Designing Dreams: Where 1792 Meets Today at the Chamblin Mill Estate
- Christy Hertel

- Jun 26
- 4 min read
As someone who calls historic Waterford home and has spent over 25 years helping clients envision the perfect blend of period charm and modern comfort, I’m continually amazed by properties that successfully bridge centuries of design evolution. The Chamblin Mill estate at 36155 Chamblin Mill Lane in Purcellville represents exactly this kind of rare find—a property where authentic 1792 architecture provides the foundation for sophisticated contemporary living.

A Designer’s Eye for Historic Potential
From the moment you approach this remarkable estate, the designer in me immediately recognizes the thoughtful preservation and enhancement that has occurred over more than two centuries. The original Miller’s residence, which survived the Civil War when the mill itself was destroyed, showcases the kind of authentic period details that simply cannot be replicated today—hand-hewn beams, original stonework, and proportions that speak to the craftsmanship of early American builders.

What makes this property truly exceptional from a design perspective is how seamlessly two major additions have been integrated without compromising the historic integrity. This is preservation done right—honoring the past while creating spaces that work beautifully for today’s lifestyle needs.
Spaces That Live and Breathe History
The main residence offers over 4,000 square feet of carefully curated living space, featuring five bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and five wood-burning fireplaces that create intimate focal points throughout the home. Each fireplace tells its own story, from the massive hearths that once provided essential warmth to more refined Victorian-era additions that speak to changing tastes and technologies.

Having worked with historic properties throughout my career, I appreciate how challenging it can be to maintain period authenticity while incorporating modern conveniences. This estate achieves that balance magnificently. The first addition includes not just a practical three-car garage, but a completely independent guest house that functions as its own charming residence—two bedrooms, full bath, kitchen, dining room, family room, and a welcoming front porch that could have been built yesterday or 150 years ago.
The second addition brings contemporary luxury forward with a stunning stone foyer, convenient half bath, additional family room, and a primary suite that offers the privacy and comfort today’s homeowners expect, all while maintaining visual harmony with the original structure.
Outdoor Rooms That Extend the Living Experience
My interior design background has taught me that great homes don’t stop at the threshold—they flow seamlessly into outdoor spaces that function as additional rooms. The Chamblin Mill estate delivers this concept beautifully across its 3.21 acres of pristine grounds.
The expansive patio areas create multiple outdoor “rooms” for different activities and moods. The rear porch functions as a covered outdoor living room, perfect for morning coffee or evening conversations. The peaceful dove house adds a charming focal point that speaks to the property’s agricultural heritage, while the in-ground pool with spa creates a resort-like retreat where the sounds of Beaver Dam Creek provide natural ambiance.

With nearly 1,000 feet of creek frontage, the property offers endless opportunities for creating intimate seating areas, meditation spaces, or entertainment venues that take advantage of the water views and natural beauty.
Investment in Timeless Design
At $2,248,000, this estate represents what I call “forever value”—the kind of investment that transcends market fluctuations because it offers something money can’t buy elsewhere. Properties with authentic historical provenance, natural water features, and this level of thoughtful preservation are becoming increasingly rare as development pressure continues across Loudoun County.

The included guest house offers immediate rental income potential, but more importantly, it provides the flexibility that luxury buyers seek—whether for extended family, home office space, or creative studio use. Having helped clients reimagine spaces for decades, I can envision countless possibilities for both the main residence and guest quarters.
A Personal Approach to Exceptional Properties
Living in Waterford has given me deep appreciation for the importance of preserving our region’s historic character while adapting properties for modern life. My 25 years as an interior designer, combined with my role as #1 Realtor in Waterford, allows me to offer clients a unique perspective on both the potential and the practical aspects of historic property ownership.
From our initial consultation through the closing table, I’m personally involved in every aspect of the transaction. My extensive network of craftspeople, contractors, and design professionals—built over decades in the interior design field—ensures that buyers understand not just what they’re purchasing, but how to enhance and maintain these irreplaceable properties for future generations.
Where Community and History Intersect
My involvement with the Waterford Foundation and other historic preservation organizations has deepened my understanding of what makes certain properties truly significant. The Chamblin Mill estate isn’t just a luxury home—it’s a piece of American heritage that has been carefully stewarded through multiple generations of ownership.

As past president of several community organizations and an active member of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground, I understand the responsibility that comes with owning historic properties. This estate offers buyers the opportunity to become part of that stewardship tradition while enjoying every modern comfort and convenience.
Designing Your Next Chapter
Whether you’re drawn to the romance of 1792 origins, the practical luxury of the contemporary additions, or the investment potential of the guest house, the Chamblin Mill estate offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of authentic American history. My design background allows me to help clients envision how they might personalize and enhance these spaces while respecting their historic significance.
The combination of pristine creek frontage, thoughtful preservation, and sophisticated amenities creates a property that will reward its next owners for generations to come.
Click here to view the full MLS listing: 36155 Chamblin Mill Ln, Purcellville, VA 20132
I invite you to experience the Chamblin Mill estate personally. Contact me to arrange your private appointment and discover how this exceptional property might become the foundation for your own design dreams and family legacy.
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