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.
Families can enjoy camping and night hiking at Riverbend Park. Riverbend Park has over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. Trails include a 2.5 mile portion of the Potomac Heritage Trail linking national and regional parkland. Kayakers and canoeists can enjoy exploring many islands in the Potomac River. Serious anglers and families can bring a boat or fish from the shady riverbank. Nature highlights include spectacular river views, beautiful wildflowers and birds.
Facilities include a visitor center with snack bar, gift shop, exhibits and riverside picnic area. The park also has a nature center which is available for rent.
Camping will began at 6 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday on May 15th. Bring your camping gear, toasting sticks and a dinner to cook on toasting sticks. S’mores and a light breakfast are provided. The cost is $45 per family. To register, call 703-759-9018.
Julie Nesbitt
Julie Nesbitt knows the back trails and by-ways of Northern Virginia real estate.
Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…
Canal bridge at River Towers
The canal at River Towers is one of the many reasons I love this little gem tucked between Mt. Vernon District Park and the Potomac River.
Watergate of Alexandria is very different from Watergate at Landmark
The original Watergate
Watergate is perhaps one of the most famous real estate names in North America. The original Watergate complex was built in Washington DC along the Potomac, sited in a location that made it ideal for members of Congress and Executive Branch staff. Watergate in DC is most famous for the burglary that occurred at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
Ties to this break-in is what led to the downfall of Richard Nixon and what put the word "Watergate" in every newspaper in America, if not the world.
As the original Watergate was nearing completion, plans were made and land was purchased to build another Watergate in Old Town Alexandria. Old Town Alexandria had approved a sleek and modern complex known as the Alexandria House, so it was assumed that the Watergate of Alexandria would be welcomed by the city. However, the City of Alexandria balked at the modernization of Old Town, forever changing the trajectory of Old Town.
colonial elegance at the Watergate of Alexandria
The Watergate of Alexandria evolved into a condominium community that better fit with the surrounding neighborhood. The Watergate of Alexandria has architecture and a design style that echoes Old Town Alexandria. The condominiums here are townhouse style, sited around a courtyard and gardens as one my expect from a traditional Alexandria home.
Watergate of Alexandria is a far cry from the original Watergate concept. Watergate was not sleek and modern. There is no pool at the Watergate of Alexandria, and there are no tennis courts. But Watergate of Alexandria is a gem in its own right. It's location in Old Town and the colonial /Federal style of architecture fits nicely with Old Town. Watergate of Alexandria is not far from the Braddock Road Metro Station.
After failing to get approval for the type of complex they were seeking in Old Town, the developers of Watergate then proceeded to build the Watergate at Landmark. Landmark is in West End Alexandria and thus, not really near the water at all. But Watergate at Landmark is truer to the original Watergate brand. Watergate at Landmark has a bevy of amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, racket ball courts, and much more. The community provides shuttle service to nearby Van Dorn Metro.
Watergate at Landmark
Watergate at Landmark is a large complex of 5 high-rises. Watergate at Landmark is a gated-community with 24 hour security. Homes here range from 1 bedroom to 3 bedroom condos. Each condo at Watergate at Landmark has a balcony. Watergate at Landmark has both surface and garage parking depending upon the unit.
As you can see, Watergate at Landmark and Watergate of Alexandria are very different from each other and in many ways they are both very different from the original Watergate apartments in Washington DC. Watergate of Landmark has become representative of some of the best condos that West End Alexandria has to offer. Watergate of Alexandria has melded into the community of Old Town Alexandria.
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