History

East Lynn Farm, which is located near historic Unison, was built by Bushrod Washington Lynn, a 19th-century Virginia reformer and State Senator. Senator Lynn, a former Confederate Colonel, rose to the State Senate representing both Loudoun and Fauquier counties. Senator Lynn’s brother was reportedly one of Mosby’s Rangers’ earliest recruits. After the conclusion of the Civil War, Senator Lynn was elected Superintendent of the Virginia Penitentiary, where he abolished work camps and moved prisoners out of overcrowded quarters. He constructed his farmhouse residence (now known as The Inn at East Lynn) shortly after the Civil War. The farmhouse features a classic Tidewater style with its curved main mahogany staircase and fine brickwork. It has original heart pine floors, handsome woodwork and three working fireplaces. The farmhouse has been lovingly restored and furnished, and beautifully appointed with period antiques to complete the picture of what the home would have looked like in the Civil War era when Senator Lynn resided there.

East Lynn is 143 acres nestled between the beautiful Bull Run and Blue Ridge Mountains, with breathtaking views of both. The farm has a charming old farmhouse, one that had been slated for demolition by a developer, condemned by the county, and nearly consumed by a mountain of vines and brambles. We loved the place at first sight. When we started a careful restoration, we discovered something even more neglected than the 141-year-old house: the compelling tale of the man who built it, a Civil War veteran, politician, and prison reformer.

The area surrounding East Lynn Farm has a large concentration of conservation and scenic easements that make the entire area appear the way it did before the Civil War. The famous battle of Unison was fought just minutes away. In fact, on cold November nights, it may even be possible to see the ghosts of Union Soldiers marching down the road, just past the Farm’s battle field fencing, the same way they did 150 years ago. The soldiers would have seen the East Lynn farmhouse and barns looking much the way they do today.

The Inn at East Lynn, its gardens and fields are available for rent for special events, such as weddings, rehearsal dinners and private parties, and working farm stays.

Loudoun County is steeped in history, with interesting sites and stories from the Native American, Colonial, and Civil War Periods. A good jumping off point for exploring historic Loudoun is available here, where one can follow its various links to the past. Of particular interest is the “Loudoun County Burning Raid”, which took place in 1862 in the environs our farm and the famed “Mosby Rangers” created in response to these actions by Union forces.