Amy & Alex are planning their spring 2009 wedding at Historic Long Branch.  Since I had never been there, we all took a visit to the estate to meet the on-site events coordinator and figure out the logistics of the day.

Long Branch holds it’s place in Virginia history.  The land was surveyed by a young George Washington and the property’s neighbors included notable figures such as Lord Culpeper, Lord Fairfax, and Robert “King” Carter.  Here is a map of where the estate is located.  It’s approximately 30 minutes west of Middleburg and 20 minutes east of Winchester:

The building we see today was built in the very early 1800s.  It changed hands over the years and finally was purchased in 1986 and restored by Harry Z. Isaacs, a Baltimore textile executive.  Before his death in 1990 he created a private foundation to maintain and manage the property.

From the driveway you actually arrive at the back of the house.  Around the right is where the brick patio is for large tents.  The ‘front’ door of the house is actually around the backside.  Here’s the side facing the parking area and main driveway:

See where that Ryder truck is?  Just behind it is the brick patio perfect for tenting.  Event Rentals was just setting up this huge tent when we were visiting.  They can seat about 250 guests out here under a tent or more if you want to put the tent on grass:

Check out the gorgeous Virginia vistas!  Rolling meadows make for amazing portrait backgrounds:

On the other side we actually see the front!  Isn’t it gorgeous?

I love the front door.  A wedding ceremony here on the steps would be just beautiful:

The interior of the house is decorated with period pieces and is really beautiful.  It reminds me of Mt. Vernon or Gunston Hall, if you’ve ever toured those estates.  My favorite feature is this spiral staircase:

If you’re considering a wedding in Virginia’s ‘Hunt Country,’ Historic Long Branch is a perfect fit.  Check out their website for more information or go see it for yourself!