A Rare Shenandoah River Retreat in Clarke County

Jill Adler
Dec 8, 2025
5 min read

222 Barred Owl Lane, Boyce, VA 22620 | Offered at $939,900

In the northern reaches of the Shenandoah Valley, where the river bends through Clarke County on its journey north to the Potomac, a stretch of riverfront land has long captivated those who understand the rarity of such settings. Here, at 222 Barred Owl Lane, approximately 680 feet of Shenandoah River frontage accompanies a custom-built residence on over five acres—a combination that seldom comes to market in this corner of Virginia.

Tour 222 Barred Owl Lane and its approximately 680 feet of Shenandoah River frontage in Boyce, Virginia.

The property sits within a gated community near the town of Boyce, a village established in 1880 at the crossing of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad and the old Winchester-Berry's Ferry Turnpike. While Boyce itself remains a quiet community of fewer than 800 residents, its location places it within easy reach of both the Shenandoah Valley's natural splendor and the broader Northern Virginia region.

The Setting

Perched on a hillside above the Shenandoah, the home commands views in nearly every direction—the river below, the Blue Ridge Mountains rising to the east, and the protected countryside that stretches across the opposite bank. That land, held by the Burwell Van Lennep Foundation, will remain undeveloped in perpetuity, ensuring the pastoral views that define this property today will endure for generations.

Three river-rock beaches provide direct access to the water, connected to the home by pathways that wind through the approximately 5.28-acre grounds. For those drawn to the river—whether for morning kayak excursions, afternoon fishing, or simply the sound of water moving over stone—the access here is immediate and unencumbered.

The Shenandoah River has been designated a Virginia Scenic River by the General Assembly, recognized as one of the Commonwealth's outstanding waterways. Its path through Clarke County divides the mountainous, forested terrain to the east from the rolling agricultural lands to the west—a geography that has shaped the region's character since the earliest European settlement in the 18th century.

The Residence

Built in 1991, the home encompasses approximately 4,011 square feet across multiple levels, with four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and two half bathrooms. The design takes full advantage of its elevated position, orienting principal rooms toward the river and mountain views.

The expansive family room anchors the main living space, featuring a stone gas fireplace flanked by custom built-ins. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Shenandoah River below, while the open floor plan extends into a dining area surrounded by the same sweeping vistas. A separate living room offers a wood-burning fireplace beneath cathedral ceilings—a quieter retreat from the home's more social spaces.

The kitchen has been appointed for serious culinary work: soapstone countertops, custom cabinetry, double ovens, and a substantial center island that serves equally well for meal preparation and informal gathering. Gleaming hardwood floors extend through much of the main level, providing warmth and continuity throughout the living spaces.

The primary suite occupies a position of prominence, with its own gas fireplace and unobstructed river views. The en suite bath reflects a spa-like sensibility: a claw-foot soaking tub, custom stone-tile shower, and handcrafted dual vanities. Each additional bedroom enjoys thoughtful placement and distinctive views of the surrounding landscape.

Beyond the bedrooms, a dedicated office and separate library provide flexibility for those who work from home or simply value quiet spaces for reading and reflection. The lower level includes additional storage, a second refrigerator, and a rough-in for a future bathroom—offering potential for further customization.

Outdoor Living

Large decks extend the living space outdoors, positioned to capture the river views and provide ideal settings for al fresco dining or quiet evenings by the firepit. The sounds of the Shenandoah below provide a constant, natural backdrop—the murmur of water that has drawn people to these banks for centuries.

The property supports both an active outdoor lifestyle and simple contemplation. Pathways lead to each of the three beaches, where the river accommodates kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. A fenced area provides space for dogs to roam safely. The oversized two-car garage offers abundant storage for watercraft, outdoor equipment, and vehicles, with additional parking available on the grounds.

The Community and Surroundings

The gated community offers shared amenities that complement the property's riverfront access: a common area with picnic grounds, camping sites for residents, and a boat launch for exploring the Shenandoah beyond the property's own beaches.

Clarke County itself is a place where conservation and community intersect. Nearly 20 percent of the county—approximately 21,000 acres—lies under permanent conservation easement, protecting farmland, forests, and historic resources from development. The entire county falls within the John Singleton Mosby Heritage Area, and more than 30 percent is encompassed by National Register historic districts. This is land with deep roots, from the 18th-century settlement by Lord Fairfax to the Civil War actions that swept through these valleys, to the fox hunting traditions that drew wealthy families here in the early 20th century.

The surrounding region offers abundant opportunities for those who appreciate both natural beauty and cultural richness. Shenandoah National Park lies to the south, with its 500 miles of hiking trails and access to the Appalachian Trail—22 miles of which pass through Clarke County. Sky Meadows State Park provides closer access to the Blue Ridge, with trails winding through rolling pastures and woodlands. The State Arboretum of Virginia, operated by the University of Virginia at nearby Blandy Experimental Farm, offers 172 acres of gardens and specimen trees.

The State Arboretum of Virginia at Blandy Experimental Farm, just minutes from Boyce.

The vineyards of Virginia wine country dot the landscape in every direction—Loudoun County alone counts more than 40 tasting rooms. Historic villages like Millwood, with its 1782 Burwell-Morgan Mill, and the county seat of Berryville provide local dining and shopping. Winchester, with its medical facilities at Valley Health and the campus of Shenandoah University, lies approximately 10 miles to the northwest.

A Place in Hunt Country

Clarke County shares its borders with Loudoun and Fauquier Counties—the heart of Virginia Hunt Country. While this property is oriented toward the river rather than the paddock, it occupies a place within the broader tapestry of a region defined by its equestrian heritage, its commitment to land conservation, and its enduring appeal to those who value open space and rural character within reach of the nation's capital.

The Shenandoah River winds through Clarke County's protected farmland near Berryville.

Washington, D.C. lies approximately 70 miles to the east; Dulles International Airport is roughly 45 miles distant. For those seeking a primary residence with genuine connection to the land, or a retreat from the pace of urban life, this stretch of the Shenandoah offers something increasingly difficult to find: authentic riverfront living in a landscape protected by both geography and intention.