D.C.-Area Physician to Sell Albemarle County Equestrian Estate at Auction.

KESWICK, Va. -- When Dr. Emile Allen decided to sell his 43.5-acre estate in Virginia's Albemarle County, he realized he faced a challenge in the current real estate market. So rather than listing his property the usual way, he decided to sell it in an auction on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Albert Burney Auction Company, of Gadsden, Ala., will manage the sale.

"When you're really ready to get an estate like this one sold in a market like this, it can help to do something out of the ordinary," said Allen, a retired Washington D.C.-area urologist. "I'm hoping to reach not only local residents, but also people who wish to use it as a weekend getaway and a place to keep their horses."

When Allen purchased the estate in 2004 as a home for his reining horses, he moved into it and set about the work of renovating and expanding the facilities, according to Warren Ward, president of Albert Burney.

"Dr. Allen really turned it into a property worthy of the setting, there in the foothills of the Shenandoah and Blue Ridge mountains. It's hard to imagine a better location, minutes from the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and James Madison's Montpelier," said Ward.

In addition to the four-bedroom home, the property has Albemarle County's largest indoor riding arena, an outdoor riding ring, and 14 horse stalls. "The area has always attracted lovers of fine horses, and we believe there will be interest in it as an equestrian estate," said Ward.

The property will be offered in four parcels - one with the main home and barn, one with the outdoor arena, and parcels of pasture and wooded land, he said. "Offering this in parcels will provide more people an opportunity to participate," said Ward.

Individuals interested in additional information about the property may contact Albert Burney at 800.434.1654 or visit the company's web site at www.albertburney.com.