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Fauquier County, VA Real Estate

Fauquier County real estate in VA is attractive to many individuals and families who want to trade the hectic pace of city life in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, for country living. Situated approximately 45 minutes south of D.C. and one hour north of Charlottesville, Fauquier County real estate options lay within striking distance of our nation’s capital amid the pastoral beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From horse farms and land for sale in Fauquier to historic homes and estates, this gem-of-a-county has it all for prospective buyers.

If you are interested in Fauquier County real estate in Virginia, look no further than the knowledgeable team of professionals at Virginia Estates Realty. Our team of dedicated professionals can assist you with finding the right home or property for the right price. You can own your own piece of Fauquier – and watch your investment grow in tandem with your quality of life. Consider us your official “Fauquier County Real Estate Guide.”

About Fauquier County, Virginia

Fauquier County’s population of approximately 68,250 lives in an area spanning 647 square miles. A sizeable portion, or approximately 40 percent of the residents work directly for county government or one of the county’s hospitals. Many people commute to the D.C. metro area along the same route made famous by President T. Roosevelt.

Fauquier County benefits from its close proximity to the capital. Contractors and high-tech companies based in the county have secured the 8th position in national rankings of the median income for the residents.

Lord Fauquier and the History of the Region

In accordance with the 1722 Treaty of Lancaster, the Six Nations (a confederacy of six Native American tribes) ceded the land that would become Fauquier County to the British. According to legend, Francis Fauquier, Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, won the land in a poker game, and subsequently bestowed his name upon the area.

Lord Fauquier was a true gentleman. Loyalties he established with colonials during the French and Indian War were not forgotten as the Revolution took hold. His compassion extended to his slaves, whom were granted the right to select their next masters upon his death. The influence on his student Thomas Jefferson would shape the thoughts of the future author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson said Fauquier was “the ablest man” to ever rule Virginia.

Revolutionary battles that took place in Fauquier were series of skirmishes. Loyalist Tories invaded the region long enough to harass slaves and burn the hemp; the British never invested the proper military resources required for control of Fauquier.

Conversely, many battles were fought across Fauquier County during the Civil War, including:

  • First Battle of Rappahannock Station
  • Battle of Thoroughfare Gap
  • Battle of Kelly’s Ford
  • Battle of Aldie
  • Battle of Middleburg
  • Battle of Upperville
  • First and Second Battle of Auburn
  • Battle of Buckland Mills
  • Second Battle of Rappahannock Station

Fauquier County acknowledged its unique heritage in its 250th anniversary celebration. The African-American Historical Association began the celebration with Black History Month, followed yearlong series of demonstrations, performances, and visits to historic battlefields, cemeteries, and churches.

Fauquier County Historic Homes for Sale

The National Register of Historic Places lists 61 properties in Fauquier County. They range from very early homes built by pivotal Virginians, to Civil War staging grounds, and complete villages of 18th century enterprise. Each of the homes or sites on the Historic Register preserves a slice of history in this storied county. A few of these historic sites include:

  • The Hollow – The childhood home of Chief Justice John Marshall, built by his father.
  • The Rector House – The headquarters from which John Singleton Mosby planned and launched his many raids against Union forces.
  • The Mill House – A collection of late 18th century buildings featuring the workings of an early settlement.

The Estates of Fauquier County

The rolling topography of Fauquier County enhances the majesty of its incredible estates. Artistic creations of brick, wood, and stone homes inhabit the area and compliment the beautiful countryside. The team at Virginia Estates can be your guide to properties like:

  • Broadview Manor Estates – Large stone walls feature oversized chimneys at the gables and impressive metal roofs evoke the earliest colonial advancements of metal over wood.
  • Spring Hill Farm – Authentic 1839 construction featuring soaring cathedral ceilings and several examples of masonry styles defining the main building. Other buildings on the estate include nine tenant buildings including the pool house, gazebo, and horse barns.
  • Harkaway – Built in 1987 on an estate established that was established in1930, this four- story wonder showcases views of mountains, valleys, and lakes found on its141 acres.

Fauquier County Equestrian Facilities

Fauquier County is among the preeminent equestrian communities in the United States. The site of the Virginia Gold Cup and the International Gold Cup, Fauquier County is authentic horse country, with its breeding, training, and retirement farms. In addition to steeplechases, foxhunting is a favorite of the equestrians of Fauquier County and takes place across multiple farms.

Wineries and Vineyards of Fauquier County

Approximately 15 years ago, there were three wineries in Fauquier County. Today there are more than 20 vineyards and wineries. The dream of Thomas Jefferson, to grow grapes in Virginia, has become a reality. Frustrated by root disease and pestilence, Jefferson could not produce what today’s viticulturists can: a vine that is resistant to the local environmental hazards that can produce fruit suitable for the production of fine wines.

Armed with new hybrids and techniques, modern viticulturists in Virginia have built a catalog of award-winning wines. Statewide, the sale of Virginia wines now generates nearly $1 billion to the Commonwealth’s economy.

Virginia Estates specializes in helping people buy wineries and vineyards for sale in Fauquier County.

Fauquier County Public Schools

Public schools in the Fauquier County real estate market include four high schools, five middle schools, and 11 elementary schools

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Communities in Fauquier County

The county seat, Warrenton, played a central role in the history of Fauquier County. During the American Civil War, Warrenton was forced to provide housing and medical care to 1800 soldiers injured from battle.

In January 1909, Warrenton became the focus of President Teddy Roosevelt. Roosevelt demanded that his officers be able to travel 100 miles on horseback in three days. Roosevelt drove this point home by making the commute from Washington, D.C., to Warrenton and back. Roosevelt traveled 100 miles in just one day. And he did it on horseback in the ice and snow, a bold demonstration to his officers.

Later that year, half of Warrenton was burned to the ground in a fire that was probably started in the hayloft of a barn. The courthouse was among the structures destroyed in the fire.

A few of Fauquier County’s notable towns include:

  • Remington, a small town formerly known as Rappahannock Station.
  • The Plains, population 288, which is the site of steeplechase, polo, and farmer’s markets.Other towns and communities include:
    • Airlie
    • Bealeton
    • Belle Meade
    • Belvoir
    • Bristersburg
    • Broad Run
    • Calverton
    • Catlett
    • Delaplane
    • Elk Run
    • Goldvein
    • Hume
    • Linden
    • Markham
    • Marshall
    • Old Tavern
    • Opal
    • Orlean
    • Paris
    • Somerville
    • Upperville

    Other Fauquier County Famous Residents

    Fauquier County was home to other residents of historical significance.

    • John Marshall was the fourth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. His rulings were central to creating the supremacy of the court. In Marbury vs. Madison, Marshall conveyed that it is Congress that makes law, but it is the Court that decides the law is within the bounds of the Constitution. He ruled, “it is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.”
    • Turner Ashby was the cavalry commander for Stonewall Jackson in the Civil War.
    • Colonel John Singleton Mosby, known as the “Gray Ghost,” was known for his ability to enter Union territory, wreaking havoc, and escaping capture. Mosby is buried in Warrenton Cemetery.

    Contact Our Fauquier County Real Estate Team

    If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Fauquier County, contact Rick Walden and the team at Virginia Estates today. Our Virginia realtors and agents list some of the most beautiful properties in the Commonwealth. We research and market the entire Virginia real estate market, including Charlottesville, Richmond, the Shenandoah Valley, and Fauquier County. Call (877) 646-8800 or e-mail an agent today: rick@virginiaestates.com.