Prince William County Real Estate Blog: October 2008

The first of 700 homes in Waynewood were delivered in the early 60's and were extremely well crafted by Gosnell Builders.   A very attractive feature is that many of the split level homes have a fourth upper level which is a walk-in standup attic.  Of course, many of them have now been finished into additional living space. 

Community Features 

• Waynewood Elementary is located within the subdivision and is part of the West Potomac High School Pyramid 
• Waynewood Swim Club is also an integral part of the social fabric of the community.
• Waynewood is about five minutes from George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
• Fort Hunt Park is adjacent to Waynewood and very much enjoyed by the residents
• Sherwood Regional Library is less than 10 minutes away
• Mount Vernon Rec Center with year round pool and indoor ice rink is just up Fort Hunt Road

Commuting Options

• Fort Belvoir is about a five minute drive against the traffic flow
• Fairfax Connector Route 101 operates on Fort Hunt Road  - the schedule time to Huntington Metro is 12 minutes
• Metrobus Route 11Y operates withinWaynewood on Waynewood Boulevard to Washington, DC with stops at 14th and "C" SW as well as Farragut Square

Waynewood borders the George Washington Parkway along the Potomac River contributing to its' continued popularity 

• There is an 11 mile long jogging/bike path from the Mount Vernon Estate to Olde Towne Alexandria. 
• I know, because we have biked it and walked it countless times. 

If a Northern Virginia home purchase is in your plans please try our NO REGISTRATION HOME FINDER and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Also see Southwood and Mount Vernon Forest

Montclair is one of the most popular residential subdivisions in eastern Prince William County.

It is, as the community's website says, "When you recall your hometown, you are bound to think of tree-lined streets, blooming flowers, ample yards, parks for playing and friendly neighbors. For the nostalgic feeling that brings you home, there is no place like the Prince William County neighborhood of Montclair."

The Community of Montclair was established in 1968. There are approximately 5,204 homes surrounding a 107 acre lake, with a broad central boulevard separated by exquisite flowering trees, attractive landscaping and bordered by wide sidewalks perfect for walking, jogging or cycling. The community also boasts  a golf course, all-season tennis courts, several schools, soccer fields, two swimming pools, two shopping centers and a fire and rescue squad.

Another major attraction is the Montclair Golf Tennis and Swim Club.  The clubhouse has an excellent dining room and is available for private parties and receptions.

Outstanding commuting options is another reason to consider Montclair as the location of your next home.

• Commuter bus service to the Pentagon and Washington, DC operates within Montclair
• Virginia Railway Express is conveniently located at the Rippon Landing station providing rail service to Alexandria and Washington, DC
• Slug Lines operate within Montclair and at the Route 234 commuter parking lot
• MCB Quantico is within 15 to 20 minutes

If relocation to Northern Virginia is in your future contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Dale City was the inspiration of Cecil Don Hylton and his wife Irene.  His firm, Hylton Homes began developing homes in Dale City west of I-95 at the conclusion of World War II.  The construction stretched from I-95 west to Hoadly Road.

Each section (community) along Dale Boulevard was given a name ending in Dale - they proceeded alphabetically from east to west..  Only "I" and "J" were omitted - they are Ashdale, Birchdale, Cloverdale, Darbydale, Evansdale, Forestdale, Glendale, Hillendale, Kerrydale, Lindendale, Mapledale, Nottingdale, Oakdale, Princedale, Ridgedale, Silverdale and Trentdale.  All streets in each community had the first letter of that community's name as the first letter of its' name.  For example, Hendrick St is in Hillendale.

Mr. and Mrs. Hylton made it possible for returning veterans to purchase a home as they started to build their families.  Hylton Homes branched out into new markets, mainly real estate related such as managing retail centers and apartment complexes.

Community Features

• Although there are numerous shopping centers throughout Dale City, the three most notable are Mapledale Plaza, Center Plaza, and Cheshire Station
• There is a public library at Dale Boulevard and Minnieville Road, but it is a short drive to Chinn Regional Library on Old Bridge Road
• Dale City Rec Center is centrally located on Minnieville Road with year round pool, fitness center and other recreational activities including an outdoor baseball batting cage.
• Leesylvania State Park and Prince William Forest Park are within 15 to 20 minutes
• Dale City has its own north and southbound I-95 interchange
• Underground utilities, sidewalks and wide streets
• No homeowner's association
• Year round indoor ice rink

Commuting

• Commuter bus service opertates within Dale City to The Pentagon,  Washington, DC and Washington Navy Yard
• Virginia Railway Express is available at the Rippon Landing Station with service to Alexandria and Washington, DC
• Slug Lines are avalable at several locations - see the website to pick the one closest to you.
• Local Woodbridge bus service operates within Dale City
• MCB Quantico is approximately 15 to 20 minutes depending on your location in Dale City

If you are planning a Dale City home purchase contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

When the developers exhausted the land supply in Lake Ridge they bought a major tract just at the west end of Lake Ridge and voila - Westridge was born.  The Springwoods section of Lake Ridge connects with Westridge without having to access Old Bridge Road.  It is difficult to tell where one begins and the other ends.

Community Features

• Parents of young children love having the elementary school in the subdivision
• The club complex with pool, clubhouse, tennis courts and pond is an extremely attractive and much used facility
• Detached homes are avaiable with either 1/2 or 1/4 acre lots
• Homes were built by some of the area's premier builders
• Three shopping centers, The Glen (5 Minutes), The Festival at Old Bridge (5 minutes) and Lake Ridge Commons (5 to 7 minutes) provide Westridge residents with a wide range of shops and services from supermarkets, cleaners, banks, service stations and eveything else you would expect in a neighborhood shopping center
• Chinn Aquatics Center (Prince William County Park Authority) with year round indoor pool, gymnasium, handball courts, fitness equipment and meeting rooms is approximately 5 minutes from Westridge/
• Chinn Regional Library is next door to Chinn Aquatics Center
• Lake Ridge Marina, Park and Golf Course (Prince William County Park Authority) is within 5 minutes.  It is a 9 hole golf course, mini-golf, boat ramp for access to the Occoquan Reservoir, boat and canoe rental, picnic facilities and playground.

Commuting Options - this is why communities such as Westridge are so popular

• Commuter bus service to the Pentagon and Washington, DC starts at The Festival at Old Bridge Shopping Center (5 minutes from Westridge).  I see them every morning on my way to Gold's Gym
• Woodbridge Local bus service is available at the corner of Westridge Drive and Old Bridge Road
• Slug Lines, Northern Virginia's unique, famous and very functional commuting option can be joined at Tacketts Mill
• Virginia Railway Express with service to Alexandria, L'Enfant Plaza and Union Station  is available at the Woodbridge station (15 to 30 minutes) depending on the time of the morning you leave Westridge
• MCB Quantico is approximately 20 to 30 minutes away.

We have lived in the Lake Ridge/Westridge/Old Bridge Estates area for 24 years and have been full time real estate brokers the entire time.  If a home purchase is in your plans we'd appreciate it if you contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Cedar Run is a beautifully maintained and well manicured community of

• 92 homes that were
• Built in the mid-90's and the
• Average lot size is from .47 to .50 acres with
• Finished living area averaging 3,000 to 3,400 square feet

Additional Community Benefits

• Cheshire Station Shopping Center and Center Plaza within 5 minutes
• Dale City Rec Center with year round indoor pool approximately 5 minutes away on Minnieville Road
• Chinn Regional Library approximately 10 minutes

Commuting (It doesn't get any better than this)

• Approximately 20 minutes to MCB Quantico
• Slug Lines to Pentagon and DC locations at the Horner Road Commuter Lot (approximately 15 minutes)
• Three Commuter Bus routes within 5 minutes - Pentagon,   Washington, DC,   Navy Yard/Bolling AFB at the Dale Boulevard Commuter Lot
• Prince William County Parkway is approximately 5 minutes away for east/west commuting
• Commuter Bus Service to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station at the Horner Road Commuter Lot (approximately 15 minutes)

If you want a large home on a large lot in one of eastern Prince William County's most convenient locations then Cedar Run deserves your consideration.  Use our NO REGISTRATION HOME SEARCH and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area. 

As soon as you pass the Mount Vernon Mansion you are less than 5 minutes from Mount Vernon Forest.  If you like a treed subdivision this is the spot for you.  Most of the  homes are on 1/2 acre lots and the elementary school is in the subdivision.

Community Benefits

• Well maintained home sites resulting in an exceptionally attractive subdivision
• Five minutes to the George Washington Rec Center with year round pool
• Ten Minutes to the Mount Vernon Rec Center with year round pool and indoor ice rink
• Five minutes to the George Washington Memorial Parkway for a fast commute to Alexandria
• Five minutes to Fort Belvoir
• Fairfax County Connector Bus Route 101 to Huntington Metro at Mount Vernon Mansion (schedule time is 40 minutes)
• Metrobus Route 11Y with express service to Washington, DC  on Mount Vernon Memorial Highway(schedule time is one hour)
• Five minutes to Mount Vernon High School 
• Five minutes to the bike/jogging trail along the George Washington Memorial Parkway which starts at the Mount Vernon Mansion

Mount Vernon is undoubtedly one of the most convenient areas in Northern Virginia.  President Washington certainly knew that and Mount Vernon Forest  is between his grist mill and his mansion.  He probably rode past Mount Vernon Forest on many occasions and through it as the area was one of his five farms.  Also see SOUTHWOOD

My husband and I have lived in Mount Vernon, it is where we started our real estate careers and where we continue to assist friends and clients.  We know the area and the homes from a 34 year real estate background as well as residents

If purchasing a home in the Mount Vernon area is in your future you can SEARCH FOR HOMES and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Southwood is about halfway between Fort Belvoir and the Mount Vernon Estate with entrances on Mount Vernon Memorial Highway and Old Mill Road.  It is a beautifully maintained subdivision with a very active garden club that decorates the common grounds seasonally - it really shows

Community Benefits

• Well maintained home sites resulting in an exceptionally attractive subdivision
• Five minutes to the George Washington Rec Center with year round pool
• Ten Minutes to the Mount Vernon Rec Center with year round pool and indoor ice rink
• Five minutes to the George Washington Memorial Parkway for a fast commute to Alexandria
• Five minutes to Fort Belvoir
• Fairfax County Connector Bus Route 101 to Huntington Metro at Mount Vernon Mansion (schedule time is 40 minutes)
• Metrobus Route 11Y with express service to Washington, DC  on Mount Vernon Memorial Highway(schedule time is one hour)
• Five minutes to Mount Vernon High School 
• Five minutes to the bike/jogging trail along the George Washington Memorial Parkway which starts at the Mount Vernon Mansion

Mount Vernon is undoubtedly one of the most convenient areas in Northern Virginia.  President Washington certainly knew that and Southwood is between his grist mill and his mansion.  He probably rode past Southwood on many occasions and through it as the area was one of his five farms - Union Farm.  Also see MOUNT VERNON FOREST

My husband and I have lived in Mount Vernon, it is where we started our real estate careers and where we continue to assist friends and clients.  We know the area and the homes from a 34 year real estate background as well as residents

If purchasing a home in the Mount Vernon area is in your future you can SEARCH FOR HOMES and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

West Springfield Village is located on Rolling Road approximately halfway between Old Keene Mill Road and the Fairfax County Parkway. The 426 homes in the subdivision are one of the original Springfield communities built by Richmarr in the period between 1960 and 1980.

Community Benefits

• The Franconia-Springfield Metro Station is approximately 15 minutes away via the Fairfax County Parkway.
• The homes are in the West Springfield High School Pyramid - about 2 miles north on Rolling Road.
• Pohick Regional Library is approximately 15 minutes away at Old Keene Mill and Sydenstricker Roads.
• Two neighborhood shopping centers, Old Keene Mill Center and Cardinal Forest Plaza are about 10 minutes away at Old Keene Mill and Rolling Roads.
• Three Fairfax County Parks are very convenient - South Run Rec Center,(10 minutes) Burke Lake Park,(15 minutes) and Lake Accotink (20 minutes).
• Slug Lines can be met at Old Keene Mill Road across from Cardinal Forest Plaza facilitating commuting to The Pentagon and Washington, DC
• Fort Belvoir is within 15 or 20 minutes via Rolling Roud to US 1

If a Northern Virginia home purchase is in your plans I invite you to SEARCH FOR HOMES and then  contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Cardinal Forest is one of the most popular communities in Springfield.  It was developed in the days when builders didn't bulldoze down all of the trees and those that homeowners have planted are mature.  There are more than 725 homes throughout the area.

• West Springfield High School is just outside the community on Rolling Road
• Pohick Regional Library is approximately 15 minutes away.
• Metrobus 18G Pentagon Express passes through the subdivision on Forrester Boulevard and Carrleigh Parkway on its' short trip to the HOV lanes on I-395.
• There is a Slug Line on Old Keene Mill Road across from the Cardinal Forest Plaza
• Fort Belvoir is approximately 15 minutes via Rolling Road to US 1
• There are two excellent neighborhood shopping centers at Rolling and Old Keene Mill Roads - they are Cardinal Forest Plaza and Old Keene Mill Center.
• South Run Rec Center with its' year round pool, exercise facilities and other activities is approximately 15 minutes from Cardinal Forest. 
• In the summertime you can enjoy the benefits of nearby Lake Accotink

If purchasing a home in the Springfield area  is in your plans you can SEARCH FOR HOMES and then  contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Cardinal Forest Condominiums are located between Rolling Road and Carrleigh Parkway and Forrester Boulevard.  There are more than 1,000 units featuring brick construction.

There are two type homes available 

• Two level town homes with either 2 or 3 bedrooms or
• Garden apartments with either 1 or 2 bedrooms 

Community Highlights

• Pool
• Very well maintained
• On site management. 
• Shopping is nearby at either Cardinal Forest Plaza or Old Keene Mill Center at Old Keene Mill and Rolling Roads.
• South Run Rec Center (year round pool, exercise facilities, and other activities) is approximately 20 minutes away. 
• Pohick Regional Library is about 15 minutes away at Old Keene Mill and Sydenstricker Roads

Commuting

• Metrobus Route 18G Express Service to the Pentagon Metro Station operates on Forrester Boulevard The scheduled time to the Pentagon is 30 minutes This would be a good transfer point if you are continuing on to Washington, DC 
• Fort Belvoir is approximately 15 minutes south via Rolling Road to US 1.
• Slug Lines are available on Old Keene Mill Road across from Cardinal Forest Plaza

Belle View is a very similar community in eastern Fairfax County along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. 

If purchasing a Northern Virginia home is in your plans you can SEARCH FOR HOMES  and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Riverside Estates has remained popular ever since the first homes were delivered in the mid-60's. Convenience and the proximity of schools, shopping and recreational facilities are the key to their continued public acceptance.

• Fairfax County Connector Bus Roue 151 to the Huntington Metro operates seven days a week along the Mount Vernon Nemorial Highway at the entrances to Riverside Estates - the easiest way to commute to The Pentagon and Washington, DC
• Mount Vernon High School is at the entrance to Riverside Estates 
• Riverside Elementary is just across from the high school.
• The George Washington Rec Center with year round  pool (part of the Fairfax County Park System) is next to the elementary school.
• Fort Belvoir is within 10 minutes
• The entrance to the George Washington Memorial Parkway is approximately 5 minutes away at the Mount Vernon Mansion - it's about 15 minutes to Olde Towne Alexandria

Over the years we have had many clients and friends purchase a home in Riverside Estates - it is undeniably a warm and friendly subdivision.

If a Northern Virginia home purchase is in your plans we invite you to SEARCH FOR HOMES and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Originally developed during World War II as housing for federal employees, the complex was converted to condominiums in 1981 by the IDI Group (Watergate and dozens of other complexes).  Ideally situated on the George Washington Memorial Parkway along the Potomac River. You can ride your bike on the bike/jogging path to Olde Towne in 15 minutes for Sunday brunch

Young people as well as elderly people like it because of

• Proximity to Olde Towne Alexandria
• Huge shopping center in the complex
• Fairfax County Rec Center and Indoor Ice Rink next to Belle View
• Library next to the homes
• Bus service to the Huntington Metro operates through the community
• Minutes to the Capital Beltway
• George Washington Memorial Parkway with bike and jogging paths along the Potomac River runs from Georgetown to Mount Vernon

Links to Information about Fairfax County Park Authority's Mount Vernon Rec Center with year round ice rink, swimming pool and exercise facilities  and Martha Washington Library is at the same location.

Review the seven days a week schedule for Fairfax County Connector Bus Route 101 with fast service to the Huntington Metro

Additionally, The Belle View Shopping Center in the complex features Safeway, CVS Pharmacy, US Post Office and numerous other stores.

Due to the ease of commuting Belle View is an ideal condominium to call home if you work in Alexandria, The Pentagon or Washington, DC and Fort Belvoir is about a 10 to 15 minute drive down the Parkway. If a Northern Virginia home purchase is in your plans you can SEARCH FOR HOMES and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Ice Rink photo courtesy Fairfax County Park Authorirty

Huntley Meadows Park is a 1,425 acres wetlands bursting with life. It is well known that some of the best wildlife watching in the National Capital Area is enjoyed here. From the ½ mile wetland boardwalk trail and observation tower, people have excellent views of beavers, frogs, dragonflies, eagles and herons. Huntley Meadows is well known as a prime birding spot, with over 200 species identified in the park.

If you come to hike, wildlife watch or simply to relax the park will provide you with an excellent and rewarding nature experience. 

• Why unusual in time? It is totally surrounded by residential development and yet remains virtually unaffected
• Why unusual in place? It is less than 10 miles to the steps of the US Capitol

 Other sites to see in the immediate area include

My husband and I have spent many hours relaxing in the park peacefully enjoying the sounds of nature all around us.  As 34 year residents and full time real estate brokers we know the Northern Virginia residential housing market.  If purchasing a home in Northern Virginia is in your plans, please contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Land holdings of George Mason IV came as far north as what is now known as Hybla Valley and Huntley Meadows Park.  Thomson Mason, a grandson of George Mason, built a home on the property in 1825. The house, now known as Historic Huntley, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Virginia Landmarks Register, and the Fairfax County Historic House Inventory. Mason family ownership of the land lasted into the early part of the 20th century. 

Individual sections of the land were sold for family farms. In the 1920's Henry Woodhouse purchased 1500 acres from 10 landowners. He envisioned transforming Hybla Valley's dairy farms into a DIRIGIBLE BASE, but lost the property. 

Eventually the federal government acquired the land using it as a highway materials test site and World War II anti-aircraft battery.  When the federal government declared the land surplus it was deeded to Fairfax County.  "Historic Huntley" was set aside and is now maintained by the Fairfax County Park Authority.  However, it has not been restored and is not open to the public.

Other prominent historic sites in the immediate area are

• FORT HUNT PARK
• WOODLAWN PLANTATION
• MOUNT VERNON ESTATE
• WASHINGTON'S GRIST MILL

We can't sell you Historic Huntley or any of the other properties, but we can sell you"regular people" homes throughout Northern Virginia - we've been doing it for 33 years.  If the purchase of a Northern Virginia home is in your plans please contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Originally, Fort Hunt (Sheridan's Point in Washington's Day) served as a fort to defend the settlers against Indians in the 17th century.

Nowadays Fort Hunt Park on a summer plays host to several hundred picnickers.  On Sunday evenings there are free concerts.  There are large and medium size shelters that can be reserved for private functions

That is a far cry from its' original and subsequent purposes.

• In the latter part of the 19th century gun batteries were installed to defend Washington, D.C. during the Spanish American War along with Fort Washington in Maryland.
• It served for a brief time as an ROTC training camp for African Americans as well a temporary Veteran's Administration Hospital.
• During World War II Fort Hunt was known as P.O. Box 1142, the secret POW camp that housed and interrogated over 4,000 German prisoners.  Interestingly, most of the American interrogators were refugees from Nazi Germany.

Today, all but two of the old buildings have been razed and the acreage has been converted to an extremely popular destination along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Related Sites

WOODLAWN PLANTATION

WASHINGTON'S GRIST MILL

My husband and I have a long time relationship with the Mount Vernon area. 

• We moved here in 1974.
• Started our real estate business in 1976
• Maintained our office in Mount Vernon for 18 years.
• Were active in the community with Mount Vernon High School, Mount Vernon Rotary, Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, Mansion House Swim Club.

We are extremely familiar with the Mount Vernon area.  If the purchase or sale of a Northern Virginia home is in your plans contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

For eight years our family lived within walking distance of the Mount Vernon Estate.  As we walked along Old Mount Vernon Road we passed the gate that provided an unobstructed view of the mansion identical to the one on the left.  It was also a short bicycle ride to the George Washington Parkway and a relaxing trip along the Potomac River into Olde Towne - we tried to visualize George Washington making the same trip on horseback

There have been some changes since we moved out of Mount Vernon in 1982, but they have not been dramatic since the area was fairly well developed when we bought our home on Ferry Harbour Court.   However, there have been major additions to the Mount Vernon Estate to enhance the visitor's experience.

WOODLAWN PLANTATION is about one mile away and you pass WASHINGTON'S GRIST MILL on your way to it. 

• People that live in the area are no more than 10 to 15 minutes to Fort Belvoir and there is excellent transportation to Alexandria, The Pentagon and Washington, DC
• There are shopping centers and free standing stores all along the Richmond Highway (US 1), but a Mount Vernon landmark is the small Hollin Hall Shopping Center on Fort Hunt Road.  It is pretty much as it was when it was built in the 50's  - a unique shopping experience in the shadow of the megastores. 

Of course, there ar many more historic sites in Northern Virginia - we've been to them all.  If purchasing a home in Northern Virginia is in your plans please consider

• We are longtime (34 yeqrs) residents
• Full time real estate brokers (33 years) in Northern Virginia
• We'll point out historic sites as we tour the area

Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

For years those of us in Eastern Fairfax County have struggled with the inconvenience of the Fairfax County Parkway terminating at the Franconia-Springfield Parkway. Although it picks up again at Fullerton Road just west of I-95 and continues to Route 1 the problem lies in the fact the routes available to reconnect are not particularly efficient - actually they are a downright pain.
 
Fortunately, the changes being brought about by BRAC in the Fort Belvoir and Engineering Proving Grounds area necessitate completing the missing link.

Construction of the final two miles of the Fairfax County Parkway will begin in late 2008 now that the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Department of the Army and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have signed an agreement to build this final link.  The entire project will require four distinct phases. 

According to VDOT, "The first phase is to be completed in late 2010, giving motorists a direct route to I-95 from Rolling Road to Fullerton Road through the Engineering Proving Grounds (EPG)

    Phase One:
    Construction of four through lanes between Donegal Lane and Fullerton Road will allow commuters improved access to I-95.
    Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2008 and be completed by late 2010.

    Phase Two: 
    Construction of a partial cloverleaf interchange connecting the Parkway to Rolling Road and the EPG access Road. 
    Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2008 and be completed by late 2010.

    Phase Three:
    Relocates Hooes Road and Rolling Road with improvements to the interchange at Fairfax County Parkway and the Franconia-Springfield Parkway. 
    This phase is currently unfunded.

    Phase Four:
    Extends Boudinot Drive to the Fairfax County Parkway and constructs a grade separated loop ramp. 
    This phase is currently unfunded.

Because the entire project will not be constructed initially due to lack of funding, community access to the Parkway will be limited to the Rolling Road/EPG access road interchange and the existing signalized intersection at Rolling Road and Donegal Lane/Hooes Road." 

The VDOT map below shows  Phase One in Yellow and Phase Two in Green.  It must be noted the Red Four lane section is present day Rolling Road.  Phase Three when funded will result in improvements to interchanges at the Parkway.  You won't have to jump from the Parkway to the Yellow section until Phase Three is completed :)

There are many community benefits to the pending changes being brought about by BRAC at Fort Belvoir.  From the personal perspective of a road running Realtor® the Fairfax County Parkway Exrension ranks up at the top.

If relocating to or just planning to purchase a home in Northern Virginia SEARCH FOR HOMES and contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area

Over the years it has become obvious there has been a need to replace the Army's DeWitt Hospital.  Clients of ours who have served as staff and members of military families have commented on the need for modernization.

Of course, DeWitt provides all of the services found in a military hospital, but two of its' most impressive service facilities are the Warrior In Transition Unit and The Family Clinic.  Its' case load approaches 150,000 patients annually, but only about 1,500 are of the inpatient category.  Originally, there were plans to convert DeWitt to an outpatient facility.  However, those plans were never put into effect with the BRAC announcement that Walter Reed Hospital would be closed.

A 1.2 million square foot six level complex is being built a short distance from the existing facility close to the Pence Gate.  It will have 120 inpatient beds and a 10 bed intensive care unit..  Being a new state-of-the-art facility it will incorporate all of the most advanced technology from patient records to patient care - it is scheduled to open in 2010.

BRAC is bringing about many other changes requiring major changes and improvements in infrastructure. Also, the National Army Museum will be built on North Post.   Of the original number of personnel (19,000)slated for reassignment to Fort Belvoir approximately 6,400 will be relocated to Mark Center in Alexandria leaving approximately 13,000 to work at Fort Belvoir and the Engineering Proving Ground.  When the new work force is added to the current 22,000 people working at Fort Belvoir the total work force will be 35,000 people.

My husband and I lived one mile from Fort Belvoir for eight years.  We commuted to our Fort Belvoir area office for 18 years and, therefore, have the area knowledge to assist you if you are being assigned to Fort Belvoir.

See these nearby residential subdivisions

• SARATOGA,
• KINGSTOWNE,
• RACEWAY FARMS or
• SEARCH FOR HOMES and then
• Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area

Lake Accotink Park in Springfield calls this a  "spooktacular" event.  It will be fun for adults and children of all ages.

• You can venture onto the haunted golf course to play a round of golf with glow in the dark golf balls
• Ride the festively decorated carousel while spooky music plays
• Join in storytelling over a cup of hot chocolate around a lakeside bonfire.
• Saturday October 25,2008
• 6:00 to 9:00 PM
• $6.00 per person
• I-95, W on Old Keene Mill Road, right on Hanover Ave, left on Highland Ave, right on Accotink Park Drive to the park entrance

My husband and I have been deeply involved in the Springfield area ever since we relocated to Northern Virginia in 1974. 

• We became real estate brokers in 1976 and have sold more than 1500 homes to and for people - the vast majority of them in Springfield. 
• If you are planning to buy or sell Springfield area real estate  contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

The map and photo were copied from the Fairfax County Park Authority Lake Accotink website and is reprinted with permission