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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The 13th annual record of notably social personalities from the worlds of politics, diplomacy, business, philanthropy, and the arts.

By Kevin Chaffee

John Pyles and Barbara Harrison

This roster is neither the first, nor will it (inevitably) be the last to single out certain individuals, who, by virtue of birth, rank, wealth or accomplishment, take part in the social life of the nation’s capital. Estimable precursors – drumroll here – include The Green Book,” so-called for its faux green suede cover, which has appeared continuously since 1930; and the Blue Book of Washington, D.C., which ceased publication around 1990 after a century in print. The Social Register, sometimes called the “Black Book,” also contains the names of numerous prominent local figures, many hailing from so-called “blue blood” families, although it merged its thin Washington volume into a much larger 12-city national version back in the 1980s.

A major difference separating Washington Life’s list from the others – apart from having no discernible color – is that we do not publish a “phone book” containing addresses and contact information, much less schools attended, club memberships and yacht listings. Ours is merely an alphabetical nomenclature of people who make a difference by adding immeasurably to their city, and by extension, their country and the world. Another point of contrast is size. Compared to the many thousands of entries contained in other directories past and present, WL’s Social List, currently about 700 names and counting, is relatively small. We do not see the need to include every member of the Congress, Cabinet or Court (i.e., Supreme), much less all those with top jobs listed in the “Plum Book” of political appointments.

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Fashion in Middleburg is timeless and classic, Vicky Moon finds.

By Vicky Moon

Judy and Lang Washburn.

Let’s face it: fashion in Middleburg is not the same as fashion in the big city. For many, the daily country wardrobe consists of jeans, boots, and an old sweater. However, given the proper invitation, exciting event, or elegant party, the ladies and gentlemen of Middleburg are able to make a head-turning transition. They also have some very talented fashion experts to guide them along the way

“The dress here is traditional,” says designer Karen Ewbank. “It’s classical and British inspired,” she adds.

A native New Zealander, Karen studied fashion design at Wellington Poly Tech, worked as a theatrical costume designer in Auckland, and went on to model in Paris and Milan. “I learned a lot about clothing,” she says.

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An original Sears & Roebuck mail-order mansion and a Maclean manse with mini-spa.

By Mary K. Mewborn

Built in 1926, this gorgeous five-bedroom neo-Georgian with limestone columns is located at 2507 Massachusetts Ave., NW, across from the Japanese Embassy.

The District

One of the most prominent houses on Embassy Row has sold for $4.1 million. Built in 1926, this five-bedroom Neo-Georgian with limestone columns is located at 2507 Massachusetts Ave., NW across from the Japanese Embassy. Ideal for formal entertaining, the stately brick manse’s perfectly proportioned public rooms include a receiving parlor with marble floors and a large living room with Palladian windows and a fireplace. The banquet-size dining room boasts crystal chandeliers and French doors opening onto a rear veranda and a terraced garden. Extras include an elevator, wine cellar, butler’s pantry, five fireplaces, and abundant parking. The seller was Morris M. Sobhani, who was represented by Washington Fine Properties executive vice president Bill Moody and colleague Robert Hryniewicki. The purchaser is listed as 2507 Massachusetts Avenue, LLC. The selling agent was Mehrnoosh Neyzari with Long and Foster Real Estate.

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