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Get to know Purcellville

Settled by Quakers in the late 18th century, Purcellville is located in Virginia’s bucolic Hunt Country about an hour west of Washington, D.C. Like many communities in Loudoun County, Purcellville was a natural halfway point where weary travelers heading between Washington and Winchester could tie up their horses and rest. The arrival of the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad ushered in a trade boom for the region, transforming the surrounding valley into one of the nation’s largest dairy hubs and orchard grass producers. Today, it’s a tranquil country retreat where one might hear mail-order chicks chirping in the post office, neighborly conversations involving gardening tips, and where the talk of the town is about where to find well-priced perennials. Proud of its town’s history, the Purcellville Preservation Association holds an old-fashioned country fair each May at the historic Fireman’s Field.

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Living in Virginia Hunt Country

Virginia Hunt Country is a land of rolling hills and stacked stone walls, punctuated with the sights and sounds of troops of horses galloping, with riders astride in the traditional uniform of red coats and black helmets. This swath of countryside does not have definitive borders, but is generally considered to stretch over Loudon, Fauquier, and Rappahannock Counties. Depending on who you ask, the region’s boundaries may extend into nearby counties, but everyone agrees that Hunt Country is centered on Middleburg, a small hamlet of less than 1,000 people. The idea of porous borders extends to the landowners here, with farm and estate owners often including provisos on deeds that the riders (and hikers) be allowed to cross their land freely when traversing the verdant terrain. Estates can include considerable acreage and baronial houses, but the vibe in the local villages is low-key and casual, while offering some outstanding dining and shopping experiences.