Aldie

Known as the "Gateway to Loudoun County," Aldie delivers a unique blend of luxury living and historic charm set against bucolic farmland. Aldie's small but quaint downtown anchors the community with locally owned businesses, an elementary school, an elegant country inn and its centerpiece, a fully restored early 1800s grist mill. But the real pull lies in the life that families can build here—one built on small-town simplicity and natural beauty.

"Aldie is all about natural green space, and homes here hold their value. It has a huge attraction for families because they can create their own haven here," says Somphane Jones, a Realtor with Pearson Smith Realty and lifelong Loudoun County resident.

Homes in Aldie represent a mix of luxury custom-builds, historic homes and planned developments with custom or move-in ready options. Prices quickly creep into the millions, with the median list price settling around $1.2 million. These homes, many set on five to 10 acres, could offer 6,500 square feet, boast luxury amenities inside and out and feature outbuildings like barns or detached garages. The same price can get you a fully restored historic home downtown with four bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen and 3,000 square feet of living space. Smaller price tags are available, around $500,000 to $700,000, but with a smaller home that might include 2,200 square feet and just over an acre lot.

If you choose a planned community, like Creighton Farms, you may pay up to $5 million for a home, but with it, you'll have up to seven acres and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Creighton Farm offers four unique mini-neighborhoods, tied together by a premier golf course, a community clubhouse and fitness center, tennis courts and a resort-style pool area. Bonded together by family fun nights, seasonal celebrations and annual events, neighbors in communities like this enjoy luxury living with a village vibe.

Despite its rural setting, Aldie keeps you busy. Dotted with sites like Aldie Mill Historic Park, where you can still see live grinding demonstrations, to living history tours held at the Mt. Zion Old School Baptist Church, an 1863 Civil War hospital site, you can feel the vibration of history throughout the area. For local flavors, head to the PEC Farmer's Market at Gilbert's Corner every Saturday and Sunday to shop more than a dozen regional vendors for produce, sweet treats, barbecue and fresh kettle surrounded by the backdrop of the Bull Run Mountains. At the 50 West Winery, you can hone your expertise with a master wine class, sip your favorite vintage with friends while enjoying charcuterie-style snacks or listen to live music while a breeze blows atop this winery's bluff-top location. With plenty of attractions colored by small-town charm, you'll quickly see why Aldie feel like a home—not just a destination.

While traditional parks and playgrounds aren't abundant, Aldie makes for a nature lover's paradise. Spots like Aldie Park provide a scenic setting with walking trails, picnic tables and a small waterfall. But really, you can stop just about anywhere to catch stunning views of working farms and vineyards sprawling on the horizon and rivers lacing the landscape.

Students in Aldie attend Loudoun County Schools like Aldie Elementary. This historic school earns a B-rating from Niche and is celebrated for its art and music program. For Grades 6 through 8, Willard Middle School offers a personalized approach to learning based on students' needs and interests and earns an A-rating from Niche. High schoolers finish at local schools like Lightridge High School, where they can focus on college prep or receive career and technical education.

Outside of a smattering of local shops and farm markets, commerce is limited, but thanks to Route 15 on the eastern border, you have a straight path north to Leesburg's grocery stores, outlets and abundant retail resources.

If you're looking to build a life that centers on natural beauty, reminds you of a simpler time and allows you to create the world you want for you and your family, Aldie offers the perfect retreat.