A Visit to DC and Elway Hall
by allthebest • 16 Oct ’10 • Barry Dixon, Malcolm James Kutner, Mary Douglas Drysdale, Michael Schmidt, SFERRA, travel • 18 Comments
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.
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.
Jealous! What a beautiful setting. You spend time with the most interesting people!
what an amazing weekend y'all clearly had! can't wait to see you when you're back on the west coast . . .
cheers,
scot
An amazing homestead to be sure. Pool looks fabulous. Will head over to Barbara's site to see more!
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
Patricia! You are too kind. Perhaps when we come back we can trade places! I want your talent. xoxo
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
Speechless–what a TRIP! (But where is my "soup on sunday" recipe?)
Where did Barry Dixon get his fab boots?
Try Horse Country in Warrenton, VA. Their website is http://www.horsecountrylife.com
So glad you had a great time! Looks divine, my friend. Hope to see you soon.
G
Yes, I do believe that turkey gets a pardon this year!
So divine!!!
I don't know where to start. I am speechless. What a dream come true…all of it!
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.
xo
The ATV ride looks like oodles of fun!
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…
I bought my John Robshaw at Timothy Paul when I lived in DC! Fabulous store…XXOO
LOVE the truck.