16308 Old Jonesboro Rd, Bristol, VA 24202 listing details

One hundred sixty eight acres of prime real estate on Old Jonesboro Road is extremely difficult to find. Not only does the Simmons Estate have these acres, the French Country main house has over 7,500 sq. ft. finished living space, a working equestrian center and a farm house. In the words of the architect, Jack Arnold, magnificent is the most descriptive work for this beautiful home. Designed to replicate the style of an old French chateau, the house brings to mind the comfortable, but gracious lifestyle so characteristic of Frances great wine-making families. That sense of greatness i...s evident when one steps into the entry, which either leads to the library or takes you through a sunlit gallery past a colonnade of archways, and on to the great room, a wonderful room true to the tradition for which it was named. Massive, ornate fireplaces stand as sentinels at either end of this lavish and spacious room, and exposed ceiling timbers enhance the theme of Old World elegance. Two steps down, one enters the intimate billiard room, which has its own impressive fireplace, beckoning cozy evenings. The kitchen and family room, adjoin, offering space for casual entertaining. French doors from the gallery or kitchen leads to the covered patio and the swimming pool beyond. The pool, with its extensive random cut stone deck, is surrounded by a perfectly designed garden. The pool house with massive wood framing includes an outdoor kitchen, an exercise room and steam and sauna rooms. Behind the family room before entering the three car garage, elegant stairs lead to an apartment upstairs. A spacious bedroom and bath plus a great room with charming kitchen makes this space suitable for studio, guests, or live-in staff. The library, which opens from the foyer, is a beautiful room paneled and outfitted with walls filled with bookshelves. Windows look out to the stable and meadows with coffered wood ceiling overhead. Enter the master suite from this library or hallway, first into a curved sun-filled sitting room with wet bar. The master bedroom is generous in size and leads to his and her bathrooms divided by marble shower accessible from either side. Each side enters the large custom closet with additional storage or workout room in the adjoining space. The upper level, features four bedrooms, three baths and a morning or game room for guests complete with built-ins for television, mini kitchen for morning coffee or afternoon cocktails and generous space to relax. French doors open to a balcony overlooking the kitchen and family room. The lower level includes a wine cellar and home theatre which could serve as a storm shelter. A covered portico to shelter guests even in the worst weather is one of many amenities in this house. Home to the Rolf Carlyle Equestrian Centre designed to be the premier boarding and training facility in Southwest Virginia. The eight stall barn offers all the modern amenities to pamper both horse and rider. The riding arena has black sand footing for the perfect balance of comfort and traction. The horses enjoy over 13 acres of gently sloped, large grass paddocks each with three board fencing and geothermal automatic waterers. Additionally there are approximately 3 miles of well maintained riding trails located on the estates 100 plus acres of private woodlands. A recently constructed staff house completes this outstanding property. Show more