12256 Montford Road Orange, Virginia 22960

Constructed in Orange County Virginia in 1910, Spring Oak was originally part of the Oakley Estate. The home was built by Robert Dabney Browning, Sr., inventor of the garden gate latch and soybean thresher. The land on which the house sits holds many histories, some of which predate the house itself, such as artifacts from the Civil War and traces of an old railroad depot.

The home sits back from the road with a large, shaded one-acre front yard, from which Blue Ridge Mountain views are visible. The home boasts amazing light and has the clean and simple lines of a farmhouse, offering the same hospitality and comfort, but on a grander scale. Original architectural elements remain, such as the pocket doors and large double hung windows, in the spacious and well-lit rooms. Meticulously restored in 2000, newer elements include the reclaimed heart pine floors throughout the home, kitchen, stairway, and an additional wing. In 2004, the current owners fitted the new wing with a mother-in-law suite downstairs and two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms upstairs, while also clearing and establishing the gardens surrounding the house.

On the second floor, a reading room and media room provide additional living space. The attic has the potential to be made into a third floor but currently serves as ample storage. In addition to the two stories above ground, there is a partial basement that is also good for storing items.

Spring Oak offers ample outdoor living spaces; a covered front porch with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, back deck and small covered porch, a side porch complete with ceiling fans to cool those humid summer afternoons. A spacious event barn offers either additional space in which to entertain or could be converted back into a traditional barn for housing your livestock. There are two paddocks as well as a chicken yard and established vegetable garden. Oak hickory, poplar, and black walnut trees dot the property, offering their shade.

Spring Oak is pleasing to people who love the charm of old homes but want the ease and convenience of modern day amenities.