Social Distance in Style

As the month of April draws to a close, we come to realize that space has gone from a commodity to a luxury. Open pastures and a lake sound great right about now. So, this week we’ve decided to bring you a charming and idyllic country property with an historic c. 1750’s home, Aspian Lawn Farm.

Located in Albemarle County this property allows you to enjoy the countryside while still being within close reach of Charlottesville. The home features unparalleled stunning water and mountain views that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own living room. 

With almost 5,000 square feet of space in the main house, there is sure to be enough space for you and/or your family to roam around in. And for those who plan on eventually having guests over, there is a separate guest cottage for convenience. 

The main residence embraces the feel and design of yesteryear, but enjoys today’s modern comforts. An attention to detail is displayed throughout the six bedroom, four bath house featuring charming detail in every corner. Updated with marble counters in the kitchen and marble bathrooms, wood and gas fireplaces, and a new outdoor slate patio, there is an attention to detail like no other. 

Lest we forget that the property was also made with an equestrian mindset featuring a barn for you to do as you so please! With 183 acres of conserved and managed forest, pastures and the eleven-acre fully stocked lake, there is room for a plethora of outdoor activities. 

Aspian Lawn Farm is a private retreat like no other with outdoor recreational opportunities, space to entertain, and an irreplaceable setting.

Specifics: https://www.frankhardy.com/eng/sales/detail/334-l-4544-jtghzc/6591-markwood-road-earlysville-va-22936

6591 Markwood Road, Earlysville, VA

6BD I 4.5BA I 4,932 SqFt I 183 Acres

Listed by Ann Hay Hardy for $2,250,000

For Info and Interest, please contact Ann Hay Hardy at 434.296.0134

New and Notable Luxury Properties for Sale Over $7 Million

In light of the current situation, we would like to tip our hats to our partners across the Sotheby’s Network! So, this week we decided to feature some of the finest properties from around the world.

From a historic villa in Italy to a breezy beachside escape in the Barbados, these are this month’s four featured notable properties for sale over $7 million.

Treviso, Italy

Treviso, Italy | Luca D’Angelo, Italy Sotheby’s International Realty

Villa Manin is situated in Falzè di Trevignano, a short distance from the city of Treviso. It is surrounded by places known for their beauty and the services offered – all within reach the sea or the mountain. The villa lies on a crossroad of the Roman Empire in the period of its greatest expansion, of which the Veneto region carefully preserves its history. The property is part of the extraordinary world, consisting of the 2,400 historic villas that characterize the landscape of Veneto; it belonged to Ludovico Manin, last ‘Doge’ of the Republic of Venice.

Belvedere, California

Belvedere, California | Lydia Sarkissian, William Bullock, Magda Sarkissian, Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty 

Luxury meets a laid back lifestyle in this contemporary home located in one of the most desirable waterfront neighborhoods of Belvedere Island. This residence occupies one of the largest lots on the west shore with gated front yard. Recently renovated, the home is designed to make the bay a focal point by offering sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, and Mt. Tamalpais from every room. A true retreat with resort-style amenities, the two-level, four-bedroom, five-bath home features a front yard swimming pool and a built-in fire pit, multiple sun-facing decks, and a private deep-water dock with a new boat lift in the back.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan | List Sotheby’s International Realty

This modern high-rise apartment in Tokyo, just a short walk from Shirokanetakawana station, exemplifies light-filled living in the sky. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, the seemingly endless views and flood of natural light during the day, and lights from the Tokyo cityscape in the evening are captivating – 24 hours a day. Located on the 26th floor of City Tower, enjoy more than 430 square-meters of living space.

St. James, Barbados

St. James, Barbados | Rae(Muffin) Stollmeyer, Barbados Sotheby’s International Realty 

The Beach Hut takes full advantage of the breathtaking sea views afforded by its elevated beachfront location, the split-level villa offers 6,500 square-feet of breezy living space, including six en suite bedrooms. Three of the bedrooms have walk-in closets and all bathrooms are beautifully finished with marble floors and tiling. The house is fully air-conditioned.

Discover more homes new to market on sothebysrealty.com

5 Ways to Stay Fit at Home

Locked away at home, I’m sure we’ve all stumbled upon the conundrum of exercise. As an important part of our lives, exercise is key for our physical and mental health. It’s long been known that being sedentary is linked to chronic disease and with gyms temporarily closed, it’s easy for even those who previously led a very active lifestyle to slide into one much less so. So, today we’ve compiled a list of five ways you can stay fit in the comfort of your own home.

1) There’s an App for That

Fitness and mobile or wearable devices have gone hand-in-hand for quite some time now – with apps like LoseIt, Johnson & Johnson’s 7-Minute Workout, and countless others in both the App Store and Google Play Store, there are plenty of apps to help you manage your caloric intake, inspire you with workout routines, and more. 

2) The Social Media Challenge

It can be hard to stay motivated on your own – especially if you’re accustomed to feeding off the energy that a gym or class can provide. Just because you’re removed from that environment doesn’t mean you have to disconnect. Take for instance the #pushupchallenge on Instagram; film yourself doing pushups and tag friends to challenge them and keep them moving. Get creative and start your own challenge! There’s nothing wrong with some healthy competition.

3) Go Virtual

Companies like Peloton, Mirror, and now SoulCycle are ready to bring the full-body workout into your living room with their in-home equipment and subscription-based models that offer live and on-demand classes to best fit your needs. If you prefer a little more Zen with your workout, CorePower Yoga is also offering free access to their OnDemand service while their studios are closed.

4) Try Something New

Listlessness and boredom can be the doom of any fitness routine – especially if you feel your options are limited. Now is the time to try something new. Try a type of workout outside of your comfort zone; gamify your fitness with the likes of Nintendo’s Ring Fit or even Just Dance – and speaking of dance – why don’t you take a free virtual dance class? The Ballet Coach is offering live and OnDemand classes for kids and adults through her Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels.

5) Think Outside the Living Room

Even with social distancing and shelter-in-place guidelines in effect, ducking outside for a solo run or hike is a viable solution for your fitness fix. When the weather is right, your body will thank you for the much-needed sunshine and fresh air.Staying fit is a challenge – even more so when under stress – but by caring for your body, you’re taking steps to sure up your overall health. Here are five more ways to keep your body and mind healthy while working from home.

A Home for Sophisticated Living

House hunting is no easy task especially for those looking for certain features in a home. A home is more than just the physical space. It’s a place where you start a new chapter in your life. Here’s a home made with sophisticated living in mind.

Located just 15 miles from Downtown Charlottesville, Rolling Cedar Farm is in a very sought after location. The home features everything you need to live in countryside luxury, with a custom designed, elegantly styled home, with stunning views.

This property has the perfect mixture of detailed millwork and quality materials used throughout to create a seamless living experience. The generous foyer welcomes you into an open floor plan that encapsulates the kitchen, living and dining area, complete with walk out access to the outdoor second floor balcony overlooking the terrace. Few properties bring together the best of indoor and outdoor living spaces with the perfect flow. 

If you’re curious about the features, you should know about the gourmet chef’s kitchen with high end Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances and the fireplace in the family room to create the perfect space for an enjoyable evening meal. The fireplace features a beautifully carved mantelpiece which is the focal point for the room. 

At 4000 SQFT, the property has no shortage of room including a master suite wing, full basement, and 4 bedrooms in total. For those rejuvenating and relaxing evenings, there is an oversized in-ground hot tub with scenic views. 

Outside, there are 108 acres not under easement, in Western Albemarle with a pond, mountain and pastoral views. And dependencies include a well maintained log cabin with 2 bedrooms and loft. Just to boot, there is a garage with ample storage, a hunting room, a barn and stables for those looking to satisfy their equestrian needs.

Rolling Cedar Farm is not just any address in the Charlottesville books!

4004 Cannon Brook Way, Charlottesville, Virginia

Presented by Ann Hay Hardy for $2,300,000

https://www.frankhardy.com/eng/sales/detail/334-l-4544-9yfswc/4004-cannon-brook-way-charlottesville-va-22901

The Best of Countryside Living

Being home all the time isn’t easy, but we know just how important it is to do so in a time like this. Not every home is the same and we wanted to share with you a home with all the space, comfort and privacy you can find in the countryside. And for those seeking the ultimate countryside experience, while still remaining close to Downtown Charlottesville, we’ve got your answer. 

Nestled in a cove in one of the most stunning corners of Albemarle County, Virginia is Highland Orchard. This property is a unique opportunity for acquisition of a completely private retreat farm, situated among the headwaters of the Hardware River. Originally utilized as a fruit orchard, the land has been restored to pasture and represents a prime location for a large livestock operation south of Charlottesville. And don’t forget that the land and pasture have been managed under organic practices for 8 years with guidance from the Holistic Management Institute. 

For those wine lovers out there, vineyards have also been installed in what is coveted by local wine makers as an ideal site for fruit growth. With a soil structure as rich as this one, the property has a rich biodiversity evidenced by songbirds, game birds and an abundance of natural wildlife prospering in this habitat. And for those long summers, there is a bluestone terrace with a full outdoor kitchen and grill created for large scale or intimate gatherings while finding yourself surrounded by the majestic views.

Now, let’s not forget the home itself. Built as a brick residence in 1984 the property has copper roof features with numerous upgrades created with comfortable living in mind. With a stylish contemporary residence featuring vast windows there is no shortage of space to enjoy the spectacular views of the countryside. 

In case you were looking to casually entertain as well, there is a fully restored guest cottage featuring charming formal spaces amidst calm serene colors with period attributes that reveal a simple elegance reminiscent of grander homes. The arched doorways are authentic as is the slate foyer which provides access to the attached fieldstone terrace complete with a second story that offers 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths with ample space for guests or tenants. 

Last but not least we can’t forget the barns, constructed in 2008-2009 having served several purposes for full scale farming operations of various livestock. Just to boot, there is also a caretaker’s cottage with 1,900 square feet and a tenant ranch home with another three bedrooms and one bath.

All in all, this amazing property was created with everything in mind to serve up the ultimate bucolic experience. 


6142 Highland Orchard, Covesville, VA

Listed by Murdoch Matheson

https://www.frankhardy.com/eng/sales/detail/334-l-4544-w4j6cc/6142-highland-orchard-covesville-va-22931

Our Favorite Takeout Restaurants in Cville!

With all of us spending plenty of time at home, we’re sure you have cravings for those delights that can only be enjoyed at a restaurant. Plus, we don’t all want to be prepping and cooking every meal of every day. And don’t forget, in a time like this it is important to support our local community, which includes our local eateries! With plenty of restaurants closed during this time, we thought we’d put together a list of local places with some delightful cuisine available through take out or curbside pickup. 

Common House

https://www.commonhouse.com/

Usually known to be a safe space to gather, relax, and socialize, Common House has kept their doors open to give members AND non-members the benefit of curbside pickup. So, they more recently have adapted their kitchen to fit the changing needs of the community. If you’re looking to hunker down with a burger + fries, and a full bottle of House blend on a Friday night, this is the place to order from. Oh and just to make things easier, they offer online orders or even better…Concierge Service!⁠

Citizen Burger Bar

https://www.citizenburgerbarcville.com/

Clearly known as a spot for its delicious burgers, Citizen Burger Bar believes “A DELICIOUS BURGER IS YOUR RIGHT. perhaps even your responsibility,” so they remain open for the burger fiending community. Usually you can enjoy a tasty burger and a beer in-house, but not to worry, you can do the same in the comfort of your own home. Surely you are wondering what makes the burgers here so special? Well, they have teamed up with a few exceptional nearby farms and designed a menu around locally produced, top-tier ingredients. Take a stab at some “uncommonly good stuff to eat and drink…” through their curbside pickup!

Oak Hart Social

https://www.oakhartsocial.com/

Known to serve fare unlike any other in Cville, Oakhart Social has an incomparable menu and guess what…yes, they offer curbside pickup! Featuring such an inspiring interior design with its white brick walls and reclaimed wood flooring, this place deserves a visit when it reopens. But in the meantime, they are offering a limited menu Monday-Saturday from 4PM- 8PM. And to top it off, they are serving up fare from their friendly neighbors over at Little Star. As a word of advice, I recommend you try the charred carrots…you won’t regret it!  

Now get out there and support your local restaurants!

Tour 3 Featured Properties Right Now With Videos!

In the wake of the digital age, we now have the luxury of touring a space via photos, videos, and even virtual experiences. I’m sure we’ve all had our moments where we see the property of our dreams and wish that we could jump from screen to home. So, while you’re bundled up indoors, we thought we’d share with you a few notable properties that you can thoroughly enjoy and tour in cinematic fashion!

White Hart

Property Link: https://www.frankhardy.com/eng/sales/detail/334-l-4544-3xhctd/5785-stony-point-rd-barboursville-va-22923

To start you off, we have an English Country Manor Estate hidden amidst 353 acres of rolling countryside in Northern Albemarle County. Heart Pine floors, woodwork and paneling throughout are just a few of the notable features. All of these luxuries feature among a state of the art kitchen with Viking stove, subzero refrigerator and freezer, granite counter tops, 4 sinks and stainless steel vent hood. For those who are outdoor advocates, the property consists of 200 acres of rolling pasture and 153 acres of hardwoods and 2 large ponds with a year round creek and panoramic mountain views. 

5785 Stony Point Road Barboursville, VA

Listed for $4,995,000 by Murdoch Matheson

518 Rosemont Drive

Property Link: https://www.frankhardy.com/eng/sales/detail/334-l-4544-lg3rsr/518-rosemont-drive-charlottesville-va-22903

Next, we have a Premium Charlottesville property in the Murray District of Western Albemarle. Conveniently located 10 minutes from UVA and downtown, this exceptional Colonial offers large living with 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, and 7,684 s.f. of open concept for easy entertaining. Did we mention that the luxurious main level master suite comes with walk-in closets, a gracious walk-in tile shower, jacuzzi and heated floors? And for those looking to venture outside, there is 8.3 Acres of land with a heated pool, guest house, and covered stone/brick patio with cathedral ceiling with an outdoor fireplace overlooking the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. I think it’s safe to say this property creates a truly incredible living experience.

518 Rosemont Drive Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 United States6BD I 6.5BA I 8.3 Acres

Listed for $1,850,000 by Conor Murray

Shannon Hill

Property Link: https://www.frankhardy.com/eng/sales/detail/334-l-4544-vtzyzg/5370-martin-rd-kents-store-va-23084

Last but not least, welcome to the ultimate bucolic experience. Hidden just off I-64, quiet and incredibly private, this 185-acre property offers everything. For starters, we have the picture-perfect 1920’s renovated farmhouse with multiple modern upgrades. The manor house has been thoughtfully designed and offers panoramic pastoral views in every direction and a pond. With 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a large dining room, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, there is plenty of room for everyone. To our liking this property adapts well to the warmer season s as well with an elegant pool and landscaping, second-floor porch for viewing the night sky and garage apartment. To round it off, the property is currently set up as a cattle ranch and could easily be converted for horses with additional acreage, a large hay barn including an office and hanger. And lest we forgot the location, this property is located just a short drive to Richmond or C’Ville.

5370 Martin Rd Kents Store, Virginia4BD I 4.5BA I 8,002 SqFt I 245.88 Acres 

Listed for $2,100,000 by Frank Hardy

Every property has a story to tell…So pull out the popcorn and start watching!

Charlottesville’s Best Local Breweries

Who said that Charlottesville is just a small town in Virginia?! We are slowly but surely becoming the Brewery Capital Of The Mid-Atlantic! In our “small town” you don’t have to trek too far to find a great local brew. While there are some great breweries in the surrounding towns, Charlottesville has become home to quite a few admirable breweries. Today we dive into some of the best spots in our town!

Random Row Brewery

Random Row has come storming to the forefront in Charlottesville, as one of our newest breweries in the area. Few places find a good balance between a great atmosphere, incredible brew selection, and tall pours. But hear us out when we tell you, Random Row has got it down. And if you find yourself here with your beer-loving friends, thinking “I don’t do beer”, don’t worry! They’ve got delicious homemade kombucha on tap. With a pop-up eatery, yoga and bingo, this brewery has all bases covered. Last but not least, Random Row supports your local UVA community by hosting school events and offering a student discount.

Three Notch’d Brewing Co.

Three Notch’d Brewing Company was founded on the idea of great beer and great times, with family and friends. Having opened in August of 2013, Three Notch’d carries the spirit of the famous “Jack Jouett Ride” which became a legendary portion of Virginia’s history. Be sure to go check out the full story on the wall! With plenty of space and plenty of beers, this spot is sure to delight everyone with it’s diverse selection of beer. In case you go with an empty belly, they have you covered with a great menu featuring much more than just your typical ‘bar food.’ Don’t just sit there…stop by and “Leave Your Mark, too!” – Three Notch’d Brewing Co.

South Street Brewery

As one of Charlottesville’s underrated breweries , South Street delivers one of the most exceptional IPA’s in town. Combine that with your classic pub food and buzzing atmosphere and you’ll find yourself a winning formula. In case you were curious, that world-renowned IPA is the Barhopper IPA brewed in-house. As one of Charlottesville’s longest-running brewery and pubs, they have “food offerings from beef to bread, from tofu to produce and everything in between—reflecting our belief that Charlottesville, Virginia is the best place on Earth to live, drink and eat!”

Get out there and get tasting…Cheers!

The Best Fitness Studios in Charlottesville

It’s February 2020 and here we are wondering where all those New Year’s Resolutions went. It’s always a good time to get out there and go. Find your zen at a yoga class, start kickboxing or hit the good ole’ treadmill! Now’s the time to push yourself because no one is going to do it for you. Here’s a few places to get started. 


M3 Core Training

M3 is Charlottesville’s unique home for rowing, Megaformer + HIIT classes that offer a high intensity, low impact workout. Their dual studios also offer athletically focused Functional HIIT and strength based classes.  Those looking towards building strength, flexibility, and endurance this spot is made for you. And if this isn’t enough the studio has spa like amenities and a comfortable lounge area just a few steps away!

Zoom Cville

Zoom Charlottesville is a is boutique fitness studio offering both strength and cardio classes under one roof. Their beat driven indoor cycling classes offer the most innovative, immersive indoor cycling experience in Charlottesville. If you’re looking to build strength and endurance this is the place for you!

Formula Complete Fitness

Formula Complete Fitness offers classes focused on strength, stamina, and function. From bootcamp-style classes to mindful running +  yoga classes, they have a little bit of everything. They are most famous for their 1 hour EQUILIBRIUM class, a workout that alternates between intervals on their high performance Woodway Treadmills and strength training on their super-sleek Fitbenches. If that’s not for you, they recently began offering a FLOW class combining 20 minutes of mindful running and 25 minutes of yoga.

Charlottesville has a fitness studio for everyone, see you out there!

3 Virginia Properties Perfect For Winter!

Presented by: Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International

It’s February and Winter is here – it’s an absolutely picture-perfect time to visit Charlottesville & the surrounding counties! Here are three homes to check out that would look great in a fresh coat of snow this winter.

1. Aspian Lawn Farm

Charming and idyllic country property with an historic c. 1750’s home located in Albemarle County with stunning water and mountain views, only 16 miles from downtown Charlottesville. 

Specifics: 

6591 Markwood Road, Earlysville, VA

6BD I 4.5BA I 4,932 SqFt I 183 Acres

Listed by Ann Hay Hardy for $2,250,000

https://www.frankhardy.com/eng/sales/detail/334-l-4544-jtghzc/6591-markwood-road-earlysville-va-22936

For Info and Interest, please contact Ann Hay Hardy at 434.296.0134

2. Highbrighton

A 530 acre Estate for the Virginia Sportsman. 15 miles north of Charlottesville, Highbrighton from a family home hosting sporting and social events, to a thriving diversified business is one of Virginia’s most coveted properties.

Specifics: 

1756 Moore Rd, Ruckersville, VA

Listed by Murdoch Matheson for $8,000,000


For Info and Interest, please contact Murdoch Matheson at 434.296.0134

https://www.frankhardy.com/eng/sales/detail/334-l-4544-ffrjfp/1756-moore-rd-ruckersville-va-22968

3. Cranefield

Stately Brick Manor with 500 ft of waterfront on 4.64 acres along the Ware River in Gloucester, includes finest of details and finishes throughout; enjoys a grand setting set back along the water with brick columned entrance. Quiet and private location in Gloucester.

Specifics: 

8473 Bailey’s Wharf Rd, Gloucester, Virginia

4BD I 4BA I 2 HalfBA I 12,000 SqFt I 4.64 Acres

Listed by Frank Hardy for $2,090,000

For Info and Interest, please contact Frank Hardy at 434.296.0134

https://www.frankhardy.com/eng/sales/detail/334-l-4544-4x23r4/8473-baileys-wharf-rd-gloucester-va-23061


For all other information, please visit our website, https://www.frankhardy.com

-The Frank Hardy Team

Additional Photo Credit: https://www.visitcharlottesville.org/blog/post/winterweekends/