Woodlawn Plantation is a 126-acre estate that was originally part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. Woodlawn is located at 9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, Virginia in Fairfax County near Fort Belvoir.
Woodlawn's main Federal-style house was designed by the architect of the U.S. Capitol, Dr. William Thornton, and constructed between 1800 and 1805 for Washington’s nephew Major Lawrence Lewis and his bride, Eleanor "Nelly" Custis Lewis. During the Lewis’ years in residence, Woodlawn comprised over 2,000 acres and was worked by over 100 workers, at least 90 of whom were African American slaves.
In 1846, the Lewis’s son sold the property to two families from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Troths and the Gillinghams, who were members of The Society of Friends (Quakers). Ethically opposed to slavery, the Troths and Gillinghams established Woodlawn as a "free labor colony," selling lots to both free black and white farmers, and employing only free laborers to demonstrate as false the argument that the abolition of slavery would mean the death of the Southern plantation economy. This belief in liberty and equality made Woodlawn a controversial social experiment in its time and place, and its residents became a target of raids and suspicion by Confederate forces during the Civil War.
By the turn of the 20th century, Woodlawn was sadly deteriorated and, in 1896, severely damaged by a hurricane. In 1901, the playwright Paul Kester moved in — with his mother, brother and 60 cats — and began "restoring" the house to livable conditions. In 1905, Kester moved on to nearby Gunston Hall, and sold Woodlawn to Miss Elizabeth Sharpe, a Pennsylvania coal heiress who spent two decades lovingly rehabilitating Woodlawn and its grounds to suit contemporary views of an ideal early American estate. Woodlawn’s final private owners were Senator and Mrs. Oscar Underwood of Alabama. Following Mrs. Underwood’s death, it was purchased by a private organization to ensure its preservation. In 1952, Woodlawn became the first historic site owned by The National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information call (703) 780-4000 or visit www.woodlawn1805.org
If you're thinking of buying a new construction in your next home, you probably already know that every new home development will have its own sales staff. These people are often friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about the newly built home. However, these folks work to sell this property only. The on-site staff of a builder knows the property as-well-as or better than anyone around and they are there to assist you but they work for the builder.
When in the market for a newly built home, it's a good idea to employ your own advocate, an agent who does not work for the builder, to look out for your interests. We don't work for the builder ... we work for you. Our agents know the entire area, not just one property. We know the pitfalls and benefits of buying new, and best of all it won't cost you one dime more than if you use the onsite staff. You have a right to representation:exercise that right today!
“Zero-loss” of remaining County-owned natural lands
248 County-owned acres identified for preservation
Three-year inventory found seven unmapped streams, 600 native species, including 14 rare plants
ARLINGTON, VA – The Arlington County Board today approved the County’s first comprehensive plan to preserve and manage County-owned natural lands.
“By adopting this plan today, we are taking much-needed action to protect our remaining open spaces, and the plants and animals they shelter, for future generations,” County Board Chairman Jay Fisette said. “Our parks department has done an outstanding job of comprehensively mapping this County’s natural resources and giving us the information we need to preserve Arlington’s natural resource assets.”
The plan is based on an unusual, comprehensive inventory of Arlington’s natural resources carried out between 2005 and 2008 by the County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources. The inventory found that only 4.7 percent of Arlington’s surface area — a little more than 700 acres — remains as natural lands. Of these, well over half are owned by the U.S. Park Service as part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway system. Fifty percent of all surface streams have disappeared and invasive plant species are widespread. (View presentation to the PDF, 2MB)
Highlights of the plan’s 19 recommendations for preserving and managing natural lands include:
Adopting a general policy goal of “zero-loss” of County-owned natural lands.
Developing a new GIS-based environmental review process to protect significant individual natural resources on County-owned open space.
Establishing a single, specialized management unit to manage Arlington’s natural resources.
Establishing a new administrative category of County-owned open space, or Natural Resource Conservation Areas (NRCA).
Developing an individual natural resources management plan for each County-owned park designated as a Natural Resource Conservation Area, or containing NRCAs.
The Board voted 5-0 to approve the plan.
To read more about the plan, visit the County’s website.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
Drawing of a typical Dutch Colonial home
Dormers are windows that jut out from the roof of a home, and have a roof of their own. The word comes from the Latin dormitorium meaning "sleeping room," because dormers often bring space and light to bedrooms. For decorating purposes, a dormer creates a cozy spot for a reading chair or a desk.
1800 Old Meadow Rd #211, McLean Real Estate Dispatch
How Much Do Mid 20th-Century Others Cost At Regency in 22102 in Fairfax County? Will Nesbitt works real estate all over this area but has special expertise in 22102 and residences like 1800 Old Meadow Rd #211. Check out the prices and pictures of this home at 1800 Old Meadow Rd #211. Not to mention,…
1800 Old Meadow Rd #405, McLean Real Estate Update
Looking at Listings At Regency? Ponder This Condo. Should you make an offer buy 1800 Old Meadow Rd #405? Sometimes, the answer to a question is more questions. Are you seeking a 3-bedroom Traditional-style condo in 22102 in Fairfax County? Can you afford $660,000? Is it actually worth $675,000 or $625,000? Do you need 2…
What shape is the house, overall? Rectangular and symmetrical: National, Colonial, Neoclassical, Greek Revival, Italianate Square and box-like: American Foursquare L-shaped: Folk and National styles Complicated and asymmetrical: Queen Anne and other Victorian styles, Chateauesque Rounded corners: Pueblo, Art Moderne Single story or 1½ story: Cape Cod, Ranch, Craftsman, Cottage styles Does the roof have…
Potomac River near Stratford Landing
The Mount Vernon Yacht Club (MVYC) is on Dogue Creek, off the Potomac River. The clubhouse at MVYC is just two miles from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Mansion. MVYC was incorporated in June 1956, as a private, not-for-profit club. The developers of Yacht Haven Estates, led by Harley "Bud" Fraley, deeded the land and created a private lagoon for a swimming and boating club serving the local area. Today, MVYC’s 230 member families enjoy one of the best-kept secrets on the Potomac River.
MVYC is about tradition, friendship, family and good times with fellow members. Beautiful well kept facilities provide an unparalleled view of the Potomac River from the clubhouse, pool and marina with an atmosphere of tranquility.
The Club is limited to a total of 230 family memberships divided into two categories - Active and Honorary members.
Active members pay dues (which covers all of their immediate family), enjoy all privileges of the Club, they have a vote on all Club matters (one vote per family) and are eligible to hold Club office.
Honorary members (including their immediate family) are limited to those who have rendered special service to the Club. They enjoy all privileges of the Club; however they are not required to pay dues, they do not have a vote and may not hold Club office.
Club members who are property owners in Yacht Haven Estates also have additional rights to vote on certain matters that might affect the character or size of the Club.
Mount Vernon is a neighborhood that is quiet and peaceful with many trees and several waterways. One of the reasons Mount Vernon is so quiet is because there is very little commercial real estate in Mount Vernon. That doesn't mean that Mount Vernon is far from everything. In fact, Rt. 1 (Richmond Hwy) is full of warehouse stores and restaurants like Target and Walmart and Bed Bath and Beyond and Chili's and so on. Here are the grocery stores closest to the Mount Vernon Mansion.
Foxy likes fishing!
Beginning on Friday, October 8, 2010, the waters of Lake Fairfax will teem with a fresh stock of rainbow trout. Friday’s 1,000 pound stocking will mark the start of a two-week trout season at the park which ends on October 22.
Fishermen will appreciate the abundance of above average size fish. (The smallest fish will be one-foot in length.) Fishing at the park is open from dawn until dusk. An accessible fishing pier provides a safe place to cast a line for enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
A Virginia fishing license is required for all fishermen age 16 and older. Because the fish were purchased by Fairfax County, the state trout stamp doesn't apply. The 2010 seasonal fishing pass for the park is also required, or a daily pass can be purchased. Daily passes are available for $12 per adult (16 to 63 years), $10 per senior (64 years and older) and $10 per child (7 to 15 years).
Only one pole is allowed in the water at a time, and the daily catch limit is six fish per person. Fishermen are expected to keep what they catch. The local game warden will be present.
Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston.
For more information, please contact Lake Fairfax Park at 703-471-5415.
Reston East is the location of the future parking garage for the Wiehle Avenue Metrorail station. Wiehle Avenue is the last of five stations in Phase I of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, opening in late 2013.
Parking spaces at Reston East Park-and-Ride will be impacted by Dulles Rail related construction as early as November 28, 2010. The construction project is expected to require closing of approximately 200 of 820 parking spaces on or about Nov. 28 for preliminary utility work. For more information check the Reston East Park-and-Ride Hotline at 703-877-5700, TTY 711.
The City of Alexandria's free King Street Trolley transports residents, visitors, and those who work in Old Town, between the King Street Metrorail Station and the Potomac River waterfront. The free trolley operates along the one-and-a-half mile route seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. providing access to accommodations, dining, entertainment and shopping. The free trolley departs from the Potomac River Waterfront and from the King Street Metro every :10, :30, and :50 minutes after each hour. Every 20 minutes riders can board at any of the 20 stops along King Street.
Traveling towards the King Street Metro Station, the designated trolley stops include:
King Street Trolley
King and Union
King and Lee
King and Royal
King and St. Asaph
King and Columbus
King and Patrick
King and Fayette
King and Peyton
King and Diagonal
King Street Metro Station
Traveling towards the Potomac River waterfront, designated trolley stops include:
King Street Metro Station
Trolley at King Street
King and Diagonal
King and Peyton
King and Fayette
King and Patrick
King and Columbus
King and St. Asaph
King and Royal
King and Lee
King and Union.
Please remember there is no smoking, eating, or drinking on the trolley. Passengers with strollers must close strollers before entering. The trolley only stops at designated stops. Passengers must pull the cord to signal a stop.
Fresh-cut flowers at Farmer's Market at Sherwood Hall Library
Opened in 1971 and located at 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane in Alexandria, the Sherwood Regional Library provides many resources and services for residents, including hands-on technology classes, one-on-one tutoring sessions, 27 internet stations with Microsoft Office Suite and a computer with ZoomText software.
For those hosting community meetings or gatherings, the library has numerous spaces, including a meeting room that fits 200 and is often used for family literacy classes. Other spaces are four conference rooms for 12-45 people each, a group study room for four people and a quiet study room for 10. The library also hosts the Mt. Vernon Farmers Markets on Tuesday mornings from May to November and an ongoing book sale. For more information on library events, click here.
In addition, visitors can bring their laptop and use the wireless internet or bring children to use the Read to Me Room with puzzles, flannel boards and board books. For more information about the library and its services, click here or call 703-765-3645.
