574 Clay Hill Rd Boyce, VA 22620

The exquisite 102 Acre Country Estate of Claytonville, once part of Carter Hall, is surrounded by some of the finest estates in Clarke County and enjoys stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views. Minutes from the charming village of Millwood, the long private drive passes beautifully kept fields as it approaches the limestone courtyard of the stately, manor house, designed for elegant living and grand entertaining. Protected by a VOF Easement, this is also a fine horse property with 22 stalls, ¾ mile track and 13 paddocks and fields.

MANOR HOUSE: The Federal-style manor house, built in 1993, is surrounded by spectacular gardens, terraces and manicured grounds creating an aura of historic presence. Rich in architectural details, materials and craftsmanship, the approximately 9,700 sq. ft. home features grand rooms which flow beautifully one to another and inside to outside, encouraging the enjoyment of the extraordinary outdoor spaces. The foyer’s sweeping staircase of walnut frames the entrance to the living room from which light streams through its 2 story windows. As one enters the splendid 22’ x 45’ double living room one is drawn to the magnificent garden and mountain views and the glass doors, which lead out to the terraces, gardens and pool. Open to the living room, the dramatic sunroom offers glorious living and dining areas overlooking the pool. To add to the comfort of the home, the windows and glass doors of the living room and sunroom were replaced in 2019 with high UV rated glass. From the sunroom one enters the expansive chef’s kitchen with an area for serving and a gathering area in front of the fireplace. Also, within the kitchen wing is an elevator, which provides access to the three levels of the home including the lower level/garage. From the center hallway and entrance foyer one can access the elegant banquet sized dining room. The paneled library, on the opposite side of the foyer, features built in cabinet bookcases, a wet bar and fireplace. At the end of the hallway the gracious primary bedroom suite overlooks the gardens with French doors leading to the terrace. The suite also includes 2 full baths, a walk-in bay window with seating area and a fireplace.

As one gently ascends the low-rise stairs to the second level, the attention to detail is apparent. As one approaches the landing, the width of the stairs and the overlook to the living room add to their elegance. The second level offers gracious sized bedrooms, each with wonderful seating areas and private baths, creating private retreats. This level also offers a family room/office, a laundry room, coffee bar and two seating areas, which overlook the gardens.

GARDENS: The magnificent gardens have been included several times in both the Historic Garden Tour and the Virginia Horticultural Garden Tours, the following description was taken from the 2021 program of the Historic Garden Tour:
The gardens were originally designed by the English designer, Sheila MacQueen who was hailed as the First Lady of flower arranging. She worked for the British royal family designing flower arrangements for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles’s weddings. The gardens she designed at Claytonville focused on the inclusion of numerous trees, shrubs and plants used in flower arranging. The current owners are avid gardeners, cooks and collectors of garden ornament. They have expanded the gardens adding several garden rooms, an overlook, and antique garden ornaments. The herb garden beds are designed by country with French, Italian, Mexican and Asian sections plus an area designated just for teas all interspersed with bee-loving and edible flowers. The potager is intermingled with fruits trees, heirloom vegetables, herbs and flowers. All the gardens are organically tended with the use of companion gardening and are filled with a beautiful display of flower bulbs in spring, summer and fall.