Stoneleigh: Where History, Golf, and Mountain Views Come Together in Round Hill
- Sherry Santmyer
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
There are neighborhoods, and then there are communities that feel like they've been waiting for you. Stoneleigh, tucked into the rolling hills of Round Hill in western Loudoun County, is the latter.
I've had the privilege of helping numerous families find their home in this remarkable community. Chloe Powell and I have become the go-to team for Stoneleigh buyers and sellers, and it's easy to understand why we keep coming back. What draws us isn't just the real estate—it's the way Stoneleigh manages to feel both established and alive, historic and welcoming.
A History Written in Stone
The name "Stoneleigh" isn't marketing—it's descriptive. The land's story begins in 1742 as part of the original Lord Fairfax land grant, but the property truly took shape in 1852 when the Mason James family, renowned local stonemasons, built the manor house known as Mt. Silvia. Their initials, "MJ 1852," remain carved into the chimney to this day, a quiet testament to the craftsmen who shaped this land.
During the Civil War, the property earned its own moment in history when General Sheridan's troops set fire to the barn during their campaign through the Shenandoah Valley. Eliza James, refusing to let her family's legacy burn, extinguished the flames herself. That barn still stands today—its red siding and distinctive silo visible from the clubhouse, a reminder that this community was built on resilience.
In 1913, the property was purchased by William E. Dodd, who would later serve as U.S. Ambassador to Germany. He renamed it "Stoneleigh" for its rocky terrain. By the 1940s, Colonel Frank Sleeter had transformed the land into Hill High Orchard, one of the largest apple and peach orchards on the eastern seaboard. If you've ever enjoyed a slice at Mom's Apple Pie, which now operates at the former Hill High location, you've tasted that history. Scattered apple trees throughout Stoneleigh remain as quiet reminders of the property's agricultural past.
The golf course and residential community emerged in 1992, when developers saw something special in this storied acreage. They brought in Lisa Maki, a Hall of Fame golf course architect and one of only seven women designing courses in America at the time. Her vision—inspired by the classic Scottish links where golf began—transformed the former orchard into what Golf Magazine would name the prettiest golf course in Northern Virginia.
The Golf Course: Beautiful and Brutal
Let me be direct about Stoneleigh's golf course: it will humble you, and you'll thank it for the experience.
At 6,782 yards from the back tees with a slope rating hovering around 141-142, it ranks among the most challenging courses in the Commonwealth. But difficulty isn't the point. Maki designed the course to reward thoughtful play over raw power. The tight fairways demand precise short iron work. The risk-reward par 5s tempt you to go for it—sometimes wisely, often not. The multi-level greens will have you reading breaks you didn't know existed. And those signature stone walls running throughout the course? They're not just beautiful—they offer free drops, which you'll appreciate more than once per round.
Then there's hole number 2. It's controversial, and I'll tell you why: a 350-foot elevation gain that separates the optimists from the realists. Some golfers love the challenge. Others have opinions I won't print here. But here's what everyone agrees on: the view from the top is spectacular. On a clear day, you can see into three states—Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland spread out before you.
That view has made the top of hole 2 a community gathering spot that transcends golf entirely. Every Fourth of July, neighbors hike up with lawn chairs and picnic blankets to watch fireworks paint the sky over the Blue Ridge. In winter, the same hill transforms into Stoneleigh's unofficial sledding run—one of the few places in Loudoun County with enough elevation to build real speed.
Hole 12 deserves mention as well—a brutal uphill par 4 stretching 429 yards with a stone wall guarding the right side. It's the kind of hole that sticks with you, for better or worse. The signature hole, number 15, is a par 5 with a pond-protected green that demands respect on your approach. And the 18th offers the kind of drama every golf course needs—a true match-deciding finisher where fortunes can reverse in a single swing.
A few honest notes: the course maintains a pleasant aesthetic without reaching country-club-pristine levels of manicure. The driving range is full length and well maintained, though the short game practice area is small and limited.
Oh, and don't even think about fishing in those ponds. I've asked. The answer was no.
Beyond the Fairways
Golf may be Stoneleigh's centerpiece, but it's hardly the whole picture. The club offers both golf and social memberships, meaning you can enjoy the amenities without ever touching a club.
The pool complex serves as the summer hub—families gather here on weekends while kids make friends who'll become schoolmates. The tennis and pickleball courts see constant action, with tennis pro David Lee running programs and an enthusiastic pickleball group that welcomes new players.
The clubhouse restaurant provides the kind of casual dining spot every community needs—a place to grab dinner without driving into town or meet neighbors for a drink after work.
It's worth noting that living in Stoneleigh doesn't automatically include club membership.
Residency and membership are separate decisions, which gives you flexibility but requires planning into your budget. Some homeowners are avid golfers who play multiple times weekly; others never join at all and simply enjoy the views and the neighborhood itself.
The Neighborhood Itself
Stoneleigh comprises roughly 140 homes on lots ranging from one to three acres. Architectural styles vary—Cape Cod, Colonial, Georgian, French Provincial—giving the community visual interest without feeling disjointed. Homes began appearing in 1992, so you'll find established landscaping and mature trees alongside newer construction.
The topography that makes the golf course challenging also shapes daily life. The hills provide stunning views but make for a genuine workout if you're a walker or runner. You'll see plenty of dog walkers tackling these streets—exercise is built into Stoneleigh living.
Speaking of dogs, the community's active Facebook group functions as both social network and practical resource. Lost dogs get found fast here. Packages left on doorsteps get reported. Community events get organized. Bear sightings get shared. It's the kind of digital town square that actually works.
Living Among Wildlife
The Blue Ridge foothills bring neighbors of the non-human variety. Deer are abundant—beautifully so, until you've invested in landscaping. Foxes make regular appearances, often spotted trotting across fairways at dawn. Groundhogs and possums have established themselves throughout the property.
Bears pass through seasonally, particularly in fall. Secure those trash cans and take in your bird feeders during active months. Coyotes have established themselves in the area, something to consider if you have small pets. The snakes you'll encounter are non-venomous, though they'll still startle you in the garden.
The Setting
Stoneleigh sits at the base of a 910-foot knob formerly known as Round Top—the geographic feature that gave the Town of Round Hill its name. The Blue Ridge Mountains form your western backdrop, and during summer months, the golden hour sunsets are worth planning your evening around. West-facing homes command premium prices for good reason.
The community's position on the ridge also means wind—steady breezes that keep summer evenings pleasant and add an extra club to your golf game. Residents learn to factor the wind into everything from their approach shots to their choice of patio umbrellas.
Nearby Essentials
Round Hill provides small-town convenience within minutes: the Round Hill Farm to Trail Company for outdoor gear, More Better Beer Garden for casual dining, and C'est Bon for something more refined. The Western Loudoun Safety Center offers peace of mind with emergency services nearby.
Sleeter Lake and Franklin Park provide recreation beyond the club—hiking, fishing (yes, fishing is allowed there), and open space to explore. Purcellville, just minutes east, expands your options with restaurants, shops, and services while maintaining that western Loudoun character.
Is Stoneleigh Right for You?
Stoneleigh works best for those who appreciate what it offers: challenging golf designed by a Hall of Fame architect, genuine history you can see and touch, mountain views that change with the seasons, and neighbors who gather on hilltops to watch fireworks together. It's a community where kids sled down the second hole in winter and families know each other by name.
It's not for everyone—the hills, the wildlife, the winds off the ridge all require consideration. But for buyers seeking something beyond another subdivision, Stoneleigh offers a lifestyle with genuine character.
If you'd like to explore whether Stoneleigh might be your next home—or if you're a current owner curious about your home's value—Chloe and I would love to show you around.
Sherry Santmyer is a real estate advisor with Hunt Country Sotheby's International Realty specializing in Loudoun County's western communities. Contact her at (540) 431-8101 or sherry.santmyer@hcsir.com
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