Barry Darr Dixon, Michael William Schmidt & Will Thomas

Michael William Schmidt of Elway Hall Warrenton VA died at his home on Friday December 17, 2010. Born in Cambridge, MA on May 16, 1965 to William G. and Ruth (Ritcher) Schmidt, Michael received a BA from University of Maryland and a MBA from John Hopkins and was a partner with Barry Dixon, Inc. (P: Matthew Benson. Barry Darr Dixon)

A lover of animals and nature, Michael was a longtime supporter of the Fauquier SPCA and Middleburg Humane Foundation, as well as an active member of the Warrenton Hunt. His other favorite charities included the Fauquier Free Clinic and Charity Works of McLean, VA.

He is survived by his life partner Barry Darr Dixon who still preserve a 1957 Chevy Nomad that was a gift from his late partner. "Whenever I get a case of 'designer's block,' " says interior designer Barry Dixon, "I can coax Ellie, my wire-haired fox terrier, into a walk over hill and vale to the barn. By the time I'm back at my desk with a handful of thistle or a fruit-laden bow, the creative juices are flowing freely."

Dixon, known for his style of sophisticated Southern design with global influences, has lived since 1999 on 270 rolling acres in the horse country near Warrenton, Virginia. On the grounds of his 1907 Edwardian home, Elway Hall, three magnificent copper beeches that provide shade for picnics stand sentinel. Perhaps surprising to those who may have met the designer in more urbane settings, here he raises goats, llamas, and hens, keeps horses and bees, and tends an orchard as well as vegetable and flower gardens.


Barry Darr Dixon & Will Thomas
Interior designer Barry Dixon is known for his style of sophisticated Southern design with global influences. He lives since 1999 on 270 rolling acres in the horse country near Warrenton, Virginia, in a 1907 Edwardian home, Elway Hall. His late partner was Michael William Schmidt, whose joy in nature and animals was infectious, laid out the vegetable and cutting gardens. "He, more than any other, influenced me to look to nature for inspiration," Barry says. His current partner is Will Thomas, co-anchor of FOX 5 News.

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Source: www.traditionalhome.com/gardens/beautiful-gardens/designer-barry-dixons-garden-and-grounds (Jeanne Blackburn)

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