Nestled on 38 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Sperryville, Virginia, River’s Bend Farm is a varied landscape of mature woodland, river, pond, rolling pastureland, horse stables/paddocks and a barn-turned-residence. Much of the property sits high atop a knoll overlooking the rocky outcrops, exposed bedrock, and sinuous curves of a particularly wild and picturesque portion of a bend in the Thornton River.   

The Landscape Architects led the master plan process, interweaving the existing horse farm program with a new program that sought to integrate regenerative land practices into the existing agricultural land use. Riverside slope stabilization and plant restoration were the first priorities, which also resulted in an enhanced equestrian trail and informal riverside gathering space. Conservation agriculture was achieved through the removal of invasive plants and the diversification of plant species.  The conversion of mown fescue fields into native warm-season grass and wildflower meadows was part of the design proposal, and vision for the future of the site. Other strategies included terraced vineyards with interplanted crops; proposed wildlife corridors; and a pond reshaped to be more biomorphic with planted edges.

We located a site for the new farmhouse and terrace overlooking the Thornton River to maximize views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, while maintaining a light touch on the land. Working closely with the architect, we created a fluidity between indoors and outdoors, in the design of the pool pavilion, terrace and meditation platform, and a Western red cedar pergola that provides shelter and extends the comfort and usefulness of the outdoor spaces. Local reclaimed stone and wood beams helped lessen the environmental impact of the project and combined with vernacular building techniques ground the design language in its local milieu.

Through thoughtful design and restoration of the site’s natural systems, River’s Bend Farm has become a confluence of ecology, landscape, and serenity.

CLIENT/PROJECT TEAM:
Private Owner / Sutphin Architecture

LOCATION:
Sperryville, VA