General Info

Take an equestrian vacation at the Western style Marriott Ranch in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia Hunt Country, less than 60 miles from Washington, DC. Marriott Ranch isn’t your typical Marriott. This working cattle ranch is teeming with American history and scenic natural beauty. It lies just east of the Appalachian foothills amid the vineyards of Virginia Wine Country. The Rappahannock River runs through the property and its rolling green hills and meadows are dotted with exotic Longhorn cattle and horses.

Learn basic horsemanship skills and cattle handling techniques as you check herds and ride fences with the City Slickers package. This short break gives you a good amount of time in the saddle, but so much that you can get too sore. Take a multiday Western adventure, perfect for East Coasters who don’t want to travel too far for their Western riding experience. Trail ride across rivers to Paradise Valley, aptly named. In the spring, the Longhorn like to graze on this valley’s rolling green hills, which are covered with wild flowers.

Each morning, you’ll wake up to a big country breakfast at the Inn at Fairfield Farm, the historic accommodations on the property. If you arrive between 4 and 6, you’ll be greeted with refreshments and variety of local cheese. You may spend your nights in the Baroness Cottage. In 1939, a Belgian Baroness escaping the Nazis lived here. Or the James Marshall Manor House, built in 1814 by James Marshall, brother of the first Chief Justice of the United States or the Carriage Rooms.

The ranch was purchased by J.W. Marriott Sr., as a private retreat in 1951. Prominent guests like Presidents Reagan and Eisenhower and other world leaders would come to experience life on the range at J.W. Marriot’s retreat. The ranch reminded Mr. Marriott of his native Utah. There’s a lot of space on the 7 square mile ranch, where over 1200 head of cattle, including Longhorn Cattle, usually found in Texas, roam. You’ll enjoy exploring it all, as you ride with Marriott Ranch.

Western Vacation Package- 4 days/ 3 nights (3 days of horse riding)
City Slicker Package- 2 days/ 1 night (2 days of horse riding)

Awards & Accolades
Featured in Equitrekking Virginia Hunt Country episode from season two of Equitrekking.
 

Packing

Please see Equitrekking Travel’s General Packing List

About the Horses

30 Quarter horses and other mixed breeds.

Activities/Events

Area Activities
With 4200 acres, Marriott Ranch has countless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Activities range from horseback riding to deer hunting. Inn guests can feel free to hike throughout the property in search of the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. In the winter, be sure to bring your sleds, as the grounds provide ample hills for sledding. Wildlife abounds at the Ranch and guests should keep a lookout for white tail deer, red fox, black bear and the ranch’s own family of Bald Eagles. On a clear day guests can even see Skyline Drive, which is a short drive away and provides access to the Appalachian Trail.

The charming horsey village of Middleburg is only an hour’s drive for people who want to visit. There are shops, historic restaurants and the National Sporting Library in Middleburg.
 

Accommodations/Food

Accommodations
Located at the center of the 4,200 acre Marriott Ranch is the historic James Marshall Manor House (circa 1814), which is the focal point of the Inn at Fairfield Farm. Guests staying at the Inn at Fairfield Farm are welcomed with a complimentary tray of delicious cheeses (4 PM - 6 PM) along with an assortment of refreshing beverages. In the morning, a memorable 3 course "Fairfield Farm" country breakfast is served, generally between 8 and 10 in the morning. The ten comfortable guest rooms located in three unique buildings along with scenic views help guests relax and enjoy what the Marriott Ranch has to offer. Guests will sleep in the Baroness Cottage, Carriage Rooms or James Marshall Manor House, depending on availability.

The Baroness Cottage
The Baroness Cottage, an early 1800's log cabin updated during World War II by then Fairfield owner Baroness Johanna von Reininghaus Lambert of Belgium, is well suited for families or groups. Downstairs, the Cottage consists of a large eat-in kitchen, comfortable living room with large flat screen television, fireplace and a spacious bedroom with two full size beds and private bath. Upstairs there are two cozy bedrooms with two full size beds in each and a shared full bath. The shaded front porch with picnic table offers panoramic views of sunsets and rolling pastures.

James Marshall Manor House
Situated beneath white ash trees and accented by large boxwood hedges, the stately Marshall Manor House built in 1814 by James Marshall, the brother of then Supreme Court Justice John Marshall, will immediately remind you of a gentler era. Inspiring views of the Blue Ridge Mountains will set your mind at ease as you enjoy a cool drink on the open front porch. The four individually decorated guest rooms located on the second floor of the historic Manor House have fireplaces, private baths or showers and two queen or full size beds in each. Downstairs, the quiet library, beautiful living room with television, large dining room, fireplaces and impressive foyer continue to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Carriage Rooms
Three modern style rooms located just a few yards from the eastern side of the Marshall Manor House have private ground floor entrances and full baths. One of these rooms, the Fairfield Suite, has a king bed and separate living area with a pull out couch. The other two Carriage Rooms have two double beds in each. All three have their own mini refrigerators, televisions and full access to the amenities offered in the public areas of the Marshall Manor House.

Food
Guests are welcomed with a complimentary tray of delicious cheeses (4 PM - 6 PM) along with an assortment of refreshing beverages. Meals are included, as indicated in the trip itinerary, in these riding packages. In the morning, a memorable three-course "Fairfield Farm" country breakfast is served, generally between 8 and 10 AM. Lunch may consist of a trail picnic or BBQ, while dinner may include a buffet, steak BBQ cookout and more.

There are also area restaurants and pubs to enjoy.

Drinks
This vacation is in Virginia Wine Country. There are numerous pubs, restaurants and vineyards within driving distance of the ranch. Included in the Western Vacation Package is unlimited bar service.
 

 

The Ideal Traveler

Families, groups or solo travelers who want to experience Virginia Hunt Country from a Western saddle. This trip is especially popular with East Coast residents who want to be able to drive, instead of taking a flight, to enjoy a Western vacation experience.

Western Vacation Package

Dates & Rates 2010
Western Vacation Package
4 days/3 nights
$680 Double per person
$875 Single per person

Aug. 30 - Sept. 2

Enjoy a taste of the West on the East Coast in Virginia Hunt Country. Saddle up at the historic Marriott Ranch to enjoy riding the range, where longhorn cattle graze

This four-day and three night Western Vacation package includes lodging, meals, unlimited bar service, three days of horse back riding (3 hours per day of riding), an afternoon of tubing on the Rappahannock River and a western style cookout with entertainment. 

* This package may be booked for private groups (minimum of 6 people for private and guests stay in the Baroness Cottage) Please note that dates are subject to change due to availability and interest.
 

City Slicker Package

Dates & Rates 2010
$385 pp Double Occupancy
$460 pp Single Occupancy
Oct 28-29

Experience a day in the life of a cowpoke as you learn horsemanship skills and cattle handling techniques at Marriott Ranch in Virginia Hunt Country. Package includes overnight accommodations, lunch and dinner on day one along with a three hour ride followed by Breakfast & Lunch on the second day with another three hours of riding. 

* This package may be booked for private groups (minimum of 12 people for private groups). Please note that dates are subject to change due to availability and interest.

Related Blog Posts

Virginia Hunt Country- Marriott Ranch

By: Rich Van Haste Ask your average American to picture a ranch and they will likely recall wide-open spaces somewhere out west, far from northeastern cities. Certainly that vision holds more than a grain of truth. But veteran travelers know that once you escape Boston, New York, or Washington DC… Read more »

Traveler Reviews

Featured in Equitrekking host Darley Newman's 10 Great Places to Go Horseback Riding interview in USA Today.

It was fun to play cowboy—we saw more of the terrain by horse than we would have on a hike, and eating and dancing by the campfire was terrific fun. But playing cowboy was tiring; we climbed into bed for a nap.

-- Matthew Graham, Washingtonian Magazine

Just spent the last two days at the Marriott ranch - for our 14 year old niece's bday, just the two of us, and we happened to be the only ones staying there. Can't describe how wonderful the two folks were who welcomed us and bid us adieu. There's no ghost - just good vibes, a step back in time, and a peaceful feeling as you watch the new calves just born yesterday. Thank you for preserving this great place on earth.

-- Jen and Joe, Washington, DC

I took my daughter and her "bestie" here for a quick mid-week escape and just to ride, not to enjoy the resort (this time). From where we are it was an easy one and a half hour ride through charming, central, authentic Virginia... When my husband is back from Iraq, I'm stealing him away here for their Chaps and Chardonnay package. The place is just simply in God's country. I'd recommend going but I hope you'll stay away so I can enjoy it before it's status as a gem is destroyed by being too popular.

-- Fredericksburg, Virginia

This beautiful and historic B&B is a great weekend getaway for Northern VA/DC residents to recharge. There are no TVs or internet in the rooms, so prepare to truly unplug... My husband and I took part in one of the trail rides they offer just up the road and it was great! You can be an absolute beginner to do this, and it's just as fun for those with riding experience.

-- am617, Virginia

Reading List

Guidebooks, History and Culture

Frommer's Virginia (Frommer's Complete) (Paperback) by Bill Goodwin
Meticulously researched by a longtime resident, Frommer's Virginia has in-depth reviews of accommodations in every price range, from colonial inns and distinctive B&Bs to family-friendly motels. We'll also bring you the latest on the dining scene, including sophisticated cafes, historic taverns, and down-home Southern barbecue joints. Opinionated reviews on all the best historic attractions, from Jefferson's Monticello to the solemn expanses of Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia's charming small towns, Colonial Williamsburg, the best trails in Shenandoah National Park, the sun and surf at Virginia Beach, and Civil War battlefields.

Northern Virginia's Equestrian Heritage (VA) (Images of America) (Paperback) by Mary Fishback
For over 200 years, Northern Virginia has enjoyed a respected reputation for its equestrian heritage. The present-day home of horse museums and libraries, as well as breeding, sports, and shows of all sort, Northern Virginia truly is hunt country. Northern Virginia's Equestrian Heritage showcases the area's early hunting history and offers a singular glimpse into the past glory days of fox hunts, hound-breeding, horse races, and horse shows. Beautiful estates where men and women gathered, partied, and hunted once dotted the landscape; today, however, many of these estates remain only in photographs and memories. The area's picturesque countryside has enticed well-known families, including the Kennedys and the DuPont Scotts, to join in the local favored pastime.

The Middleburg Mystique: A Peek Inside the Gates of Middleburg Virginia (Capital Hometown Guides) (Hardcover) by Vicky Moon
Middleburg Mystique reveals the charms, gossip, and scandals of this small well-to-do village, and the surrounding swath of horse farms just 50 miles west of Washington, D.C. It tells of scandalous divorces (like actor Robert Duvall s wife running off with the poolman) and racy murders (like arms heiress Susan Cummings shooting her Argentinean polo-playing lover). Middleburg has captivated the Kennedys, Elizabeth Taylor, Robert Wagner, and Oliver North. It has gossiped about misdeeds, then turned around and protected both rich and lowly as if they were all family. "Middleburg Mystique" also provides an insider s peek behind the grand stone entrances of massive estates with names such as 'The Meadows' or 'Heathfield' that belong to families such as the Firestones, Mellons, and Marriotts.

Novels

The Hunt (Hunt Country Suspense) (Hardcover) by Jan Neuharth
The complex and romanticized lifestyle of elite fox hunters is revealed in this thrilling murder mystery. An attractive and wealthy lawyer and horseman, Doug Cummings personifies the old-money equine subculture of Middleburg, Virginia. Driven to succeed, Cummings's climb to the top is halted when he becomes the target of a twisted scheme to frame him for the murders of his former lover and horse groom. As Cummings attempts to find the true culprits, the conflicting forces of his community offer a revealing look at how vengeance, love, and envy obscure the search for truth and justice.

Equitrekking Coffee Table Companion Book & DVD

Equitrekking Travel Adventures on Horseback by Darley Newman with Photographs by Chip Ward available at ShopDarley.com
This companion to the PBS TV series, Equitrekking, proves that the world's most beautiful views are often best seen from atop a horse. This gorgeous book features dozens of scenic rides in the U.S. and around the globe including Marriott Ranch and Virginia Hunt Country. Denver Post review: For horse folk and dreamers, as well as fans of the show, it's a beautiful trip through stunning equestrian-friendly possibilities.   

Equitrekking: Season 1-4 DVD sets featuring Emmy winning PBS episodes, including Marriott Ranch and Virginia Hunt Country. Available at ShopDarley.com

Get off the beaten path to see some of the world's most beautiful horses and classic riding destinations with host and equestrian travel expert Darley Newman with Emmy Award-winning Equitrekking, the horseback riding travel series on PBS. 

Season One: Vermont, the Carolinas, Georgia Coast, Wyoming, Colorado and Spain.

Season Two: Iceland, Coastal Ireland, Hawaii's Big Island, Irish Countryside, Maui, Virginia Hunt Country and California Wine Country.

Season Three: Arizona, Belize, Costa Rica, Kentucky, Quebec, Texas and Utah.

Season Four: Southern Spain, Alaska, Central Turkey, Quebec City and Beyond, Scotland and Wales.

  

Good Books for Horse Lovers and Equestrians

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (Paperback) by Temple Grandin
Philosophers and scientists have long wondered what goes on in the minds of animals, and this fascinating study gives a wealth of illuminating insights into that mystery. ---Publishers Weekly

The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge (Hardcover) by Julie Whitaker with Ian Whitelaw
The Horse is an informative gallop through everything to do with the horse:  evolution, history, biology, breeds, behavior, training, competition, health, and care—all gathered into an accessible gallery of solid information, essential facts, and fascinating trivia.                                                           

Hunter Seat Equitation (Hardcover) by George H. Morris
A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction.

The New Encyclopedia of the Horse (Hardcover) by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
Chronicling the history of the horse, this guide encompasses the early domestication of the horse, classical riding styles, as well as a survey of the great stud farms and current international sporting events.