Look Up Farm: Where Colonial Grandeur Meets Modern Luxury in Virginia's Prestigious Hunt Country
- Cynthia Holz
- Nov 10, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: Nov 24, 2025
A Foster-Zimmerman Architectural Masterpiece Defining Elegant Country Living
In the heart of Virginia's storied Hunt Country, where rolling hills meet the Blue Ridge Mountains and tradition runs as deep as the morning mist, stands Look Up Farm—a breathtaking testament to timeless elegance and modern sophistication. This extraordinary 53.719-acre Colonial estate in The Plains represents not just a home, but a lifestyle that embodies the very essence of Virginia's equestrian heritage and architectural excellence.
The Vision of Foster-Zimmerman: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
When renowned architectural firm Foster-Zimmerman was commissioned to design Look Up Farm, they brought their signature philosophy to life: appreciating the warmth, scale, and charm of traditional aesthetics while understanding the importance of meeting present-day needs. The firm, which began as Richard Foster Architects in 1996 and took its current name when Patrick Zimmerman joined as partner, has built a reputation for creating homes that are timeless, comfortable, and beautiful.
The design team values collaboration between client, architect, contractor, and other design disciplines to ensure a quality project that exceeds expectations while respecting budget. This collaborative approach is evident in every corner of Look Up Farm, where Potomac Valley Builders expertly executed the architectural vision, creating an 11,790-square-foot masterpiece that seamlessly blends Colonial grandeur with cutting-edge modern living.
The home's design reflects Foster-Zimmerman's commitment to creating spaces that shape everyday experiences. As Zimmerman notes, "Buildings shape our everyday experiences, though their effect is often unnoticed. We are inspired by the transformative nature of a well-designed home." At Look Up Farm, this transformative nature is immediately apparent—from the moment you enter through the French oak floors to when you gaze up at the cupola skylight crowning the kitchen island.
Architectural Excellence in Every Detail
The estate's Colonial facade presents a study in balanced proportions and refined elegance, featuring traditional elements executed with modern precision. Soaring 10-foot ceilings throughout the main level create an atmosphere of grandeur and openness, while the thoughtful floor plan ensures both intimate family moments and grand-scale entertaining are equally accommodated.
The heart of the home—a chef's kitchen that would inspire even the most discerning culinary enthusiast—showcases Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, representing the pinnacle of modern cooking technology. The walk-through pantry, complete with a Bosch whisper-quiet dishwasher, custom cabinetry, and exterior-facing windows, demonstrates the architects' understanding that luxury lies not just in aesthetics but in thoughtful functionality.
Natural light plays a starring role throughout the residence, with the cupola skylight above the kitchen island serving as both an architectural statement and a practical source of illumination. This interplay of light and space continues throughout the home, where French doors, expansive windows, and carefully placed fixtures create an ever-changing canvas of natural and designed lighting.
A Master Suite That Redefines Luxury
The master suite at Look Up Farm transcends the ordinary concept of a bedroom, offering instead a private sanctuary within the larger estate. Complete with a sitting area for quiet morning coffee or evening reading, a fireplace that adds warmth and ambiance, and French doors opening directly to the patio, this space seamlessly connects indoor luxury with outdoor serenity. The integration of nature and architecture—a hallmark of Foster-Zimmerman's design philosophy—creates a retreat that refreshes and restores.
Entertainment Elevated: The Grand Theater Room
Understanding that modern luxury living requires spaces for both relaxation and entertainment, the architects included a grand theater room with elevated seating optimized for projection-screen viewing. This sophisticated entertainment space reflects the growing trend in luxury homes toward creating resort-like experiences within the comfort of one's own estate.
The Art of Multi-Generational Living
Perhaps one of Look Up Farm's most thoughtful features is its complete in-law/guest suite, connected to the main house via an enclosed breezeway. This separate living space includes:
A primary bedroom with ensuite bath and walk-in closet
A second complete suite
A private office for remote work or quiet study
A full kitchen for independent meal preparation
A gas fireplace for cozy evenings
A powder room for guests
An entertainment space for hosting
Private access from the four-bay garage
This configuration offers the perfect solution for multi-generational families, providing privacy and independence while maintaining connection to the main residence—a feature increasingly valued in today's luxury real estate market.
Smart Home Technology Meets Timeless Design
Look Up Farm seamlessly integrates 21st-century technology without compromising its classic aesthetic. The Sonos sound system provides whole-home audio, while smart Lutron lighting allows control from anywhere, whether you're arriving home after dark or setting the perfect ambiance for a dinner party. These systems were expertly planned and implemented by Avi Benhaim of ABE Networks.
The multi-zoned climate control system, spanning six distinct areas, ensures optimal comfort throughout the estate's expansive footprint, while a comprehensive UV water treatment system guarantees the purest water quality.
For peace of mind, the estate features a full-home generator ensuring uninterrupted power during Virginia's occasional storms, and Crimpco wired security providing comprehensive protection for both family and property.
Accessibility Without Compromise
The inclusion of a spacious three-floor elevator demonstrates thoughtful planning for both current convenience and future needs. This feature ensures that every level of the home remains accessible to all, from grandparents visiting for holidays to residents who simply appreciate the convenience of effortless movement between floors.
The Plains: Living at the Heart of Hunt Country
Look Up Farm's location in The Plains places it at the epicenter of Virginia's celebrated Hunt Country, a region where equestrian tradition and rural elegance have defined the landscape for centuries. The state of Virginia has the fifth largest horse population in the world, and Fauquier County, home to hundreds of the nation's finest horse farms, has long been the heart of Virginia's rich equestrian tradition.
The Plains itself is a jewel in the crown of Hunt Country, with a population of just 245 residents who understand the value of preserving open space and maintaining the area's distinctive character. Among the core cultural tenants of Virginia Hunt Country is a commitment to land conservation, which preserves the stunning vistas and rural landscapes that play host to regular fox hunting and equestrian expeditions—many of which date back to the Colonial era.
The Virginia Gold Cup: A Tradition of Excellence
Just minutes from Look Up Farm, Great Meadow hosts the prestigious Virginia Gold Cup, one of America's oldest and most celebrated steeplechase events. The race was created by eight sportsmen who met at the Fauquier Club in Warrenton and organized a four-mile race alongside the natural walls and fences of the nearby hunting countryside on April 3, 1922. Today, this spectacular event draws tens of thousands of spectators each spring, transforming The Plains into the social epicenter of the Mid-Atlantic equestrian world.
The modern day steeplechase is a long-distance horseback riding competition whereby competitors race through a course set up to emulate the challenges of hunting on horseback. The Gold Cup represents more than just a race—it's a celebration of the lifestyle and traditions that make Virginia Hunt Country unique.
A Canvas for Equestrian Dreams
Look Up Farm's 53.719 acres provide endless possibilities for the equestrian enthusiast. The gently rolling terrain, characteristic of Fauquier County's landscape, offers ideal conditions for establishing paddocks, riding trails, or even a private cross-country course. The property's substantial acreage and strategic location within Hunt Country's established equestrian community make it perfectly suited for those looking to develop world-class horse facilities.
Numerous local fox hunting clubs and polo teams keep the traditions alive, serving as guardians of a lifestyle rich in history. With organizations like the Orange County Hunt, which has called The Plains home since 1903, the area maintains strong connections to its equestrian heritage while embracing modern riding disciplines.
Investment in Excellence
The collaboration between Foster-Zimmerman Architecture and Potomac Valley Builders represents a meeting of minds committed to excellence. Potomac Valley Builders has earned recognition for expertly crafting luxury homes throughout Northern Virginia. Their attention to detail is evident in every aspect of Look Up Farm, from the precision of the millwork to the seamless integration of modern systems.
The estate's comprehensive feature list reads like a wish list for luxury living:
French oak flooring throughout main living areas
Designer lighting fixtures that serve as functional art
Custom cabinetry showcasing masterful craftsmanship
A four-bay garage accommodating both daily drivers and collector vehicles
Multiple entertainment spaces for hosting gatherings of any size
Outdoor Living and Virginia's Natural Beauty
Look Up Farm's setting offers more than just acreage—it provides a front-row seat to Virginia's stunning natural theater. The property's elevation and orientation capture views that change with the seasons, from spring's verdant explosion to autumn's spectacular color display across the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
The outdoor spaces have been thoughtfully designed to maximize enjoyment of this natural splendor. Multiple patio areas, accessible through French doors from various rooms including the master suite, create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living. These spaces invite morning coffee with birdsong, afternoon reading in dappled sunlight, and evening entertaining under Virginia's star-filled skies.
A Community of Distinction
Living at Look Up Farm means joining an exclusive community that values privacy, tradition, and the preservation of Virginia's rural heritage. The so-called "Hunt Country" of Virginia is roughly bounded by the towns of Middleburg, Upperville, Marshall and The Plains, and is almost exclusively composed of large equestrian estates.
The area's commitment to conservation ensures that the views and lifestyle that make Hunt Country special will be preserved for future generations. The majority of land in the Hunt Country is covered by conservation easements, protecting it from development while preserving water resources, wildlife habitat, and scenic and recreational resources.
Modern Conveniences in a Rural Setting
Despite its rural tranquility, Look Up Farm offers convenient access to modern amenities. The charming town of Middleburg, known as the "Nation's Horse and Hunt Capital," is just minutes away, offering boutique shopping, fine dining, and cultural attractions including the National Sporting Library & Museum.
For broader needs, Northern Virginia's major commercial centers are within easy reach, while Washington, D.C.'s cultural and business opportunities lie just over an hour to the east. Dulles International Airport, approximately 45 minutes away, provides connections to destinations worldwide, making Look Up Farm ideal for those who balance international business or travel with a desire for peaceful country living.
Sustainability and Stewardship
The estate's comprehensive UV water treatment system and multi-zoned climate control represent just the beginning of its environmental consciousness. The property's substantial acreage offers opportunities for sustainable land management practices, from rotational grazing for horses to organic gardening and habitat preservation.
The full-home generator ensures resilience in the face of changing weather patterns, while the smart home systems allow for efficient energy management, reducing both environmental impact and operating costs.
A Rare Opportunity in Hunt Country
Properties of Look Up Farm's caliber rarely become available in Virginia's Hunt Country. The combination of architectural pedigree, modern amenities, substantial acreage, and prime location creates a unique opportunity for discerning buyers who understand that true luxury lies not just in square footage or finishes, but in the complete lifestyle a property enables.
Whether your vision includes establishing a premier equestrian facility, creating a multi-generational family compound, or simply enjoying the pinnacle of country estate living, Look Up Farm provides the perfect canvas. The estate's thoughtful design, impeccable construction, and strategic location within one of America's most prestigious rural communities position it as a true "1 of 1" property—irreplaceable and incomparable.
The Foster-Zimmerman Legacy Continues
Foster Zimmerman Architecture's work has been featured in numerous publications, including Home and Design Portfolio's Top 100 Designers in D.C., Modern Farmhouse Magazine, Washington Spaces Magazine, and Dream Homes of Greater Washington. Look Up Farm stands as another jewel in their crown, demonstrating their ability to create homes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
The firm's philosophy that each project brings new insight about how a home is experienced and engaged with is perfectly realized at Look Up Farm. Every space, every view, and every detail has been considered to create not just a house, but a true home—one that will serve its owners beautifully today while standing as a legacy for future generations.
Your Hunt Country Dream Awaits
Look Up Farm represents more than a real estate opportunity—it offers entry into a lifestyle that few properties can provide. From its Foster-Zimmerman architectural pedigree to its position within Virginia's most exclusive equestrian community, from its modern technological amenities to its timeless Colonial elegance, this estate stands ready to become the backdrop for a life beautifully lived.
In a world where true craftsmanship and thoughtful design are increasingly rare, Look Up Farm shines as a beacon of excellence. It awaits those who understand that the best investments are not just in property, but in the quality of life that exceptional properties enable.
For those ready to embrace the Hunt Country lifestyle at its finest, Look Up Farm offers an invitation to join a tradition that spans centuries while enjoying every comfort and convenience of modern luxury living. This is more than a home—it's a legacy waiting to be claimed.
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