Oatlands and Middleburg

After a traumatic night of, torrential rain, tornado warnings, and a quick dash to the basement for a LONG midnight campout, the morning also dawned rainy and overshadowed by a tornado watch. That delayed the start of school until 10:00 A.M. and gave us a slightly later departure on our adventure of the day. We chose a relatively close visit to Oatlands, a National Trust property north of here.

Established in the early 19th century by George Carter, Oatlands was a thriving wheat plantation and base for numerous business enterprises until the time of the Civil War. During most of the 20th century Oatlands served as the country estate of Mr. and Mrs. William Corcoran Eustis, affluent Washingtonians with strong ties to American politics. All that aside, it is a very homey, comfortable place that looks much like it must of when the Eustis family lived there. The original house was a three-story Federal house, but was redesigned and expanded during the Greek Revival era of the 1820s. The Eustis gardens are beautiful and reminded us of England -- the wet day may have added to that feeling.

Oatlands front view

Oatlands rear view

Peonies in the garden

Today's travelers

Kitchen garden with a wonderful rustic trellis

Clara by the pool

Lutyens benches -- shades of England

And oh my, the dogwoods!

We went for a somewhat disappointing lunch in Middleburg. The attractive village made up for the lackluster lunch. We meandered home along country roads in scenery so beautiful that it made my heart hurt.

Brick sidewalks

Wonderful architecture

Superb stores with local veg and meat

Pleasant views and interesting shops in every direction

This was a most pleasant day in spite of an unpromising beginning. Thanks again to Rob and Anna for splendid management.

That's all for now.

OXO

D.