Newstead Farm is far more than a spectacular equestrian estate, worthy of every superlative used to describe its beauty. It's a fully functional facility ideally suited for the breeding and training of horses. It blends grace and elegance with practical essentials. This dream farm, Newstead, home of horse racing royalty, is for sale.

In early July, Washington Fine Properties announced the offering of this exquisite and celebrated equestrian estate, comprised of 353 exceptional acres of prime land in Upperville, and the home of Bertram and Diana Firestone. The listing agents, Kathryn Harrell and Debbie Meighan, are based in the Middleburg office of Washington Fine Properties.

"We are extremely honored to be chosen to represent this very important part of Virginia's equestrian heritage," Harrell said. "This extraordinary farm has captured the imagination and attention of a worldwide audience and we are excited to present it to the market."

There simply aren't enough superlatives and big descriptive adjectives that can express how gorgeous this estate really is. It reflects the nurturing touch of caring stewards of the land and, in return for the Firestones' meticulous care, Newstead provided the perfect setting for them to enjoy their love for family, art collecting, and horses, to name a few of their passions and enthusiasms, which include great success as owners and breeders of Thoroughbreds for flat racing in the U.S. and Europe and also for equestrian sport.

"There is something for everyone at Newstead," said Bertram Firestone. "Extensive gardens for those with a green thumb, the serious reader, and even the artist. For the health conscious, miles of road and a big pool for exercising. And, of course, everything a horse lover could ever want and dream of."

Newstead's main residence is a palatial stone and stucco Georgian manor house, dating to the early 1800s, which has been renovated. There are fabulous gardens, a greenhouse, ponds, and a pool. There are fields, hills, dales, rolling terrain. Everything is sited to maximize the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Everywhere, even without blue peaks in the distance, it's beautiful.

The farm offers a complete package suitable for multiple equestrian disciplines and sports with stables, outbuildings, outdoor arena, Grand Prix field, guest houses, tenant houses, and an office. Newstead Farm even has a certified Equine Quarantine Facility, a major asset when shipping and receiving horses.

"We have improved nearly every building on Newstead Farm since buying it in 1991," Firestone said. "We are most proud of the show jumping improvements we have made, adding a Europe-engineered Walker, an 8-acre Grand Prix Derby Field, and installing a technically advanced footing surface in our existing ring."

Horses have been a major part of daily life for the Firestones. Their passion for Thoroughbred racing harvested seven Eclipse Awards, including Outstanding Owner and Champion Three-Year-Old Filly, both in 1980. That's the year that Diana Firestone's Genuine Risk (1977-2008) became the second filly ever to win the Kentucky Derby since Regret beat the colts in 1915. She's the only filly ever to run and place in all three legs of the Triple Crown, finishing second in both the Preakness and the Belmont. In 1986, she was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. She lived at Newstead in genteel retirement until her passing at the age of 31. Aka Jenny, Genuine Risk's final resting place is on the farm.

Newstead is the home base for the Firestones' daughter, Alison Firestone Robitaille, a successful international show jumper. She was in her mid-teens when the Firestones moved to the Upperville estate, a great training ground for horsemanship, especially being located in the heart of Piedmont Foxhounds' hunt country. She grew up in the saddle, riding and jumping cross-country, and competing, especially the jumpers and today's hunter derbies. There was also the fun and excitement of the annual hometown horse show, Upperville, right around the country corner.

For special occasions, Newstead is a party planner's delight, offering stunning settings, indoors and out, every season of the year. Asked if they have any particularly fond memories, Bert Firestone said, "The annual cocktail parties held during the Upperville Horse Show were always a lot of fun, but I'd say our best event was my 80th birthday party. The tent was set up to highlight Diana's river garden feature and the band we hired, Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers, stole the show. It was definitely a night to remember."

What about their favorite room in the manor house? Firestone replied: "Diana and I love our master bedroom sitting room. The room has floor to ceiling windows facing north that let in tons of light. It is a very comfortable room to read and watch television in. There is a large deck as well that overlooks the gardens. Sometimes, for a change of pace, we will eat breakfast or dinner on the deck, enjoying the scenery and nature."

Newstead Farm is an earthly paradise for anyone with a love for horses, country living, magnificent mansion right out of a British series, gardens galore, nature, wildlife. It is a place of incredible beauty and peace, blessed with magnificent vistas and a unique and charming atmosphere. To turn into the Newstead gates is like stepping into another world, one of grace and timelessness and peace — a genuine haven.

For more information: 703-216-1118 or email: kathryn.harrell@wfp.com