Welcome to Waterford/Lovettsville
Rural communities with impressive historic architecture
Waterford and Lovettsville are rural communities surrounded by farmland in Loudoun County, Virginia. Historic Waterford was established in 1733 and the whole village is a National Historic Landmark District with a wealth of well-preserved 18th and 19th Century architecture. The town of Lovettsville is located two miles south of the Potomac River at the northernmost edge of Virginia. Lovettsville also has a large historic district consisting of 174 buildings built between the early 19th and early 20th Centuries.
Waterford’s homes are almost exclusively historic. 64% of the 97 homes here were built prior to 1861 and just four were built after 1922. Lovettsville also features lots of historic architecture with homes built in Federal, Italianate, Queen Anne, and Romanesque styles. Newer properties in Lovettsville offer an exceptional design on acreage lots.
What to Love
- Rural communities surrounded by farmland
- Historic Waterford village
- Traditional festivals and events
Local Lifestyle
Waterford has benefited from concerted efforts from the mid-20th Century onward to preserve the village’s historic character. Residents consider themselves caretakers of the village’s historic properties. This has given this beautiful old mill town the feel of stepping back into history.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The streets surrounding Town Square in the heart of Lovettsville offer a great mix of local restaurants. Back Street Brews Coffee sells tasty espresso beverages, teas, and smoothies alongside scrumptious baked goods, sandwiches, and 20 different flavors of locally made ice cream. Market Table Bistro partners with local growers, winemakers, and culinary artisans to craft sophisticated seasonal menus of farmhouse meals. Market Table Bistro also offers an excellent weekend brunch special. Andy’s Pizza & Subs is a laidback local favorite for delicious Italian pizzas, pasta dishes, salads, subs, and sandwiches.
Lovettsville and Waterford are nestled in Loudoun County Wine Country, with many outstanding vineyards nearby. Waterford’s Terra Nebulo Vineyards offers a tasting room, wine cellar, and restaurant in a historic century-old hay barn on a 25-acre estate. Along with high-quality wines and food, this captivating spot boasts exquisite views over the Catoctin and Short Hill Mountains.
Things to Do
Waterford and Lovettsville offer a packed calendar of events throughout the year. Waterford Fair takes place over the first weekend in October. Each year sees talented artisans working across a variety of mediums and engaging in live demonstrations as part of the fair’s main juried art show. There are also tours of historic homes and gardens, live entertainment, and a wide range of food and drink from local producers.
Lovettsville was founded by German settlers in the 1730s. This heritage is celebrated each September with Lovettsville Oktoberfest. This signature annual event features traditional German clothing and dance as well as Bavarian beers and BBQ. Other annual events in Lovettsville include April’s Eggstravaganza egg hunt, Arbor Day tree plantings, MayFest with fun activities for kids and families, Summer on the Green outdoor concerts and movies, and December’s WintertainmentFest performances and movie screenings and Light Up Lovettsville festive decorating contests. The Village of Waterford is a unique attraction at any time of year featuring one of the nation’s finest collections of well-maintained 19th Century homes.
