Loudoun Venue Spotlight: Silverbrook Farm

A gem of a venue, nestled within Loudoun County’s green and rolling hills, Silverbrook Farm is a quaint bed and breakfast as well as a charming events space. From the main house to the barn to delightful gardens and other rustic dependencies, the property is full of romantic possibilities. Lovers can play a life-sized game of chess in the garden, or meander amongst the roses. A sprawling porch offers opportunity to relax in the rocking chairs for a few precious moments as lovely bucolic vistas spread towards the horizon.

The main house was originally constructed in the 1700s and exudes all the allure of a historic structure. Comprised of gorgeous stone, with wooden frame additions, it’s easy to see why couples feel right at home on the property. Several ceremony sites are exclusive to the premises, the especial raised arbor a particular favorite.

Owned and operated by Dot Shetterly, Silverbrook Farm is an enchanting little secret, tucked away in the Virginian countryside. Read below as we explore the history, opportunities and possibilities Silverbrook offers, and begin to imagine yourself as a Silverbrook bride.

Meet Dot Shetterly, owner of the lovely, rural haven of Silverbrook Farm. Silverbrook is beautifully set amidst the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Photo courtesy of Tom Lussier Photography.

Meet Dot Shetterly, owner of the lovely, rural haven of Silverbrook Farm. Silverbrook is beautifully set amidst the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Photo courtesy of Tom Lussier Photography.

Loudoun Weddings: What makes Silverbrook Farm a unique venue in Loudoun County?

Dot Shetterly:  Silverbrook Farm is certainly a unique venue in Loudoun.  We offer the residence, the lawn, the gardens, the barn, and a lovely tent site.  But probably what makes us different is the flexibility we offer.  We do only one wedding a week, which allows the bridal couple to come out any time during the week of their wedding to bring what they need for their special day.  Rentals can come as early as Thursday and nothing has to be picked up until Monday.  Decorating can be begun as early as Thursday and does not need to be taken down until Monday.  The couple is encouraged to come out as often as they can from contract to wedding and bring friends and family.  This makes for a very relaxed wedding day.

LW: What do couples say that they love best about Silverbrook Farm?

DS: Couples in many testimonials have said they love the positive energy at Silverbrook.  They feel welcome from the first visit. By their wedding day, they feel it is their home away from home. They love the flexibility. They love the sereneness, the gardens, the views, and they refer to the barn as magical.  As one bride said, "Silverbrook is the diamond in my tiara."

The arbor ceremony site. Photos courtesy of Genevieve Leiper Photography.

The arbor ceremony site. Photos courtesy of Genevieve Leiper Photography.

LW: How many ceremony locations does Silverbrook offer?

DS: The most popular ceremony site is the arbor with the raised platform in the garden.   We also offer the boxwood garden, a tent site next to the barn, open fields and the barn itself, if weather dictates.

LW: Tell us about the reception location options couples have on the premises.

DS: The cocktail reception is usually held in the gardens and on the lawn.  The dinner reception is most often held in the barn. If the number exceeds 125, there is a lovely space for a tent (with views of two mountains) next to the barn.  The dinner is held there and folks come inside the barn for dancing.

For small weddings, we can accommodate up to 24 for a seated dinner in the residence or up to 60 for a cocktail reception. With both, we have room for ceremony and dancing, if desired.

Silverbrook Farm is a unique venue, offering brides and their grooms the opportunity to have a wedding that feels elegant, but homespun.

Silverbrook Farm is a unique venue, offering brides and their grooms the opportunity to have a wedding that feels elegant, but homespun.

LW: What is the most magical moment you have experienced during a Silverbrook Farm wedding?

DS:  There are so many magical moments, but the one that stands out the most was the releasing of the doves. The bride and groom each released a dove and they flew over the ceremony site, met and flew back to their home. Then the handler released several and they did the same. It was so great seeing them meet and then fly off.

LW: What Bed & Breakfast services are available for couples wedding at Silverbrook?

DS: As part of our wedding package, we offer a complimentary night's stay with a full country breakfast for the bride and groom.

A beautiful old stone façade graces the main house. Photos courtesy of Genevieve Leiper Photography.

A beautiful old stone façade graces the main house. Photos courtesy of Genevieve Leiper Photography.

LW: How many people can the inn accommodate, as far as overnight guests go?

DS: We have 3 suites, plus a handicapped bedroom.  The number we accommodate depends upon the make-up of the group.  Each suite has one bathroom so guests have to be willing to share a bath.

The bedroom that is handicapped accessible has its own bathroom, outfitted for the handicapped.

LW: Can you tell us about the history of the Silverbrook Farm property?

DS: The original part of the house was built circa 1765; the second wing circa 1790; the third wing circa 1870 and the fourth wing was built as our retirement wing in 1998.  It has been owned by only two families since the mid 1700s: the Potts family and my family, the Florances.  My family came in 1941 and it became a working dairy farm with 300 acres.  When my father lost his health and could no longer farm, I bought the house and 37 acres in 1981.  I started the B & B and wedding business nine years ago after my husband, Bob Shetterly, passed away.

The rustic barn at Silverbrook Farm is wonderfully nostalgic with beautiful opportunities for draping and exquisite lighting. Photos courtesy of Genevieve Leiper Photography.

The rustic barn at Silverbrook Farm is wonderfully nostalgic with beautiful opportunities for draping and exquisite lighting. Photos courtesy of Genevieve Leiper Photography.

LW: Tell us about one of your favorite events that has been held at this charming venue.

DS: Again, there are so many favorites, but the one that stands out in my mind is Holly's son, Alex's, wedding to Mallory. Alex booked two years in advance and I really got to know them during those two years. Of course, the flowers were the most beautiful ever. And the decorations and all the touches. But, what was the magical moment, was when Alex sang to Mallory during the reception. It was so touching that he would want to do that in front of God and everyone. Will always remember it.

LW: Are there any traditions specific to Silverbrook Farm that couples should partake in?

DS: We have an old southern tradition that I share with my clients. Part of me wants to share it with every bride and part of me wants to keep it for our Silverbrook brides. I am afraid if it gets too widespread that it will stop working for the brides at Silverbrook.  o, this is just a teaser. No rain on the brides at Silverbrook.

Silverbrook brides enjoy tender moments with their grooms.

Silverbrook brides enjoy tender moments with their grooms.

Visit Silverbrook Farm for more information.