Warrenton Virginia - Elway Hall

Interior designer Barry Dixon invited the whole family down to his "farm" when we were at the Georgetown Jingle two weeks ago (he was Ryan's Christmas tree designer). However as this day approached, only Ryan and I could make the trip down. And man was it a treat! Barry's "farm" consists of a nearly 20,000 square foot estate on approximately 500 acres of rolling Virginia countryside. Even in wintertime the manor and the property were breathtakingly beautiful. My photos here do not do justice but trust me, it's gorgeous!

Being a quilter and a lover of all types of fabric, I was in heaven with all the upholstered furniture, pillows and draperies throughout the home. I had to lovingly touch just about everything and Barry claimed he didn't care that I did and actually encouraged me to do so. Most of the fabrics were from his own line as well as the many cool pieces of furniture he also designed. He certainly pays attention to detail and this was clearly evident throughout every room in the manor. I just loved the way he mixed old world antiques and collectibles from around the globe.

The house was built in 1907 for a Virginia governor at the time. Barry shared one of the most interesting facts of the estate (at least to me) that all the stain glass was commissioned and made by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Barry had it authenticated by the Tiffany Company from New York as the original drawings and designs are kept in a vault there. And that stained glass is worth more than the manor itself! Wow!

I'm very thankful Ryan and I had the opportunity to visit Barry and Elway Hall today. After the condensed lesson in art, architecture and design Ryan told me on the way home he liked riding on the ATV's best! Spoken like a true teenager!

BSoleille! The bright side of our visit to Elway Hall!

Terri