This year marks the 100th anniversary of the completion of the stables and kennels at the historic estate in Middleburg, aptly named Huntland by Joseph B. Thomas.

Joseph Thomas came to Middleburg in the early part of the twentieth century and purchased this wonderful historic property, restoring the old house and designing one of the most palatial stables and kennels to be found in North America. Thomas was to become Master of both the Piedmont and Middleburg Hunts and the largest breeder of foxhounds for mounted packs in the country.

Having fallen into disrepair over the years, Huntland was finally purchased and "saved" in 1997 by Dr. Betsee Parker who has undertaken an extensive restoration of the entire property.

Having essentially finished the house and the stables, she has now taken on the kennels with enormous enthusiasm. "We are researching and restoring as close to Thomas's original plan as possible," she explained. The endeavor has been made all the more possible by the surfacing of a portfolio of photographs of this kennel taken in 1914.

On September 18th, Dr. Parker gave a luncheon for members of both the Piedmont and Middleburg Hunts to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the completion of the kennels. Photographs of the original structure were displayed and guests were free to wander through the stables and the kennels.

"I feel as if Huntland should always be enjoyed by the entire community," Dr. Parker said.

Guests enjoyed blue grass music and a commentary on the achievements of Joseph Thomas by Norman Fine, former editor of 'Covertside Magazine' and current publisher and editor of 'Fox Hunting Life with Horse and Hound.'