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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-18 Comments (2)WWW.NHLAMSONLAW.COM NORMAN HUNTER LAMSON NLAMSON@ATTNY.00MCA$TB1Z.NET ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT LAW 4058TH STREET, N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902 (434) 979-5159 FAX (434) 979-8152 October 2.2018 M. Tyler Klein, AICP, Senior Planner Frederick County, Dept. of Planning & Development 107 N. Kent Street, Suite 202 Winchester, VA 22601-5000 Re: Conditional Use Permit Application #09-18 for Carrie Myers & Matthew Gambino Dear Planner Klein, I write in response to your Notification of Public Hearing regarding the above, dated 9/26/18. 1 also received your Notification of Public Hearing dated 915/18, but press of business has prevented my responding until now. I own the 45 -acre tract adjoining the Myers and Gambino tract, PIN 55-A-152, to its immediate west, namely, PIN 55-A-140, which has been in the Lamson family since the 1960's, and object to the application for the reasons herein. I intend to be present at and speak in opposition to the application at the 10/10/18, 7:00 p.m., Board of Supervisors' hearing. I am an eyewitness to or otherwise have personal knowledge of the factual assertions herein unless indicated otherwise. THE APPLICATION SHOULD NOT BE GRANTED BECAUSE THE PROPOSED USE ADVERSELY AFFECTS THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF NEIGHBORING RESIDENTS AND ADVERSELY IMPACTS THEIR PROPERTIES. The Lamson15-acre tract. 1. My father, George H. Lamson, and his wife., Rosemarie B. Lamson, she being my (now deceased) mother, acquired a 90 -acre tract of land from H. P. Starliper and Margaret E. Starliper, his wife, by deed dated April 5, 1963, a copy of which is recorded in the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Deed Book 287, page 318. I was 8 years old at the time. 2. H. P. Starliper was a true farmer; he had plowed the bottom land in corn, and reaped the corn. 3. There was at that time a barn and horse paddocks on the property. 4. He had a palomino horse and pinto horse that grazed on the land, as well as a foal (horse younger than one year). 5. He also on the side did auto mechanical repair work on the land, and I remember many trips my father would make to him for vehicle repair of his Chevrolet Impala that reached over 200,000 miles.' 6. My father's primary intent was to use the land as a residence and raise a family. 7. I remember catching my first bass out of the pond, and fishing for trout in the Red Bun Run. 8. In the summer, at night, we would sleep on the outdoor porch. 9. I remember my father painting and otherwise fixing up the house. 10. However, unfortunately, my mother, who had been living in Washington, D.C., did not like country living, and didn't want to live there. 11. The result was the property was vacant. 12. I can't remember the order, but either the barn or paddocks burned first, and then the other burned. 13. Afraid the house itself might burn or otherwise be damaged, my parents decide to draw a dividing line, dividing the 90 -acre tract into a 45 -acre tract containing the residence, the driveway, and the pond, and sell such, retaining the westerly part as a 45 -acre unimproved tract. 14. They sold the property to Leonard H. Jarvis by deed recorded in said Clerk's Office in Deed Book 320, page 385, who sold to John McAllister and W1 e.2 15. My father died first, leaving the unimproved 45 -acre tract to my mother; she became unable to live independently, and moved into my residence in Charlottesville; she and I traded the 45 -acre tract for my house. Also, she left all her property to me as the sole child in her Will. 16. I myself have used my 45 -acre tract for forest growth. 17. Further, while I have not sought to develop it for residences, single family homes are a "permitted use" for these districts, §165-401.02, and I may one day want to put single-family homes on my tract. ' I could be mistaken, but believe his wife may have been on the County Board of Supervisors in former times. 2 From the time of the conveyance to Jarvis forward, including acquisition by a medical Doctor, Dr. John McAllister, the off -conveyed 45 -acre tract has never been used as a farm. 18. Under Zoning Ordinance § 165-401.06.A., I have a right of "traditional five -acre lots," which, for 45 acres, means a right to subdivide it into 9 lots with a single-family residence on each. And it is perfectly suitable for residences, e.g., no steep slopes or bad soil conditions. 19. Or, under subsection B. thereof, Rural Preservation, I could take 60% of 45 acres = 27 acres as a "contiguous parcel," subtracted from 45 acres = 18 acres on which I could have lots as small as 2 acres each = 9 lots of 2 acres each, plus a dwelling on the 27 -acre lot = 10 lots with a single-family home on each. (A third option would be to ask for a conditional rezoning, as I am right on the edge between the Comprehensive Plan "Rural Areas" and "Urban Development Areas," and hence close to public water and sewage. Indeed, there already is public sewerage under Pine Rd., see attachment, but connections have not yet been allowed and public water has not come yet).3 20. Further, my 45 -tract has always been used on a strictly limited basis for permitted hunters. 21. Almost immediately after the sale, H. P. Starliper's son, Richard Starliper, who lived north of Pine Rd., asked for, and was granted hunting privileges. 22. Further, I have from time immemorial allowed Don Maxwell and his sons use of the property for hunting purposes.4 The Gambino and Meyers 45 -acre tract. 23. The Meyers and Gambino acquisition occurred on 6/1/2017 (see attached) within weeks of the 5/24117 amendments to the zoning ordinance that opened up land in rural areas to special events facilities by conditional use permit. 24. It is evident from online views of their property and assessment records, a tennis court has been put on their property (see attached). 25. There is nothing in their application herein that states either is a farmer or has ever been a farmer. 26. Under § 165-401.03, Conditional Uses, in RA Rural Areas Districts, "The following uses of structures and land shall be allowed only if a conditional use permit has been granted for the use:... Special event facility. [Added 5-24-2017]." 31 have confirmed with Sr. Planner Tyler Klein the foregoing is correct. 4 On the same day I received notice of the Bd. of Supervisors hearing, 9/28/18, I received a letter from a realter dated 9/25/18 expressing a desire for a listing to market the property to those desiring to use it for hunting (attached). 27. The said 5/24/17 amendments included the addition of the word "Special Event Facility" to the definitions in § 165-101.02 Words and terms set forth below shall have the meanings ascribed to them.... Furthermore, for the purpose of this Zoning Ordinance, certain words, terms and phrases are herein defined as follows:... SPECIAL EVENT FACILITY A facility or site utilized for events that are typically conducted on a single day but which may be conducted for up to three consecutive days, for which attendance is permitted only by invitation or reservation; special events include, but are not limited to, meetings, conferences, banquets, dinners, weddings and private parties. [Added 5-24-2017] 28. Under Part 103, Conditional Use Permits, § 165-103.01, Certain uses in each zoning district are listed as being allowed with a conditional use permit. Because of their particular nature, such uses must be separately considered to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the County and to avoid adverse impacts on surrounding properties. 13. The Board of Supervisors shall approve or disapprove, as a legislative function with recommendation from the Planning Commission, requests for conditional use permits. and §165-103.02. Standards. In considering whether to approve a conditional use permit, the Board shall consider the following standards: A. The conditional use shall not tend to change the character and established pattern of development of the area of the proposed use. B. The conditional use shall be in harmony with and shall not adversely affect the use and enjoyment of surrounding properties. Cr The conditional use shall be in accord with the polices expressed in the Comprehensive Plan of the County and with the intent of this chapter... 29. I contend the above standards have not been met for this application. The small 45 -acre size of the Gambino -Meyers tract is too small to prevent noises from the proposed outdoor events, but 629 feet, from the boundary line, front dissipating prior to reaching the boundary line, impairing the use of the Lamson tract for single family residences. 4 30. While the application lists "69 acres" as the acreage involved, an inspection of the application reveals that the 69 acres consists of the 45 acres, used for events (which lies north of the Red Bun Run) plus a 5 -acre tract and 19 -acre tract that lie south of the Red Bun Run, the latter having no connection to the proposal. 31. Common sense tells one that the proposed use will have an adverse impact on my land for residences and even for hunting. 32. The proposed use is for outdoor use only "All events would occur outside/tented." Anybody knows the noise of a wedding reception with allowed 100 parking spaces and up to 200 guests, plus hands-on employees, will adversely impact such uses. 33. People at an outdoor wedding simply are going to be loud, especially if they have been drinking alcoholic beverages. The proposal calls for them bringing alcohol to the site. 34. They will chant, sing ("For He's a Jolly Good Fellow") and be boisterous. One doesn't have to watch the song out of the Broadway Musical May Fair Lady, "Get Me to the Church on Time" to know that. 35. Further, there is a proposal for amplified music. 36. Amplified music, especially, carries. I know it from living in Charlottesville where if the University of Virginia students host an outdoor band many miles away the noise will prevent one from going to sleep, and, if asleep, will wake one up. 37. Who would want to buy lots from me for residences with such a racket next door? 38. There are houses all along the north side of Pine Rd. How can people, especially small children who need to go to bed early, sleep with the noise from an outdoor wedding party on such a small tract drifting their way, the proposal being it go until midnight? 39. For hunters, the noise will drive the game away. 40. Further, the sound of occasional gun shot but within a football field of a party is likely to panic guests. 41. Plus there will be the noise of car doors slamming shut, motors being started, honking of car horns, dogs barking (most such facilities are "pet friendly", and this will occur when one guest brings his dog on a leash and another brings his dog, and the 2 dogs see each other), etc. 42. Further, the proposal is to allow birthday parties as well, and these are likely to be noisier than wedding parties, potentially involving teenagers playing rock music, or there could simply be a rock concert or dance (each is an "event"). The reasonableness of a zoning decision is always governed by what could be done under the decision. 5 43. Also, granting this permit will "change the character and established pattern of development." All the development in this area has been residences (see attached Google print). 44. The use must be in "harmony" with surrounding properties, but it simply is not. 45. Let us look at some examples in Virginia of Special Event Facilities. First, there is Woftrap Farm, Gordonsville which consists of 600 acres with a maximum capacity of 200 guests (see attached) or the following link: lit tps://ww•w.weddinawire com/biz/wolftrap-farni- aardotisville/2ad7d3eO2d777688.1itml. 46. Then there is The Barns of Madison County, which has 300 acres with a maximum capacity of 100 (see attached) or the following link: https://w°ww.weddingwire.com/bizithe- barns of-nladison-county-etlan/53a29be886f fdr"5.1itinl. 47. There are several such facilities on golf and country clubs, which necessarily are tracts of large acreage, including Stonehenge Golf & Country Club, Richmond, VA, and Independence Golf Club, Midlothian, VA (see attached) and following links: https://r�\v vvw.weddit-i2wire.coni/biz/stoiZcheliae-golf-country-club- richinond/e5cObl496944d3e4.htmI (Stonehedge) and ltttps /iN,��,w v.weddingwite coinlbiz/independence-golf ccltib- Inidlothian;'alb5ca0c9fa4191c.httnl#about (Independence). 48. Keswick Vineyards, outside of Charlottesville, is a 400 acre estate (see attached) or the following link: htti2://www.keswickviiieyards.com/"�metliodpagL..sho�vl'age &Pa ,cID=8CA3l l2'-AA39- D296-E832-1367A577B13595&originalMarket 3p (,,URL=about-us/biographies. Others can be accessed by going to w-%vw.weddingwire.com. 49. The Comprehensive Plan also states, "Historically, the County has taken great care to allow residential land to co -exist with agriculture uses." (p. 11).' 50. The character of the whole neighborhood will be changed in a deleterious way if the application is approved. For the foregoing reasons, I ask it be denied. If there is other information I can provide, please feel free to contact me. Respectfully sub'' ted, by email to tkjeinruTcva.us normanhlweddingslttplancomm2 [ `i The instant application does not involve a land engaged in "agritourism" because there is not proposal for a use on a farm or ranch. "Agritourism takes place on a farm or ranch and may include the opportunity to assist with the day to day activities associated with running the farm or to participate in the use of these lands for outdoor related events or activities." Comp. Plan p. 31. See also the definition of Agritourism in the Zoning Ordinance. 0 CURVE TABLE CURVE LENGTH RADIUS I TANGENT I CHORD BEARING DELTA C1 84.50' 605.00' 1 42.32' 84.43' S 89'15'20" E 8'00'08° C2 186.29' 1 595.00' 1 93.91' 185.53' j N 85'46'34" E 17'56'20" CA N 54'37'O2" E 39.72' TEMP. CONSTR. ESM'T* "HEREBY GRANTED" 'OV Rl `bd N 76'48'24" E 287,18' krO 5 96� bN� C,�� n 6h 10' TEMP. CONSTR. ESM'T Oa Ikg "HEREBY GRANTED" "7 S 40'15'01 " E 7.13' T.M. 55--A --13F3 S.M. SEMPELES AND M.L. ORNDORFF D.B. 596 PG. 330 G CA N 76'48'24" E 63.92' 1 I'A 55--A -152 C/ J. P. & J. E. McALLISTER N 76'48'24" E 1NSTR. #040004087 150.17' � C/L om N 8644'36" E om 139.00' T.M. 55—A-140 N. & R. B. LAMSON, CO -TRUSTEES INSTR. #010008883 *TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT TO BECOME NULL AND VOID UPON COMPLETION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SANITARY FORCE MAIN INSTALLATION. NOTES: 1, NO TITLE REPORT FURNISHED. EASEMENTS AND/OR OTHER ENCUMBRANCES OF RECORD MAY EXIST WHICH ARE NOT SHOWN. 2. BOUNDARY INFORMATION TAKEN FROM LAND RECORDS AND A LIMITED FIELD SURVEY. PLAT SHOWING 2W SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT ON THE PROPERTY OF N. & R.B. LAMSON, CO TRUSTEES STONEWALL MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT FREDERICK COUNTY, VIRGINIA DATE: MAY 11, 2006 SCALE: 1"=200' REV.: JUNE 21, 2006 REV.: AUGUST 17, 2006 REV.: APRIL 6, 2007 ■— A Patton Harris Rust & Associates Engineers.Surveyors.Planners,Landscape Architects 12596 Darby Brooke Court Woodbridge, Virginia 22192 (703) 497-1122 FAX (703) 494-6693 Metro 690--6527 Mr. Norman E. Lamson 405 8"' St. NE Charlottesville, VA 22902 "eptember 25, 2018 r: Lamson, Please let me introduce myself. I am the Broker/Owner of Cedar Creek Real Estate, based in Winchester, Virginia. I have been listing and selling real estate in both Virginia and West Virginia for the past 23 years. i have had a niche business in marketing land and vacation/weekend cabins. I have done a fair amount of business in the outlying areas of Frederick County, VA. From local public records, I noticed that you have 45 acres off Pine Road, east of Winchester, VA. I have had several similar properties listed in the recent past that have received a great deal of interest. I have come across potential buyers that have a desire for these country properties, either for weekend farming, family compounds and also for hunting privileges. Please let me know if there is any desire for you to have your property marketed for sale. I don't mind preparing a comparable analysis to see what your land might sell for. If you are no longer making use of the property, this may be a good time for considering placing the proceeds somewhere else that you may desire. Property values have leveled off somewhat, but real estate taxes continue to increase. I still have buyers that are looking for larger parcel land purchases. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you. Respectfully, R y tlynZightol III Broker Cedar Creek Real Estate 2300 STONERIDGE ROAD, WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA 22601 E. LYNN BEIGHTOL III, BROKER/OWNER EMAIL: i inLj0 6iasf�i WWW. cedarcreekva.com 540-667-1130 OFFICE 540-662-2816 FAX CELL 540-323-0513 LICENSED IN VIRGINIA and WEST VIRGINIA Property Record Card Lump Sum or Per Acre: Unit Value: Adjustment Percentage: Utility Value: Acreage Value: https://taxes.co.froerick, va.us/applications/PropertyCards/ 15 857 Per Acre 6,800 0.00 $129,200 Area: 0 Unit: Rate: 0.00 Value: Total Value: S129,200 Other Improvements (Map#: 55 A 151) TOTAL VALUE: Sales Information (Map#: 55 A 151) Sal Date: r ~` 1/22/2018 Sales e: _-- Instrument: 18 0000588 Grantor: _... _ . _ _ GAMBINO MATTHEW G # of dreels: 3 Transaction History (Map#: 55 A 151) S les Dat . -^- ales D- � --(10/.Q0Ip000 _ 00 , ; ns 9 Grantee: MCALLISTER, JOHN E. & JAN # of Parcels: Sales Date: Sales Price: Instrument: Grantee: # of Parcels: 03/11/2004 04 0004087 MCALLISTER JANE P 06/01/20 Instrument: \--L7-Q0054 77` Grantee: GAMBINO MATTHEW G # of Parcel 9/29/2018, 2:51 1 € Property Record Card Unit Value: Adjustment Percentage: Utility Value: Acreage Value: 5,400 0.00 $237,600 Area: 0 Unit: Rate: 0.00 Value: Total Value: $301,100 Other Improvements (Map#: 55 A 152) Description: PAVEMENT Total Square Feet: NIA Improvement Value: $6,000 Description: GARAGE -CINDERBLOCK Total Square Feet: 1,600 Improvement Value: $24,000 Description: BUILDINGS-MISC Total Square Feet: 640 Improvement Value: $1,280 Description: TENNIS COURT Total Square Feet: 7,200 Improvement Value: $14,400 Description: SHELTER Total Square Feet: N/A Improvement Value: $300 TOTAL VALUE: $45,980 Sales Information (Map#: 55 A 152) Sales Date: 1/22/2018 Sales Price: $62,500 Instrument: 18 0000588 Grantor: GAMBINO MATTHEW G # of Parcels: 3 Transaction History (Map#: 55 A 152) Sales Date: 00/00/0000 Sales Price: $62,500 Instrument: 398/162 Grantee: MCALLISTER, JOHN E. & JAN # of Parcels: Sales Date: Sales Price: Instrument: 03/11/2004 04 0004087 https://taxes.co.frederick.va.Lis/appIications./PropeiiyCards/1 585 9/29/2018, 1:54 1 405 8th St NE to 425 Pine Rd, S . tephenson, VA 22656 - Google Maps https://www.google.coi-n/maps/dir/405+8tli+Sti-cel+Notilicast.; Charlottesville. VA4254— I Go gle Maps 405 8th St NE to 425 Pine Rd, Stephenson, VA 22656 Drive 102 miles, 2 h 9 min via 1.15-522 N 2 h 9 min A Fastest route now, avoids crash on 102 n'Wes, 1-81 N t A 10/3/2018, 11:29 AM 1 of 8 405 8th St NE to 425 Pine Rd, Stephenson, VA 22656 - Google Maps 1 of 8 https://Www.googie.cOm/nI lPsidir/405+Sth+Street+Nottheast,+Charlottesville.+VA,425 { ... Go gleMapS 405 8th St NE to 425 Pine Rd, Stephenson, VA 22656 Drive 102 miles, 2 h 9 min via US -522 N Fastest route now. avoids crash on 1--BTN - 2h9min 102 miles 10/312018, 11:32 AN 405 8th St NE to 425 Pine Rd, Stephenson, VA 22656 - Google Maps littps://www.google.corn/iiiaps dir "405 +8th tStreet+Northeast.-Charlottesvi Ile +VA/425 • ... Go gle Maps 405 8th St NE to 425 Pine Rd, Stephenson, VA 22656 Drive 133 miles, 2 h 6 min Imagery ©2018 Google, Map data 032018 Google 100 ft via l-64Wand 1-81 N 2h6min Fastest route, the usual traffic 133 miles via US -522 N 2 h 9 min 1 of 10 10/3/2018, 11:34 AM Nkblfira� - Venue - Gordonsville, VA - WeddingWire https://www.wa4dingwire.com/biz/wolftrap-farin-gordonsville/; Wedding Venues > Virginia Wedding Venues > Richmond Wedding Venues Wolftrap Farm *** 15 • Write a Review 17379 Wolf Trap Drive, Gordonsville, VA 22942 540.318.1248 • Visit Website • Message Vendor Favorite 151 Hired? FAQ- 15 AQv 15 Rev! 4.9/5.0 ,Zi 30-200 /)0 Outdoor Availability Guest Capacity / Venue Setting Check Your Date(s) v About Wolftrap- Farm 60 cry HorseFarMagor House and 6 Luxury Cottages On Maximum Capac' Site �� 200 Welcome friends ancl family to your wedding on a huge horse an Event Spaces: to e farm with mountain views. Wolftrap Farm in Gordonsville, 2 Virginia hosts over 50 weeddingsyeach year, using its barn/pavilions to host receptions for up to 180 guests. The farm also includes 7 Type: luxury vacation rental homes, making it an ideal venue for gathering Barn, Farm/Ranch family and friends for the week -end. Style: I of l3 9/29/2018,2:33 1 I lie Barns of Madison County - Venue - Etlan, VA - WeddingWire https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/the-barns-of--madison-county-et... Wedding Venues > Virginia Wedding Venues > Richmond Wedding Venues EWA The Barns of Madison County 2 • Write a Review 516 Hughes River Rd., Etlan, VA 22719 - 703.828.0551 • Visit Website • Message Vendor Favorite 951 Hired? About " 2 Reviews 5.015.0 ® $4k -$4k For 100 Guests :rt 0-100 Guest Capacity About The Barns of Madison County tM Availability Check Your Date(s) The perfect wedding mountain getaway with breathtaking views! Maximum-CapZt Are you searching for the perfect barn venue with spectacula 100 mountain views that offers lots of charm and character? We a Event Spaces: fit for you! Nestled near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 2 The Barns of Madison County offer breathtaking views providing a gorgeous backdrop for all your wedding photos. We he-.-e--6-ver 300- Type: acres, with 2 authentic barns originally built in the 18b0's on the Barn property. Our charming red barns allow you to customize the rustic Style: wedding of your dreams! We truly are perfect mountain getaway for Rustic./Country, Unique, 1 of 9 912912018, 2:20 PM -11oneilenzge Golf& Country Club - Venue - Richmond, VA - Wedd... https://www,weddingwire.com/biz/stonehenge-golf-country-club- Wedding Venues > Virginia Wedding Venues > Richmond Wedding Venues Stonehenge Golf & Country Club ***** 7 • Write a Review 1000 Farnham Drive, Richmond, VA 23236 - 88004.767.1041 • Visit Website • Message Vendor '.✓ Favorite K9 Hired? About 7 Reviews i � 1-200 Indoor/Outdoor 4.8/5.0 Guest Capacity Venue Setting About Stonehenge Golf & Country Club Stonehenge Golf & Country Club has a charming rural feel, though conveniently located to the heart of Richmond and surrounding urban areas. We take pride in offering complete, personalized catering services. We offer one of Richmond's best facilities for hosting weddings, luncheons, bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, business M Availability Check Your Date(s) v Maximum Capacity" --"" 20 ' Event Spaces: 6 Type: Ballroom, Banquet Hall, Country/Golf Club I of 9 9/29/2018, 2:23 PF Independence Golf Club - Venue - Midlothian, VA - WeddingWire https:Hwww.w4ddingwire.com/biz/independence-golf-club-mi Wedding Venues > Virginia Wedding Venues > Richmond Wedding Venues Independence Golf Club I ** 16 . Write a Review 600 Founders Bridge Boulevard, Midlothian, VA 23113 804.818.6842 . Visit Website • Message Vendor v Favorite 95� Hired? 1; About v 16 Reviews 4.6/5.0 '19 50-250 Guest Capacity About Independence Golf Club A Indoor/Outdoor Venue Setting In Availability Check Your Date(s) v A country -club themed wedding venue in Midlothian, Virginia, Maximum Capacity: 250 Independence Golf Club is the perfect choice for couples wishing t wed in style. Independence Golf Club is located approximately five Event Spaces: minutes from Michauk Creek. Established in 2013, the venue blends 300 historic Jeffersonian architecture with vibrant contemporary design. Independence Golf Club is ideal for couples looking for a Type: memorable occasion! Country/Golf Club Facilities and Capacity Style: Modern Couples may host their ceremony and/or reception in an event \ space that accommodates up to 250 guests. l Setting: Indoor, Uncovered Outdoor Services Offered More Details Independence Golf Club provides couples with an event planner to 1 of 7 9/29/2418, 2:1 licsti+ick Vineyards - Biographies http://www.keswiclineyards.com!?method=pages.showPage&Pa... Your Account Log In Cart 0 items: $0,00 Home .About Us Wines Wine Club Weddings Al and C"indv Schornberg: C)ikt'n,,rVisit Us After six years of searching the country, Al and Cindy Schornberg finally settled on the Edgewood Estate in Keswick, Virginia as their new residence. "Since we didn't move because of a job relocation, the entire country was open to us," says Cindy. In moving from Holly, Michigan, the Schornbergs sought a desirable place to raise their children and a milder climate, particularly one that was well suited to grape growing. When AI Schomberg moved to Virginia, he left behind the hi -tech corporate world he created in Michigan and traded it for the lifestyle he had dreamed of since childhood — as a vineyard owner. Having been an entrepreneur most of his adult life, Al was looking for an area that offered the excitement of a burgeoning wine industry. He found that potential in Virginia. Al recalls his grandfather's 1 of 3 1012/2018, 12:05 PM Keswick Vineyards - Biographies _ http://www.keswickxineyards.com,!?method=pages.showPage&Pa... something very natural and satisfying about that." With the Southwest Mountains as a backdrop, the vineyards at Edgewood Estate create a truly picturesque landscape. In the evenings, At, Cindy a youngest children can be found enjoying a nightly stroll thro huh the vineyards of th r 400 -acre estate: hey can also be spotted on the second story porch of their old manor home watchin over the rows of vines. Al and Cindy's oldest daughters also enjoy this wine country lifestyle and reside nearby. Upon purchasing the estate vineyard, the Schornbergs decided to dedicate themselves to producing the best wines in Virginia. The Schornbergs spared no expense in installing top-quality winery equipment, irrigation and root wells. Al and Cindy's ultimate goal is that within ten years, Keswick Vineyards will be considered one of the finest wineries in the country. Al still holds on to the vision that he has made a reality: the image of himself sitting under an olive tree and sipping his own wine. Just as Jefferson once did at nearby Monticello and as did AI's grandfather in France, AI is making wine and living his dream. Stephen Barnard: Winelnaker Lind Vineyard Manager Stephen started working in the wine industry at Groot Constantia Winery, the oldest winery in South Africa, as a pourer and tour guide. Through various courses of events he managed to find a position in the cellar as a cellar worker and then eventually became the assistant winemaker there. He studied Enology and Viticulture at Elsenburg Agricultural College. Upon completion of his studies Stephen became the assistant winemaker at Flagstone Winery where he worked exclusively with red wines. Through the Ohio State Internship program he came to Virginia in 2002 and joined Keswick Vineyards as an intern and held that position until May 2004 when he took the position of Winemaker at Rappahannock Cellars. In June of 2006 he re -joined Keswick Vineyards as the Winemaker. Stephen's philosophy for winemaking is minimal intervention. He prefers to focus on the vineyard to 2 of 3 101212018, 12:05 PM