Posted: 1:23 AM - Dec 06, 2008
From The Winchester Star dated Wednesday 26 Nov 2008.
Berryville -- The paint is chipping, the foundation is undermined in several places, and the black wooden roof shingles are tinged with green moss.
These are issues typical for a building more than 200 years old, said Robert W. Stieg Jr., who wants a bright future for the gray structure whose architecture dates to the 18th century.
Stieg met with the Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission Tuesday to discuss the outlook for Clermont Farm.
The commission held its regular meeting in the main house of the 361-acre estate near Berryville.
How should the local community, Clarke County and Berryville, how should local communities be solicited for how this land could be used? Stieg asked the commission.
Clermont, whose land was surveyed by George Washington and which faces the Blue Ridge Mountains, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.
The farm was donated by Elizabeth Rust Williams to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources so that it would continue as a working farm, its buildings would be preserved, and it would benefit the public.
The property is managed by The Clermont Trust.
The main house was built in portions, with sections constructed around 1760, 1845, and 1970, according to meeting documents. The farm also has several surviving outbuildings, including a slave cabin, as well as the Snickers Graveyard cemetery.
Clermont Farm has been closed for five years for studies and for the planning of its future.
What are people interested in these days? Stieg asked the commission.
He provided a list of historic properties in the region, such as the Glen Burnie Historic House and Gardens in Winchester, for ideas on how historic structures can become public attractions.
Stieg, the part-time administrator of The Clermont Trust, said the trustees are thinking about the farms future in three phases.
The first step was a resource inventory to show what the farm has to offer. Stieg said Berryville-based architectural historian Maral Kalbian was selected in December 2007 to conduct a historic structures report, which was completed in July.
Now, the trust is considering the start of the second phase, Stieg said, which is to identify critical problems of the buildings.
The last step would involve determining how the property should be used, which is the question Stieg brought before the preservation commission.
Reading from a list of alternatives to consider for the farms future, he suggested expanding its agricultural use as one alternative.
Clermont is a beef and lamb farm, but it could be expanded to include heritage animals or crops, as well as a production facility for wine or distilled spirits.
Stieg also said Clermont could be used in education initiatives focusing on building preservation or architectural history, or as a model for sustainable agricultural production.
Historic Preservation Commission member Marty Hiatt suggested speaking with local construction trade teachers about the educational possibilities.
Wed like to get a variety of input over the next six months from a variety of means, Stieg said.
He also noted the possibility of organizing a community meeting to discuss what they think the property could be used for that could benefit the community, he said.
Kalbian suggested a phone survey, and others recommended a newspaper advertisement to call for ideas.
County Planning Director Charles Johnston said Stieg should bring his presentation to the county Planning Commission at its meeting next week.
The commissions regular meeting will be held Dec. 5, following a briefing meeting Tuesday.
Also at the Historic Preservation Commission meeting, the group reviewed several letters sent to help support the countys application for a grant to preserve Greenway Court, the home of Thomas, Sixth Lord Fairfax.
The county government has applied for a Save Americas Treasures grant, and is hoping for political support to help with the application.
Letters were sent to Virginia Sens. John W. Warner and Jim Webb, and 10th District Rep. Frank R. Wolf.
***
Attending the meeting at Clermont Farm were Hiatt, Chairman John Bieschke, Tom Gilpin, H. Baker, and Cliff Nelson. Page Carter and Mia Franklin were absent.
By Laura Oleniacz
The Winchester Star
The Winchester Star
Berryville -- The paint is chipping, the foundation is undermined in several places, and the black wooden roof shingles are tinged with green moss.
These are issues typical for a building more than 200 years old, said Robert W. Stieg Jr., who wants a bright future for the gray structure whose architecture dates to the 18th century.
Stieg met with the Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission Tuesday to discuss the outlook for Clermont Farm.
 |
| Robert W. Stieg Jr., the part-time administrator of The Clermont Trust, stands at the rear of the main house on Clarke Countys Clermont Farm. The back of the 18th century dwelling was its front until the 1870s, he said. Photo by Rick Foster) |
How should the local community, Clarke County and Berryville, how should local communities be solicited for how this land could be used? Stieg asked the commission.
Clermont, whose land was surveyed by George Washington and which faces the Blue Ridge Mountains, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.
The farm was donated by Elizabeth Rust Williams to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources so that it would continue as a working farm, its buildings would be preserved, and it would benefit the public.
The property is managed by The Clermont Trust.
The main house was built in portions, with sections constructed around 1760, 1845, and 1970, according to meeting documents. The farm also has several surviving outbuildings, including a slave cabin, as well as the Snickers Graveyard cemetery.
Clermont Farm has been closed for five years for studies and for the planning of its future.
What are people interested in these days? Stieg asked the commission.
He provided a list of historic properties in the region, such as the Glen Burnie Historic House and Gardens in Winchester, for ideas on how historic structures can become public attractions.
Stieg, the part-time administrator of The Clermont Trust, said the trustees are thinking about the farms future in three phases.
The first step was a resource inventory to show what the farm has to offer. Stieg said Berryville-based architectural historian Maral Kalbian was selected in December 2007 to conduct a historic structures report, which was completed in July.
Now, the trust is considering the start of the second phase, Stieg said, which is to identify critical problems of the buildings.
 |
| This twisted wisteria vine behind the Clermont Farms main house is also shown in photos dating back to the 1880s. (Photo by Rick Foster) |
Reading from a list of alternatives to consider for the farms future, he suggested expanding its agricultural use as one alternative.
Clermont is a beef and lamb farm, but it could be expanded to include heritage animals or crops, as well as a production facility for wine or distilled spirits.
Stieg also said Clermont could be used in education initiatives focusing on building preservation or architectural history, or as a model for sustainable agricultural production.
Historic Preservation Commission member Marty Hiatt suggested speaking with local construction trade teachers about the educational possibilities.
Wed like to get a variety of input over the next six months from a variety of means, Stieg said.
He also noted the possibility of organizing a community meeting to discuss what they think the property could be used for that could benefit the community, he said.
Kalbian suggested a phone survey, and others recommended a newspaper advertisement to call for ideas.
County Planning Director Charles Johnston said Stieg should bring his presentation to the county Planning Commission at its meeting next week.
The commissions regular meeting will be held Dec. 5, following a briefing meeting Tuesday.
Also at the Historic Preservation Commission meeting, the group reviewed several letters sent to help support the countys application for a grant to preserve Greenway Court, the home of Thomas, Sixth Lord Fairfax.
The county government has applied for a Save Americas Treasures grant, and is hoping for political support to help with the application.
Letters were sent to Virginia Sens. John W. Warner and Jim Webb, and 10th District Rep. Frank R. Wolf.
***
Attending the meeting at Clermont Farm were Hiatt, Chairman John Bieschke, Tom Gilpin, H. Baker, and Cliff Nelson. Page Carter and Mia Franklin were absent.
-- Contact Laura Oleniacz at loleniacz@winchesterstar.com