Fort Harrison in Dayton,

Maybe it was the nearby fields, framed by blooming trees and filled with yellow flowers. Or, it could have been the grayish stone against the stark blue sky. The quaint sign, like one you'd see in front of a rural bed and breakfast, might have done it. I'm not sure exactly what drew Ryan to photograph Fort Harrison on a recent spring day. But, whatever it was, it was a little bit magic, and a whole lot irresistible.

Fort Harrison, which is also known as The Daniel Harrison House, is famous as the oldest house in Dayton, Virginia, and one of the oldest in Rockingham County. According to the local historic society, it dates back to 1749, and has been open to visitors since the 1980's. You can read all about the house online, or visit it on weekends from May through October.

When we happen across places like Fort Harrison, it reminds us how lucky we are to live in a place like the Valley, with history and beauty to spare. But it also reminds us of how lucky we are to have a career that we enjoy so much. We photograph houses for work, sure, but we also do it because it's fun, and because we love it! It doesn't get much better than that.