’s Belle Grove Plantation, Manassas Battlefield and Virginia Hunt Country are places you’ll want to visit. Also nearby you’ll find the quaint town of Leesburg, Morven Park and Oatlands Plantation. History
Springdale was built by avid abolitionist, government official, writer, noted educator, and evangelical Quaker, Samuel M. Known as a ‘loyal fighter for the mistreated,’ he was credited with establishing Sunday Schools and day school for african american children. He personally taught his hired farm hands to read and write. His ancestors were long invested in Goose Creek; they settled here from Pennsylvania in 1745. Springdale was originally a highly successful girl’s boarding school, the first on the East Coast. When the Civil War got too close, Janney sent his students home for safety and then used Springdale as a soldiers' hospitalH serving both the North and South. Hand-carved initials can still be seen in the hardwood floors, presumingly from soldiers being treated in the hospital. According to family and town legend, it is believed that Springdale served as one of the last stops of the Underground Railroad. This is supported by architectural evidence of sub-basements, crawl spaces, curious cubby holes and closed-off fireplaces. The Potomac River and freedom were only 14 miles away. Interestingly, Janney possessed a personal pass, signed by President Lincoln, to cross the Potomac during the War when all others were barred. Springdale later housed a co-ed school and then in the early 1900’s served as a boarding house, housing up to 35 people at a time. It was later purchased as a private weekend retreat where Sam Rayburn and Lyndon B. In recent years, Springdale Country Inn was a B & B, hosting small business gatherings and receptions. Springdale is listed on both the national and state registers of historic places. Features
The estate is comprised of five rolling acres with a babbling brook, wooden bridges, gardens and benches along wooded trails. Nearly two acres are of reconstructed native wild flower gardens feature plants that would have been commonly grown 100 years ago. The elegant, federal-style manor home boasts four stories, 25 rooms, eight fireplaces and a perfectly situated sunroom with stunning views of the property. Constructed primarily of stone and oak, Springdale is marked by quality craftsmanship. It has the original Quaker pegs and dumb-waiter and now houses a commercial kitchen and state of the art sprinkler system. Surrounding Area
Just up-the-road, you’ll find the quaint village of Lincoln. The best way to see this area is on foot. The Lincoln Loop is a 3.6 mile stroll down three gravel roads that begins and ends at the historic Goose Creek Meeting House. Purcellville Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Registry for its abundance of pre and post-Civil War architecture is a quick 2 and a half miles away. A few of Purcellville’s landmarks include the 1904 W&OD train depot, the 1905 Smith & Hirst Mill, now home to ‘Magnolias at the Mill’ restaurant where patrons eat amongst historic mill machinery, and Nichols Hardware. This iconic hardware store has been in the same family and location for 100 years. With their floor-to-ceiling wooden drawers, treasure-hunt type shopping and hand-written bills, it is an experience not to be missed. J Riley Stewart posted an excellent article in his blog, along with gorgeous photographs, about this area's history and charm. Main Street is home to most of Purcellville’s oldest homes and smaller businesses: the original Purcell’s store (1822), the 1838 Hampton Hotel, the 1840s Asa Moore Janney house, and Purcellville’s first church, the 1892 ‘Free Church’. On North 21st street, sits one of Purcellville’s oldest buildings (1795), the second home of James and Rebekah Dillon, the first settlers of Purcellville. Among antique, unique décor and gift shops, you’ll also find modern convenience close by, including locally owned bicycle and coffee shops. Western Loudoun is Northern Virginia's Wine Country. You'll find Virginia wine to be world class, and the scenery is, of course, lovely. Visit a cluster, or take a look at any of the vineyards along the wine trail. Many feature live entertainment, outdoor seating - many with fireplaces, and picnic grounds. If you're not a wine lover, try the Blue Ridge Ale Trail. You'll also find that distilleries and cideries are also popping up in the area. Cyclists and pedestrians alike enjoy the W & OD Trail. Purcellville Train Station is the final stop of the 45 mile trek that begins in the Shirlington area of Arlington county. Springdale Village Inn is under 3 miles from the Purcellville trailhead, with well maintained paved roads all the way. Of course, if you just want to sit back and relax, Springdale Village Inn can be your quiet retreat, and that is often enough!
