Listings by Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt

'Ashton Head' — A truly breathtaking private property, meticulously stewarded since 2006 to create an environmentally positive footprint in the heart of Aiken's 302 Equestrian Corridor, close to downtown in the sporting capital of the Southeast, now being offered for sale. This parcel of approximately 95+/- acres was originally part of a 1000-acre farm owned by Aiken County farmer Ashton Head, who worked the land with mules and managed a longleaf pine forest from which he took the lumber to build his home and barns. The farm was eventually subdivided, and in 2006 a parcel of 162 acres was purchased by the present owner, who had been drawn to the then long abandoned farmland by the presence of five magnificent large live oaks which surrounded a remnant old brick packing shed and smokehouse. With heart pine timbers salvaged from the old barn, the renovation of the brick shed, affectionally known as 'The Head,' along with the smokehouse, both built in the early 1900s, began. Once the buildings were completed, focus turned to the gentle preparation of a landscape that worked with nature, highlighting the old-growth live oaks, managing the existing pine forests, and creating a upland pond for wildlife from which the soil was used for a privacy berm placed along the road. In the following years, the quality of the pastures became a priority, taking dirt and turning it into soil with the implementation of regenerative practices, high-impact rotational grazing, and cool season cover crops. As the soils improved with the help of a small herd of cattle, goats, and target specific cover crops, the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and wormers have gradually been phased out. Thinning the stagnant pine forests, utilizing prescribed burning, and planting native wild grasses throughout, has seen a return of quail, turkey, and deer. The property on offer is approximately 95 acres, with the historic brick building as the centerpiece, beautifully restored to create a sophisticated yet rustic living space complete with full bath/shower, custom kitchen, commercial quality appliances, wood burning fireplace, and several cozy seating areas for dining and lounging. A distinctive brick archway, inspired by the great Louisiana architect, Albert Hays Town, leads into a courtyard that defines the outdoor space and sets the stage for the natural beauty that lies ahead. The five old-growth live oaks surround the building, of which three are encompassed by wood decks, offering a perfect platform for gathering under the stars. At night the soft landscape lighting highlight these oaks, and the four additional outdoor fireplaces complete the mystical setting. Stretching to the east of the historic buildings, there is a wonderful combination of giant live oaks, pasture, and managed pine forest with hiking and riding trails. The pine woods are situated on gentle rolling terrain, including a perfect area suitable for a large pond. A well services the entire property providing plenty of excellent water for the building, livestock troughs, and landscape irrigation. A 50 amp RV hookup also exists for convenience. Make an appointment to experience the grounds of 'Ashton Head,' as no photograph can replicate the aura of this hidden gem. It is a unique property deliberately curated so the next owner can create their perfect home and continue the legacy of stewardship. Additional acreage is available. Call the listing agent for details.

C II Polo Farm ­­— Oak trees, open flat space, AND rolling landscape! 87 acres, polo field, 2 stables, 20 stalls, and 2 apartments stunningly sited in the heart of renowned horse country known as the 302 Equestrian Corridor. C II Polo is one of Aiken's iconic equestrian properties that grew from a passion for polo, and genuine love of the land and ultimately served as a personal sanctuary for the owners. The polo facility was designed to host top polo teams/tournaments with a state-of-the-art polo field and irrigation/well powered by existing 3-phase power. The property has 3 wells, 2000' of water lines, and frost-free hydrants servicing all paddocks. The entire property is cleared land with 3-board roadside fencing and perimeter fenced with no climb wire/top board. Recent improvements include aggregate, graded roads. In the center of the property, there is a flat, well-drained 10 acres reserved for any training discipline, including a jump field, dressage arena, combined driving, western pleasure, or a practice polo field. There is ample space for a covered arena. The back acreage is excellent for conditioning and contains exceptional terrain ideally suited for a challenging cross-country course. C II Polo is currently hosting polo players and serving as the winter training grounds for elite-level eventers. Featuring: (18) grass paddocks, (3) large turnout pastures, 12-stall and 8-stall stables include (12'x12') matted stalls, wash stall/vetting/farrier station, and fly-spray systems. Centrally located outdoor concrete wash pad w/secured tie lines. 12-stall stable has 2 furnished apartments with new HVAC systems, 1 bedroom/1 bath, and kitchenette. Owner's apartment includes antiqued brick floors and custom heart pine woodwork throughout. Massive 3-section workshop (1680') with wood paneled tack room, loft storage, full bath, laundry, feed room/hay storage, and lounge area. Workshop includes expansive workbench, shop lighting, and 3 large equipment bays. There is a privately sited, furnished 3-bedroom/2 bath doublewide home with a separate gated McDougal Road entrance. 2 additional septic/electric hookups are ready for guest or employee housing and RV opportunities. There are 3 gated entrances on Hwy 302 and 3 gated entrances on McDougal Road.

Bella Vista Farm. No HOA! A RARE OPPORTUNITY to own location, acreage, privacy, and move-in ready, a luxury equestrian farm in the heart of Aiken, South Carolina -the Sporting Capital of the Southeast, an internationally acclaimed equine community. This multidisciplinary property sits in the heart of horse country; it is suited to any discipline; polo, eventing, hunter /jumper, dressage, reining, cutting, and western pleasure with easy access to popular eventing training /competition facilities: Paradise Farm, The Vista Training Ctr, Jumping Branch Farm and Full Gallop Farm. It's close to Downtown Aiken's restaurants and shopping and easy access to the celebrated Aiken Horse Park Aka Bruce's Field and Stableview where eventers, hunters/jumpers, and dressage riders train and compete 12 months of the year. The exceptional custom-built six stall Center Aisle Barn has rubber pavers, Classic Equine 14''x14''matted stalls / automatic waters, climate-controlled paneled office, stunning tack room, and laundry with .5 bath, large feed room with room for hay, 2 interior wash /grooming stalls,1 exterior wash stall. The barn has inviting front and rear covered patios. Farm amenities boast a round pen, irrigated sand dressage/jump arena, 7 large grass pastures, with water, including a grass gallop corridor, 4 run-in sheds, equipment storage buildings. 655 sf 1 bedroom1 bath guest cottage. 2057 sf designer-built (2 ensuite bedrooms/2baths) owners' residence with a spacious outdoor entertaining patio with a built-in grill overlooking the serenity of Shaws Fork Valley. Sip your morning coffee and cocktails at sunset, while your horses graze nearby. Fencing is combination of 3 boards and single board no climb wire. This exquisite retreat is situated inside 67.82 perimeter fenced acres of lush, established grass in Aiken's sought-after 302 equestrian corridor The property is under a Conservation Easement which means the property cannot be subdivided; but permits the development of additional equestrian amenities i.e.: barns, paddocks, fencing, run-sheds, jump fields, training gallop track, polo field, etc. There is a 2.87-acre ''bubble'' within the property that is NOT impacted by the easement where an unrestricted residence and amenities may be built. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Make the most of it. Ask Agent about Farm equipment and furniture for sale All furniture on back porch will convey with sale. (The white whicker will NOT convey) If Square Footage, Schools, or Acreage are important, the buyer to verify. Agent is related to seller.

Come and see where Aiken's Winter Colony, the sporting capital of the Southeast, began. Do you want 8.5 totally private acres on the edge of Aiken's iconic 2100-acre Hitchcock Woods? While the original Hitchcock property has been divided up over the years, this parcel hosts the original Stables built by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hitchcock to accommodate their many horses -including polo ponies, fox -hunters, jumpers, etc. The present stables were eventually acquired by the present seller's father, international sportsman Mr. Pete Bostwick. He connected the two barns so that the horses could track around the entire covered perimeter of the barn during bad weather. Today there are 2 carriage sheds, an 8.67 sequestered acres 1300 square foot bunkhouse/office, and 8 paddocks nestled into the 8 plus acres. Would you enjoy riding or driving your horses and ponies directly into the private foundation of Hitchcock Woods -wooded paradise, cut thru with broad, sandy trails, and inviting jumps? Perhaps you like to run for exercise and peace of mind, or walk your dogs with friends, pausing to let them drink from the cool waters of the named creeks and ponds along the route: Barton's Pond, Sand River, Black Gum Pond. all possible when you buy this extraordinary legacy property and make it yours. There is plenty of space to build a spacious private residence.