Some of you may have been hearing the buzz and seeing the tweets… yes, Shelia Johnson’s much anticipated Salamander Resort has just opened in Middleburg! The project, which has been delayed for a few years because of the economic climate, opened it’s doors last Friday. In Johnson’s opening statement, according to The Chronicle of the Horse, she stated “I am so extraordinarily thankful for everyone’s patience, perseverance, and fortitude, In addition to its courageous traits, the salamander serves as a symbol of renewal, which is especially meaningful to me today.”



This resort will set a new standard for hospitality, cuisine, spas, and getaways. Of Salamander Resort’s 340 acres, 24 are dedicated to an Equestrian Facility, dining that bases it’s menus off of local ingredients and a Chef’s garden, a full service salon, fitness facility, and holistic physical therapies. The owners hope that it will be the newest DC Metro-area hotspot for board meetings and conferences. In fact, Salamander Resort with its horse-happy facilities and multiple meeting spaces will recapture its colorful past. President JFK frequently hosted his press conferences in Middleburg while Jackie, an avid equestrian, would ride across the hills of the now Salamander Property, The Georgetown Dish.

Locals are looking forward to working with the venue, as it is expected to increase tourism and interest in Middleburg: “Middleburg already attracts a lot of people on the weekends. Most of the corporate groups hold their meetings during the week, so being able to bring that caliber group during the week is going to be tremendous for the shop owners and businesses nearby” says Salamander President, Prem Devadas, in an interview with the Washington Business Journal.

 

 

 

Most importantly (to us, that is), Salamander Resort is now the premiere wedding venue in Loudoun County. The Resort has nine on site wedding venues, renowned caterers, and an award winning pastry chef who happens to be one of my mothers upcoming grooms. You can also use the deluxe catering of Salamander Resort at off site venues. This venue will offer beautiful scenery and atmosphere for any wedding or special event. It has adopted the rolling hills landscape into its design, and takes décor inspiration from local history, equestrian lifestyle, and Johnson’s own farm.

 

Holly was asked to provide flowers for the opening ceremony. The day before the opening and the morning of the event Holly (it is so weird calling her that!!!) rushed around the resort, preparing and primping for the opening. HHCF garden flowers were harvested for this event and blended with Don’s Dahlias, and flowers from GreenStone Fields Farm.  The gorgeous local blooms graced the ballroom of the resort, some of the guest bedrooms, and tables placed on the back terrace. The beautiful décor and architecture of the resort lent itself wonderfully to these flowers. Holly/mom also surprised chef Todd Gray with Nasturtiums for his Saturday Epicurience event.

Guest room flowers.

Holly even took my grandfathers crocodile to the resort, this was used as a prop on the Florida station, which featured cuisine from the Floridian Salamander Resort.

The majority of the props including the lobster were provided by Rosanna Smith of Bella Villa Antiques. Rosanna and Holly make an awesome styling team, several of their events have been featured in national magazines.

 

Beautiful flowers for a beautiful celebration, Congratulations Salamander Resort!

Have a great day!! Abby Chapple