Saturday, October 16

A Visit to DC and Elway Hall

The past few days have been a wonderful whirlwind! I flew to DC earlier this week to host a SFERRA party with Timothy and Mia Worrell at their beautiful bedding store Timothy Paul (photos to come). I was kindly invited by Mary Douglas Drysdale to stay at her home during my visit. It was such a treat to be a guest at the home of a designer whose work I have admired for more than 20 years.

Following the SFERRA party, Paul Hooker (President of SFERRA), Aaron Stewart (Creative Director), Malcolm James Kutner, (interior designer and my travel partner in crime) and I followed Barry Dixon to his home, Elway Hall, in Fauquier County for a late night supper and overnight stay.

Hands down Barry Dixon and his partner Michael Schmidt are two of the most gracious hosts that I have ever encountered. The 20,000-square-foot Elway Hall, which Dixon bought with his partner Michael in 1991, is a sprawl of rooms, libraries and bedrooms. There are no less than 17 fireplaces and 10 bedrooms . However, despite the size, Michael and Barry have created a a warm and welcoming family home.

The house was built in 1907 by West Virginia senator Johnson Newlon Camden, who partnered with John D. Rockefeller to start Standard Oil. The house was built for his only daughter, Annie Thompson Camden, and her husband, Gen. Baldwin Day Spilman.

In addition to being guardians of a magical historic home, Barry and Michael raise chickens, goats, llamas and a turkey. Before departing yesterday morning we went on an ATV ride to explore their 400 hundred acres of rolling hills. I will take interior photos on the next visit. In the meantime you can visit Barbara Sallick's beautiful blog for more photos.



















18 comments:

Jane Kilpatrick Schott said...

What a terrific post! I couldn't get to that part of the country during a beautiful fall day, but your photos took me there even if for only a moment.
Nice.

Unknown said...

Jealous! What a beautiful setting. You spend time with the most interesting people!

Scot Meacham Wood said...

what an amazing weekend y'all clearly had! can't wait to see you when you're back on the west coast . . .

cheers,
scot

quintessence said...

An amazing homestead to be sure. Pool looks fabulous. Will head over to Barbara's site to see more!

pve design said...

I keep telling my sister that I am coming back as Ronda! I love that you get to share so much with each of us....and that you live up to your name. "All the best!"
pve

ALL THE BEST said...

Patricia! You are too kind. Perhaps when we come back we can trade places! I want your talent. xoxo

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

Ronda, what a special trip & visit. The estate is stunning. Thanks for a peek inside. Hope that beautiful turkey get a pardon this year!

xo,
cristin

mary said...

Speechless--what a TRIP! (But where is my "soup on sunday" recipe?)

Anonymous said...

Where did Barry Dixon get his fab boots?

ALL THE BEST said...

Try Horse Country in Warrenton, VA. Their website is www.horsecountrylife.com

Gwen Driscoll said...

So glad you had a great time! Looks divine, my friend. Hope to see you soon.

G

ALL THE BEST said...

Yes, I do believe that turkey gets a pardon this year!

ALL THE BEST said...

So divine!!!

abby jenkins said...

I don't know where to start. I am speechless. What a dream come true...all of it!

Laura@Developing Designs said...

Ronda, Thanks for sharing some of the fabulous pictures and giving us a peek in and out of the gorgeous stunning inviting home Barry and Michael share. Any and all details about them is always a treat and I enjoy soaking it all in. I love them, and have the utmost admiration for all that Barry is and does.
The ATV ride looks like oodles of fun! :) xo

Barry Dixon said...

Many thanks for all he kind words! Can't wait to have you back soon Ronda. And I see Gwen Driscoll is from my hometown, Memphis TN. Small world...

Summer is a Verb said...

I bought my John Robshaw at Timothy Paul when I lived in DC! Fabulous store...XXOO

Kathie Truitt said...

LOVE the truck.