About The Barn
The Middleburg Barn, built in 2017 is our newest addition to the remarkable legacy of Fox Chase Farm located in Loudoun County’s hunt country. Built with a tradition of preservation and conservation in mind, we designed a space that is both beautiful as well as functional and is perfectly at home in the beautiful landscape of Middleburg.
Our Southern yellow pine structure features an abundance of natural light, barn doors and 60-foot ceilings that give the space an open and airy feeling. The natural light highlights the stunning architecture, showcasing the perfect blend of rustic and sophistication. A covered front porch is perfect for when you want to take in the landscape leading to the barn. A second covered back porch allows you to look out over the beauty of Loudoun’s hunt country.
When the sun goes down, Swarovski crystal chandeliers and two state-of-the-art custom uplighting system offer variable types of illumination, capable of transforming the barn from a candlelit intimate space to an elegant bash with various colored lights to fit the mood.
The barn is fully heated and air conditioned, seats up to 400 guests or 700 theatre style an offers plentiful parking. Whether you are hosting a film festival, charity dinner, corporate event or wedding, this venue is perfect for anyone who wants a sophisticated event evocative of the spirit of hunt country with the comforts of today.
Our Family History
Fox Chase Farm has been owned by the Hanley Family since 2000, but prior to the Hanley’s purchase of the farm, Fox Chase Farm had a deep and rich history in Loudoun County, something the family has taken great pride in preserving.
The farm’s recorded history dates back to 1876, when it began a long and illustrious trajectory of being a well-known thoroughbred breeding farm and later a preeminent equestrian facility. Benny O’Meara (brother of Jane O’Meara Sanders, wife of the presidential candidate Bernie Sanders) acquired the property in 1964 when he quickly rose to the status of icon in the equestrian community.
During his short but meteoric career as a show rider and trainer (he was tragically killed in a plane crash at the age of 27) he trained horses that went on to compete in the Olympics and win numerous and notable championships.
O’Meara’s family ran the farm until it was purchased in 1975 by a group of investors who included Lucien Laurin, Secretariat’s trainer, as well as Billy Kilmer (former Redskin). Of the 60 horses that at one time resided in the barn, one of the most famous was Spanish Riddle, a remarkable stallion who continued to live a long and fruitful life post a career-ending accident with the help of an artificial leg and hoof. He is buried on the property.
When the farm was purchased by the founder of USA Today, Allan Neuharth, the focus of its mission was changed from an exclusively thoroughbred haven to a lesson facility.
This is where the Hanley family stewardship of Fox Chase Farm begins. Maureen Hanley, a horse enthusiast, renamed the farm to Fox Chase Farm in 2000. She took the farm in a new and exciting direction, hosting events, horse shows, clinics and numerous charity events, including the Susan G. Komen Ride for the Cure and a division at her horse shows called The Benefit Hunter Division, whose proceeds were distributed among many local charities.
“Running Fox Chase Farm and The Middleburg Barn is a labor of love. I’m grateful to continue the legacy of the farm.”
