Our Story
From working dairy farm to your dream venue - discover the heart and history behind Sunny Slope
The Heart of Sunny Slope
We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of service, and strive to produce one-of-a-kind special events. In every stage of the planning process, we can step in and take over, so your custom-built celebration tells your story.
When we first walked these grounds, we could feel the history in every weathered board of the barn, every stone in the foundation, every mature tree that had watched over generations of families. This wasn't just property to us, it was a responsibility and an opportunity to honor the past while creating new memories for the future.
Mr. Cole and his family worked this land with dedication and pride. They understood something we believe deeply: that the best things in life happen when people come together in beautiful places. We're simply continuing that tradition in a new way.
Sunny Slope Journey
1882 - 1917
Early Farm Establishment
Brothers Jonah Nichols Hampton and James Frank Hampton purchased eighty-eight acres near Purcellville in 1882, constructing a two-and-a-half story house with Italianate details. The farm was sold in 1889 and passed through several hands before the Cole family obtained it.
1917 - 1951
Shadowlawn Dairy FARM
William Samson Cole and his wife Katherine Virginia Cole acquired the property and named it Shadowlawn Farm. They constructed specialized buildings for a modern dairy operation, including a milk parlor, roof ventilation cupolas, concrete stove silo, and temperature-controlled dairy storage.
1951 - 1970s
Holstein Herd Development
After Katherine died, William gave the farm to his son William Curtis Cole and his wife Maxine. William Curtis Cole focused on developing Holstein herds and improving dairy animals and products throughout Loudoun County, establishing the farm's reputation for quality.
1970s - 1986
End of Dairy Operations
In the 1970s, the Coles dispersed their registered herd, ending the dairy operation. By 1986, they sold most of their land for residential development, retaining a portion of the original property that remains surrounded by farmland today.
Present Day:
Venue Restoration
We're developing Sunny Slope into a venue that honors its agricultural heritage while meeting modern celebration needs. Our restoration work preserves the historic barn while we cultivate flower gardens, herb gardens, and vegetable plots that provide natural beauty and fresh elements for events year-round. These working gardens offer fresh flowers for arrangements, herbs for cocktails, and ever-changing photo opportunities.
We're committed to being truly dog-friendly, offering hourly dog fun services on our property for well-trained pets who can enjoy farm life under supervision. We specialize in dog-inclusive celebrations where your four-legged family members are genuinely welcomed, not just tolerated.
Ready to Become Part of Our Story?
Every event at Sunny Slope Venue adds a new chapter to our ongoing story. We'd love to hear about your vision and explore how we can help bring it to life in this beautiful, historic setting. Let's start planning something amazing together.
