Case Studies

Three different historic houses and buildings in black and white.

Willowsford, Loudoun County, VA

Overview:

Founded in 2010, Willowsford is a 4,000 acre planned community in western Loudoun County, Virginia. Located 40 miles west of Washington, DC, Willowsford includes four villages of single family homes, a 300-acre working farm, 45 miles of walking and running trails, and 2,000 protected acres of open space.

A large house with a brick chimney, a metal roof, white siding, and a white picket fence, surrounded by trees and a lawn under a partly cloudy sky.

Tenant House.

Challenge:

Attempts were made by previous developers to create a master planned community on this parcel. The current owners of Willowsford knew the key to making their development a success was to create a sense of place for its residents. The developers knew the area was rich in cultural history due to extensive archaeological excavations that they and previous owners had commissioned as part of the community’s development process. History Matters was engaged to review these documents and assist in the placemaking of the development.

Two old stone houses in rural settings with overgrown yards; one with a metal roof and a small window, the other with trees nearby and a simple fence

This circa-1800 dairy building was preserved as part of the Willowsford development. History Matters conducted documentary research to identify the building and planned interpretive exhibits for the dairy after its restoration.

Solution:

History Matters proposed that Willowsford interpret itself for residents and visitors by weaving the history of the Willowsford area throughout the entire development. History Matters provided an interpretive plan for Willowsford by utilizing previous archaeological studies combined with our new documentary research to create thematic displays throughout the development. We helped landscape and interior designers incorporate the site’s history into designs for Willowsford’s community buildings and walking trails.

A collage of two images: the left image shows an indoor art gallery with framed paintings and photos on a wood-paneled wall, and the right image shows an outdoor park with walking paths, trees, benches, and a white pergola under a partly cloudy sky.

Incorporating history into the Willowsford community: (l to r) the lodge display and outdoor amphitheater.

Result:

History Matters helped its founders and designers discover and convey an authentic historical identity for the new development. Willowsford is a successful, master planned community with a thriving residential community engaged with the current and historic context of western Loudoun County.

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