaging in hands-on experiences. From Foxcroft’s earliest days, Miss Charlotte made a promise: “Give us the tools we need, and we will give the world fine women.”

Future | Page 7

More than a century later, Miss Charlotte’s mission continues to guide Foxcroft’s approach, now expressed through spaces, tools, and opportunities designed to prepare young women for fields related to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), where women remain underrepresented.

Inside the building, a striking mural greets visitors, featuring scientific illustrations created by students over the years. Alumnae attending the ceremony paused in awe, asking, “Where’s my frog?” as they searched for familiar artwork. “They were connecting their own history at Foxcroft to this brand-new, beautiful space, where they can literally see their own mark on their education,” Kaenzig said.

The desks in the building are not arranged in rows facing a single instructor. Instead, the space is designed for collaboration, experimentation, and active learning, an approach supported by research from the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools. The coalition reports that students at allgirls schools are six times more likely to major in STEAM fields.

The building features fully equipped biology, chemistry, and physics labs, two STEAM classrooms, and a 1,700-square-foot garden with an outdoor blackboard and composting bins, accessible from the biology lab. It also includes a modern darkroom with spaces for both digital and film photography, a construction shop with engineering machinery, and a finishing shop with a spray booth and drying cabinet, enabling

students to take projects from concept to completion.

The darkroom was donated by Diana Hardin Walker ’59, Foxcroft’s 2026 Alison Harrison Goodyear ’29 Fellow, who attended Foxcroft and later served as a White House photographer for more than 30 years. On February 17, the school welcomed Walker back to campus, where she led a presentation and hands-on workshop with students.

As part of the project, the school also offers a for-credit seminar and speaker series, Project STEAM Build, which provides students with real-world learning experiences led by project managers from Hord Coplan Macht and Coakley and Williams Construction. Many of the project leads are women.

“The seminars expose students to design and construction fields with a focus on hands-on learning experiences, including making and pouring concrete with women who are current engineers and project managers,” Munroe says.

Foxcroft’s future-focused approach is perhaps best captured by student Raqeeqah K. ’29. “To me, the Mars STEAM Building isn’t just a space for learning. It’s a perfect example of what happens when creativity and technology come together. Knowing that the same kinds of tools and ideas we use in class helped build the place where we learn makes it feel even more inspiring.”

Together, the voices of alumnae, educators, and students reflect a shared legacy at Foxcroft, one that Women’s History Month invites the community to celebrate and carry forward. ML

ELIZABETH LOCKE: Beauty by Design

Written by Diane Helentjaris | Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Locke

Jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke celebrates beauty. Like the poet John Keats, her work underlines the idea that “a thing of beauty is a joy forever.” With a skill bordering on alchemy, she mixes stones, pearls, and remnants of antiquity with gold. The results are jewels that Locke says “look like they come out of a Byzantine tomb.”

There is a serendipitous quality to Locke’s career trajectory. Growing up in Staunton, Virginia, as the child of an English professor, she “never thought I would end up making my living with rocks.” She was, however, “always interested in the natural world” and “always loved rocks.” Her father took the family on summer trips to the Mediterranean, including Italy. Later, she returned to Italy as a Middlebury College graduate student, studying Italian literature in Florence. After six years abroad, she came back to the States and began working as a writer.

On assignment for Town & Country in 1988, Locke traveled to Bangkok. She watched as Thai goldsmiths handmade gold jewelry, piece by piece. Eschewing molds, they tapped the lustrous metal into shape with tiny hammers and beaded it into decorative droplets. Locke was entranced. Following that trip, she borrowed $20,000 from

her father-in-law, dipped into her husband’s frequent flyer miles, and returned to Bangkok with her first jewelry designs.

These initial efforts, inspired by what she saw in the Western market at the time, fizzled. She pivoted to designs tuned to her own unique aesthetic. Soon, one of her rings made the cover of W Magazine. Sales took off, and she has remained true to her own vision since then. More than 30 years later, she continues to work with 20 of these same Thai goldsmiths, traveling to Thailand several times a year. She estimates having spent “six years of my life in Bangkok.”

“I love what I do,” Locke says, and feels “lucky I get to do what I do… [I am] never bored.” Her designs start with the stones and antique treasures, both of which she personally collects from a wide range of sources. All her jewelry is completely handmade. She sets it in 19-karat gold, finding it a good combination of color and workability. Locke employs a variety of stones to give herself a large palette of colors: pink tourmaline, blue chalcedony, rose quartz, green peridot, diamonds, iridescent pearls. She is a fan of domeshaped cabochons.

A hallmark of Locke’s jewelry is its incorporation of antique elements such as Italian micromo-

saics, Chinese mother-of-pearl gambling counters, Essex crystal, Japanese satsuma buttons, and ancient Roman and Greek coins. Venetian glass intaglios are created from 17th-century molds. She repurposes them all into charms, dangles, and pendants.

Her use of micromosaics is particularly intriguing. These miniature works of Roman art were favorite mementos of European travelers in the late 18th to 19th centuries. Usually only a few inches in size, these handmade pieces were composed of opaque glass or enamel cut into tesserae, tiny pieces. As many as 1,400 tesserae per square inch recreated famous paintings, celebrated plants and animals, captured views of ancient ruins, and portrayed bucolic landscapes.

Her collection of micromosaics was showcased by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in the 2019 exhibition “A Return to the Grand Tour: Micromosaic Jewels from the Collection of Elizabeth Locke.” The exhibit traveled to the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston in 2020. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts then published a 118page catalogue, which is available through Elizabeth Locke Jewels.

Eventually, as Locke’s jewelry designing bur-

Design | Page 9

Design | From page 8

geoned, her husband advised her to open a shop. Today, she has two: one at 968 Madison Avenue in Manhattan, not too far from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Central Park Model Boat Pond. The second shop opened in 2000 in Boyce, Virginia, the Clarke County village of less than 800 residents south of Berryville.

To focus the concept for her Boyce shop, Locke wove a backstory. Printed copies of “The Contessa’s Story” are on hand at the former general store. In the tale, Locke claims to have an evil twin sister, also named Elizabeth and the widow of a Venetian count. The handout is replete with the contessa’s coat of arms and family motto, “Cave minoris aestimes credulitatem hominum.” With Locke’s sly humor, it translates to: “Beware of underestimating the gullibility of man.” The evil twin reportedly lives at the shop, which explains its Venetian palazzo décor. Fully indulging in

this creative fantasy, Locke flew in Italian decorative painter Marquesa Maddalena Afan de Rivera to transform the oak floor into Byzantine faux marble. She also commissioned Swiss artist Michael Niklaus to create an Elvis shrine in the store’s back corner.

With so much to see and jewelry even more mesmerizing, Elizabeth Locke Jewels promises an experience worth the trip. “[We] welcome people to come and look,” Locke says. The shop is open weekend afternoons and by appointment, with more information available at elizabethlocke.com ML

Top left: Intricate charms. Top right: Rings with bright jewels. Bottom right: Locke’s micromosaic pendants.

PLUMBING PROBLEMS

ROBERT DUVALL

(January 5, 1931 – February 15, 2026)

Written by Middleburg Life Staff

Photo by Janet Hitchen

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, legendary actor and well-loved Fauquier County resident Robert Duvall passed away at his home in The Plains. He was 95. In a statement on Facebook, his wife, Luciana, wrote, “To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything.”

While he was known for his iconic roles in “The Godfather,” “Apocalypse Now,” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” residents of Hunt Country will surely remember him as a horseman, a dedicated conservationist, a supporter of The Plains Volunteer Fire Department, and a familiar face at local establishments.

The team at Middleburg Life offers our heartfelt condolences to Luciana and all those who knew and cherished him for his many contributions to our community. ML

Robert and Luciana Duvall.

New Book Releases BRiNgiNg local HistoRy Back to life

Written by Sarah Hickner

“THE

ENCHANTING INTERIORS OF BUNNY MELLON”: PAINTINGS BY SNOWY CAMPBELL

It was the late 1960s when a family vacation, an unplanned injury, and a little dose of happenstance changed the fates of several people. Budding actor Frank Langella was vacationing with Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon’s family in Antigua. The two were dancing when Mellon fell over a potted plant and broke her ankle.

The next day, the pair flew back to New York to get Mellon to the doctor. This early return to the city allowed Langella the chance to audition for a character in “Diary of a Mad Housewife,” the role that kickstarted his very successful acting career. Meanwhile, on a follow-up visit to Mellon’s surgeon, she asked about the artwork on his wall that she’d been admiring.

The artist was the surgeon’s daughter, Snowy Campbell. Mellon and Campbell met and quickly worked out an arrangement for Campbell to create watercolor paintings of the interiors of several of Mellon’s homes.

In total, Campbell painted over 100 pieces depicting the beautiful spaces curated by Mellon. From an intricate box sitting on a tabletop to a bathtub with a painting hanging over it to a citrus plant sitting by a window, Campbell documented, with her own artistic detail and whimsy, the beauty of Mellon’s homes.

A book, “The Enchanting Interiors of Bunny Mellon,” was started in the 1990s as a way of documenting exactly what the title says: the enchanting interiors designed by Mellon and painted by Campbell. For unknown reasons, it was left incomplete. Around 2020, Nancy Collins, the

archivist at Mellon’s Oak Spring Garden Library, and Elinor Crane, a volunteer at Oak Spring Garden Foundation, took it upon themselves to complete what Mellon had started.

With encouragement from Charlotte Moss, a legendary interior designer and author from Virginia, the ladies took the first step of contacting Snowy Campbell. When multiple letters returned unanswered, they learned the unfortunate news that Campbell had passed away. Undeterred, they tracked down her daughter, living in El Salvador, seeking her assistance and permission to proceed with the book.

Collins and Crane wanted more than just a coffee table centerpiece filled with beautiful paintings. Their goal was to create a book teeming with life, just like Mellon herself, and what better way than to tell the stories that actually happened in the spaces she created? They contacted friends and acquaintances of the Mellons, requesting memories of the rooms shown in the houses.

The culmination of their years of work is a book that showcases three of the Mellon’s homes, tells stories of the time spent in each, and brings it all to life through Campbell’s beautiful watercolor paintings.

What began with a broken ankle became something far greater than anyone could have predicted. Released on February 17, “The Enchanting Interiors of Bunny Mellon,” published by Rizzoli, is more than a collection of beautiful rooms; it’s a reminder that the spaces we create hold our stories long after we leave them.

For more information on the book, visit osgf. org. And for more images from the book release, visit MiddleburgLife.com.

Books | Page 13

Books | From page 12

“A

STORY OF HOPE & FREEDOM” BY

KEVIN GRIGSBY

Kevin Grigsby has a gift for making history feel alive. His work blends genealogy, local history, and storytelling to bring forward voices and experiences that might have otherwise disappeared.

Grigsby’s first book, “Howardsville: The Journey of an African-American Community in Loudoun County, Virginia,” began as a personal project, a deep dive into the village he calls home and his own family roots in Loudoun County. What he expected to be a one-time exploration soon turned into something more. The deeper he searched through archives, family records, and oral histories, the more stories emerged, each revealing another layer of the region’s complex and often overlooked history.

One of the most compelling stories he uncovered was that of the Proctor family, whose ancestors date back to America’s earliest days. At first glance, members of the extended family appear

to have little in common. One branch looks distinctly European, while another is unmistakably African American. But beyond the visible differences lies a story of resilience that reflects the complicated realities of identity in America.

Grigsby’s latest work, “A Story of Hope & Freedom,” chronicles the Proctor family’s remarkable journey across more than 500 years. Drawing on extensive genealogical research that traces their lineage back to the 1500s, the book follows the family’s initial arrival in America, through the Civil War, all the way to present day. Far more than a collection of names and dates, Grigsby paints a vivid portrait of a family shaped by both hardship and hope.

In “A Story of Hope & Freedom,” Grigsby invites readers to see Loudoun County through a broader lens — one that acknowledges the complexity of race and identity through history. The result is a powerful story of triumph and tragedy, trauma and love, and the enduring power of family. ML

“We believe there should always be a story behind your food.” – Taylor

From mountain crossroads to small-town main streets, Hunt Country’s locally owned spots are bringing people together through good food and a shared sense of place. New on the scene are Mountain Gap Market, The Rabbit Hole, and Maggie’s Corner Café. Each offers something unique while creating

welcoming spaces for neighbors, travelers, and friends to gather.

MOUNTAIN GAP MARKET

119 John Mosby Highway, Paris, VA 20130

Located along Route 50 in Paris, Virginia, Mountain Gap Market feels less like a new busi-

HUNT COUNTRY’S NEW HANGOUTS: Mountain Gap Market, The Rabbit Hole, Maggie’s Corner Cafe

Written by Lia Hobel | Photos by Sherri Holdridge

ness and more like a revival of something Hunt Country has quietly missed. Opened in October 2025, the market sits at the crest of Ashby Gap, where travelers, hikers, and locals have long passed through. Created by husband and wife Andrew and Nicole Taylor, Mountain Gap was built around a simple but deeply rooted mission: to make good food convenient while strengthening community ties in a place rich with history. The market offers fresh produce, locally sourced meats, coffee, donuts, and a growing selection of products.

The building itself tells part of the story. Before the Taylors began renovations in the summer of 2025, the structure had been many things, including a general store, restaurant, trading post, and most recently, an upholstery shop. For Andrew, whose farming roots run deep, the market

New | Page 15

| From page 14

is as much about people as it is about produce. “We believe there should always be a story behind your food,” he says. “Farming isn’t just about what you grow; it’s about the people, the land, and the connections you build along the way.”

Looking ahead in 2026, the Taylors plan to introduce new items seasonally and are especially excited to serve hikers during peak hiking season with ice cream, refreshments, and a place to rest and enjoy the beauty of the Ashby Gap.

THE RABBIT HOLE

8393 W. Main Street, Marshall, VA 20115

Kimmy Lewis, owner of The Rabbit Hole, has always loved books. While studying performing arts in London, she fell in love with the cozy bookshops and cafés of the English high streets and dreamed of bringing that feeling home.

That dream is now taking shape as The Rabbit Hole, a neighborhood bookstore and café in Marshall designed to be a gathering place for readers of all ages.

The shop is operating under a soft opening and will offer everything from bestselling novels to children’s picture books, along with a full espresso bar featuring playful, book-themed drinks. A complete menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and crepes is in the works, created in partnership with Venus Barratt of the Warrenton Wellness Kitchen to bring delicious, nourishing options to the community. As it launches, The Rabbit Hole is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We are hoping to open the full shop by the end of April,” Lewis says. “The Rabbit Hole was created to be a cozy gathering place where stories, coffee, good food, and community come together. Marshall’s small-town charm and growing energy make it the perfect home. It’s a community that values local businesses and is excited to see new ideas thrive.”

The Rabbit Hole also is hosting events cen-

“The Rabbit Hole was created to be a cozy gathering place where stories, coffee, good food, and community come together.” – Lewis

tered around cookbooks. “The concept is that you buy the cookbook, make a recipe from the book, and then we all come together to share the food we made, potluck-style,” Lewis explains. “On March 15, we are doing the ‘Instant Pot Family Meals’ cookbook — Cook Your Own Pot o’ Gold! We will be doing St. Patrick’s Day trivia for this upcoming event.”

MAGGIE’S CORNER CAFÉ — COMING SOON

713 E. Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132

Still marked as “coming soon,” Maggie’s Cor-

New | Page 16

New | From page 15

ner Café already carries the familiarity of a place locals love. Created by the same team behind Magnolias at the Mill, Maggie’s is set to open in Purcellville this spring with the hope of becoming a casual spot rooted in quality, warmth, and flavor. While the doors have yet to open, the vision is firmly established — one built on the same foundation that made its sister restaurant a community favorite.

According to co-owner Evan Malone, Maggie’s will stay true to what has always defined the group’s approach to food and hospitality. “Magnolias at the Mill has always been centered on fresh, local ingredients. Maggie’s will continue that tradition in Purcellville with locally baked breads and pastries alongside fresh coffee, sandwiches, soups, and salads,” Malone said. “The

goal is to create another everyday gathering place for the community.”

That emphasis on “everyday” is what sets Maggie’s apart before it even opens. This isn’t a special-occasion restaurant or a fleeting trend — it’s designed for regular visits, catch-ups with friends, and long mornings to unwind. In a region where community spaces often evolve organically, Maggie’s feels intentionally shaped to meet people where they are, whether they’re stopping in for coffee, meeting someone for lunch, or simply looking for a familiar corner to return to time and again.

Together, Mountain Gap Market, The Rabbit Hole, and Maggie’s Corner Café are poised to become vibrant pillars of their communities, each offering a welcoming space where flavor, warmth, and local spirit flourish. ML

“Maggie’s will continue that tradition in Purcellville with locally baked breads and pastries alongside fresh coffee, sandwiches, soups, and salads. The goal is to create another everyday gathering place for the community.”

– Malone

Virginia Regenerative Medicine & Spa

This award recognizes the stellar reputation and trust that Virginia Regenerative Medicine & Spa’s has earned as reflected by the numerous nominations we received from our subscribers. After a thorough evaluation by a distinguished panel of medical experts, industry peers, thought leaders, and our editorial board, emerged as the VirginiaRegenerativeMedicine& Spa Top Orthopedics Regenerative Medicine Center in Virginia 2025.

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LIMESTONE FARM 67 acres | $6,695,000

Boyce – Federal style manor house refinished, updated and expanded. Guest house, restored bank barn, and Opequon Creek complete an estate designed for fine living and equestrian pursuits. John Coles | 540-270-0094

CHARTWELL 24+ acres | $2,295,000

Marshall – In Bellevue Farms, w/ 30+ miles of trails. Custom 7,700+ sq. ft. stone 5 BR / 5.5 BA house with great views! 1 BR / 1 BA guest house, horse barn w/ barn apt, ring, paddocks & pond. In 2 parcels. Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

THE CLEARING acres 11+ | $1,600,000

Boyce – In sought after BRH hunt territory this one level, 3000 sq ft house has picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and is surrounded by large parcels. Two bedroom guest cottage. Maria Eldredge 540-454-3829 | Anne McIntosh 703-509-4499

Delaplane – Impressive 7,300 sq. ft. of beautiful living space features high ceilings, large windows, and spectacular views. 2 Barns, 100 x 200 arena, Piedmont Hunt territory. Rolling hills w/ miles of trails. John Coles | 540-270-0094

PENDLETON STREET

$2,250,000

Middleburg – Commercial opportunity in the heart of downtown. Over 5,500 sq. ft. with flexible work areas, conference rooms, 3 half BAs, and large break room. Two parking spaces. Zoned C-2. Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

SERENITY 14+ acres | $990,000

Boyce – 3 BR / 1.5 BA huntbox. Exterior paint and new roof. Hardwood floors throughout, high ceilings, 2 working fireplaces. Charming, bring your horses! Blue Ridge Mountain views.

Maria Eldredge 540-454-3829 | Anne McIntosh 703-509-4499

TOWNHOUSE .027 acres | $370,000

Marshall – 3 BR / 1.5 BA brick townhouse is move-in ready! Freshly painted throughout, LVP flooring, new carpeting on the second floor, updated fixtures. 2 parking spaces. Commuter-friendly. Cathy Bernache 540-424-7066

Upperville – 7 BR / 7.5 BA English Manor in prestigious Greystone. 3 level residence w/ 6,950+ sq ft. Guest/Pool House, heated pool, flagstone terraces. Paddock and run-in shed–ideal for equestrians! Jim McGowan | 703-927-0233 WESTFIELD

Middleburg – One level stone main house w/ over 3,800+ sq. ft. Swimming pool, bocce ball court, and flagstone fire pit. 5-stall center aisle barn, barn apt. 3 fenced paddocks w/ waterers. Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201 QUERENCIA 17+ acres | $2,495,000

Middleburg – Pristine 4 BR / 4.5 BA home in the coveted Melmore Community. Desirable one-level living, Chef’s kitchen, new paint, lighting & custom window treatments. 3-car garage. Move-in ready.

Rebecca Poston | 540-771-7520 MELMORE 3 acres | $1,825,000

BIRD SONG .38 acres | $725,000

Paris – 2 BR / 2 BA house w/ recent upgrades and improvements for worry-free living! Minutes to wineries, hiking, and Shenandoah River. Guest cottage, fenced yard. Rental income potential.

Emily Ristau | 540-454-9083

Middleburg – 2BR / 2BA condo in Ridgeview. Bright, open floor plan, covered patio, wooded views, furnished or unfurnished. Comcast internet, pets considered, no smoking, move-in ready. Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201 CONDO IN TOWN $2,500/mo

When it comes to buying or selling in Horse Country, experience matters — and no one brings more of it than Thomas & Talbot. For decades, we’ve been building deep roots in the community and an intimate understanding of what makes this way of life truly special. This spring, put that experience to work for you. Don’t let this season pass you by, contact us today.

Historian Hannah Schetselaar sees connections everywhere in Hunt Country.

“The great families,” she begins, “the houses they built, the names of the streets, the Colonial women who made up the rules as they went along, the crafts they made. It’s all here, out in the open.”

Right now, Schetselaar is making final arrangements for the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area’s Crossroads of Liberty event, where, on Sunday, March 29, at the Caleb Rector House on Atoka Road, reenactors, storytellers, and fellow historians will show how the Hunt Country region is linked to America’s Revolutionary War. She even unearthed a connection that hits close to home.

During her research into the era’s camp followers — Colonial women who traveled with the armies and helped make uniforms, cook, and sometimes fight alongside the soldiers — Schetselaar read about a Hessian soldier who was among the 1,000 prisoners captured after the 1777 Battle of Saratoga. “Henry Linkous was detained in Boston for a year, then marched through Loudoun County, arriving in January 1779. He was kept at the Albemarle Barracks as a prisoner of war until he was indentured to the Preston family at Smithfield.”

After the war, Linkous settled in the area, married, and had children. Two and a half centuries later, Schetselaar, born and raised in Gainesville to a father who managed distribution for US Foods and a mother who is a school nurse in Manassas City, was working on her master’s degree at Virginia Tech and volunteering at the Historic Smithfield when she found Linkous’ name on her own family tree.

“I didn’t expect it,” she admits. “It really confirmed that the connections are everywhere … if you know where to look.”

She sees her job with the VPHA as helping to point the way.

Neighbor | Page 21

Written by Bill Kent | Photos by Caroline Gray

Hannah Schetselaar.

Neighbor | From page 20

Schetselaar credits her parents for teaching her to appreciate those who came before. “We were a hiking family, so early in my childhood, we’d go to Sky Meadows and the Manassas Battlefield, where I learned about all the other people who stood on the ground and followed the trails

and the streams before me.”

After studying history and psychology at Roanoke College, Schetselaar attained a master’s degree in history and public history certificate from Virginia Tech. “I like all Virginia history, but the Colonial period has my heart. It was a time of great hardship, when people found themselves struggling to survive, making it up as they went along. Women led fascinating lives in the 17th century. Often, while the men were out farming or hunting, the women were doing everything else, and, sometimes, tasks historically reserved for men, like blacksmithing.”

This has inspired Schetselaar to take up crafting — not just as a hobby, but as yet another way to connect with the past.

“Crafting was of vital importance in the Colonial period, when so many women had to make just about everything they needed from what they had at hand. I got some of my interest

and put in the time in weaving, sewing, crochet, embroidering, and how these arts are taught and passed down to women.”

Crafting was done by all women, some of whom were enslaved. The Journal of Slavery and Data Preservation recently published Schetselaar’s contribution to a study about individ-

gle handprint changed the course of my life,” she shares. “I still think about the woman who left it.”

After graduating last May, Schetselaar gave tours and assisted with school programs and summer camps at Oatlands. Lori Kimball, Oatlands’ senior director of programs, remembers her organizing a field trip to the historic house

from my mother, who has a collection of quilts that have been handed down through the generations of women in my family.” She continues, “When I learned what 17th-century women went through, I realized crafting for them was often about the art of survival. I wanted to connect with what it must have felt like to learn the patience

Outside the VPHA headquarters in Marshall.

uals who attempted to escape enslavement in 17th-century Chesapeake. “Going over the documents made me appreciate their courage.”

It also made her curious about a handprint she was shown in Smithfield’s basement between tours with other historians. “It is believed to have been left there by an enslaved person. That sin-

that involved 475 middle school children. “Hannah is very smart, a fast learner, and is a thorough researcher and confident presenter,” Kimball says. “She is committed to telling a full and complete story of our region’s history.”

And yet, for Schetselaar, some of the best stories Hunt Country has to offer don’t have words. “There’s a feeling I get when I go to the Goose Creek Bridge,” she says. “It isn’t just the Civil War battle, though that’s important. It’s about standing on an old bridge, like the Stone Bridge at Manassas, and wondering about all the things that have happened here. Who were the people who crossed the creek before the bridge was built? Whose hands made it? What were the lives of the people like who used it? Where did they go?”

Then there is what’s currently her favorite view in a region that is famous for them. When she

signed on with the VPHA earlier this year, Executive Director Ian MacDougall and Education Director Travis Shaw took her to the Bears Den overlook on the Appalachian Trail in Bluemont. “You can stand there and watch the way the landscape flows. You don’t need me to tell you that it’s all connected. Up there, you can feel it.” ML

eva walkeR: a legacy of kiNdNess & coMMuNity outReacH

Written by Heidi Baumstark

It used to be called “the field.” Today, it’s Eva J. Walker Memorial Park in downtown Warrenton, named to honor the woman with a dream to transform a field into a park for the community she loved.

When Walker would look out her kitchen window from her house on Fourth Street in Warrenton’s Haiti Street neighborhood, she imagined an open park so neighborhood children on Alexandria Pike could have a safe place to play. Now her legacy is forever celebrated in the 5.6acre Eva Walker Park, which includes playground facilities, a basketball court, picnic shelter, fitness pit, artwork, walking paths, and benches. It also includes the Eva Walker Park Commemorative Garden, completed in July 2022, which was funded by several nonprofits and the Town of Warrenton.

WHO WAS EVA WALKER?

Eva Walker lived in Warrenton beginning in the late 1950s with her husband, Robert, and their two daughters, Robyn Walker (now Thompson) and Sherrie Walker (now Carter). She lived there until her untimely death at the age of 48, on June 5, 1982, and Robert remained there until he passed at the age of 94 in 2021. As a civil rights leader, multitalented entrepreneur, and fashion model, Walker was an extraordinary member of the community.

Throughout her life, Walker worked to support Black youth, creating social opportunities for them, opening up her home for gatherings and fundraisers, and advocating for positive change in the neighborhood and beyond. She was also a role model for generations of Black women, teaching them lessons in beauty and etiquette.

THE PARK’S INSPIRATION

“The field” was owned by the late Dr. Aaron H. Gerber, an obstetrics and gynecology physician at the Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton. Robyn Thompson, Walker’s oldest daughter, remembers the neighborhood kids playing in the streets all the time. There was a lack of communal spaces for Black residents, but they received permission from Gerber to use his property for recreational purposes. In the early 1980s, Walker approached Gerber and encouraged him to donate his land to the town. He agreed, and initially, the land became Alexandria Park.

In December 1988, following Walker’s death, the Warrenton Town Council voted to name the park in her honor. In 2021, 33 years later, the council adopted a master plan outlining future

development that included the Commemorative Garden. Ashleigh Corrin Webb, Sherrie Carter’s daughter and Walker’s granddaughter, is an artist by trade and designed the metal panels on display in the garden. Inside the park on a brick-paved patio on Horner Street are metal plaques that honor Walker’s vision for the community.

WALKER’S CHILDHOOD DAYS

Eva Omega Jenkins Walker was born on March 17, 1934, in rural, racially segregated Fauquier County near Opal, Virginia, the daughter of John Andrew Jenkins and Eva Dixon Tackett Jenkins. At the early age of 4, she entered Routts Hill School, a one-room school in Bealeton, which is no longer standing.

She graduated as salutatorian of her class at Routts Hill, and later, valedictorian from Rosenwald High School in Warrenton. Some buildings of the old Rosenwald school are still standing, like the “building with a small red roof where Principal Hazel Weaver’s office was,” Thompson remembers. “The cinder block building with a caving roof was part of the campus. There was a two-story ‘main’ building for first through third grades, and two separate buildings, which were Mrs. Julia Smith’s and Mrs. Frazier’s classrooms.”

ADULT YEARS

Walker received a scholarship from Virginia State College, now Virginia State University. “But she never went,” Thompson says. Instead, her beauty and wit caught the eye of Warrenton local Robert Linwood Walker, and the couple married on March 25, 1951.

Walker commuted to Washington, D.C., to attend the Ophelia DeVore School of Self-Development and Modeling for African American women. This set her on the career course of a model, designer, and certified cosmetologist. Thompson adds, “I remember Mom’s charm school teacher in D.C., Precola DeVore. We loved going when Mom was modeling in fashion shows.”

After charm school, Walker modeled in several states, including at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. With her training in cosmetology, she opened a beauty salon in her home on Fourth Street, naming it La Petite Sherobyn, after her two daughters. She even produced her own cosmetic line: Eva Walker Cosmetics. When she was at her beauty shop, she’d rally her customers to bring in clothes and toys for children in need. Her daughters helped clean them up and deliver them to families at Christmas.

She advocated for improved education and

services, successfully lobbying county officials for the safety and advancement of her neighbors, including providing school bus transportation. As a community activist, she fought for equal rights, better education, and services for Black residents, and took part in the March on Washington on August 28, 1963.

Locally, she joined local civic leaders at the Drug Fair for a sit-in at the lunch counter. Thompson remembers, “Dad stayed home in case he had to bail them out of jail. A sigh of relief came when everything went over without incident. A double plus was being able to sit down to eat at Drug Fair.” Many credit the Walkers with the social transformations that took place there beginning in the 1960s.

Before moving to the Haiti Street neighborhood, the Walkers lived in Madisontown, a Black community in the Warrenton area. By the late 1950s, the family was living on Third Street; later, Third Street became Fourth Street, as it is today. “Mom was very creative,” Thompson shares. “She designed the addition to our house [on Fourth Street]. Her brothers were in the construction field, so they built the addition.”

MORE MEMORIES OF THEIR MOM

Carter says, “Haiti was a real community — everyone looked out for each other. If you needed to be disciplined, you might get it from someone else.” She continues, “I remember hearing Mom on the phone trying to get indoor plumbing for neighbors who didn’t have it. Others didn’t have electricity. She also organized clean-up campaigns for the neighborhood. If something was wrong in the community, she tried to make it

Legacy | From page 23

right. And she wasn’t doing it for attention; it was just who she was.”

“Mom and Dad opened their basement — they had a jukebox. It was like a community center in our home,” Thompson reminisces. “There weren’t a lot of recreational opportunities for us, so they created them.” The sisters remember “Miss Callie” Margaret Bumbray, who established

a majorette group with girls in the neighborhood. As a talented seamstress, Walker sewed their uniforms, “and we marched in the Firemen’s Parade in town on Fourth of July,” Thompson says. She adds, “Mom would bring in teen girls and we’d sit in the living room, and she would teach us proper etiquette, how to sit, and how to walk. Families got along; it was truly a neighborhood.”

Carter says, “At a young age, I remember walking around with Mom, knocking on people’s doors, collecting money for causes like the American Heart Association and the Cancer Society. If someone passed away, kids would go house to house to collect money to buy a flower spray for the funeral.”

The family hosted Muscular Dystrophy fundraisers — which included hula hoop contests — and Walker organized fashion shows to raise money for charities. She also volunteered to work as a “Gray Lady” at Fauquier Hospital. Gray Ladies were American Red Cross volunteers providing nonmedical, friendly services to patients.

The sisters’ other childhood memories include catching lightning bugs in brown paper bags to

make flashlights. Walking to Safeway on Main Street was a big deal. “Mom gave me a $25 check to buy groceries,” Thompson says. “The manager knew Mom and trusted her. After shopping, I’d push the basket cart back with the balance due if the bill was over $25.”

Thompson reflects, “Mom was really smart. And humble. I think she earned people’s respect.”

In her short lifetime, Walker received numerous awards and recognitions from civic and community organizations. A true humanitarian and talented entrepreneur, she takes her rightful place among prominent women in Fauquier County.

She passed on her spirit of activism and entrepreneurship: Thompson spent decades teaching in Fauquier County Public Schools, and Carter has owned gift shops in Manassas and Warrenton and is currently researching her family’s history with hopes to publish a book.

Her legacy is grounded in Fauquier’s history, forever memorialized through Eva Walker Park. That’s a dream come true that extends beyond Walker’s community. ML

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fRieNds & faMily ReMeMBeR MalcolM MatHesoN iii

Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photo by Joanne Maisano

Malcolm Matheson III passed away on February 7 surrounded by family at his home, The Tannery, in The Plains, Virginia. A pillar of the community and impactful to so many, Matheson’s nearest and dearest describe him as kind, funny, generous, charismatic, and a true gentleman in the many tributes that poured in over email, Facebook, and Instagram. His passing leaves a meaningful hole in the fox-

hunting community, members of which will remember him for his larger-than-life personality and distinctive smile. He will be sorely missed.

“To my father, the kindest, most generous, and handsomest dad, who embraced us with so much love and support. I know you are dancing in heaven with Mom. ‘Luvs you!’” – Heather Matheson Ryus, daughter

“Dad taught us to be fair, honest, loving, and hardworking. He taught us to cherish those around us and to be stewards of our surroundings. Foxhunting and land conservation were deeply woven into the fabric of who he was. The art of fun was too. Dad was the charming raconteur that drew friendships around him with his signature twinkle of the eye and smile. He was full of hijinks, mischief, and storytelling, and he possessed an amazingly creative vocabulary — especially on the golf course. He lived life to the fullest and he went out on his own terms, galloping to heaven to find his Gail. What more can a son ask for in finding peace with his departure.” – Colvin Matheson, son

“My favorite time hunting was riding side by side with him. Some childhood memories for sure, but getting to hunt from The Tannery, I will never forget.” – Jeannette Lussi, daughter

“My grandfather was not only the head of our family, but the heart of it. He carried himself with quiet strength, wisdom, and a deep love for those around him, leaving behind an incredible legacy that will continue to guide us for generations. I was fortunate to share a special bond with him. We shared a passion for riding, and some of my most treasured memories are of the days he took me foxhunting with the Orange County Hounds. Those moments weren’t just about the sport; they were about stories, lessons, and the unspoken understanding between us. Out on the hunt field, he passed down not only skills, but confidence, tradition, and a deep appreciation for the life we

shared. His sudden passing has left a space that can never truly be filled. He will be missed more than words can say, but his spirit lives on in the values he instilled, the traditions he upheld, and the love he gave so freely. I will carry him with me always.” – Cyrena Penta, granddaughter

“My grandad taught me the true meaning of horsemanship and foxhunting, shaping my love and respect for horses from an early age. The day I was old enough to foxhunt alongside him remains one of the most meaningful moments of my life. I cried every time I left The Tannery, and I will miss my grandad dearly.” – Gaylan Matheson Ryus, granddaughter

“His legacy talks about him as a ‘builder’ and the impact he has had on Middleburg and the surrounding communities throughout his career. But to us — his grandchildren — he was just ‘Grandad.’ He was a builder in a different sense to us… the builder of our family, of tradition, the foundation we have all grown from. His staunch love for all of us, the traditions he steadfastly instilled, and the joy of life he manifested daily were all core to that. He will be missed daily by all, but I am comforted most when I see his enduring love, leadership, and grace reflected in each of his children; his joy, sense of adventure, and passions emulated in us, his grandchildren; and in the cheeky grins and infectious laughter of his great-grandchildren.” – Olivia Shouvlin, granddaughter

“Seven and a half great years with the love of my life. It was his mission to make sure that everyone in the hunt field had fun. And wasn’t he the most fun ever?” – Nancy West, companion

“Airport departures always seem to choke me up as I write this at 40,000 feet. Grandad left the world on Saturday to rejoin Bama [Gail]. He was surrounded by family, the community, and an outpouring of love and admiration. Grandad

Remember | Page 27

Remember | From page 26

was a father to my brother and me, as he raised us alongside Mom and Dad on the farm. He’s the man we all aspire to be: kind, charitable, charismatic, and with a gleaming smile given to everyone around. Yet firm with a temper and extremely colorful vocabulary when necessary. He will leave an immense void in our physical world but will light up the room in the next one. They will be lucky to hear his laugh. Rest easy old man, Godspeed, and we’ll all see you in the next one. Malcolm Matheson III, August 15, 1937 – February 7, 2026.” – Duncan Matheson, grandson

“Grandad passed away Saturday evening. We were there to see him and comfort him on his journey to the other side. He was a hell of a man. I’m going to miss his roaring laugh and roughand-tumble attitude ... but also his more gentle side, his mischievous grin, and the glimmer in his eyes that let you know he loved you deeply. He took pride in being our grandad and taking us under his wing to lead by example. He was one of the most respected and generous people around. He is a hero of mine. As I get older and better understand the amount of work it took to do the things he did ... I continue to be amazed by what he accomplished in his lifetime. … Rest easy, Grandad. See you on the other side, old man.” –

Angus Matheson, grandson

“‘Grandad’… is how [he] was affectionately known in the hunt field among the ‘younger crowd.’ I lived and worked on his ‘Tannery’ for many years caring for his horses as his daughter-in-law. He and Gail were greatly involved in helping to raise their grandsons, taking them on trips, supporting an extensive education, and just overall being there for them at all times. A very kind, generous, and genuine man whom I could speak freely with. Always a leader, whether it was at the head of the table of a family gathering, USA leader of the Clan Matheson, or masterfully directing the non-jumping field of the Orange County Hounds, always knowing exactly where the action was. A big, toothy, mustachioed smile greeted everyone, be it newcomer or old friend. Hunting has been his passion and such a huge part of his life, with total dedication to the OCH. He has been most influential in my rise to status at OCH. Riding in his pocket for so many years made it inevitable! His and Gail’s love for family and friends was second to none… If there was dancing involved, he never hesitated in escorting a pretty lady onto the dance floor. … He will be greatly missed, such a huge personality.” – MaryAlice L. Matheson-Thomas, daughter-in-law

“When you saw him, Malcolm always made

you feel better. His lovely smile will be greatly missed.” – Jacquie Mars

“I will miss hearing his voice on the radio announcing that he had just viewed a fox — usually one nobody else had seen. His voice, his enthusiasm, and his kindness will leave a large hole in our hearts and lives.” – Bundles Murdock

“Malcolm has been a pillar of this community for the last 50 years — literally the support of so many different parts. His times as a foxhunter, steward of the OCH, and then master are well known. His rendition of ‘drink puppy drink’ brought down the house at hunt dinners. But his reach was far wider — a trustee of Little Georgetown Cemetery in The Plains, and of Grace Church, as treasurer for many years. His nationwide leadership of Clan Matheson. The twinkle in his eye, his kind smile, his gentle word. All will be missed.” – Trevor Potter

“Dear Malcolm, I regret not recording the many stories you told me. You are the best storyteller I’ve ever met. Personally, my favorite is you telling me about riding a camel in Egypt that, according to you, was faster than any horse you’d ridden when it really galloped! You were a huge asset to me when I started road whipping at OCH. I know you’ll continue to be with us. Thank you!” – Vanessa Keal

“Though not biological, I was lucky to call Malcolm ‘Grandad.’ He coaxed me and my skeptical siblings to the field with a Snickers bar, but quickly won us over as sportsmen with his keen foresight. With Grandad, the hunt unfolded before you, and I was lucky to ride in his pocket as a junior while he made me feel like a buttoned member.” – Griffin Keffer

“So sad to learn of the great Malcolm Matheson's passing — such great memories of his big smile, great laugh, and ability to say hello to you while keeping count of the riders as you rode past when hounds left the meet. None of these, however, top him driving up next to you while you were sitting on your horse, desperately listening for hounds in the distance... His engine always loudly running, he’d ask, ‘Do you hear ’em?!’ Well no, not then and certainly not now! He always, though, knew which way we should go, so you both laughed it off and caught back up with the hounds. He was one of a kind.” – Alexandra Arabek

“Malcolm was the ultimate gentleman, witty, and always the best-dressed silver fox out there! We will miss him so much.” – Luc DeJager

“Malcolm was the epitome of a country gentleman! Impeccably dressed, with a big smile on his face and kind words to all. He will be sorely missed.” – Geraldine Peace

“Second to his family, I’d have to say that Mal-

colm’s love and enthusiasm for foxhunting predominated his life. He came to every meet and loved to car follow and road whip. His cheerful smile and greeting each hunting day will be sorely missed by everyone.” – John Coles

“Malcolm was a true Virginia gentleman, cut from the cloth of the old world. We have not only lost a sincere friend, but a leading symbol of a more thoughtful time. He was one of the last ties to Hunt Country’s prime, when tweed- and tieclad gentlemen followed hounds in droves. His enthusiasm for hunting was infectious, and he always had a welcoming word for new riders to the sport. Master Matheson will be deeply missed and the Orange County Hounds will never be the same without him at his post.” – Eleanor Morison

“With his winning smile, Malcolm greeted me warmly when I first became an MFH. He shook my hand and gave me his ‘condolences,’ a fond memory I will cherish. I will always be grateful for his untiring support of our sport, his land conservation efforts, and his love of this community. I join the many who will miss him and honor his memory.” – Penny Denegre

“He lived an incredible life and was a hell of a boss and a friend.” – Reg Spreadborough

“I moved to Middleburg almost 20 years ago having no knowledge of foxhunting. My wife, Jane, got me on a horse and out into the hunt field. Malcolm was the second field fieldmaster, and despite me being a newbie and barely able to ride, he took me under his wing and taught me the ropes. He would have me hunt right up front with him so he could keep a watchful eye on me. I did not realize at the time, but now I do, what a privilege that was. Malcolm was superb at anticipating where the fox would run and positioning the second field for spectacular viewings. For those unfamiliar with the sport, that is much harder to do than you might think. I also loved his naughty side, when he would ‘lark’ a small jump instead of going through a gate, which terrified me at first but is something I learned to love. Except for his family, I believe Malcolm loved the hunt and the community it inspired more than anything. His passing leaves a big void in the lives of everyone involved with hounds and hunting. He was one of a kind!” – Andrew Bishop

Services will be held at Grace Episcopal Church (6507 Main Street, The Plains, VA 20198) on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. There will be a reception to follow in The Plains. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made in Matheson’s memory to Grace Episcopal Church or the OCH Conservation Foundation at ochcf.org. ML

2026 Spring Race Calendar

Snickersville Hounds and Cassanova Hunter Pace

Sunny Bank Farm - Middleburg

March 7 @ 9 a.m.

Warrenton Hunt

Airlie Race Course - Warrenton

March 14 @ 12 p.m.

Piedmont Fox Hounds P2P

Salem Course - Upperville

March 21 @ 12 p.m.

Rappahannock Hunt P2P

The Hill - Boston, VA

March 28 @ 12 p.m.

Photos by Joanne Maisano

Old Dominion Hounds P2P

Ben Venue Farm - Washington, VA

April 4 @ 12 p.m.

Blue Ridge Hunt P2P

Woodley Farm - Berryville

April 11 @ 1 p.m.

Middleburg Spring Races

Glenwood Park - Middleburg

April 18 @ 1:30 p.m.

Loudoun Hunt P2P

Morven Park - Leesburg

April 19 @ 12:30 p.m.

Foxfield Spring Races

Foxfield Race CourseCharlottesville

April 25 @ 12:30 p.m.

Middleburg Hunt P2P

Glenwood Park - Middleburg

April 26 @ 1 p.m.

Virginia Gold Cup

Great Meadow - The Plains

May 2 @ 12 p.m.

For our spring race coverage, visit MiddleburgLife.com.

At the Space at Grace

6507 Main Street The Plains, VA 20198 www.gracetheplains.org

Sunday, Mar. 15, 2026

5 pm

Amit Peled and the CelloGang

Dance through History with the CelloGang. A night of dance music for cello choir. Tango, blues, salon dances and much more. A CELLOBRATION you don’t want to miss!

Sunday, May 3, 2026

5 pm

The Suspicious Cheese Lords

For thirty years, the Suspicious Cheese Lords have specialized in Renaissance choral music, seeking out works by less familiar composers. The group’s name is derived from the Tallis motet, Suscipe quaeso Domine.

For tickets please visit: http://gracetheplains.org/ 6507 Main St, The Plains, VA 20198

Montaire Icelandic Horses located in the heart of Middleburg, VA. Discover the magic of these beautiful horses and their smooth gaits

We offer: Private Lessons, Clinics for ages 8+

Gift Certificates available

Want to come and take a look?

Newbie Day March 15 2:00 to 5pm

You will learn more about the Icelandic Horse – Farm Tour, Theory, Demo, Test Ride – $120 per person – space is limited!

Fun Show

March 28 - 29, 10am to 3pm

Open to the public to see what we do with the Icelandic horses.

36727 Leith Lane, Middleburg, VA 20117 montaire.org

Our Favorite Local Things for Spring

Photos by Kaitlin Hill

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

15TH ANNUAL ART OF THE PIEDMONT AUCTION

March 6 | 6 to 8 p.m. | artofthepiedmont.org

Support the Middleburg Montessori School by attending the 15th annual Art of the Piedmont auction at the Middleburg Community Center. The auction will feature works of fine art by local artists with proceeds divided evenly between the artist and the Middleburg Montessori School. Tickets are required and available through Art of the Piedmont’s website.

TRIVIA AT CHRYSALIS VINEYARDS

March 7 | 2 to 3 p.m. | chrysaliswine.com

Enjoy an afternoon of competition with trivia at Chrysalis Vineyards. The Middleburg Library staff will lead participants through the questions and the champion will win a prize basket. This event is free to attend and open to

guests 21 and over.

COMEDIAN ZANE LAMPREY AT OLD BUST HEAD

March 13 | 8 to 9:30 p.m. | oldbusthead.com

Experience the Half Full Comedy Tour with comedian Zane Lamprey at Old Bust Head Brewing Co. The night will include hilarious stand-up and craft beer. Get a VIP ticket to enjoy drinking games with Lamprey at 7:15 p.m. before the show at 8 p.m. Tickets are required and can be purchased through Old Bust Head’s website.

VIRGINIA’S DAFFODIL TALE AT OAK SPRING GARDEN FOUNDATION

March 14 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. | osgf.org

Celebrate spring at Oak Spring Garden Foundation. Horticulturist and plant historian Sara Van Beck will lead an engaging discussion of the his-

tory of daffodils in Virginia. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased through the OSGF website.

GLASS ETCHING AT CASANEL VINEYARDS & WINERY

March 15 | 1 to 4 p.m. | casanelvineyards.com

Stop by Casanel Vineyards & Winery for a day of creativity. Glass etching is the perfect activity for seasoned artists, novices, or anyone who just loves wine. No experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided. Tickets are required and can be booked through Eventbrite.

COOK THE BOOK: ST. PADDY’S DAY POT O’ GOLD

March 15 | 2 to 4 p.m.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Cook the Book

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Calendar | From page 34

event at The Rabbit Hole in Marshall. Participants are invited to cook a recipe from “Instant Pot Family Meals” by Ivy Manning and Weldon Owen, bring their dish to the potluck-style dinner, and join in St. Patrick’s-themed trivia while enjoying the meal. Tickets are $40, and guests are invited to come by the shop and buy the cookbook for 20% off.

BLUE RIDGE WILDLIFE: WILDLIFE RESEARCH AND ITS ROLE IN EQUINE HEALTH AT NSLM

March 19 | 5 to 7 p.m. | nationalsporting.org

Don’t miss a presentation by Jen Riley, DVM, and Christine Adam, DVM, on diseases in wildlife and horses. This informative session was made possible by the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center in Boyce, Virginia. There will be a reception

from 5 to 5:45 p.m. with a discussion and Q&A to follow. For more information, visit nationalsporting.org.

PRETTY PASTA WORKSHOP AT DIRT FARM BREWING

March 22 | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | dirtfarmbrewing.com

Learn to make stunning, naturally dyed, fresh pasta at Dirt Farm Brewing. This hands-on workshop will cover all the basics of pasta making and dyeing with natural vegetable dyes. Tickets include one beer, beautiful pasta to take home, a pasta sauce starter kit, and a wooden board to make pasta on.

EARLY MIGRANTS BIRD WALK

March 27 | 8 to 10 a.m. | blandy.virginia.edu

Join fellow birders and Blandy Experimental

Farm Director Dr. Dave Carr for a morning of bird-watching. Participants can hope to spot tree swallows, eastern phoebes, migrating waterfowl, and more. The walk is around 1.5 miles of gently rolling terrain. Guests are asked to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.

AFTERNOON TEA FEATURING THE HISTORY OF WOMEN AT OATLANDS

March 28 | 1:30 to 4 p.m. | oatlands.org

Learn about the women of Oatlands Historic House & Gardens, like Elizabeth Carter and Edith Eustis, while enjoying afternoon tea. The program will be led by an Oatlands historian. Tickets are required and can be purchased through the Oatlands website.

For more Hunt Country events, visit MiddleburgLife.com or scan here:

Once Here, Always Home

Escape to the serene beauty of Virginia’s countryside where extraordinary experiences await. Create timeless memories with bespoke equestrian experiences, immerse yourself in holistic wellness at our award-winning spa, and savor exquisitely crafted cuisine showcasing the finest local ingredients. This is where you belong.