Both Farms are located in the Historic Elk Run Valley, the earliest settled area of Fauquier County.  Attracted by the prime agricultural soils, families that settled here prior to The Revolutionary war were part of the Hamilton Parrish. These colonial settlers were predominately of French Huguenots and English descent.  Fauquier County was part of the Lord Fairfax Estate, and as a church state all records were kept by the church.  Elk Run Valley Citizens made significant contributions to our nation’s history, 30 Soldiers from this area participated in the French and Indian War and 75 local soldiers fought in the Revolutionary War.

The 145 acre Thorpe Farm has never been offered as a public sale.   The first known deed was issued in 1719 to Mary Mauzy, a French Huguenot.  Owned by the Payne Family since before 1844, it was sold privately to the Thorpe Family in 1941.

Currently the farm consists of 145 acres, approximately 80 acres are open fields and the rest  in hardwood forest.  The property is well watered by a network of streams and a pond.  This property is not only prime agricultural and forestal land but provides excellent habitat for wildlife. The cabin is a typical 1 over 1 1/2 story early settler cabin which dates to 1790.  This structure was moved to its current location, next to the pond, in the late 1970’s from the base of Cobbler Mountain in Northern Fauquier County.  This cabin would be perfect for a weekend retreat or caretaker’s cottage.

Currently zoned RA, a Fauquier County Department of Development subdivision potential letter dated 9/10/08 indicates that the property can be divided into 8 lots including the residue which must be 120 acres.

The Kenner Land Tract is in three separate parcels that combine to make 196 acres.  Records for this land date back to 1723 when the original patent was issued to Thomas Furr from the Lord Fairfax Estate.  The western and southern boundaries are the original 1723 patent lines.  The Furr Grant of 1072 acres was the largest grant issued in 1723.  The old house site, where the remnants of the chimney are today, is circa 1780.  In 1734 Thomas Furr left 100 acres to his daughter Elizabeth and her husband Malachi Cummings. At one point in its history this land was owned by Howsen Kenner, whose grandparents  took care of George Washington’s mother as a young girl, after her parents died. Traces of the Aquia Road, a colonial road that dates from the 1720’s that ran from the Aquia Creek area to Carolina Road, can be found on the property. Interestingly this road bisected the property but was never a dividing line. There is a significant spring, Moses Cummings Spring, that is referenced in numerous deeds located on the eastern boundary.  

Currently zoned RA, a Fauquier County Department of Development letter indicates the property can be divided into 14 lots.

Recent enhancements include perimeter fencing including 2.5 miles of woven wire fencing,  new outbuildings, and well and electric on parcel 1.  Deer and Turkey take advantage of open fields, wooded glades and beautiful streams and springs. 

Both farms would be excellent candidates for the tax benefits of  Conservation Easements.  

These Farms are located in the heart of Virginia’s Piedmont,  which is bordered by the bustling Washington Metro area to the east and bucolic rural Virginia to the west providing the best of both worlds; the cultural amenities of our nations capital, and a friendly relaxed family environment for day-to-day living.  These properties maintain their rural nature while being conveniently close local commuter routes, including the Broad Run VRE.  From these farms you are approximately 60 minutes to DC, 45 minutes to Dulles Airport,  60 minutes to Reagan National Airport, 90 minutes to Charlottesville and 45 minutes to Fredericksburg. In addition to the two International Airports, there are two nearby regional airports, Manassas and Warrenton/Fauquier.