Middleburg has been a haven for many prominent political figures over the years
By Vicky Moon

President John F. Kennedy relaxes with John Jr. on the patio of Wexford, his Middleburg retreat on November 10, 1963. (Photo by Cecil Soughton, The White House)

Once President Barack Obama and his family settle into their hectic and very transparent life in the White House, might they also consider a get-away weekend in Middleburg? After all, many other politicians and diplomats have visited or lived in this somewhat sleepy village. The awe-inspiring countryside has captivated the Kennedys, the Harrimans, Senator John Warner and Elizabeth Taylor, and Col. Oliver North, to name just a few.
Grande dame Millicent West entertained many distinguished Washingtonians at her “Journey’s End” estate, including President Lyndon B. Johnson, who came out for the Middleburg steeplechase races. She still recalls calling ahead to alert officials in case they needed to make security plans.
“I told them I was having the president over for a tailgate,” she says. “And they asked, ‘The president of what?’”
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Middleburg has proved to be a quiet retreat for John and Jacqueline Kennedy and many other prominent political figures over the years.

By Vicky Moon

President John F. Kennedy relaxes with his children, John Jr. and Caroline, on the patio of Wexford, his Middleburg retreat on November 10, 1963. Nancy and Ronald Reagan (who also loved to take long rides in the horse country around Middleburg) later rented the same house from subsequent owners in 1980, prior to his taking office. (Photo by Cecil Soughton, The White House/Kennedy Library).

Once President Barack Obama and his family settle into their hectic and very transparent life in the White House, might they also consider a get-away weekend in Middleburg? After all, many other politicians and diplomats have visited or lived in this somewhat sleepy village. The awe-inspiring countryside has captivated the Kennedys, the Harrimans, Senator John Warner and Elizabeth Taylor, and Col. Oliver North, to name just a few.

When grande dame Millicent West was married to Donald MacKenzie from 1978 to 1986, they entertained a number of distinguished Washingtonians, including Senators Paul Laxhalt and Chuck Robb at their “Journey’s End” estate. One weekend, Mrs. West invited President Lyndon B. Johnson for the Middleburg steeplechase races. She called ahead to alert officials in case they needed to make security plans.

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