The convergence of people, culture, and the outdoors ignites Alex’s passion for involvement in land management and assisting others in realizing their land use dreams. As a third-generation landowner with a background in land management, he’s got the right combination of authenticity and curiosity to help you connect with the right people to find your right place.
A native of the Northeast, Alex spent summers on his grandparents’ ranch out West sparking his interest in the land and the cultivation of a “sense of place.” After eight years in farm and land management, he continues to advise and guide potential buyers and future and current owners with their land-holding operations.
A culinary aficionado, Alex lives with his wife, Bliss, daughter, Nellie, and son, Bo, in Charlottesville, Virginia. He’s insistent that his children also discover the thrill of downhill skiing, and they all enjoy spending time fly fishing, traveling and exploring new places, and discovering the local cuisine, whether in the Blue Ridge Mountains or wide expanses of the West.
Talk land with Alex.
Trent came to Hall and Hall in the spring of 2003 after spending eight years with The Idaho Nature Conservancy where, as Lands Program Director, he was responsible for overseeing the chapter’s real estate activity around the state. Trent also served as the Conservancy’s field representative for central Idaho where he worked with local communities and landowners to preserve working ranchlands and resolve natural resource conflicts. He became a partner of Hall and Hall in March 2004 and holds real estate licenses in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. A native of Virginia, Trent graduated from Woodberry Forest School and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Hampden-Sydney College. Trent and his wife, Cecile, moved west to Idaho in 1994. Enjoyment of the outdoors is evident in Trent’s dedication to fly-fishing and upland bird hunting. Trent maintains strong ties to the southeast and is a trustee of The Duke Endowment based in Charlotte, NC and a committee member of the Josiah Charles Trent Memorial Foundation in Durham, NC. He is a current board member of the Idaho Rural Health Association and past president of the board of directors for the Wood River Land Trust and was an original board member of the Blaine County Land, Water, and Wildlife Program. Trent and Cecile have two children, a son Parker and a daughter Airey.
Cloverdale Farm is comprised of 212± acres in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains and Bath County’s scenic Cloverdale Valley. The farm is bordered to the west by the George Washington National Forest, which provides immediate access to endless recreational opportunities and thousands of acres of protected lands. The east side of the valley is also part of the National Forest, giving the relatively narrow valley the feel of a protected inholding. The farm is surrounded on three sides by properties in conservation easement, the net result being a very private landholding with fully protected viewsheds.
Tucked up against the tree line, at the base of the 3,800 foot Wallace Peak, is a stunning 6,200± square foot house designed by noted Cashiers, North Carolina architect Tim Greene. The thoughtfully sited home commands sweeping views of the valley, yet perfectly complements the scenery by seamlessly blending into the landscape. The four-bedroom house achieves the rare feat of effortlessly adapting to any use, and is equally welcoming and comfortable whether entertaining large groups, hosting friends and family for the weekend, or having a casual fireside dinner in the kitchen. Spacious bedrooms, libraries, and living areas all feature large windows that capture uninterrupted vistas and anchor the house in its surroundings and showcase the real star of the show – the Cloverdale Valley.
Cloverdale farm sits off of Deerfield Road, a paved, state-maintained road that ensures convenient year-round accessibility. Visitors enter through an attractive four-board fence and wooden gates, and then start up the half-mile long driveway towards the house. Along the way they pass a 5½ acre pond, paddocks, and stable, then turn into the trees just before reaching their destination.
The house is tucked up against the tree line, and occupies a central, elevated location that surveys both the farm and the valley surrounding it. The Cloverdale Valley is protected on both sides by the George Washington National Forest, providing immediate access to thousands of acres of public lands while also ensuring privacy and the protection of this unique natural landscape. The property itself is neighbored by a handful of large farms under conservation easement, ensuring that the surrounding landscape will remain relatively unchanged and forever protected.
The southeastern portion of the property contains the pond and hay fields, while the northeastern portion of the property is dedicated to the stable, riding ring, and paddocks. Both the fields and the paddocks have been closely managed, and nutrient levels are tested and amended regularly. Currently the 100 acres of hay fields are cut once or twice per year, depending on weather, and bush hogged the remainder of the growing season. The final component of the farm is the 90± acres of predominantly hardwood forest, which backs up to the National Forest.
Cloverdale’s location is one of the most scenic I’ve come across in Virginia. However, best in class properties require more than an incredible setting, and Cloverdale exceeds expectations with its stunning home, privacy, and excellent recreational opportunities. Rounding out the farm’s many compelling attributes is the fact that it’s in turnkey condition and can be fully enjoyed on the first day of ownership.
Cloverdale Farm is located in the serene Cloverdale Valley, in western Virginia’s Bath County. Basic services can be found nearby in the small towns of Deerfield and Millboro; while groceries, shops, and restaurants can be found 27 miles to the southwest in Hot Springs. The nearest airport, Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, is an easy one-hour drive away and has a number of daily regional commercial flights.
Approximate driving times to nearby towns and metropolitan areas are:
Bath County was considered the frontier in the early days of Virginia, and its mountainous terrain and rural character still give the area the feeling of being wonderfully removed from the hectic pace of everyday life. Don’t let the lack of traffic lights in Bath County (there are none) fool you though, there is no shortage of attractions and things to do. It’s estimated that nearly three quarters of the county is comprised of protected, public lands and the area has a well-deserved reputation as a destination playground for outdoorsmen. The rugged Allegheny Mountains serve as the area’s backdrop and provide endless hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, while the surrounding rivers and streams have gained acclaim in recent years as some of the best fly fishing in Virginia. The cold, clear waters of the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers, and their numerous tributaries, hold excellent populations of Rainbow, Brown, and native Brook trout.
35 minutes southwest of Cloverdale is the renowned Homestead Resort and the charming town of Hot Springs. The Homestead traces its roots to 1766, and the modern resort dates from 1888. Today the resort features two championship golf courses, a ski slope, skeet range and sporting clays, and many other amenities. For those looking to relax there is the Homestead Spa, as well as a number of great restaurants and shops in Hot Springs. The reliably agreeable summer weather, unrivaled scenery, access to public lands, and year-round activities make Bath County a perpetually popular destination for people throughout the Commonwealth and Mid-Atlantic.
Cloverdale experiences an enjoyable four-season climate that is favorably influenced by its elevation and the surrounding mountains. Summers are noticeably cooler than areas to the east, with relatively low humidity and high temperatures in the low 80’s. Wintertime temperatures reach the 30’s and 40’s, with low’s in the 20’s. Spring and fall generally feature spectacular weather that highlights the brilliant colors of the changing seasons, and temperatures average in the 60’s and 70’s. Annual rainfall is approximately 44.5 inches, while annual snowfall is approximately 30 inches.
Comprised of 212± acres, the approximate breakdown of which is:
House: The house at Cloverdale was designed by Tim Greene, a noted architect who has been featured in national publications. The house was intended to evolve into the landscape, and twelve years after it was built already seems a natural extension of the farm. Upon entering the house, guests are welcomed by the soaring, gabled ceilings of the great room, which showcase the home’s impeccable craftsmanship and draw the eye down the length of the room to a massive bay of windows looking out over the farm and valley.
Off of the great room is the heart of the home, a large eat-in kitchen with a sitting area and fireplace. Top of the line appliances and a gorgeous Aga range welcome home cooks and gourmet chefs alike. A home office is adjacent to the kitchen, and beyond that is a mudroom, which connects to the two-car garage.
The remainder of the first floor is dedicated to a spacious master suite, which includes a sitting room and a private porch with a hot tub. Additional features include five fireplaces spread throughout the house, a screened porch off of the kitchen, beautifully hardscaped patios, and a whole house generator.
The second floor of the home features a library and two additional bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. There is also a large fourth bedroom that currently doubles as a second home office. A workout room and sauna on the basement level complete this thoroughly well-appointed house.
Finally, four legged friends are not forgotten at Cloverdale and there is a custom-built kennel and storage building with an indoor/outdoor run, and architecture that matches the house.
Stable & Equestrian Facilities: Equestrian facilities include a beautifully renovated stable with a wash stall, heated tack room, and full bathroom. Adjacent to the stable is a 120’ X 200’ riding ring and six fully fenced paddocks with run-in sheds.
Farm Buildings: There are two additional barns on the property, suitable for farm equipment and general storage.
Annual property taxes are approximately $7,000.
Pond
The 5½ acre pond is a central draw on the farm and provides excellent fishing, swimming, kayaking and countless hours of family recreation.
Equestrian
The current owners are avid equestrians, and Cloverdale is fully equipped for the buyer wishing to bring horses with them. Cloverdale is also home to Cloverfields Equine Retirement Foundation (501c3), a sport and racehorse rescue, retirement and retraining foundation, which could transfer with the property if the new owner desires.
Trails
A thorough trail system weaves throughout the farm providing excellent hiking, running, horseback riding, and mountain biking, as well as direct access to a USFS road that leads into thousands of acres of national forest.
Hunting
Hunting is not currently a focus at Cloverdale, but with abundant wildlife on the farm – and the adjacent national forest – there are opportunities to create a hunting component.
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