Huntley: A Mason Family Country House

The narrative begins with a chance encounter in 1969, when a small team of local historians turned a quiet Fairfax hillside into a playground of curiosity. What they found was a surprisingly refined Federal‑style villa, its geometric lines and subtle ornamentation standing apart from the surrounding modest homes. The author’s vivid recounting of that first glimpse invites listeners to share the awe of stumbling upon a hidden piece of Virginia’s built heritage.

In the chapters that follow, the book weaves together the story of the Mason family, the succession of owners, and a meticulous architectural survey of the house and its outbuildings. Detailed floor plans, photographs, and comparisons to the work of noted architect George Hadfield reveal how Huntley evolved while retaining its distinctive character. Listeners will come away with a richer sense of how one modest property can embody broader currents of American history and design.