The Hunt Box at Lowelands Farm

Cottage in Virginia, Northern Virginia, VA, Middleburg, VA
  • Sleeps
    6
  • Maximum Guests
    6
  • Bedroom(s)
    3
  • Bathroom(s)
    2 full, 0 half

Description

The Hunt Box is located on our family farm where we raise Christmas trees, herbs and flowers, right in the heart of Virginia’s Hunt Country. In 2002 we built this house based on our studies of the architecture of Colonial Williamsburg. We gave it a tidewater story-and-a-half appearance with standing seam metal roof, clapboard siding, stone and stucco foundation, cozy front porch and second floor dormer windows.

The interior is highlighted by the stone fireplace and rough beam mantel, large light-filled windows that overlook barns, woods and pastures. Most unique is the wide plank flooring of oak and chestnut which originated from a hundred year old barn in Sperryville, VA, which we had dismantled and made into flooring for the cottage. The stone for the fireplace was unearthed here on the farm.

The configuration of bedrooms is: the top floor (2nd story) has a large master bedroom with king bed, dressing table, dresser and sitting area, plus flat screen TV and walk-in closet, as well as a smaller bedroom with an antique iron and brass double bed and corner sitting area; there is a shared double vanity bathroom on this level.

The first floor has an entry area leading to the formal 'great room' with the dining area. There is a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a separate mudroom/laundry room. The third bedroom is on this level, with a walk-in closet, full bath and flat screen TV. This serves as a sitting room/den during the day and uses a queen pull-out sofa for overnight. This room leads to a lovely covered stone porch with pastoral and sunset views from the old-fashioned porch swing.

We are conveniently located 6 miles from Middleburg, 38 miles West of DC, 35 miles East of the Shenandoah Valley, on a quiet country lane in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This Williamsburg reproduction guest cottage is decorated as a traditional English Hunt Box, with equine art and memorabilia, lovely antiques, oriental carpets on wide-plank oak and chestnut floors, a stone fireplace and high-end bed linens. Enjoy the outdoors from two patios and a covered porch, with views of mountains and fields. Relax in the comfort of a fully-equipped modern house with a touch of our English heritage.

Our surroundings provide the opportunity to witness the traditional fox hunt, watch farm-related chores and animals, walk along quiet country roads, hike to Goose Creek, enjoy our extensive flowering trees and perennials, or simply relax on the porch swing while you watch the sun setting over the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Guests can enjoy watching our retired show horse cavorting with his miniature donkey buddy, our miniature goats frolicking in their field with the two Scottish Highland cows. Mother Nature provides the opportunity to experience: the flights of red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers and the occasional great blue heron; our perennial pair of Canada Geese walking through the horse field; deer grazing in our fields and the nightly sounds of owls and spring peepers.

Our farm is located one hour west of Washington, D.C. and 40 minutes west of Dulles International Airport. We are in a rural area with farms 300 to 1500 acres nearby. Fine dining is available in every direction from Middleburg to Leesburg, Warrenton, Upperville and of course the D.C. area.

Recreational activities exist all around with Vineyards and Wineries, Museums, Battlefields, hiking on local trails or the Appalachian Trail, horseback riding, tubing on the Shenandoah River at historic Harpers Ferry, WV. Loudoun and Fauquier Counties have the largest concentration of wineries in the state, providing the opportunity to spend full days touring and tasting a great variety of Virginia wines.

The cottage would be an excellent home base while visiting Washington, D.C. or for the business person doing an extended stay in the DC Metro area or the Dulles Corridor and wanting space for their family to visit on weekends. A great weekend escape for residents of the DC area, we welcome weekend foxhunters, couples on retreat, families seeking country pleasures, cyclists, writers seeking solitude or anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the mystique of Middleburg and the hunt country of Virginia.

Those involved in fox hunting will enjoy our proximity to all of the local hunt meets; the Middleburg Hunt and The Snickersville Hunt pass through adjoining farms. We welcome riders in the numerous horse shows in our area, from the Hunter/Jumpers to Steeplechasers. Garden lovers and those following the spring garden tours will love our proximity to the Virginia State Arboretum at Blandy, Oatlands Plantation, Morven Park, Long Branch, and numerous other historical homes and gardens.

Owner/Manager



About The Owner

About Karen Lowe
We have lived in Middleburg since 1977 and enjoy gardening, photography, kayaking, hiking, reading, antiques, architecture and travel. Rick is a life-long Washingtonian, while Karen spent part of her childhood abroad before coming to the D.C. area. Over the years, we developed our 66 acre farm to raise and market Christmas trees, herbs and horses. We built our home and barn first, then the guest cottage. We enjoyed years of escorting our son and daughter, and their numerous ponies and horses, to horse shows throughout the Eastern U.S. Our daughter, her husband and our four grandchildren live in their new home on part of our farm. Our son, an economist, currently lives in Chicago while attending University of Chicago Booth School of Economics working on his MBA. Rick has been in residential real estate sales for 22 years and Karen has developed and run a small gourmet food business producing herbed and fruited honeys and wine vinegars for the past 26 years. We enjoy numerous trips each year to the Eastern Shore, where we enjoy the island life at Eagle's View, our waterfront vacation home.

Karen Lowe purchased this cottage in 2002

Why Karen Lowe chose Middleburg
The pastoral scenery, wildlife and quiet country roads are what drew us to Middleburg. We cherish the friendly hospitality of the hunt country, the traditions and history of the area. The serenity our quiet country farm setting provides is a delight, yet we are within an hour of the Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Museum, National Art Gallery, National Cathedral, Georgetown and all the cultural opportunities in our Nation's Capital.

What makes this cottage unique
We enjoy the serenity...the absence of traffic sounds, the presence of bird calls, the expansive views, the walks through the tree field or up the gravel road. We spend relaxing time leaning on the fences, watching the horses, cows, donkey and miniature goats grazing in the pastures, often joined by a small herd of white-tail deer in the evenings. We enjoy birdwatching and identifying many species, hearing the call of the mourning doves and seeing hawks riding the air currents. We love to read on the stone patios, nap or read on the front porch swing, serve meals al fresco, and enjoy the fresh air! On a winter evening, a blazing fire in the stone fireplace encourages many happy conversations. The sunset view from the den and covered porch is quite spectacular! On the farm we have one retired show horse, a darling miniature donkey, miniature goats, chickens, Scottish Highland cows, our doggies, perennial flower gardens, a Christmas tree farm and endless quiet roads and hiking trails available....our definition of Paradise!

Location

Address: 21338 Steptoe Hill Rd
Zip Code: 20117
Nearest AirportDulles IAD22 miles
Nearest BarRed Fox Tavern6 miles
Nearest RestaurantMANY6 miles
Nearest SkiWhitetail or Massanutten80 miles
Nearest Train StationAlexandria, VA30 miles

Additional Location Information

Civil War Battlefields and monuments, Vineyards and Wineries, Wine Tasting Rooms, Historic Plantations and Quaker Villages, old-fashioned Country Stores, Mosby Heritage Area, Virginia State Arboretum at Blandy, Gourmet Food Shops, Shenandoah Valley, Horse Shows and Steeplechase Races

Accommodation, Features

Property Type
Cottage, 1,500 sq. ft.
Bedroom(s)
3 Bedroom(s), 6 Sleeps
Double: 1
Full: 1
King: 1
Sleep Sofa: 1
Bathroom(s)
2 Bathroom(s)
Combination Tub / Shower: 1
Walk-in Shower: 1
Location Type
Mountains
Romantic
Wine Country
Themes
Adventure
Away From It All
Family
Farm Stay
Historic
Romantic
Sports & Activities
Tourist Attractions
Access & Parking
Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
Parking Off Street
Secure Parking
Stairs
Popular Amenities
Air Conditioning
Catering Available
Clothes Dryer
Deck / Patio
Dining Area
Fireplace
Linens Provided
Telephone
Towels Provided
Washing Machine
Wireless Internet
Indoor Features
Activities / Restaurant Guide
Blender
Child Highchair
Coffee Maker
Cooking Utensils
Dishes & Utensils
Dishwasher
Freezer
Hair Dryer
Handrails
Heating
Ice Maker
Internet
Iron & Board
Keurig/Espresso Machine
Kitchen
Living Room
Microwave
Oven
Pantry Items
Refrigerator
Stove
Toaster
Outdoor Features
Deck / Patio
Lawn / Garden
Outdoor Charcoal Grill
Outdoor Gas Grill
Porch / Veranda
Activities & Adventure
Antiquing
Bird Watching
Boating
Cycling
Diving
Eco Tourism
Golf
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Hunting
Mountain Biking
Mountain Climbing
Outlet Shopping
Photography
Scenic Drives
Shopping
Sight Seeing
Sledding
Walking
Wildlife Viewing
Nearby Attractions
Aquarium (80 miles)
Arboretum (30 miles)
Botanical Garden (40 miles)
Churches (6 miles)
Cinemas (12 miles)
Equestrian Events (6 miles)
Festivals (6 miles)
Health/Beauty Spa (6 miles)
Historical Sites (2 miles)
Library (6 miles)
Museums (6 miles)
Outlet Shopping (10 miles)
Playground (6 miles)
Recreation Center (12 miles)
Restaurants (6 miles)
Synagogues (8 miles)
Zoo (40 miles)

Additional Property Information

We provide firewood for the stone fireplace FREE OF CHARGE. We also provide staples (sugar, flour, milk, coffee, tea, spices, gourmet honey and farm fresh eggs) for our guests AND an amenities bag. An iron and ironing board are provided in the laundry room. Hair dryer provided.

Availability


  • Booked
  • Pending
  • Available
  • Unknown
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Rates


-Nightly rateWeekly rateMonthly rateMin. StayChange-over
WeekWeekend
Rate summary $350 - $375 $1,800 - 2 Nights -

Policies

Check in: 09:00 / Check out: 08:00
Payment options
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Checks
Policies
Check in is flexible
No pets
No smoking
No parties/events
Additional Info
Refundable damage deposit $500
Cleaning Fee $150 + Tax
Tax Rate 6.0%
In winter months we provide firewood at NO CHARGE to the guest.
The refundable damage deposit check is simply held by the owners until guests check out and the owners inspect the house. Unless there is damage to the property, the check is voided and returned to owner within 10 days of check-out, or shredded in our farm office.
REFUND POLICY: Up to 30 days ahead of arrival, all funds may be refunded in the event of a guest cancelling. Within 30 days of scheduled arrival, only the Cleaning Fee and the Damage Deposit are returned to guest. Within 30 days ahead of arrival, no part of the rental fee itself is refunded unless we obtain another booking for the same dates. Email us if you have any questions.
CHECK-IN is 4:00 p.m. unless prior arrangements are made. CHECK-OUT is 11:00 a.m. We are not strict on check-out and want our guests to feel relaxed and ready to depart, not rushed out the door. We do have to enforce check-out time only if another guest reservation is same day arrival.

50% of the rental fee is due upon securing the booking.
The remaining 50% plus tax and the cleaning fee is due 30 days before check-in date. The refundable damage deposit is also due, in a separate check, 30 days before check-in.
We also accept VISA, MC, AMEX.
Cancellation Policy
50% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date.
100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date.
Service Fee fully refunded on cancellations that qualify for 100% refund.
Suitability
Pet Friendly: No
Smoking: No smoking
Children: Yes, great for kids
Long term rentals: Yes
Seniors: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Military discount: No discount
Weddings & Corporate events: No
Suitability Details
Long term renters welcome

15 Reviews

The Hunt Box at Lowelands Farm
The Hunt Box in October

We had a wonderful stay in the Hunt Box. We were looking for an alternative to fancy resorts and inns so that we could cook our own meals (when we weren't being lazy) AND find peace an quiet. The Hunt Box was perfect. It's a 10 minute drive out of Middleburg into farm country and is the perfect location for retreating from the world. Our only "frustration" was that WiFi and cell service can be spotty, but we quickly realized that being disconnected from time to time was not a negative! The house did not disappoint, and the careful provision of all kinds of cooking condiments and treats was unexpected and wonderful. The other unexpected joy was that there were outdoor sitting areas on all sides of the house so we could watch the leaves fall, listen to the rooster crow, and watch the birds. Karen and Rick could not have been nicer and more attentive. Loved our stay!

Stayed October, 2019

The Hunt Box at Lowelands Farm
Best home rental we have EVER stayed in!

Everything was perfect from beginning to end. The hospitality, the cleanliness of the house and the bed was one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in!

We stayed in Middleburg for a wedding and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We enjoyed it so much that we are already planning a trip back!

Stayed October, 2019

The Hunt Box at Lowelands Farm
Lovely Farm Stay!

Our family of five thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Hunt Box. Karen and Rick were the nicest hosts. The house is so warm and inviting and such attention to detail to make guests feel at home. The whole area is lovely. Pumpkin the donkey was fun for the kids! We were so thankful to have found this gem.

Stayed October, 2019

The Hunt Box at Lowelands Farm
Lovely house, lovely weekend

Adorable house, very friendly owner who spent a lot of time chatting with us. Good location for our weekend wedding events in Middleburg. We all slept well and the property itself was fantastic. Would love to come back when I didn't have a wedding weekend running us pillar to post.

Stayed September, 2019

The Hunt Box at Lowelands Farm
Neat spot, charming home.

As advertised. Great location. Charming home. Attentive, caring host. Really enjoyed meeting Karen as well as our stay there.

Stayed August, 2019

The Hunt Box at Lowelands Farm
Lovely property

We enjoyed our stay. The property was lovely, and Karen and Rick were excellent hosts. We will keep the Huntbox in mind for future trips, and suggest it to our children also.

Stayed July, 2019

The Hunt Box at Lowelands Farm
Gorgeous horse country elegance and charm...

A beautifully appointed house with friendly and helpful owners helped make our family gathering a fantastic weekend.
Beautiful house, sparkling clean and pretty outside views from all the windows.
Highly recommend:)

Stayed June, 2019

The Hunt Box at Lowelands Farm
Southern hospitality on a beautiful farm

Wonderful property, wonderful people

Stayed May, 2019

The Hunt Box at Lowelands Farm
Beautiful home, gracious hosts

We enjoyed every minute of our stay at the Hunt Box. Karen and Rick were extremely gracious hosts who ensured our stay was perfect from start to finish. The home is beautiful, and also comfortable. Our little family of five had a wonderful time playing games and relaxing in front of the fire and our children loved being on a farm and seeing Pumpkin the donkey. Very convenient to Middleburg. We can't wait to go back!

Stayed March, 2019

The Hunt Box at Lowelands Farm
Beautiful, Comfortable and Clean!

We had a very lovely stay in this beautiful home. We have rented several other VRBO properties and this has been the cleanest and most comfortable. The Lowe’s were very accommodating to our last minute reservations and made us feel very welcome. Our experience was exactly what we were hoping for—a relaxing few days in a beautiful yet comfortable home in front of a warm fire.

Stayed December, 2018

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Last update: 08-Oct-2022 18:09

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From $ 350 $ 1,800
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