Located at the foot of the picturesque
Blue Ridge Mountains just sixty miles from Washington D.C., Historic
Long Branch is one of the most historic elegant manor homes in Virginia
hunt country.
Since the early 18th century, the rolling hills of the Historic Long
Branch estate have been owned by a series of famous men- Lord Culpeper,
Lord Fairfax, and Robert “King” Carter. A young George Washington
helped to survey the property. 
In 1788, Robert Carter Burwell inherited the land sitting along the stream know as Long Branch. Some twenty years later, he began to construct a mansion following the classical principles suggested by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, an Architect of the U.S. Capitol. A Burwell descendant, Major Hugh Mortimer Nelson, purchased the Long Branch mansion in 1842 and finished the interior using elaborate woodwork designed by architect Minard Lafever,
Although Descendants of Nelson and subsequent owners, notably Abram Hewitt made valiant efforts to maintain Historic Long Branch. Its condition had declined by the late 20th century. In 1986, Harry Z. Isaacs, a Baltimore textile executive, purchased the estate at public auction. His good taste, remarkable energy, and sizable fortune revitalized the manor house in less than three years.
The exquisite rooms at Historic LONG BRANCH boast a superb collection of 18th and 19th century furnishings. Mr. Isaacs traveled throughout Europe and the United State to find antiques of great distinction – dining room chairs identical to those at the White House and several major pieces attributed to the workshop of Duncan Phyfe. Hand-painted wallpapers and celebrate fabrics adorn room after room.
Before he died in 1990, Mr. Isaacs established a private non-profit foundation to manage the estate for enjoyment and education of its visitors. Historic Long Branch also serves as a site for a wide variety of seasonal events in the Clarke County community: educational activities, annual Easter Egg Hunt, Trout Fishing Derby, Christmas Gala & Twilight tours and most notably the Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon & Wine Festival. The property, with its outdoor terrace, has become a very popular site for weddings and other special events.
The grounds of Historic Long Branch are graced by beautiful gardens dedicated to Sheila Macqueen, MBE renowned British floral arranger. The gardens feature Herbs, Hellebore and Hosta, Constance Spry Roses and numerous plant species native to Mrs. Macqueen’s English Gardens. The gardens are established and maintained by nationwide donations from the Sheila Macqueen Flower Ladies.
The farm also serves as a Horse retirement facility
with as many as 70 equine residing at the estate.