Summer is in full swing, and it has been a glorious July. The weather has been beautiful, with lower than normal humidity. Perhaps that is why I’ve been seeing so many people on Lake Anne. Here are just a few of the lake season sports happening in Reston.
Paddle boarding in Reston
We are lucky to have a company here in Reston that offers standup paddle boarding (SUP) workshops on our Reston lakes — Surf Reston. SUP has been growing in popularity, probably because it is so much fun! Paddle boarding started as an offshoot of surfing, only it’s much easier and you don’t need waves. The concept is simple — you stand on a surf-style board and use a long paddle to move across the water. It’s a fun sport anyone can enjoy.
Surf Reston offers workshops at Lake Anne, Lake Audubon, Lake Thoreau and Lake Newport. The company started as a way to build a community of individuals who enjoy paddling; they teach how to paddle responsibly and safely and give their customers the opportunities to connect with other enthusiasts. Sign up for one of their workshops today! Better yet, get a group of friends to do it together. It’s a blast.
Kayak and canoe rental
Until Labor Day weekend, you can enjoy a leisurely paddle around Lake Anne. Reston Association provides kayak, canoe and paddle boat rentals by the hour. It’s a fun way to spend a summer evening! You can purchase tickets at Reston’s Used Book Shop, 1623 Washington Plaza (near the fountain). Contact the book shop by calling 703-435-9772. The cost is $6 per boat for 1-hour rental.
Hours of Operation are:
Thursdays, 4 – 8 p.m.
Fridays, 4 – 8 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Boating and Fishing at Lake Fairfax Park
The 476-acre Lake Fairfax Park includes a 20-acre lake where you can fish and boat. (Bring your own or rent a paddle boat or take a tour in the tour boat.) There is a small fee for launching your own boat, but it’s completely worth it! Follow the link for more information: boat rentals. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day until Labor Day. The address is 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston. Call 703-471-5414.
For other fun ways to spend your summer day, check out this comprehensive guide in Modern Reston.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
Here are some Reston homes that changed hands recently:
11790 Bayfield Court 3 BR, 2.5 BA. Sale Price: $399,000
2224 Cedar Cove Court, 4 BR, 3.5 BA. Sale Price:Â $585,000
11616 Chapel Cross Way, 3BR, 3BA. Sale price: $659,000
11407 Gate Hill Place, 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $375,000
10850 Grovehampton Court, 5 BR, 3.5 BA. Sale Price:Â $811,000
1376 Heritage Oak Way, 3 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $537,500
1720 Lake Shore Crest Drive, 1 BR, 1 BA. Sale Price: $270,000
1969 Logan Manor Drive, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $836,000
12615 Noble Victory Lane, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $623,000
11715 Olde English Drive, 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $280,000
2463 Pyrenees Court, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $344,500
11760 Sunrise Valley Drive, 1 BR, 1 BA. Sale Price: $246,000
1324 Wedgewood Manor Way, 3 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $600,000
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. Contact her on Reston Real Estate.
I spend a lot of time talking about all the amenities Reston has to offer, and you could easily fill all of your free time doing everything. But I would be remiss if I did not point you to the NOVA Parks.
I sometimes get so focused on my life at Lake Anne, I forget the incredible resources we have in Northern Virginia. The park authority maintains many of them.
NOVA Parks is a nonprofit that represents three counties and three cities — Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, the City of Alexandria, the City of Falls Church and the City of Fairfax. NOVA Parks staff, volunteer board members appointed from each jurisdiction and friends of the regional parks have worked together to preserve more than 12,000 acres of the rolling and wooded Virginia countryside, creating a priceless legacy for future generations. We are truly blessed that way back in the ’50s, regional leaders has the foresight to protect the Northern Virginia Wilderness.
NOVA Parks provides so many things to do, I can’t possibly list them all. So I’m just going to share my favorite. That is Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, also known as a little slice of heaven.
The gardens consist of 95 acres of ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. I particularly love the fairy garden, but all of the gardens are beautiful and fun. You can sit on a bench in your favorite spot, or meander along the walking trails, discovering local flora and fauna (be careful of nesting geese… they don’t appreciate visitors and they will charge you). The Atrium contains an indoor tropical garden. I’ve been to several events there, and the space is amazing. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is also home to the annual Winter Walk of Lights, a spectacular holiday light show featuring dozens of illuminated displays.
What is really nice is you can buy an annual pass for only $45 for the entire family! I think that is one of the best deals around. Of course, if you don’t want a pass, you can buy single tickets — $5 for an adult, $2.50 for seniors and children 7 to 17, children under 7 free.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. Contact her on Reston Real Estate.
Happy Independence Day! I hope you have a fun-filled day planned. I’m looking forward to hanging out with my family — my favorite way to spend every holiday!
To me, the highlight of the 4th is always the fireworks. Most places did their fireworks on Saturday, which honestly is a bit of a letdown. There is nothing like watching the fireworks on the 4th. Thanks to the town of Herndon, you can!
The town of Herndon will hold its annual 4th of July celebration beginning at 6:30 p.m. tonight. This free event will feature entertainment, arts and crafts, bingo, and family games. How fun is that?
The fireworks display will begin at around 9:30. Maybe I’ll see you there.
Right off Sunrise Valley Drive and within walking distance of the Wiehle-Reston East Silver Line station is a lovely street of contemporary homes. Upper Lake Drive is simply gorgeous.
Like many neighborhoods in Reston, Upper Lake is a horseshoe-shaped drive (don’t ask me why). Much of the street backs up to lovely Lake Thoreau (hence the name “Upper Lake”). At the entrance closest to the Metro, residents have easy access to a Reston Association tennis court. At the other entrance is Lake Thoreau pool. In between are mature oaks and maples and contemporary single-family homes nestled in the woods.
The neighborhood was built in the late 1970s, and the homes are very spacious. All are on generous plots, giving owners plenty of private space. I have a listing on Upper Lake with an open floor plan, exposed wood beam ceilings, wood floors and big windows. I’m not saying ALL the homes are like this, but this is typical of the neighborhood.
Upper Lake Drive is what Reston is all about: close proximity to schools, shopping and recreation while still feeling like you live in the country.
Photo courtesy Jessica Wallach/Portrait Play Time
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
Here are some Reston homes that changed hands recently:
11659 Chesterfield Court, 2BR, 2BA. Sale price: $272,500.
11967 Heathcote Court, 3 BR, 3BA. Sale price: $414,000.
2265 Hunters Run, 1 BR, 1 BA. Sale price: $200,000.
11705 Karbon Hill Court, 2BR, 2BA. Sale price: $301,000.
1675 Parkcrest Circle, 2BR, 1BA. Sale price: $230,000.
1142o Purple Beach Drive, 4BR, 3BA. Sale price: $855,000.
2412 Southgate Square, 3BR, 3.5BA. Sale price: $345,000.
2042 Swans Neck Way, 3BR, 4BA. Sale price: $527,500.
1526 Woodcrest Drive, 3BR, 2BA. Sale price: $375,000.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
Here are some Reston homes that changed hands recently:
1558 Bennington Woods Court, 3 BR, 1.5 BA. Sale Price: $345,000.
11653 Gas Light Court, 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $250,000.
11469 Heritage Commons Way, 3 BR, 3.5 BA. Sale Price: $460,000.
10864 Hunter Gate Way, 5 BR, 3.5 BA. Sale Price: $873,000.
1310 Pavilion Club Way, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $795,000.
12005 Taliesin Place, 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $340,000.
1151 Water Pointe Lane, 4 BR, 4.5 BA. Sale Price: $880,000.
2137 Whisper Way, 2 BR, 1.5 BA. Sale Price: $329,000.
1267 Wild Hawthorn Way, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $470,000.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
Here are some Reston homes that changed hands recently:
11687 Bennington Woods Road, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $750,000.
1810 Golf View Court, 3 BR, 3.5 BA. Sale Price: $470,000.
11706 Great Owl Circle, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $525,000.
11583 Lake Newport Road, 5 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $927,000.
1588 Moorings Drive, 3 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $337,000.
2605 Mountain Laurel Place, 4 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $615,000.
11478 Orchard Lane, 3 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $625,000.
1675 Poplar Grove Drive, 2 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $330,000.
11019 Villaridge Court, 2 BR, 1 BA. Sale Price: $262,000.
1516 Woodcrest Drive, 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $310,000.
1974 Winterport Cluster, 2 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $398,000.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
Here are some Reston homes that changed hands recently:
12160 Abington Hall Place, 3 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $525,000.
1943 Belmont Ridge Court, 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $342,000.
1642 Chimney House Road, 1 BR, 1 BA. Sale Price: $230,000.
2008 Colts Neck Road, 1 BR, 1 BA. Sale Price: $185,500.
10808 Crippen Vale Court, 4 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $769,000.
1318 Dasher Lane, 5 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $869,400.
1355 Lake Forest Court, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $869,900.
11990 Market St., 3 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $675,000.
11700 Mossy Creek Lane, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $425,000.
2276 Quartermaster Lane, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $470,000.
1368 Sundial Drive, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $485,000.
2021 Swans Neck Way, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price $560,000.
For families with young children, living on a cul-de-sac is great because it provides a safe place for the children to play. Perhaps that’s why the families I work with love Heather Knoll Cluster in North Reston.
Designed by Berry & Co., Heather Knoll Cluster was built in the early 1990s. It is a small community of 52 townhouses distributed among 13 buildings. Each home has a traditional brick front with fine detailing, classic cedar siding and elegant trim. The homes come in three different styles, with variations in room sizes and overall square footage. They are all two levels with a basement, three bedrooms, and two and half baths. They also each have a one-car garage — a bonus for Reston townhomes — and privacy fences separating the yards. And they have fireplaces!
Heather Knoll Cluster is located on Woodbrook Court off of Woodbrook Lane and Wiehle Avenue in the North Point area of Reston. The neighborhood is close to the Fairfax County Parkway and Route 7.
The surrounding area has wonderful walking paths and plenty of trees and nature. North Hills pool and tennis courts are about a five-minute walk, and North Point Village a 10- to 15-minute walk (depending on how fast you walk).
This is the perfect neighborhood for anyone who wants something slightly off the beaten path, but still wants to have all the amenities of Reston easily accessible.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
Here are some Reston homes that changed hands recently:
11182 Beaver Trail Court, 1BR, 1 BA. Sale Price: $225,000.
11322 Bright Pond Lane, 4BR, 4BA. Sale Price: $825,000.
2052 Eakins Court, 5 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $699,000.
2472 Freetown Drive, 4 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $675,000.
2162 Golf Course Drive, 4BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $423,000.
1720 Lake Shore Crest Drive, 2BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $320,000.
11539 Maple Ridge Road, 3 BR, 2.5 BA. Sale Price: $435,000.
11628 Newbridge Court, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $475,000.
11655 Newbridge Court, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $460,000.
1564 Poplar Grove Drive, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $410,000.
1625 Poplar Grove Drive, 3BR, 2BA. Sale Price: $374,000.
2033 Royal Fern Court, 3 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $249,000.
11760 Sunrise Valley Drive, 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $333,200.
1902 Villaridge Drive, 1 BR, 1 BA. Sale Price: $229,900.
2055 Winged Foot Court, 3 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $441,000.
While helping a couple narrow down the focus of their Reston home search recently, the husband made a statement that he would never own a condominium because the fees were in his opinion “a total rip-off.” As a condo dweller active on my condo’s Board of Directors for years, I’ve heard this sentiment on condo fees many times before.
When you own a townhouse or a single-family home, you understand that sooner or later you will have replace your water heater, roof, windows, siding or appliances. Hopefully, you have a financial plan that allows you to save for the replacement of things as they wear out. It is a “pay me now or pay me later” situation, but you are going to pay. When you defer home maintenance, you won’t get top dollar for your property when you go to sell. Most people would prefer to save a little bit each month in anticipation of home repairs rather than face a large unplanned expense. Condo management requires this forced savings.
Every year condominiums in Virginia are required to confirm that they are reserving enough money to repair, replace and maintain the property. If a condo has not adequately reserved (saved) the money needed to make repairs and has a sudden failure in a common element, it must make a special assessment in order to make whatever repairs are needed to maintain the property.
So, a rip-off? Not if your property is properly maintained.
What are my condo fees paying for anyway?
In a condominium, the fees fund two categories: operating expense and reserve funds. The operating expenses are the monthly costs required for trash, grounds maintenance and snow removal, administration and condo management. Read More
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
When I’m not helping people find their dream home in Reston, I’m spending time with my family at our coffee shop and wine bar at Lake Anne.
That’s right–about a year ago, our family purchased the Lake Anne Coffee Shop, remodeled it, and added a wine bar into the mix. And this weekend is our official Grand Opening!
We’ve been open since November, but we wanted to wait until the summer farmer’s market and craft markets opened to have our Grand Opening Weekend, because to us, that’s when Lake Anne really shines.
We are celebrating with new spring menu items, including our already-famous spinach salad with strawberries and goat cheese and the very best basil-mint balsamic dressing EVER. We also have added some great summer whites and rosés to the menu.
Personally, I’m most excited about the seasonal signature craft cocktails. They will be unique to us, and most importantly, they are super-tasty.
Not to worry, we will also have house-made lemonades with some unique twists (basil-blueberry lemonade), new iced teas, matcha (hot and iced), and cold brew and tonic (it’s good, I swear).
What I’m most excited for is the BIG EVENT:
WINE DINNER — SUNDAY MAY 7TH AT 6 P.M. Cost: $75 (before tax and gratuity)
Join us for a four-course, seasonal dinner by Chef Meagan. Each course is paired with a wine from Division Winemaking Company. Â Winemaker Kate Norris will be in attendance to discuss her wines. This is going to be great!
Reservations required, no menu substitutions. Call 703-481-9766 to make your reservation.
It will be the first of many wine dinners we hope to do with all of the interesting winemakers represented on our wine list. We hope to see you!
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
Here are some Reston homes that changed hands recently:
11757 Arbor Glen Way, 3BR, 4BA. Sale Price: $547,000.
1548 Bennington Woods Court, 3BR, 2BA. Sale Price: $350,000.
2228 Cocquina Drive, 4BR, 2BA. Sale Price: $359,000.
11603 Stoneview Court, 3BR, 2BA. Sale Price: $195,000.
1255 Weatherstone Court, 3BR, 4BA. Sale Price: $507,500.
1274 Woodbrook Court, 3BR, 4BA. Sale Price: $635,000.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
Here are some Reston homes that changed hands recently:
12007 Aintree Lane, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $860,000.
2407 Alsop Court, 3 BR, 3BA. Sale Price: $391,000.
2126 Cartwright Place, 2 BR, 1.5 BA. Sale Price: $290,000.
11107 Chessington Place, 5 BR, 5 BA. Sale Price: $1,060,000.
10710 Cross School Road, 4 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $718,500.
11909 Escalante Court, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $439,501.
2350 Generation Drive, 3 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $404,000.
1781 Jonathan Way, 1 BR, 1 BA. Sale Price: $195,000.
1163 Markell Court, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $1,000,000.
11990 Market Street, 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $795,000.
1443 Northgate Square, 2BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $220,000.
11460 Orchard Lane, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $650,000.
1651 Poplar Grove Drive, 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $365,000.
11008 Raccoon Ridge Court, 4 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $875,000.
1310 Stable Farm Court, 5 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price $770,000.
2388 Southgate Square, 3 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $285,000.
11613 Sourwood Lane, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $700,000.
11760 Sunrise Valley Drive, 2 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $318,000.
12311 Tigers Eye Court, 3 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $379,000.
1946 Upper Lake Drive, 3 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $985,000.
2081 Whisperwood Glen Lane, 3 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $340,000.