Timeless Design Meets Modern Luxury at Knightsbridge Estates

Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos courtesy of Knightsbridge Estates 

“It’s called a new old house,” is how Kevin Ash, president of Leesburg-based development firm Madison Dale, describes his latest project: Knightsbridge Estates. 

Nearly equidistant from Leesburg and Middleburg, the Aldie community will highlight Ash’s vision of English and French architecture with modern amenities and a timeless feel aided by historic preservation of existing structures, environmental consideration, and local partnerships. 

He explains, “Architecturally, I’m trying to evoke homes that could have been here since the 1700s from an exterior standpoint, but when you walk in, they’re open, modern homes. Modern in the sense of the floor plan, but really traditional finishes [that] … stand the test of time. 

“Knightsbridge is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in London, so it is fitting with the architectural style and where a lot of our beginnings here in Loudoun came from,” Ash expands. Laura Farrell, the realtor arm of the project, adds, “It fits in well with the British equestrian, foxhunting aesthetic of Middleburg and Leesburg.” 

More than fitting for the area stylistically, Ash is developing the neighborhood to fit the land conservation concerns of his new neighbors, even going as far as preserving original structures. “The original developer was planning on demolishing the existing structures, but preservation is super important to me.” Ash adds, “The guest house for the first home was the original farm house. And I painstakingly restored it to be a guest house for that first homeowner.” 

Building for the sake of filling lots is not part of Ash’s agenda. He understands how important open spaces are in Hunt Country and accommodates that. “There were originally going to be 16 [houses],” he says. “But the first buyer bought five lots, so we consolidated those lots and put them into a conservation easement.” 

The conservation easement was facilitated by the Land Trust of Virginia, one of a few local organizations Ash is partnering with on this project. In addition to working with Farrell at Sotheby’s and LTV, Ash has partnered with Purple Cherry Architects to bring his sketches to life and even Hotel Burg’s Chef Vincent Badiee on farming the land. 

“The central piece is the Manor 1858, which is a historic barn. That is the property we are farming.” He continues, “Back in 2023 we planted an apple orchard that is now fruit-bearing. In the spring we are planting olive trees on that lot, and Vincent wants to be the first chef on the East Coast to press and serve his own olive oil in his restaurant.” 

Ash expects to complete two to three homes per year, building with purpose, intention, and attention to detail. Of the Madison Dale interior and architectural process at Knightsbridge, Ash says, “These are not custom homes… They are highly appointed, detailed homes without the 2,000 decisions that need to be made in the custom home process. It’s fully turnkey.” He finishes, “We are providing a style of [home] that is timeless.” ML

For more on Knightsbridge Estates, visit knightsbridge-estates.com. 

Published in the January 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.