Who we are

The Nest at Thistle Ridge is the coming-home story of two people who believed you could build a life that honors both ambition and stillness.

Leigh is a native of nearby Shepherdstown, West Virginia, shaped by small-town roots, deep family ties, and the quiet beauty of the Shenandoah Valley. Rick grew up in Detroit, where grit, loyalty, and a strong sense of community defined home. Though our beginnings were different, our paths crossed while working in Washington, D.C., where we met, built careers, and learned the rhythm of a fast-paced city.

Even then, we shared the same dream: a slower pace, meaningful work, and a place where life could unfold with intention — surrounded by family, animals, and the land.

Thistle Ridge became that place.

Here, just 55 miles from Washington, D.C., the noise fades quickly. Mornings are quieter, evenings linger longer, and the days feel rooted in something real. It’s the best of both worlds — close enough to the city we know well, yet far enough to feel worlds away.

The Nest reflects what matters most to us: hospitality, connection, and the belief that the best moments happen when people gather. We’ve always said we wanted “a house with a crowded table” — one filled with conversation, laughter, good food, and the comfort of belonging. Whether that table includes family, friends, or guests discovering Thistle Ridge for the first time, the heart of this place remains the same.

This is our home, our retreat, and our way of welcoming others into a life lived a little more slowly — and a lot more intentionally.