With Reed Hilderbrand Landscape Architects.
This retreat, on 200 acres in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, is built around sustainable agriculture and ranching practices, creating a rich hospitality experience grounded in a working and productive farm plot. The project’s hub is a rehabilitated hay and milking barn housing a full service open restaurant, dining, and event space for the retreat’s 80 guests. The multiple amenities include workshops and lecture spaces, demonstration farming buildings, and a full-service gym and spa with natural swimming pond. The architecture of the new buildings is grounded in the tradition of wood building, with simple forms in naturally weathering materials providing respite while framing the light and views of the surrounding landscape.