Heigh Torr Estate: The Place for I Do’s & More
Written by Heidi Baumstark | Photos courtesy of Heigh Torr Estate
Heigh Torr Estate, an 18th-century bluestone beauty on Harpers Ferry Road, has become the talk of the town when it comes to tying the knot. With a view overlooking the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, Heigh Torr, meaning “high rock” or “high hill” in Scottish-Gaelic, was at one time a summer vacation home for the family of late actor Patrick Swayze. Now the 178-acre historic gem welcomes guests and serves as a boutique venue for weddings and special events.
Scott Muchow, the estate’s current owner and managing director, says, “I’ve always loved old things. Owning this gives me the chance to breathe new life into a place steeped in history, and to shape a future worthy of its legacy.”
Estate Origins
The earliest section of the house, a log cabin and meat house, dates to 1748 and shows off its age with thick, hand-hewn logs in the ceiling and a stone floor. The main part of the building, known as the Derry House, was built in 1784 and operated by the Derry family as Derry’s Tavern. Originally the log cabin was separate from the house, but today they’ve been incorporated into one structure.
The Derry family likely settled in Loudoun County amid a broader wave of Quaker, German, Irish, and Scottish immigrants in the 1720s, who established communities such as Waterford, Goose Creek (now Lincoln), Harmony (now Hamilton), and Union (now Unison). During the Civil War, Derry’s Tavern served as a popular gathering spot for soldiers, reportedly frequented by both Union and Confederate forces. Philip Derry is believed to have been a Union sympathizer; as Quakers, the family opposed slavery.
A comprehensive historical and archaeological study was conducted on the property with a full review of county records, land deeds, and on-site surveys. These efforts confirmed that no enslaved people were held at the estate.
Heigh Torr Highlights
In 2022, Muchow leased the property and ran it as an event venue. He purchased it in 2023, running it as an Airbnb and a getaway for weddings and corporate events. Venue Coordinator Leigha Brisco ensures every detail is held to perfection, while Event Sales Coordinator Kelsey Fagan works directly with wedding planners and families of the couple.
The 1748 structure now houses a modern kitchen that guests can use and includes a children’s play nook, perfect for those with little ones. It also houses the Groom’s Suite and overlooks the west lawn. The Derry House includes a bridal suite called the Crawford Room, which boasts high ceilings, a crystal chandelier, and spacious windows also overlooking the west lawn, where the sun sets, making it perfect for dusk photo shoots. The Crawford Room can also be used for rehearsal dinners or breakfasts. Its name honors Crawford Road, a long-abandoned route to Lovettsville that in the 1850s connected what is now Harpers Ferry Road with Mountain Road.
The Derry House sleeps 13 guests. Owl’s Nest, the cottage where Patrick Swayze stayed during his childhood, sleeps eight, bringing the total overnight accommodations at Heigh Torr to 21 guests. “When looking for a property, I wanted a good fit where the bridal party could stay for the whole weekend,” Muchow says.
Hundredfold Hall, a historic red barn that once sheltered dairy cows — now affectionately known as the Party Barn — sits at the top of a hill. Adding to its rustic feel, inside are handcrafted farm tables, hardwood floors, and romantic chandeliers hanging overhead. Wooden barn doors slide open, inviting a breeze and creating the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable event. Firepits by the barn add to the atmosphere. This part of the property is perfect for rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies, receptions, or post-wedding brunches.
The Pool Terrace is a 25-meter heated pool framed by a fieldstone design. Here, patrons can enjoy cocktails or float flowers or lanterns, and some brides have even jumped in. “Half of the brides, I’d say,” Muchow estimates. Near the pool is the tented Pavilion, which is included with all wedding and event packages. Its clear top allows guests to gaze at stars.
A Bride Reflects
Many couples have praised the full-weekend package at Heigh Torr and the scenic countryside for their ceremonies and receptions. Maggie Paul Hawn and Nathan Hawn were married at Heigh Torr on October 18, 2025. Maggie shares, “This was the perfect wedding venue — it captured the elegance I wanted for my day. Kelsey and Leigha were so helpful through the whole process, allowing us multiple site visits. We loved having access to the estate the entire weekend; it gave us the opportunity to decorate, as well as have our whole bridal party stay overnight.”
The Hawns hosted their rehearsal dinner in the historic red barn, the ceremony was on the lawn in front of the Derry House, cocktail hour was around the pool, and their reception was hosted in the Pavilion. Maggie adds, “Scott and everyone at Heigh Torr are extremely kind, helpful, accommodating, and want to give you the wedding weekend of your dreams. Nestled in the gorgeous mountains with beautiful views all around, it truly is the perfect place to spend the best day of your life. I am so blessed to have had the most wonderful time at Heigh Torr.”
Making Memories
What does Muchow want guests to walk away with? “We want their time here to be not only for them, but for their family and friends. We want it to be one of the best weekends of their lives. When you think about it, weddings bring two families who are joining together — under the stars, jumping in the pool, making memories.”
While Muchow says his love of history was what drew him to this property, for many couples, it now serves as the landmark of their future together. In addition to weddings and corporate events, Muchow also opens up Heigh Torr for faith ministries, churches, and missionaries who can stay for free, usually on weekdays. Here they can relax, hang out, grill burgers, and fish in the pond.
“It’s never been about holding on to the old, but about carefully stewarding and improving what’s been entrusted to us,” Muchow says. “My faith shapes my conviction to honor legacy, to expand the footprint with vision for the future, and to leave things better than how I found them. That’s why it’s such an honor to steward Heigh Torr.” ML
Heigh Torr Estate
13656 Harpers Ferry Road
Purcellville, VA 20132
heightorrestate.com
Published in the February 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.