Tag Archives: orange va

Gorgeous 1820 Farmhouse on 128 Acres in Orange, VA! 16253 Marquis Road Now SOLD!!

Step back into time with this beautiful circa 1820 bicentennial farmhouse with so much charm and character of yesteryear! What an incredible opportunity to own a piece of history. Built before the civil war – this home is perfectly situated on 127 acres of rolling meadows and pastures. Once you walk inside you are welcomed by hardwood pine floors, an inviting foyer with a fabulous stairway that you will love. The main level boasts formal living areas, kitchen with a two side floor to ceiling stone fireplace that is shared with the family room.

Enjoy sipping coffee in the sunroom which completes the main level. The upper level has an incredible master suite with a fireplace and large master bathroom. The other two bedrooms complete the upper level. Entertaining family and friends will be a breeze – while you can swim in the salt water in ground pool, bonfires or just relax. Maybe hunting, riding ATVs or having the farm full of livestock you always wanted. If you have ever wanted to run a professional kennel with the perfect office/studio, full bath, washing station and more. This could also be converted to several different uses. Endless opportunities, a piece of history and a beautiful home are a few of the reasons you can’t pass this home by! For more information on 16253 Marquis Road, Click Here!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Why Orange County, Va is perfect for ex New Yorkers

There is an ever-growing number of people moving out of New York and trading their previous lifestyle for something different. Luckily, there are so many cities, towns, and counties that can provide you with everything you want your future neighborhood to have. For instance, Orange County, VA is perfect for ex-New Yorkers for many reasons we will try to analyze in this article.

A little bit about Orange County

Orange County is a part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. With over 3 million inhabitants, it is the third-most populous county in the state of California. The average annual temperature of 20 degrees Celsius makes the county very pleasant for living. Among other things, this is the reason why some Canadians decide to buy properties in Virginia. Orange County takes pride in its educational and sports opportunities. At the same time, the county is home to many start-ups and overall successful companies, which means that the economy is strong too.

Orange County, Va offers suburban lifestyle while having 3 million citizens

Ex New Yorkers move to Orange County for the convenience of suburban living

Although it is a densely populated area, Orange County is mostly suburban. Many New Yorkers opt for living in houses instead of apartments when they move to this area. Who can blame them? When they get tired of everything that the “concrete jungle” has in store for them, they opt for leaving NY for good and trading it for the new lifestyle that they can have here. Some of the benefits of living in Orange County in comparison to NYC in terms of housing include:

  • not having to spend a fortune on rent in NYC – it is not a secret that New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the World for renting a place; Of course, not all NYC counties and neighborhoods cost the same, but still, they are mostly overpriced.
  • being able to afford some home features and amenities that you could only dream of in NYC. To be honest, a house with a nice garden, a water view, or a swimming pool in your backyard comes with a certain price tag in Orange County too, but the numbers are more realistic than in NYC.
  • being able to earn some money on renting a vacation home you can buy in Virginia – A vacation home in Orange County can be a great place for you to relax and earn some extra cash too. It turns out that in many areas, the weekly fee you can get for renting out is greater than the monthly mortgage payment.

The slower pace of life is definitely a plus, but you might need to learn some new skills

After moving from New York City to Orange County, you will have more time for yourself since you won’t be spending it in NYC traffic. On the other hand, a suburban lifestyle might require you to have a driver’s license that you probably didn’t need in NYC.

You might need to learn how to drive after moving from NYC

Work/life balance is so much better in rural areas

Just like we have already mentioned, moving to a suburban or even rural area from an urban one such as NYC can save you a lot of stress in your daily life. Commuting to work might be a little time-consuming if you are used to living and working in the same part of the city, but the benefits of space and money are there to compensate for the loss. In fact, many companies follow the trend of moving their headquarters and offices outside the city centers for these particular reasons. They are able to choose much better spaces within their budget, plus they get overall better working conditions for their employees.

Orange County, VA can be perfect for ex New Yorkers with families

Whatever you crave for – NYC has it. Be that business, culture, entertainment, or anything else, you will be able to find it in New York. However, the Big Apple might not be an ideal place for raising a family. That is exactly why people choose to leave it at a certain period of their lives when they decide to start a family.

We all agree that raising children is easier and often healthier in smaller places. Orange County, VA is specific since it has a vast population, yet its citizens enjoy the privileges of living in smaller communities.

For instance, the crime rate is much lower than in NYC or some other bigger cities. This is usually the first factor people consider when moving to a new town or city with their families.

After that, there is the healthcare factor. Orange County has a great network of hospitals and clinics. Here are some of those:

  • Mary Washington Healthcare/Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg
  • UVA – Culpeper Regional Hospital, Culpeper
  • University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville
  • Martha Jefferson Hospital, Charlottesville

Education in Orange County, VA is also something that can attract ex New Yorkers

Moving professionals such as dynamicmoversnyc.com noticed that there are many people who choose Orange County for their relocation from bigger cities in search of education. Whether they are the ones who plan to continue their schooling, or they would like their children to have better educational opportunities, here they can choose from a variety of public and private schools, colleges, and universities.

Education is one of the reasons why Orange County, Va is perfect for ex New Yorkers

Recreational activities in Orange County

The parks in Orange County might not be as impressive as Central Park in NYC, but they do offer a variety of recreational to entertainment activities. From various sports that can be practiced here to cultural events that are organized all-year-round, there is always something to do in Orange County, Virginia.

This is also a very famous surfing destination! The long sandy beaches will help you relax and forget about your previous hectic life in NYC. So, whatever your reason might be for moving to Orange County, VA, you can rest assured that you will find everything you need in your new hometown.

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Raffle for 2 Tickets to SOLD OUT Murder Mystery Night on March 7th!

Friends of Orange County Animal Shelter and The Inn At Willow Grove are proud to present the 3rd Annual Paw Prints and Predictions 80’s Murder Mystery Dinner & Silent Auction, and we’ve got two tickets to give away! It’s gonna be a tubular night with a classic case of who done it! The dinner will be on Saturday March 7th with doors opening at 6:00 PM, and the show starting at 7:30 PM. The dinner will be hosted at The Inn At Willow Grove, with all proceeds going to support the Orange County Animal Shelter Emergency Vet Fund.

How do you win the two tickets? By simply bringing in items to donate to the OC Animal Shelter! All items are accepted, however the Shelter has mentioned that wet dog and cat food, bleach, and detergent are the top four most needed items. Please bring all donations to our office at 36111 Goodwin Drive, Locust Grove, VA 22508 in order to be entered to win the two free tickets. The winner will be randomly selected on Friday, 2/28. This is a great opportunity to help your community, and possibly win a night that is sure to be like totally far out!

Fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia

We can freely say that moving to Orange County Virginia might have been the best decision you have ever made. Orange County has a unique charm. It can offer you a lot of outdoor and indoor activities. But also, it can offer you historical attractions, and festivals and sporting events that are happening year-round. There are so many fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia that it is challenging choosing what to do first. Depending on what you prefer and what is fun for you – you will be able to easily find activities for you and your family.

Create your list of fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia

We are all very different. Some of us like to go playing golf, while others enjoy music festivals. And the best thing about Orange County Virginia is the fact that it can offer you a lot of new and interesting things. And, if we are being honest – you will need to have some relaxing time after the relocation. Relocation is stressful no matter where you are moving. Especially relocation with a small child isn’t easy since a small child can’t quite understand everything that is happening. So, if you want to make sure that you and your family enjoy your new home from the beginning – create your list. You can even start before you actually relocate.

 You should create a list of fun things that you can try after you relocate to Orange County Virginia

If you like outdoor activities – Lake of the Woods Golf Course should be your choice!

The great thing about Orange County Virginia is that it can offer a couple of golf courses. And Lake of the Woods Golf Course is definitely one of the best. Even if you have never played golf before, we can assure you that this should be on your list of fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia. What makes it different is the fact that it is surrounded by the woods of oaks and pines. It is designed with a variety of slopes, sand, and water. It can accommodate players of any level, no matter how old they are.

There are different events throughout the year, and depending on when you move here – you can choose which one you like the most. Aerial view of the Lake of the Woods is amazing. Also, here you can organize parties and fundraisers – and we can assure you everyone will have fun!

Fun and exciting activity  – Rapidan River Kayak!

This is a place where you will create unforgettable memories for sure! Paddling down a scenic river, with an opportunity to see wildlife ranging from bald eagles, ducks to deer, beavers, turtles. Occasionally, you can even see black bears and otters! This can be a very exciting and amazing thing to do after you move to Orange County Virginia. Even if you have never before tried something like this – you don’t have to worry. With you, on this tour, there will be a professional kayak instructor. He will teach you some basic things, how to properly do a basic stroke and similar.

Rapidan River Kayak is an amazing and fun activity for you and your friends and family

The best thing about this is that you can go with your family or your friends. You can even reserve a kayak as a part of your wedding party, or as a team-building activity. Also, you can often see a bachelor or bachelorette party organized right here – this is a great way to relax and enjoy! So, in our humble opinion, even if you are not moving here permanently – you should consider buying a vacation home! We can assure you that you will enjoy your time here!

The Market at Grelen – unique experience in Orange County

One of the fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia is to visit the Market at Grelen! This is a rather unique European style garden shop that can offer you a lot! A huge variety of plants is rotating every week! Besides that, you will find some gardening goodies that can help you when you decide to renovate your home and garden. If we can sum up what you will experience here, it would be something like this: a casual farm-to-table cafe, a lot of hiking trails. And you will have a unique opportunity to try Virginia beer, cider and wine!

During winter months – this place is unfortunately closed. But, on the E. Main Street in Orange, you can find their store with a lot of different gifts for your family, pets or for some special occasions as a wedding. And, besides gifts, you will find Grelen ice cream and Virginia beer, cider and wine! We can assure you that you have not tried anything similar!

Sky diving is just one of the many fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia

If you like to feel that adrenalin rush or you simply want to try something completely different – sky diving is for you! Sky Dive Orange has been operating since 1977 so you can be sure that you are in good hands! No matter if you are experienced or this is your first time – there are instructors that can answer any of your questions. You can try tandem skydive or you can do it on your own – the choice is yours! For a good reason, this is one of the very interesting and very fun things to do in Orange County Virginia!

Sky diving is an exciting and fun thing to try!

Location of the Orange County Virginia is great and your advantage!

And, we left the best facts for the end. The distance between Orange County and some big cities is very small:

  • Washington DC is only 70 miles away
  • Charlottesville is only 20 miles away from Orange County
  • Richmond is 60 miles away
  • Fredericksburg is only 15 miles away

So, as you can see – Orange County has a rather good location, and you can easily reach some of the big cities. And, as you know – there are many different events happening. So you can be sure that you will find something fun and amazing and new almost every week. The next interesting thing is the 6th Annual Ice Yard Event in Washington that really should be on your calendar as one of the fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia.

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Civic Club To Host A Forum Between Delegate Nick Freitas and Ann Ridgeway. 10/15 at 7 pm

By Doug Rogers, Civic Club

The Civic Club will host a forum between Delegate Nick Freitas and Ann Ridgeway on Tuesday 10/15 at 7pm to 8pm in the lower level of the clubhouse.

Each will give an opening speech and then followed by written questions submitted by the audience.

This will be a good opportunity for you to see and hear from the two candidates running for Delegate to represent Orange County and the 30th District which includes Madison and some of Culpeper County. 

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website lakeofthewoodsvirginia.com

OC Deputy Sheriff/TRIAD Coordinator to Address Civic Club

Please join the Civic Club on Wednesday, September 11, at 7pm in the Clubhouse Great Hall, as Deputy Sheriff/TRIAD Coordinator Ron Kesner will be providing important information to us. He will present the TRIAD programs administered by the Sheriff’s Office and its importance to the safety of community as a whole and to its senior population. Deputy Kesner coordinates senior citizen safety programs between the Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney Generals’ office and senior citizens groups and/or senior citizen services organizations within the county of Orange.  The purpose is to promote senior citizen safety and help eliminate senior citizen victimization. 

Deputy Kesner is  a native Virginian, having been born in Covington.  He possesses 37 years of continuous law enforcement service.  He retired from the Albemarle County Police Department in 2009 as a Master Police Officer, Firearms Instructor, Driving Instructor, Bike Patrol Officer, Fatal Accident Reconstructionist, Special Operations Group Member and Academy Instructor.  He also had worked for the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years and operated the Marine Unit Patrol Boat on Lake Anna as one of my duties.  Deputy Kesner joined the Orange Co. Sheriff’s Office in April of 2019 to fill the position of TRIAD Coordinator. 

We look forward to seeing you at the Clubhouse Great Hall on September 11th at 7pm!

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Here’s Your Chance to Rescue A Free 50/50 Raffle Ticket!

Orange County Animal Shelter is selling raffle tickets to benefit the Emergency Vet Fund. The Licata Group is proud to team up with OCAS to help raise money for the EVF. The first 100 followers to share our Raffle social media posts will receive a FREE raffle ticket, compliments of The Licata Group! The drawing will be held on September 7, at the Orange Street Festival Adoption Event. You may also purchase raffle tickets at The Licata Group main office, located at 36111 Goodwin Dr. in the Food Lion Shopping Center. Stop by and see us!

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

44TH ANNUAL ORANGE STREET FESTIVAL

Food, Fun, Festival, oh my! It’s now that time again! Downtown Orange, Virginia is hosting its 44th Annual Street Festival on September 7 from 9 AM – 4 PM. Take a stroll down historical Main Street as the whole family enjoys all the splendid treats that this beautiful city has to offer. With over 150 crafts as well as music, art, and plenty of delicious food, you’ll find that there is something for everyone! Kids will have an absolute blast at the ever-popular Kid’s Corner, where they can enjoy pony rides, toys, games, face painting and much more! For you adults, be sure to treat yourself to a refreshing cool beer, or delicious award-winning wine at the Beverage Garden. With so many wonderful activities to enjoy, it’s a shame that this day only comes once a year! For more information, be sure to click here. Are you ready to party?!

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

History in Our Backyard Chapter 11: the Unfinished Railroad in the Battle of the Wilderness

Chapter 10 described the history of the “unfinished railroad.”  This article tells how it was used during one of the Civil War’s battles.

Exhibit 14 General Wadsworth Monument

May 6, 1864 was a day of changing fortunes as the Union fought the Confederates along Orange Plank Rd.  It began with a 5 AM attack by the Union II Corps, reinforced by divisions from V and VI Corps, under command of General Hancock.  The attack drove General A.P. Hill’s III Corps from its positions.  They fled west towards Parker’s Store.  The 7 AM arrival of General Longstreet’s I Corps stemmed the rout.  Longstreet’s counter attack at Tapp Field drove the Federals back toward their starting positions to the east.  By 10 AM the two armies were at a standstill facing each other astride Orange Plank in the vicinity of the monument to Union General James Wadsworth.

Exhibit 15: Unfinished Railroad Cut

General Lee sent his Chief Engineer, General Smith, to see if there was a way to break the stalemate.  Smith and his party walked east along the unfinished railroad, which lay south of the Union’s flank. Both armies were aware of the unfinished railroad about ¼ mile south of and parallel to Orange Plank.  In the chaos of battle, neither army had thought about using it as an attack route, or about defending it against such an attack, until Smith’s reconnaissance.  Smith found the railroad grade undefended.  He returned and reported his findings to Longstreet. 

Longstreet sent four brigades to attack the Union flank under the command of his aide Lt. Col. Sorrel.  Sorrel arranged the men along the railroad grade and, when all men were in position, began the attack shortly after 11 AM.  It burst upon the Union flank in total surprise.  In addition, as soon as the fighting started on the flank, Longstreet’s remaining troops attacked the Union’s front.

McAlister’s brigade on the Union flank was first to feel the Confederate onslaught.  It was quickly routed.  Soon all eight Union brigades south of Orange plank had collapsed like dominos.  Union General Wadsworth, in command of Union forces north of Orange Plank, heroically attempted to organize a defense on the north side of the road.  It was to no avail leaving him mortally wounded.  By 12:30 PM, all Union positions had been overrun with the defenders withdrawing east to Brock Road or north to the Lacy House (Ellwood Manor).

The Confederate’s success quickly turned to failure.  While riding to the front to direct a continued advance, General Longstreet was accidentally shot by soldiers of the 12th Virginia of Mahone’s Brigade. While he survived, it wasn’t until four hours later that the Confederates were able to reorganize and resume the attack.  By then the Union had strengthened its defenses along Brock Road.  The renewed attack failed.  In addition to the short term loss, it would be months before Longstreet recovered sufficiently to resume command.

Author: John Bell

Date: July 2018

Read Previous Chapter. Chapter 10: The Unfinished Railroad

Continue to Chapter 12: Beef on the Hoof

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

35361 Wilderness Shores Way, Locust Grove VA Home NOW SOLD! SOLD! SOLD!

Welcome to 35361 Wilderness Shores Way! This beautifully maintained home boasts sought after vaulted ceilings, a split bedroom floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths! Spacious master has an attached full bath and large walk in closet. Screened porch is great for enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the family enjoy the yard. Such a quaint community and close to all the necessities. You will be eager to call this place your home!

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.