There’s something about a winter holiday weekend in a cozy B&B in the heart of DC’s Wine Country® that really soothes the soul. Indeed, on December 11, the Loudoun Bed & Breakfast Guild hosts Holiday Bubbles & Brunch – an open house showcasing 10 B&Bs and vacation rentals in the Loudoun area for potential visitors to get an idea of the style and quality of accommodations available. Running parallel to that event, Hillsboro hosts its Holiday Homes Walking Tour – the chance to visit five historic downtown homes festively decked out for the season. In short, Loudoun is calling you to stay a while.
For those of you who can’t make the Open House or the walking tour, worry not.
Here we select six gorgeous Loudoun B&Bs that make for a perfect weekend away.
Stone Gables B&B
Tucked in mist-shrouded hills between Leesburg and Middleburg, Stone Gables has a distinct Colorado ski lodge vibe. The stone walls, pine interiors and crackling wood fireplaces keep you warm on winter nights, while the expansive grounds make for great walks and hiking trails. When it snows it really does look like the Rockies up here. Owners Leslie and Wayne Tharp installed an open plan chef’s kitchen off the lobby where hearty breakfasts are made. Of the four rooms, the Stone Gables Suite with original stone walls, wood beams and romantic clawfoot tub is a favorite.
Airwell B&B
This historic B&B on scenic Snickersville Turnpike offers country-chic accommodations in an 1860s-built Main House and a series of cottages on the grounds. Choose the elegant Ashby Suite with its hardwood floors, Oriental rugs and handmade drapes in the main building, or the French Country-style Powell’s Studio on the grounds, former studio of renowned landscape painter Lucien Whiting Powell. Sumptuous al fresco breakfasts await each morning, lush gardens and bird songs all around. Although the address is Purcellville, you are just a short drive from Round Hill, Bluemont and Middleburg.
Oakland Green Farm B&B
Built in the 1730s by Quaker farmer Richard Brown, this log, stone and brick farmhouse is one of the oldest properties in Loudoun and still in the Brown family today. Set in stunning gardens, with forests and pasture all around (it’s a working beef cattle farm), guests stay in the Log House Suite, which has a separate entrance, four poster Queen bed and second attached room with twin beds ideal for children. Breakfasts – you will love the farm eggs and sausages – are served in the low-slung log house sitting room. Make sure to walk the grounds during your stay and pay a visit to the historic 18th Century Quaker village of Lincoln.
The Manor at Airmont
This stunning, all-purpose wedding venue – doing everything from the flowers to the reception – doubles as a B&B when wedding season is quiet. Set in lush acres of rolling Piedmont countryside, it has five guestrooms with separate hotel-style entrances, all done in chic, modern, clean-lined French-country style. (Owner Anthony Francis, a pastor, hails from Louisiana). Opt for either the Walnut or Willow suites, one on the ground floor off the Manor House front porch, the other out back. Enjoy a superb farm fresh breakfast and if a group books out the whole property, they can bring in the caterer Zesty Gourmet to make dinner. Ideally located between historic Round Hill and Bluemont, you are steps from Bluemont Vineyard and a short drive from Middleburg and Purcellville.
Stone Manor Boutique Inn
1905-built Stone Manor is the eight-bedroom boutique country inn in Lovettsville of Mumbai born Manisha Shah and her husband Prashant. On top of hosting overnight guests, the Shah family caters as many as 45 weddings a year on the grounds, Manisha and her son preparing delectable Indian dishes alongside Western cuisine. You are in the heart of Loudoun countryside, surrounded by stone-fenced lanes, wineries, farm breweries, restaurants and historic 18th Century towns. Recently the property added transport options to local wineries and breweries.
Barn House Cottage at Lazy Sit Farm
Kim and Jeff Daily’s rustic farm cottage in Hillsboro features two bedrooms with queen beds and en suite bathrooms, and a cozy downstairs living area filled with antique furniture and rural charm. Suitable for couples or friends, (guests get the whole cottage) the fridge is stocked with a dozen farm eggs and complimentary charcuterie boxes from Lovettsville based CharGOATerie & Co. Wake to views of rolling pasture and apple orchards and spend the day strolling the farm, visiting nearby towns and villages or popping into wineries and breweries. Indeed, Doukenie Winery and Harvest Gap Brewery are each just a short drive away.
