A Unique Listing in Bluemont's Historic District
- Sherry Santmyer
- Oct 28
- 3 min read
In my years selling real estate throughout Loudoun County, I've had the privilege of exploring just about every back road, historic village, and hidden gem our beautiful county has to offer. The Blue Ridge Mountain views never get old, and certain properties just have a way of capturing your attention.
So when my colleague Chloe Powell listed this 1913 home at 18490 Blueridge Mountain Road, I had to go see it for myself. Friends, this one is special.
Why This Property Matters
You know how some houses just have that feeling? This is one of them. Built in 1913, during Bluemont's heyday as a summer retreat for wealthy Washingtonians, this home has witnessed over a century of Virginia history. It sits in the Bear's Den Rural Historic District, which for those who might not know, is one of our county's true treasures.
Having spent years here, I can tell you that properties like this don't come along often. We're talking about a home built when craftsmanship meant something different than it does today – when builders took pride in details that would last generations.
The Bluemont I Know and Love
Let me paint you a picture of Bluemont today: it's a village of about 140 people. Yes, you read that right – 140. In a county that's grown exponentially, Bluemont has maintained its quiet, artistic soul. It's the kind of place where neighbors still know each other, where the annual Bluemont Fair (every September since 1970!) brings the whole community together, and where you can still hear yourself think.
The old railroad that used to bring summer visitors from Washington, D.C. is long gone, but that sense of Bluemont as a retreat, a place to breathe and reconnect with what matters, remains.
What Makes This Home Different
Walking through this property with Chloe, what struck me most wasn't just the preserved architectural details from 1913 (though they're absolutely stunning). It was the potential. As someone who's helped over 70 families find their homes in Loudoun County, I've learned that the best properties are the ones that honor their past while leaving room for your future.
This home offers:
Authentic historic character – We're talking original early 1900s details that you simply cannot replicate today
Those views – The Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley vistas that make people fall in love with Western Loudoun
Space to dream – With its generous lot and flexible layout, there's room to create exactly what you want
True privacy – In a village of 140, you're getting the kind of peaceful living that's increasingly rare
A Local's Perspective on Value
Here's what I tell my clients: in real estate, you can change almost anything about a property except its location and its history. This home has both in spades. The Bear's Den Rural Historic District designation isn't just a fancy title – it's recognition that this area represents something irreplaceable in American history.
From a practical standpoint, properties in designated historic districts tend to hold their value exceptionally well. But beyond the investment aspect, you're buying into a community with deep roots and real character. The Bluemont Citizens Association, founded in 1955, remains active and engaged. The local artists and musicians who've been drawn here for decades have created a cultural richness you won't find in newer developments.
Why Timing Matters
I've been in this business long enough to know that certain opportunities don't wait. Properties with this combination of history, location, and potential are genuinely rare. In my years of helping folks buy and sell homes in Loudoun County, I can count on one hand the number of times I've seen something quite like this come to market in Bluemont.
If you've been dreaming of a home with soul, a place where you can create your own chapter while honoring the past, this might be your moment.
Your Next Step
Whether you're currently in the market or just curious about what makes Western Loudoun special, I'd encourage you to learn more about this remarkable property. Chloe Powell is handling the listing, and she'd be happy to arrange a private showing.
And if you'd like to explore other unique properties in Western Loudoun, or just want to chat about what makes our area special, I'm always here. I love nothing more than helping others discover the magic of Loudoun County.
After all, providing a luxury experience doesn't mean being stuffy or formal – it means truly understanding what makes a property special and helping you see the possibilities. This Bluemont home? It's got possibilities in spades.
Sherry Santmyer is a Realtor with Hunt Country Sotheby's International Realty. With over $72 million in career transaction volume, she specializes in helping buyers and sellers throughout Western Loudoun and beyond.
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