is classically trained on violin .) Johnson ’ s daughter often had show-jumping events in the area and what ensued was a love affair — maybe it ’ s the old stone walls that dot the landscape , she imagines .
The romance led her to buy a farm , a stone ’ s throw from Salamander Middleburg , which started as 340 acres of land that was developed into one of the preeminent resorts on the east coast . It ’ s become an anchor of the local economy , but it wasn ’ t easy getting the project completed ; local opposition abounded , but , after three years of debate and two false-start groundbreaking ceremonies , Johnson was able to get the project through by one vote , likening it to passing a kidney stone .
It was 2005 . It is Virginia , where , for instance , the town ’ s gun shop brazenly displayed the Confederate flag in the window . Opposition came ostensibly from those concerned over environmental impact . Even local celebrities got into the act , such as the late Hall of Fame football player Sam Huff , who was also a longtime radio announcer for the Washington Redskins , now Commanders . He , according to The Washington Post , voiced concern that the resort would “ ruin the town ’ s quaint , historic character .”
Not uncommon for a project like this , it got the greenlight because Johnson and Salamander acceded to some of the demands of Middleburg and Loudon County ; namely , it agreed to build a $ 4-million wastewater treatment plant and give it to the town . Not to mention , the resort generates taxes and pays hefty utility bills . Each October , it hosts the Middleburg Film Festival , which brings in close to 3,000 people . ( The Washington Post called it the “ itty-bitty Cannes .”) Johnson ’ s friend , Robert Redford , who has his own film festival , Sundance , once mentioned to Johnson that she should have one , too . She acquiesced .
After the Salamander vote , Johnson fought back tears , raw with emotion . Later ,
Innisbrook ’ s Copperhead Course hosts the PGA Tour ’ s Valspar Championship each March . Photo credit : Justin Kriel
she bought the gun shop , which is now a successful market .
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Suites at Aspen Meadows Resort are newly renovated and inspired by the Bauhaus design school . Photo credit : Jason Dewey
Johnson always had an affinity for , something that goes back to her music days when she would tour Europe with music troupes , staying in some of the finest hotels the continent offered . “ I learned about
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