Famed Salamander Resort And Spa Spins Off Residential Community In Rural Virginia

As the founding partner of Black Entertainment Television, Sheila Johnson has scored on some great gambles. She is the only African American woman to own a Five-Star resort (Salamander Hotels & Resorts) and three professional sports teams (Washington’s Capitols, Wizards and Mystics). Those were all good BETS—the Capitols and Mystics have won championships in recent years.

Now, Johnson partners with private equity firm South Street Partners, master developer of South Carolina’s Kiawah Island, to debut Residences at Salamander—a best-in-class residential community of 49 luxury, built-for-sale homes on the exclusive grounds of her famous Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia.

Johnson is leveraging her Midas Touch reputation on this new residential project, modeled after other South Street Partners best-in-class real estate developments—Kiawah Island Club and The Cliffs (whose combined sales will approach $750 million by year-end). With over $1 billion in assets, South Street Partners specializes in developing and managing luxury resorts and residential private club communities.

An acclaimed destination west of Washington, D.C., Salamander Resort & Spa sits upon 340 picturesque acres near the historic village of Middleburg (drivable from major metro areas along the East Coast—Boston to Atlanta). The LEED-certified country manor is surrounded by traditional horse farms and 50 wineries. Opened in 2013, it has since become an popular executive retreat for greater Washington, D.C. elites.

With homesites spanning from 0.4 to 1.3 acres, the new Residences at Salamander nestle against rolling old-growth forestry with surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain panoramas. The low-density, protected community embraces all the lifestyle priorities of the Covid-19 era—seclusion, security, privacy, remote work/school flex spaces, and nature integration.

“It was important to me that the Residences blended into the area’s beautiful and natural environment,” says Johnson, who’s also founder and chair of the annual Middleburg Film Festival. “Our team ensured that each home has unique entertaining areas, especially outdoors— including options to open out onto bluestone terraces and summer kitchens.”

The 49 built-for-sale estate homes are offered in two distinct neighborhoods—The Stables and The Vineyards. Initially ranging from 3,500 to 5,500 square feet of living space, each residence boasts indoor-outdoor living spaces that encourage daily and seasonal connection to nature. Each home is within walking distance of the spa and village. Prices begin at $2.1 million with early purchase incentives. Pre-sales for Residences at Salamander launched in late September with 12 reservation agreements within the first three weeks.

“We aim to begin building in Spring 2021, and construction will take approximately 12 months for each home,” says Prem Devadas, president of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. “The 49 homes will frame the southern edge of the property.”

Both The Stables and The Vineyards have been designed to blend into the traditional landscape of the area, says Chris Randolph, partner at South Street Partners. Starting at 4,500 square feet, The Stables are inspired by Middleburg’s equestrian history and the prominent equestrian theme of Salamander Resort & Spa. 

“They feature details like vaulted barn-like ceilings, common living spaces, barn doors and expansive views,” says Randolph. “Each home is carefully positioned within the woods to preserve an owner’s privacy.”

Starting at 3,500 square feet (and possibly a few smaller homes at 2,800 square feet), The Vineyards pay homage to Middleburg’s central location within Virginia’s wine country.

“They feature metal roofs, stone, stucco, and other natural materials prevalent in the area,” he says. “The common spaces open into courtyards, fire pits and pools, and open out onto views of rolling hills, stables and horse paddocks.”

Salamander’s amenities include a full-service equestrian center, hiking and biking trails, indoor and outdoor pools, a zip-line course, tennis courts, a putting green, and special events. Owners will enjoy benefits and services at Salamander Resort & Spa including 24-hour concierge service, room service, preferred accommodation rates, and member discounts on dining, spa and other resort activities.

They also receive exclusive perks at local venues like The Club at Creighton Farms and RdV Vineyards. A lock-and-leave community, owners can offer their home to Salamander Resort’s rental program as well. Private, protected communities are safe spaces gaining popularity in the age of Covid-19.

"Being able to get outside and recreate with friends and family in a safe, socially distanced manner is incredibly important to buyers today and Residences at Salamander offers this,” says Randolph.