This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
If you are doing an exterior home improvement project and are a member of Reston Association, you know you need to work the RA Design Review Board. But they aren’t the only people who need to be involved. When you’re doing an exterior home improvement in Reston, you also need to work with Fairfax County for your permits and be aware of any easements on your property.
Fairfax County administers structural codes, zoning, types of property use and regulations related to health and safety issues. The County also issues permits, inspects construction and holds bonds. Contact the county before you begin any work to verify what permits are required.
Any exterior change to your property needs to accommodate any easements. For example, utility companies have the right of easement for the underground installation, replacement and maintenance of their equipment, supply and transmission lines and drainage facilities, including ingress and egress for such purposes. Your property deed and site plan should indicate any easements that might affect a planned addition or alteration.
Utilities: Virginia makes is easy for you to work with the utilities–just call “Miss Utility” at 811. They’ll come out and mark the underground lines.
County Parks: If you have a property adjacent to Fairfax County Park Authority land (and there is quite a bit in Reston), contact their Planning and Development Division early in the planning phases to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Involving everyone who has a say in your exterior renovation early in the process is the best way to make sure the process goes smoothly. Now that summer is almost here, it’s a great time to start making those calls!
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Reston is a pedestrian-friendly place, and the West Market community in Reston Town Center is the perfect embodiment of that.
Built in the late 1990s, this neighborhood is within walking distance of Town Center (and all the great restaurants, shops, and entertainment there), Lake Anne Plaza, grocery stores (Trader Joe’s and Harris Teeter), the W&OD trail, and the YMCA.
You don’t need a car to live here, but if you do have one it is a quick hop onto Fairfax County Parkway and the Dulles Toll Road.
West Market comprises two condo communities: Lincoln Park Condominiums and Madison Park Condominiums. The Lincoln Park community has 104 luxury, two-story townhome style condos. Madison Park has 122 condominium units, 24 of which are townhouses, accommodated within seven buildings.
Five different builders came together to create a community with a diverse architectural style — many people notice the rounded exteriors that are unlike anything else in Reston. Spacious common areas include a club house, which includes a main hall and kitchen for meetings and gatherings, a fitness center and sauna, and an outdoor pool.
West Market is a great choice for anyone wanting to live in the Reston Town Center area without actually being in Town Center.
Photo by Karen Fegani.
This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Forty-seven new properties came on the market this week, the single largest increase in Reston homes for sale in more than nine months; total inventory is at 213 homes fully active.
Beautiful Spring weather has Reston neighborhoods looking their best — it almost doesn’t seem fair to the buyers! Below are a few of the houses that are new to the market this week.
1703 SHAGBARK CIR 2BR 2.5 Bath $820,000
2009 LAKEWINDS DRIVE 3BR 3.5 Baths $749,000
2429 SILVER FOX LN 4BR 3 Baths $619,000
11362 LINKS DRIVE 3BR 2 Full, 2 Half Baths $540,000
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
For me, Memorial Day weekend is the beginning of summer. The sun is usually shining, and the weather here in Northern Virginia is perfect. One of the many great things about living in Reston is how many choices for things to do on Memorial Day weekend there are — from lounging at the pool to going on wild adventures. Here are some fun things to try out this year.
Go jump in a pool
The Reston Association pools will be open Memorial Day weekend. While the water is still a little cold for me, it’s fun to watch all the children splashing around in the water. If you can’t wait until Memorial Day to go for a swim, Ridge Heights pool in South Reston and North Shore Pool by Lake Anne are both heated and will open May 10. You can buy your pool pass online, which makes it easy to be ready for opening day!
Watch the Rolling Thunder rumble into town
For motorcycle enthusiasts, the Ride of the Patriots is a four-day event over Memorial Day weekend, with a ton of activities at (or beginning) at Patriot Harley-Davidson, located just West of Fairfax Circle on Fairfax Boulevard (Map). The highlight for many locals is Rolling Thunder® on Sunday. It’s awe-inspiring to see thousands of motorcycles rolling toward the Pentagon, united in the cause to bring full accountability for the Prisoners Of War-Missing In Action (POW/MIA) of all wars. Learn more about Rolling Thunder and the Ride For Freedom here.
Sample some wine, learn some history
May 24, The Winery at Bull Run
A good time for a good cause… What more could you want? Visit the historic Manassas National Battlefield, then sit back for some live jazz band and award-winning wine. Get into the spirit by wearing seersucker suits and sundresses, and feel like you’ve stepped into a bygone age.
The fundraiser supports Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources, and organization that rebuilds lives and breaks the cycle of crime for thousands of individuals and families, providing support to families and opportunities for citizens to successfully return to the community after involvement with the criminal justice system.
Address: 15950 Lee Hwy, Centreville, VA
Times: 2:00PM to 5:00PM
Contact: Brandon Cosby
Phone: (703) 246-3184
Admission: $50
ViVa! Vienna! Festival
May 24 – May 26, Historic Vienna
For those who have lived in Northern Virginia for any length of time, ViVa! Vienna! has become an annual must-attend Memorial Day event. This family and community oriented celebration includes amusement rides, food, crafts, vendors and entertainment — fun for all ages! Vendors include handcraft artisans, retail vendors, professionals, political parties and candidates, and community and non-profit organizations. 100 percent of proceeds go to charitable, community and humanitarian organizations.
Address: 245 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA
Times: Saturday & Sunday 10am-10pm; Monday 10am-6pm
Phone: (703) 255-4742
Admission: Free to attend; Food and Rides cost extra
This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
This week, 33 new listings were added to the Reston inventory of homes for sale. The total inventory is right around 190. Sales are strong but days on market is slightly higher. Here are a few of the new ones that came on this week.
2258 Compass Point Ln. 4BR 3.5 Baths $1,495,000
11794 Indian Ridge Rd. 4BR 3.5 Baths $515,000
10713 Cross School Rd. 4BR 3.5 Baths $799,000
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Lake Anne Plaza is home to some of Reston’s funkiest mom-and-pop shops. Lake Anne has always welcomed small businesses — in fact, you won’t find any chain stores here. Instead, you’ll find small business owners that bring a little something special to our community.
It’s always worth a trip to the plaza to see visit the shops. Next time you’re at Lake Anne Plaza for the farmer’s market (which starts this Saturday), dinner on the lake, or a summer concert, visit one of these shops–you never know what you’ll find.
Reston’s Used Book Shop is the place “Where Books and People Meet.” With thousands of gently used books lining the shelves, you are guaranteed to find a great read. In fact, a few generations of young Restonians have gained a life long love of reading by perusing the vast children’s selection. Once a month, you can also attend a great bluegrass jam too.
Small change consignments has been a warm nurturing place to buy and sell children’s clothes, toys and equipment since 1981. This friendly neighborhood shop is a gathering place for parents and grandparents looking for brand name and imported clothes, shoes, dancewear, cleats, toys, videos, strollers, cribs, high chairs, exercisers and joggers — most at well under half the original price. For people with growing families, a visit to small change is a must.
If you’re in the mood for a great fresh juice or some of the best kale chips you’ve ever tasted, pop into New Family Naturals ~ Holistic Healing Center & Juice Bar. Their inventory is small, but always interesting. You can find some of the best natural/organic snacks, soaps, and other items on the shelves. And did we mention the kale chips and juice? You will feel yourself getting healthier just walking into the shop.
Lake Anne Florist, Virginia Wine and Gourmet
Whether for a large celebration or an intimate personal observance, you can find fresh floral arrangements and unique gift baskets to help make the occasion memorable. When flowers aren’t enough, you can find Virginia’s Finest™ specialty food items made locally and throughout the state of Virginia. And then there is the local wine selection. Virginia has some very fine wines, and it’s fun to taste them and try something new (yes, they have frequent wine tastings).
Nestled in the same space as the Lake Anne Florist you’ll find some of the finest chocolates in the DC area. The word chocolate says it all, really. Milk, dark, semi-sweet, with nuts, without nuts, truffles–you name it, you can find it at Chesapeake Chocolates. Their signature item is a solid chocolate crab in your choice of dark, milk, or white chocolate. Unlike the real thing, these chocolate crustaceans are available year round. A chocolate treat is a great balance for that healthy juice you get at New Family Naturals!
These are just a few of the shops you’ll discover down at Lake Anne Plaza. Visit today and see what else this historic shopping district in Reston has to offer.
This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
There were 26 new properties that came on the market this week, bringing the total inventory to right around 190.
Days on market has crept up especially in higher priced homes with the average hovering around 40.
Long & Foster is having a companywide Open House extravaganza this Sunday so there should be lots to see. Below are a few of the houses that are new to the market this week.
11405 PURPLE BEECH DR 4BR 3 Baths $899,900
2258 COMPASS POINT LANE 4BR 3.5 BATHS $1,495,000
2009 LAKEWINDS DR 3BR 3.5 BATHS $749, 000
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Perfect for singles or young families, Woodcrest Cluster is a neighborhood of quaint, Colonial-style townhomes located in North Reston.
This small development of 63 townhouses is walking distance to North Point Shopping Center (grocery store, restaurants and more) and Lake Newport Pool. It is surrounded by Reston’s walking paths.
These adorable two- or three-level townhomes have an average of 1,000 square feet of living space, two bedrooms, and 1 1/2 or 2 baths. Several of the homes feature fireplaces. Many of the homes have fenced-in back yards–perfect for letting the dog out! Surrounded by wooded areas, they afford privacy and are light and bright.
The proximity to Reston Parkway, Fairfax County Parkway, and Route 7 — and Dulles Airport for those who travel — make commuting a breeze from this location. Armstrong Elementary School is walking distance, and Herndon Middle School and Herndon High School are a short ride away.
This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Growing inventory is giving those in the hunt for a home more to choose from as the Spring market gets rolling.
This week, 44 new properties were listed for a total of 181 properties on the market in Reston.
1676 Chimney House Rd, 3BR 2.5 Baths $579,900
11400 Washington Plz W #904 1BR 1 Bath $250,000
2020 Upper Lake 3BR 3.5 Bath $1,275,000
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Working with Reston Association’s Design Review Board can be intimidating to new home owners, but the process is really very easy — and everyone at RA willing to help you through it. I shared the basic process of working with the DRB in January. This month, I’ll take you through submitting your design review application. All of the forms can be found on the RA website.
You are responsible for having your project reviewed and approved. RA’s staff and the DRB are more than willing to work with you and your contractor. In fact, many contractors that work in Reston are fantastic resources for navigating the design review process — and for designing improvements that the DRB will approve. Ultimately, though, you are responsible for ensuring your property complies with the Design Covenants and Guidelines.
One of the biggest reason an application gets rejected is because the homeowner hasn’t provided all of the required information. It may take a while to pull this information together, but it will save time in the long run. If you are confused about any of it, your RA Covenants Advisor is a great resource. Call RA (703-435-6530) to connect with your advisor.
What the application must include
As a reminder, if you are a member of Reston Association, you need to submit an application to the DRB if you want to make a change to the exterior of your home. If you’re renovating your kitchens or bathroom, you don’t need to go through this process. However, if it’s happening on the outside of your home, here is what the DRB wants to see (taken from the RA website):
- A detailed written description of the proposed exterior modification or addition
- Scale drawings
- A site plan showing size and location of project
- Photographs of the existing condition
- A brochure, detail sheet, or catalog photo of materials
- Estimated project completion date(s) (projects must be started within six (6) months of the date of approval and completed within eighteen (18) months of the date of approval)
- The signatures of at least three different property owners adjacent to or within view of the applicant’s alteration or improvement.
- In addition, if your property is located within a Cluster Association at least one of the signatures must be that of a Cluster Officer. Please note, the neighbors’ acknowledgment is neither an approval nor disapproval of your application.
- At the discretion of the DRB, applications that the DRB determines to have a wider impact on the community may be required to provide additional notice beyond the signatory requirements of this provision.
When you’re done collecting all of this information, you can drop your application off in person, fax it to 703-673-2040, email it to your Covenants Advisor as an attachment, or mail it to: Reston Association, Covenants Administration, 12001 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, VA 20191-3404
After RA receives your application, staff and/or members of the DRB may visit your property, and possibly photograph it, for reference.
That’s it for the application. To learn more about the entire application process, visit the RA website.
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
When Andrea Abrams moved to Reston several years ago, she wanted a spacious condominium close to her work where she could become part of a vibrant community. She found the perfect spot in Chestnut Grove Condominiums, located off Wiehle Avenue.
“I love the fact that there are people here that have lived in the neighborhood since the beginning — that says a lot about our little enclave,” said Abrams.
She also loves the fact that it’s quiet and serene, and that it’s hidden in the trees (when they have leaves). But her absolute favorite thing about Chestnut Grove is that she’s steps away from the W&OD Trail — making running and biking easy.
Completed in 1972, Chestnut Grove Condominiums has 226 units ranging from one to four bedroom (although the majority have two bedrooms). Although it is a large complex, it does feel private being nestled in the woods. In fact, the complex backs up to Lake Fairfax Park.
Other features include designated parking, an on-site pool, and playground. It is about a half-mile from the future Wiehle-Reston East Metro stop, which will make commuting via Metro a breeze. It’s also close to Reston Town Center, Lake Anne Plaza, and all of the recreation facilities Reston has to offer.
If you are looking for a large, comfortable condo in a welcoming community, Chestnut Grove is worth a look.
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Yes, I know it’s April Fools Day, but really this is no joke — spring is finally coming to Reston.
After the snowstorm we had last Tuesday, though, I was beginning to wonder. But the weather people say winter is over, and I choose to believe them. I feel so confident, that today I’m going to tell you all about the walking trails of Reston.
Reston Association maintains 55 miles of foot paths that cover every neighborhood in Reston, and they are wonderful. (And, just in case Mother Nature decides to grace us with more snow, RA does a fantastic job of plowing the paths so you can still use them.)
Fairfax County has an interactive map of all the paths so that you can plan your route before you head out. Wandering the RA paths is one of the best ways to get to know both North and South Reston. I thought I’d share a few of my favorite walks about town — but don’t stop with these.
- Town Center to Lake Anne, North Reston. This walk is just shy of 1.5 miles and winds through a few of North Reston’s original neighborhoods–Coleson Cluster and Hickory Cluster. It’s fun to have brunch at Town Center than wander down to Lake Anne to shop at the Farmers Market (starting in early May and going through November).
- Lake Thoreau Loop, South Reston. This loop is just over 2 miles and circles around charming Lake Thoreau (where I guarantee you’ll decide you want to live) and past the Reston Regional Golf Course. Begin and end your loop at South Lakes Village with a coffee or delicious lunch.
- Walker Nature Education Center and Glade, South Reston. There are many options for a walk from here. From the Center, follow the trailhead and see where it takes you! There is a short loop (probably a half- mile), or you can venture off on the RA path that follows Glade. Whatever you choose, you will feel like you are miles from civilization. It’s a wonderful place to recharge.
- North Point Loop, North Reston. This is a four-mile loop for those who want a little more exercise. This trail is great because it really gives you a sense of the North Point community. I recommend starting at Lake Newport pool. These trails take you through several charming neighborhoods, and you’ll notice an abundance of RA pools and tennis courts (in fact, if you do this in the summer, pop into one of the pools for a refreshing dip). After your brisk walk, cross the street over to North Point Village for coffee, ice cream, or a hearty lunch!
- Tall Oaks to Lake Fairfax Park, North Reston. I’m not entirely sure how long this walk is, but the park loop takes about a half hour — longer if you’re with a dog who needs to investigate all the great smells. Park at Tall Oaks Village Center, cross under the underpass and head toward the wooden bridge. When you hit a dirt trailhead, take a left and follow the trail into Lake Fairfax Park. You’ll cross a little creek and then the path opens to what is a large loop. Go left or right and just follow it around. It’s a gorgeous walk in the woods! Just be careful–mountain bikers train here. They’re very courteous, but they’re also usually going pretty fast!
The trails of Reston are, in my opinion, one of the greatest features of our community. You really can get anywhere you need or want to go on foot, and it’s always fun to discover a new trail and see where it takes you. I’m most often on the trails around Lake Anne — wave if you see me!
This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
It doesn’t feel like Spring, but the jump in housing inventory says that the Spring market is here. Thirty-two new listings hit the market this past week pushing Reston’s full list of active properties is at 142 — more than we’ve seen in a long while.
11990 Market St #712 $1,450,000
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Chatham Colony Cluster is the kind of neighborhood where neighbors get together to watch ball games and children wander freely in and out of each other homes. If you wanted one word to describe this townhouse community in the Lake Anne area of Reston it would be “friendly.”
This is a small cluster of about 45 homes, each of which has a wooded backyard. These colonial style townhomes have brick exteriors, shuttered windows, and two designated parking spaces. With three bedrooms and full basements, each home offers plenty of space for growing families and empty-nesters alike. And like most Reston homes built in the 1970s, each has beautiful hardwood floors and large windows.
This quiet neighborhood sits right of Moorings and North Shore Drive, just a five-minute walk to Lake Anne and a five-minute drive to the new Wiehle-Reston East Metro station. Although not on Lake Anne, the cluster offers easy access to the Reston Association pathway that circles Lake Anne, making walks around the picturesque lake easy.
Children attend Forest Edge Elementary, Langston Hughes Middle School, and South Lakes High School. The North Shore Pool is an easy walk across Lake Anne Plaza, and the sprinkler park is practically in the neighborhood’s backyard.
Click here to find listings in Chatham Colony Cluster and the Lake Anne area of Reston.
This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
The Spring market has arrived in Reston with 125 active listings and 25 new listing in the past 7 days. The market continues to be very active with agents reporting strong Open House activity and multiple contracts for properties that have been well prepared and priced for the market.
It’s interesting to note that for as fast as the market has been moving there is none of the frenzied buying at any cost– the activity is all related to constrained inventory.
Here are a few of the new listings for this week.
2161 Cabots Point Lane– 3BR 3 Bath $660,000.00
11459 Washington Plaza W 4BR 2.5 Bath $579,000
1449 Newport Spring Court 3BR 2 Bath $460,000
1959 Belmont Ridge Court 2BR 2 Bath $335,000
Want to see more listings? Visit the Reston Real Estate website and see homes in Reston and all over Northern Virginia.
