Prince William County Real Estate Blog: September 2008

The Brentsville Courthouse was built  in 1822 and served as the Prince William County Courthouse until 1894 when it was moved to Manassas where it remains today.  Brentsville was the fourth county courthouse - the first was in Woodbridge, the second in Cedar Run and the third in Dumfries.  Brentsville was chosen for two reasons

• The population was moving west
• It was in the geographic center of Prince William County

It served as the county courthouse  during the Civil War, but after the seat of county government moved to Manassas the Brentsville site saw duty as

• The village school
• Community Center
• Brentsville District polling place
• Prince William County Park Authority Headquarters

The Prince William County Historical Preservation Division maintains the 25 acre site.  The grounds are open daily during daylight hours and the courthouse is open on weekends.  There is a self guided tour and a nature trail that winds down to the waters of Broad Run.

I am in one of the pictures walking back from a visit to the execution site.  The scaffold was erected and dissembled after each of the 13 executions carried out there.  Also, the courthouse is cooled geothermally.  There are eight 300 foot wells where the water remains at a constant 55 degrees all year long.  The water is the coolant in the system to air condition the building in the summer months.

Also see RIPPON LODGE for an even older Prince William County treasure.  This is one of the numerous reports I prepare  featuring historic Prince William County sites that provide informative educational information in addition to being pleasant, inexpensive day trips.

Middle Valley is a community of detached homes sited on 1/4 acre lots.  There were two builders - Ryland Homes and NV Homes.  Both of these firms are recognized as builders of quality homes - the majority of the homes were built by the Ryland organization 

The main entrance is on Gambrill Road just about one mile from the Gambrill Park and Ride Lot at the Fairfax County Parkway.  FAIRFAX COUNTY COMMUTER BUS ROUTE 305 stops at this location en route to the FRANCONIA-SPRINGFIELD METRO STATION.

There are two neighborhood shopping centers within approximately 10 minutes - Huntsman Square Center and Saratoga Shopping Center.

SOUTH RUN REC CENTER - a Fairfax County Park facility with year round pool, exercise facilities and many other activities is approximately 10 minutes

Due to the location within 10 minutes of the Faitrfax County Parkway and public transportation, these homes are attractive to people who work at the Pentagon, Washington, DC, Fort Belvoir and all other Northern Virginia work centers

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.

Prince William County Center is one of the newest subdivisions in eastern Prince William County.  Its' entrance is at Ridgefield Road and the Prince William County Parkway just across the street from the county adninistrative center.  It has four types of  residential property

• Detached homes
• Town homes
• Condominiums
• Rental apartments

It is, of course, convenient to the Prince William County Parkway facilitating travel east to I-95 and US 1 and west to Manassas and I-66.  Additionally,  it is within a few minutes of Hoadly Road which terminates at Route 234, the other major east/west highway in Prince William County.

The closest PRTC commuter service will be found in Lake Ridge at The Festival Shopping Center or at the VDOT commuter lot at Lindendale and Dale Boulevard with service to both the Pentagon and Washington, DC.  The closest VRE station is in Woodbridge east of US 1 on Dawson Beach Road.  If you are driving to Fort Belvoir you should allow at least 45 minutes and at least 30 minutes to MCB Quantico during rush hour periods.

There are  no new homes for sale, but the asking price for resale properties is

• Detached homes - $350,000 to $560,000
• Town homes - $262,000 to $385,000

It is within minutes of the Shops at County Center with both a Harris Teeter supermarket and the usual complement of neighborhood type stores.  It is less than 10 minutes to Hoadly Market Place at Hoadly and Dale Blvd.

Nearby new home subdivisions are SMALL'S CROSSING and VICTORY RIDGE or SEARCH FOR ALL HOMES

Planning to Buy or Sell Prince William County 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.

Rhygate ia a community of 100 townhomes located on Rolling Road just south of Old Keene Mill Road - it adjoins Springfield Golf and Country Club. 

• The homes were built in the mid 1970's.
•  They are all brick and some of them have a garage. 
• The community is immaculate and very well groomed
• There are two neighborhood shopping centers at Old Keene Mill Road and Rolling Road
• Fairfax County Connector Bus to Metro is available on Rolling Road facilitating commuting time to the Pentagon and Washington, DC
• There are two Fairfax County Park facilities within easy reach of Rhygate - Lake Accotink and the South Run Rec Center. 
• The Pohick Regional Library is approximately 10 minutes away

Another nearby town home community to consider is CHARLESTOWN

 Visit my NO REGISTRATION HOME SEARCH. If you are planning to Buy or Sell Springfield 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.

Charlestown is a highly desireable and sought after town home community - the homes are all brick and the yard enclosures are all brick.  There is a very active homeowner's association that can take credit for the excellent appearance of the community - the proof is in the pictures below

Fairfax County Connector Bus service to Metro is available on Old Keene Mill Road making it an ideal location for people who commute inbound to the Pentagon and DC.  Also see SPRINGFIELD COMMUTING CROSSROADS  There is ample shopping in several shopping centers at Old Keene Mill and Rolling Roads.

SOUTH RUN REC CENTER with a year round pool and other sports, family and individual activities is approximately 15 minutes away.  Burke Lake Park has a public golf course and campsites - it is approximately 20 minutes from Charlestown.  Lake Accotink Park with boat rental, fishing and picnic areas is also within approximately 15 minutes.

RELATED SPRINGFIELD SUBDIVISIONS  ORANGE HUNT ESTATES, TOWNES OF ORANGE HUNT 

SEARCH FOR HOMES WITHOUT REGISTRATION 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.

The Townes of Orange Hunt homes have continued to be popular since they were first introduced.  There are several reasons.  They are all brick, have a superior commuting and shopping location, outstanding schools and proximity to a multitude of recreational facilities.  Additionally, there are large courtyards throughout the community minimizing the proximity one normally associates with town homes

• MetrobusRoute 18H runs through the community providing both morning and evening rush hour service.  Additionally, it is a relatively short trip to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.  Schedules for these commuting options can be found at Commuting Orange Hunt Estates is very convenient for commuting to both the Pentagon, Washington, DC and Fort Belvoir
• Orange Hunt Elementary and Sangster Elementary are both located in the community generating neighborhood support.  Middle school students attend Washington Irving on Old Keene Mill Road while high schoolers attend West Springfield High.  Information on all these schools can be found at Fairfax County Public Schools
• Shopping is convenient at Huntsman Square, Burke Town Center and Rolling Valley Mall.
• South Run Recreation Center,  a year round Fairfax County Park Authority facility is within a few minutes.  Additionally, Pohick Regional Library is located on Sydenstricker.

Other Springfield subdivisions to view are  SARATOGA, KINGS PARK and ORANGE HUNT ESTATES

Planning to Buy or Sell Springfield Real Estate? 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.

The annual FREE Prince William County Farm Tour is scheduled for this weekend September 27-28 with 9 farms open for visitors.  It is a Rain or Shine Event and is a unique opportunity to tour farms of all types in the county.  Yes, there are petting events and there will be items that you can purchase.  I can assure you the Kruschka camera will be busy

1. Lynn Vale Farm,4475 Sudley is a husband-wife organization - her flowers and his art studio, Their website is www.LynnVale.com
2. The Smith Family Farm is a new addition to the tour this year.  It is a 209 acre property located on Artemus Road in Gainesville.  All of the livestock is grass fed.  See the website www.beefandhayproducer.com
3. Stoney Lonesome Farm grows organic vegetables for individual families.  They are located at 7502 Cerro Gordo Road in Gainesville .More info at www.slfarm.us
4. Double "O" Good alpaca farm at 7570 Falkland Drive in Gainesville.  See www.doubleogood.com
5. Blue Top Horse Farm is a well developed 43 acre farm in Nokesville at 10694 Reid Lane.  They offer boarding and riding instruction.
6. Yankey Farms Visitors will see antique tractors, vegetable production, get pre-picked pumpkins or pick a pumpkin.  The farm is located at 13007 Vint Hill Road, Nokesville. www.yankeyfarms.com
7. St. Benedictine Monastery Teaching Gardens at 9535 Linton Hall Road in Bristow.   Prince William Cooperative Extension Service trains Master Gardeners at the site.  There are 18 gardens available for viewing www.pwcgov.org/vce/enr
8. Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre  See 19th century farming skills.  This historic 23 acre sitei s maintained by the Prince William County Historic Division.  It is located at 12229 Bristow Road in Brentsville.  www.pwcgov.org/brentsville
9. Prince William County Children's Farm.  The name of this farm says it all - it will really excite the young'uns.  Since it is an animal shelter as well they have an adoption facility if you care to enlarge your "family".

Arthur and I are "itching" to go.  I am confident there will be something to please everyone at one of the tour stops at least.  The farms are open as follows:

• Saturday September 27 (!0 AM to 4 PM)
• Sunday September 28 (12 Noon to 4 PM)

Orange Hunt Estates homes have continued to be popular since they were first introduced in 1967.  It is due in no small part to their superior commuting and shopping location, outstanding schools and proximity to a multitude of recreational facilities

• MetrobusRoute 18H runs through the community providing both morning and evening rush hour service.  Additionally, it is a relatively short trip to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.  Schedules for these commuting options can be found at Commuting Orange Hunt Estates is very convenient for commuting to both the Pentagon, Washington, DC and Fort Belvoir
• Orange Hunt Elementary and Sangster Elementary are both located in the community generating neighborhood support.  Middle school students attend Washington Irving on Old Keene Mill Road while high schoolers attend West Springfield High.  Information on all these schools can be found at Fairfax County Public Schools
• Shopping is convenient at Huntsman Square, Burke Town Center and Rolling Valley Mall.
• South Run Recreation Center,  a year round Fairfax County Park Authority facility is within a few minutes.  Additionally, Pohick Regional Library is located on Sydenstricker.

Other Springfield subdivisions to view are  SARATOGA and KINGS PARK

Planning to Buy or Sell Springfield Real Estate? 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.

It won't be too many more weeks before the leaves will begin to change colors and then they're on the ground.  If your rake looks like the one above you may want to consider an investment in a new one.

Fall is an especially colorful time of the year.  If you are fortunate enough to live in subdivisions such as Kings Park, Orange Hunt Estates, Daventry, Saratoga and Newington Forest you don't have to travel far to enjoy the vibrant Fall colors - they are all around you.

It's the time of years when kids and dogs love to run through a pile of leaves or the family visits a pumpkin patch.  Hayrides and Halloween parties are great Fall activities.

However, back to the real world - leaf raking.  We have a perfectly good and powerful leaf blower which my husband refuses to use.  He enjoys raking the leaves onto an old sheet and hauling them off to the woods behind our home. For a new rake, though

• In Springfield it's FISCHER'S HARDWARE 

If you have a rake, but need to buy a yard with leaves so you can enjoy the season 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.

TACKETTS Mill was the first of the three Lake Ridge shopping centers - it is at the entrance to the subdivision.  As the community grew to the west a second shopping center, LAKE RIDGE COMMONS was added.  It is the smallest of the three and can be found at Old Bridge Road and Hedges Run.

However, its popularity is assured by the fact  it has a STARBUCKS.  Of course it has the usual neighborhood complement of super market, bank, cleaners, barber shop/hairdresser, service service station, ice cream store and pizzeria.

Planning to Buy or Sell Lake Ridge 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.

Arthur and I have been a real estate team for 32 (Oops - we're working on 33) years and I always know I can count on the thoroughness of his work just as he did on this post about our hometown - Lake Ridge.  Karen Kruschka

Kings Park, located just west of the Capital Beltway (I-495) off Braddock Road, is a popular community of 1,100 homes that were built in the 60s. There are five basic models - two colonials, one split foyer, one cape cod and one rambler.  They are Richmarr homes who was the one of the premier Springfield developer/builders during the period.  Of course, over time, many of the homes have been refurbished and had additions added.  This gives the community a uniqueness and character that can only be developed over a rather lengthy period of tine.

Metrobus Route 17 operates in Kings Park with service to the Pentagon Bus Terminal

George Mason University is a few miles west on Braddock Road.

Kings Park is in the Lake Braddock Secondary School Pyramid  

There are two outstanding recreational facilities very close to Kings Park.

• AUDREY MOORE REC CENTER in WAKEFIELD PARK  with its year round pool plus a myriad of other sports and activities.
• LAKE ACCOTINK PARK  Its' 493 acres include a 55-acre lake with boating, fishing, hiking, miniature golf, a carousel, snack bar, tour boat rides, trails, picnic areas and playgrounds. Boats powered by electric motors, sailboats under 15 feet and kayaks are allowed on the lake. Swimming and windsurfing are prohibited.

Another large and popular Springfield subdivision is SARATOGA

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.

There are three primary concerns for people who relocate to the National Capital Area and decide to locate in Northern Virginia. 

• The first concern is the availability and cost of housing. 
• For those with children school quality is the second area of interest.  It should also be an area of interest for people without children since school quality has an impact on resale value.
• Commuting is the third area that is considered by a relocatee

Springfield is Commuting Central for many North Virginia residents especially if you live east of Burke in Fairfax County and south of the Mount Vernon area of Fairfax County and into eastern Prince William County.

Both METRORAIL, VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESS and PRTC METRO DIRECT BUSES converge at the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail station

PRTC METRO DIRECT is a unique service with buses that operate both north and south between Prince William County and the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail station facilitating commuting for those people who need more than bus service to the Pentagon or rail and bus service to Washington, D.C.

Carpools, vanpools and individual drivers rely on the Springfield Interchange for routing them north, south, east and west.

It is not at all uncommon for friends, associates or Realtors® to tell you it takes "x minutes" to commute from here to there,  Beware the validity of the information unless it includes "approximately", because time frames can change here with what would be a minor distraction in other parts of the country.

Planning to relocate to Northern Virginia?  You should consult a Realtor® who thoroughly understands the commuting challenges of Northern Virginia. 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 Ridge Park is one of the finest parks in the Prince William County Park Authority system.  Admission is free for any Prince William County resident

Boat Launch and Water Sports

• Launch your power boat, canoe or kayak directly into the Occoquan Reservoir.  It is closer than any launching facility in Fairfax County and is at the deepest end of the reservoir where the fish live
• Rent jon boats with or without an electric motor
• Rent canoes
• Rent paddle boats
• Fish from the several docks
• Purchase snacks and bait at the boat house

Group Picnic Facilities

• Large or small tents are available for group rental
• There are also picnic tables available.
• A volley ball court is set up in the group tent area.

Golf

• Play the 9 hole course
• Hone your skills in the driving cage or on the putting green
• Relax in the well equipped pro shop
• FIRST TEE youth membership and training is available just as it is in the other golf courses operated by the park authority
• Play the miniature course in a beautiful wooded setting

Trails

• There are several wooded area walking trails.

New to the Area?  Talk to a long time resident and Realtor® about homes plus cultural and recreational opportunities.

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

Woodbridge and Eastern Prince William County are not the place for you to live if you enjoy

• The roar of jet engines
• Counting rivets on the underside of jumbo jets

Neither Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Triangle, Dumfries, Montclair, Quantico, Old Bridge Estates,Westridge, nor Dale City are in the flight pattern of Dulles International Airport or Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. 

Planning to Buy or Prince William County 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.

Just when you think there is not enough land to support 100 homes one pops up with 1,100 of them.  Eagle's Pointe is a KHovanian project along US 1 directly across the highway from PORT POTOMAC

Both Port Potomac and Eagle's Pointe are equidistant from  PRTC bus service in the VDOT commuter parking lot at US 1 and Route 234 to the south and the VRE Rippon Landing railway station to the north.  Commuters have a full array of commuting options as SLUG LINES also operate from the VDOT lot.  Ease of commuting to the Pentagon, Alexandria, Washington, DC as well as connecting to Metrorail makes Eagle's Pointe a very viable as well as desireable location.

The Fortuna Shopping Center on Route 234 is approximately 10 minutes away as is the Southbridge Shopping Center to the north.

Eagle's Pointe has a lovely rec center and pool complex.

• Prices start at $410,000 to $490,000 depending on model and size
• Home sizes range from 1,800 to 3,900 square feet
• It is about a 15 minute commute to MCB Quantico

Planning to Buy a New Home?  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.

Since 1947 The Hylton Group has built over 21,000 homes in Prince William County along the I-95 corridor.  The Manors at Ridgefield Estates is the latest in their detached home offerings on 1/2 acre lots.

• Sizes range from 2,600 to 2,900 square feet
• Prices range from $500,000 to $550,000
• There are several homes available for immediate delivery

It is an extremely convenient location

• The VDOT commuter lot at Dale Boulevard and Lindendale Road is less than 10 minutes where commuters can take advantage of PRTC commuter bus service to the Pentagon,and several Washington, DC stops. 
• There is also transfer service to the Franconia-Springfield Metro 
• It is approximately a 20 minute drive to MCB Quantico
• Two neighborhood shopping centers are available within 10 minutes at Dale and Hoadly or Hoadly and The Prince William County Parkway

If you are in the market for well designed and constructed homes on large lots you should consider the Manors at Ridgefield Estates.  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.

Just when you think we have exhausted the supply of land in eastern Prince William County along comes Reid's Prospect.  If you travel west on the Prince William County you see the project developing - and purchase.models are up and ready for viewing   It will be a mixed use development with over 500 residences, office buildings and retail establishments.

Two residential builders, Ryan Homes and Courtland Homes are doing the residential side of the development.  Ryan will offer both town homes and detached homes while Courtland Homes wilconcentrate on detached homes.

Homeowners can drive into Lake Ridge and connect to PRTC commuter buses (about 15 minutes) or continue on another 15 minutes to the Woodbridge VRE station facilitating travel to the Pentagon, Alexandria and Washington, DC.  MCB Quantico is approximately 25 minutes from Reid's Prospect

 Also see PORT POTOMAC  POTOMAC CLUB  and VICTORY RIDGE for other new Woodbridge area homes

Planning to Buy or Prince William County 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.

Stanley Martin one of our most highly repected area builders since 1966 has recently broken ground at Small's Crossing on Hoadly just south of the Prince William Parkway.

The homes range in size form 2,100 to 4,900 square feet and are priced from $440,000 to $550,000.  As you can see by the pictures below the homes are on good sized lots with above avearge separation.

• Our new Harris Teeter supermarket is across the street as well as a new Starbucks and all the other neighborhood services you will need. 
• The homes are approximately one mile from the Prince William County Parkway and less than 10 minutes to the VDOT commuter lot at Lindendale Road on Dale Boulevard. 
• PRTC operates service to the Pentagon, Navy Yard. Bolling AFB and State Department from the Lindendale VDOT lot.  Carpools also meet at this location.
• They are approximately a 20 minute drive to MCB Quantico

Also see PORT POTOMAC  POTOMAC CLUB  and VICTORY RIDGE for other new Woodbridge area homes

Planning to Buy or Prince William County 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.

NV Homes, one of our most highly repected area builders since 1979 (Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania) has recently broken ground at Victory Ridge on Hoadly just south of the Prince William Parkway.

The homes range in size form 2,400 to 3,400 square feet and are priced from $440,000 to $510,000.  As you can see by the pictures below the homes are on good sized lots with above avearge separation.

• Our new Harris Teeter supermarket is across the street as well as a new Starbucks and all the other neighborhood services you will need. 
• The homes are approximately one mile from the Prince William County Parkway and less than 10 minutes to the VDOT commuter lot at Lindendale Road on Dale Boulevard. 
• PRTC operates service to the Pentagon, Navy Yard. Bolling AFB and State Department from the Lindendale VDOT lot.  Carpools also meet at this location.
• They are approximately a 20 minute drive to MCB Quantico

Also see PORT POTOMAC and POTOMAC CLUB for other new Woodbridge area homes

Planning to Buy or Prince William County 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.