Stony Brook Farm is owned by Bob's aunt and uncle, Betty and Earle Martin. We chose Stony Brook as our wedding location for several reasons. First, it is located between Charlottesville and Vienna, VA, where our respective families live, and thus easily accessible. Second, it belongs to our family members and it's relatively remote, meaning that we are free to celebrate as we wish. Lastly, and most important, we think that it is beautiful (see below)

We also think it would be the ideal setting to spend some time with our family and friends.  For those of you who want to come early, the property offers countless opportunities to relax, socialize, and meet new people (see below for more info)

 Nearby accommodations are available at at Graves Mountain Lodge just down the road, and of course in Charlottesville  (transportation will be provided to and from Graves and from Charlottesville)

Things to Do:  for those of who who choose to come a day or two early, there will be plenty to do - outdoor pool, full size outdoor Jacuzzi, brick outdoor fireplace (by the pool), beautiful hiking and swimming nearby (Old Rag, White Oak Canyon), vineyards. You can be as busy or lazy as you want. The home even has wi-fi, for those of you who can't escape the the internet

  Original dwelling built on the property

About Stony Brook:

Stony Brook is a 6,300 square foot manor house located on 167 acres in the Rose River Valley in Madison County, Virginia. It is bordered by the Rapidan State Wildlife Area and the Shenandoah National Park, and by large tracks of open land

The original two-story frame house was built in the early 1700's.  In 1847, a brick, two-story wing was added on the north side.  This wing remains today but the original house was torn down. In 1864, as the Civil War swept through Central Virginia in what is known as the Valley Campaigns, Stony Brook was left intact. It was not, however, completely untouched - as he was passing through the area during the 1864 campaign, General Jubal Early spent a night in the house which remains today 

In 1938, a new wing was added and the entire house, including the old brick home, was covered with river rock gathered on the property.  The interior was completely refurbished in 2004 by its current owners. Stony Brook is now a featured property in the records of historical properties in Madison County

Other buildings on the property include a large barn built of chestnut and oak timber and refurbished in 2005 with new floors and lighting for accommodating receptions, concerts, etc. There is a two-story guest house (refurbished in 2004), a circa 1850 granary, numerous spring houses and an old reservoir, a second guest house, and a circa 1850 crib barn with the leather harnesses used by the work horses of an earlier era still hanging on the walls

 The principal farm use of the property is to grow fruit.  There is currently a small peach orchard with about three dozen mature trees and a newly-planted 1 acre family orchard with grapes and berries, and pears, plums, cherries and apples grown on dwarf stock and trellised for self-picking.  Several slopes have been reserved for future production of peaches and apples.  Eventually, the owners plan to make brandy on the property from local fruit sources.  The main house has a large root cellar that will make a nice keg room and the stone garage would be the perfect tasting room

Stony Brook Philosophy (from the Martins):

Our goal for Stony Brook is that it be a private mini-resort for family and friends who are welcome to visit any time to relax and re-charge... there is a comfortable, air conditioned manor house with four guest rooms, a swimming pool, spa, large outdoor stone fireplace (named the Capitol Grill because it contains stone from the U.S. Capitol Building that burned down in the early 19th century), a large grass field for outdoor games, hiking and ATV trails, trap shooting, bridle trails, a recreation room with pool table and video games, a large-screen HDTV with satellite reception, numerous patios with comfortable chairs for enjoying the views, trout fishing, pond fishing, and a large gourmet kitchen and dining areas that will bring out your inner chef. There is also wireless wideband internet access available throughout the property

Conservation
Wildlife abounds on the property and in the area, with numerous daily sightings of deer, groundhog, raccoon, blue heron, and rabbits and an occasional bear, coyote or wild turkey.  It is a fabulous bird watching area with bluebird, goldfinch, cardinals, dove, mockingbirds, thrush, hummingbirds, indigos, swallows, etc. commonly spotted in the spring and early summer
 
Activities
There are numerous informal and ad hoc activities available at Stony Brook.  Guests are encouraged to plan their own activities and take advantage of the facilities
 
Swimming
The 20' x 40' swimming pool was built in the "sport pool" format, with 3.5' depth on the ends and 5.5' in the middle.  It is good for laps, and there is a volleyball net.  Kids will enjoy the bench along the entire length of one side where they can sit in the water at a comfortable depth.  The pool features a mineral sanitizer system that allows the water to remain healthy and crystal clear with a very low chlorine level
 
Spa
There is an in-ground 6-person spa for evening relaxation.  It sits next to the pool at the top of the ridge for great mountain views.  The water in the spa circulates through the pool pump and is always clean and refreshing, with no chemical odors
 
Outdoors
There is a large grass field for volleyball, croquet, badminton, horseshoes, etc.  Equipment is located in the Guest House utility room in back of the kitchen
 
Indoors
The recreation room is located in the basement of the Main House and contains a pool table, large-screen TV for video games, large working fire place, and comfortable seating
 
Hiking
There are many trails on the property that vary in difficulty from a casual quarter-mile stroll to the pond to the steep trail up Doubletop Mountain where outstanding panoramic views into the national park are available, especially in the winter when the trees are bare.  Easy walks include the trail through the woods along the side of the mountain, or the trail to Graves Mountain Lodge which is just up the road from Stony Brook.  There are also trails to the old mountain house, peach orchard, high pasture, and the Rose River.  If you want to enjoy the Shenandoah National Park, the trailhead to White Oak Canyon, one of the most spectacular hikes in the state (a 6 mile trail with 6 waterfalls) is just a short drive up the road.  You can also just walk around the property and check out the barns and other structures, which in itself is a good one hour stroll
 
Bridle Trails
We provide reciprocal rights to bridle trails across the property with neighbors, including Graves Mountain Lodge.  All-in-all, you have access to probably 20 or 30 miles of trail riding, including the ride up to the old Hoover Camp in the Park.  If you are interested in trail riding, we can make reservations at Graves Mountain Lodge for a one-hour trial ride or longer if planned ahead
 
Fishing
The Rose River on the front part of the property is an excellent stream for fly fishing.  There are native browns and stocked rainbow.  There is also a three-acre pond for bass and catfish fishing, although they’re still small as re-stocking took place in the spring of 2006.  This is a great pond for kids to catch bream and explore the perimeter for frogs, painted turtles and an occasional water snake
 
ATV
We have a John Deere Gator, which is a four-wheel ATV with two seats side-by-side.  It is great fun to run around the fields and the ATV trails through the woods

Trap Shooting
We have a trap thrower and two shotguns.  Experienced shooters are welcome to use the range behind the house and we are always glad to show inexperienced shooters how to use a shotgun