Fantasy Farm Friday: 172-Acre Shotwell Farm

This amazing Viriginia estate can be yours… for $6.5M.

One of our favorite activities as equestrians is fantasizing about and drooling over the type of equestrian estate we would build if we could. Well, this 172 acre farm in Virginia should top the list of ones to fantasize about.

Shotwell Farm is a 172-acre equestrian haven and a distinguished landmark in Jefferson County. According to the listing on Horse Properties, the estate “combines opulence and practicality. A picturesque tree-lined driveway welcomes you to the heart of the farm, where an elegant Southern Living home takes center stage, surrounded by lush landscaping, expansive pastures, and panoramic views.”

The main house features a spacious front porch, which overlooks the meticulously maintained grounds.

Inside, the open foyer boasts luxurious marble floors and a grand staircase.

The well-lit rooms are bathed in sunlight from floor-to-ceiling windows. The features include marble-surround fireplaces, oak flooring and custom built-ins throughout the house.

The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, a double oven, and a gas stove. It is completed with a cozy sitting area with natural light streaming in through French doors.

Of course, there’s also a butler’s pantry (naturally).

There is a first floor master suite, with both a walk-in closet and seating area. So there’s plenty of space for relaxation and privacy.

Upstairs houses an incredible library and three more bedrooms.

Beyond the residence, a parking portico featuring an arched cobblestone driveway that is strategically positioned near the kitchen. A breezeway seamlessly links the house to a spacious three-bay garage. Although not shown here, the upper level of this garage is thoughtfully designed to house a luxurious 2-bedroom apartment, complete with a full-size kitchen, a full bathroom, and private laundry.

Now for the good stuff: the equestrian features.

The facilities are designed with precision to address every aspect of equine care and horsemanship. The main barn is a remarkable center-stall stable that serves as the focal point for equestrian activities. This impressive structure includes a generator, a reception area, two designated office spaces, a laundry facility, and three staff apartments — one on the first floor and two on the second floor. There are 29 horse stalls and a wash stall. The centerpiece of the barn is an extraordinary 100’ x 300’ riding arena located off the center of the stalls.

Adjacent to the primary equestrian facility stands a sprawling 12,000 square feet building, housing a well-designed breeding area and a 2,520 square feet maintenance shop complete with 200-amp electric and water service. Complementing this structure are an additional 39 meticulously crafted horse stalls, mirroring the craftsmanship and materials of the main barn, bringing the total number of stalls across the property to 68.

There are additional out-buildings at the rear of the grounds, dedicated to hay and equipment storage, each spanning 6,000 square feet. The hay structure includes a practical 16’x100’ lean-to, enhancing the functionality of the storage facilities.

The pastures are defined by 18,000 linear feet of four-rail blackboard fencing and an additional 7,500 linear feet of top rail fencing with diamond wire. The layout includes ample storage, strategically placed run-in sheds, and a network of 18 automatic waterers. Each waterer is serviced by a dedicated well and supported by a robust backup system, ensuring an uninterrupted and reliable water supply spanning the entirety of the farm.

The final residential structure on the property is a 1,200 square feet single-family split-level manager’s home, featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a partially finished basement, and an attached two-car garage. There isn’t much this facility doesn’t have.

You can get more information and the full listing here.