Cornwell Farm
Great Falls, Virginia
Courtesy of Karen Briscoe
Cornwell Farm is scenically important to the region as the major architectural element seen along the historic Georgetown Pike, Virginia's first road to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Year Built: 1831
Lot Size: 6 acres with the option to acquire up to 7 additional acres
Square Feet: 5,102
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3 full; 1 half
Price: $3,720,000 (net of tax benefits from conservation easement)
Congressman Jerry Huckaby and his wife Sue were the last resident owners of the property until her untimely passing from cancer. During their time at Cornwell, Jerry and Sue entertained extensively and hosted the Great Falls Historical Society on several occasions.
Jean Tibbetts' 350-page book on Cornwell Farm notes:
"Speaking to the Great Falls Historical Society before he actually closed on the property, Jerry said that outside of being elected to Congress, buying Cornwell Farm was the most exciting thing he would ever do. In a letter written soon after they acquired the farm, Sue tells us,
'What a thrill it is to be the new owners of Cornwell Farm as we enter the 21st century. The property's 172 years certainly makes us conscious of time and how short our life spans are at the dawn of the new millenium. By America's standards today, Cornwell is a very old building; by European standards it would be considered young as many structures there have survived more than 1000 years. We think Cornwell will remain a showpiece throughtout the next millennium because it is one of the finest 19th century residential homes in Northern Virginia. During our tenure as owners, we plan to be good stewards.' [Huckaby, 1999, 2001]
Courtesy of Karen Briscoe
The gently rolling land and country vistas are some of the most gorgeous this close to Washington, DC. The property can serve the function as an equestrian property featuring a 4 stall barn, fenced and cross fenced pasture land and run-in shed for horses.
Courtesy of Karen Briscoe
The Manor Home grounds include a brick patio designed for entertaining in the style of the 19th century. The heated swimming pool with brick surround patios was added for more modern outdoor living. An added verandah-style porch with bead board ceiling was built by Winthrop Custom Homes and completes the outdoor entertaining and living spaces. There is a separate caretaker’s cottage with attached greenhouse and carport area with space for 2 vehicles.
Courtesy of Karen Briscoe
Other notable elements of the Manor home include:
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Double-wing architectural style with 5,102 square feet of finished living space
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Interior doors with symmetrically molded trim and paneled corner blocks
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Plaster walls and high ceilings
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9 wood burning fireplaces with gas log inserts in both Living Room and Den fireplaces
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4 chimneys on the Manor House relined with new caps within the last 10 years
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New roof installed in 2006 features Architectural Certain-teed shingles with snow/ice guards and 50 year guarantee
Courtesy of Karen Briscoe
The utilities for the property include modern heating and air conditioning systems; Natural Gas; Natural Gas generator for back-up power; Cox Cable provides Internet/TV service to the home.