The impact of Metro on Reston is hard to miss. Anyone who’s tried to cross the Dulles Toll Road at rush hour can attest to the changes we’ve gone through over the past 5 years.  In addition to the impact on traffic and travel, Metro has also had an impact on neighborhoods.

Over the next several weeks I’m going to write about neighborhoods that fall within a 1-mile radius of the three Reston/Herndon Metro stops. This week we’re looking at Polo Fields.

Polo Fields consists of approximately 400 single family homes that were built between 1981 and 1996. They range in size from over 3000 sq. ft. with 6 bedrooms and 4 bath units, to more modest 1800 sq. ft. 3 bedroom 2 bath homes. They generally have nice flat yards that are great for kids and dogs. Many of the houses boast beautiful and welcoming front porches. 

Home prices over the past year have ranged from a low $508,000 for a smaller (1875 sq. ft.) property that needed a good bit infrastructure work like windows, roof, HVAC, etc., etc., to a high of $735,000 for a larger 300 sq. ft. plus a finished basement property that was in tip-top, move-in ready condition. This has always been a neighborhood that sells well—days on market last year averaged just 14 days, which is about 1/3 of what the overall Reston market averaged.

These homes, which are already really, really desirable have gotten a HUGE location upgrade. Every single one of them is less than one mile to the new Metro stop—ALL of them are a 20 minute or less walk from front door to the station—many of them are fewer than 10 minutes from door to station. It was a really good neighborhood before—being walkable to the Metro bumps this neighborhood up to super desirable.

I think Golf Course Island Cluster is one of Reston’s gems. From the outside, these contemporary, cedar sided homes look small. But walk inside and it’s like one of those magic tents in Harry Potter—the space just expands. This may be one of the reason’s the community won an architectural design award when they were built in the late 60s.

There is a lot going on in Golf Course Island Cluster right now. Over the last several years, the original owners have been moving out and young families and young professionals are moving in. As this happens, people are renovating the homes—mostly updating the kitchens. With 188 units, homes come up for sale often—some are fixer-uppers, others have been freshly renovated. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it here. 

The Golf Course Island townhomes come in various sizes. Most are three bedrooms, although there are a couple with two bedrooms and a few with four bedrooms and lofts. The hallmark of all is well-designed space that flows, large closets, and privacy. Ye s, privacy in a townhouse. The cluster is designed so that every home feels private and secluded—you won’t hear your neighbors through the walls. 

Much of the cluster backs Hidden Creek Country Club’s golf course, and the main living areas open to the common areas and green space. While it appears likely that the private golf course is likely to be redeveloped, the plans we’ve seen so far call for a 100+ acre public amenity in the form of a park and recreational facilities. 

The common spaces of Golf Course Island are beautifully maintained. For the children, there is a great playground with wonderful slides in block 12 (there are 12 blocks in the cluster). The children love it. On most nice afternoons, you will see the neighborhood families sitting on the bench while the children run around the quad in delight. For those with dogs, there are many paths through the neighborhood, and plenty of squirrels to chase.

Each townhome is assigned one carport space, and there is ample open parking for every unit to have a second car. For visitors, there is parking on Links Drive and North Shore Drive. Golf Course Island is about one mile from the Reston Metro, Reston Town Center, and Lake Anne Plaza. And there is easy access to the Reston Association pools and other recreation areas.

Prices are ranging here depending on the condition of the home, but for the most part are in the upper-400s to upper 500s. Check out this beautiful and friendly cluster.

By Eve Thompson

Heather Knoll Cluster in Reston, VA.
Photo courtesy of Heather Knoll Cluster.

The North Point area of Reston was the last place fully developed in Reston, and the homes are modern, clean, and beautiful. Heather Knoll Cluster is no exception. Built in the early 1990's, Heather Knoll Cluster is a small community of 52 townhouses distributed among 13 buildings. These homes are perfect for young families as they're situated on a charming cul de sac--providing children with a safe place to play.

Designed by Berry & Co., each home has a traditional brick front with fine detailing, classic cedar siding and elegant trim. They also each have a one-car garage--a bonus for Reston townhomes--and privacy fences separating the yards. They are all two levels with a basement, three bedrooms, and two and half bath. And they have fireplaces! The homes come in three different styles, with variations in room sizes and overall square footage.

Healther Knoll Cluster is located on Woodbrook Court off of Woodbrook Lane and Wiehle Avenue--with close proximity to the Fairfax County Parkway and Route 7. The surrounding area has wonderful walking paths and plenty of trees and nature.

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.

By Eve Thompson

Waterview Cluster is Reston’s most iconic neighborhood.

Whenever you see an article about Reston, the planned community or Reston appears in a history book, you will likely also see a picture of Waterview Cluster. It is perhaps the most iconic Reston neighborhood.

Built in 1965, many of the 75 two and three story townhouses on Lake Anne have beautiful water views with the remaining situated on lushly landscaped wooded lots. Award-winning architect Chloethiel Woodard Smith designed Waterview Cluster to feel like a French fishing village, and the exterior bricks painted in soft pastels and the charming balconies really do make it feel European.

The townhouses in this beautiful community have a charming mid-century modern meets cottage vibe. They are light and airy, with very inviting interior spaces. They range in size from 1,500 to 2,800 square feet. Residents affectionately call the homes “tall skinnies” or “short fats.” The mix of size and styles make for a unique and charming neighborhood. Waterview Cluster residents are unwavering in their affection for their neighborhood—they share a collective recognition that they live some place unique.

Like most of Reston, Waterview Cluster is very walk-able, with paved walkways leading to Lake Anne Village Center and Reston Town Center.

By Eve Thompson

Summer is almost over, but it’s not gone yet. While many of the Reston pools have closed for the season, there is plenty of water fun to be had. Take advantage of the next few weekends to get on the water!

Paddle boarding in Reston

Standup paddle boarding (SUP) is taking the water sports world by storm. Called Hoe he’e nalu in the Hawaiian language (which is just a fun fact to know), paddle boarding started as an offshoot of surfing… only much, much easier. The concept is simple—you stand on a surf style board and use a long paddle to move across the water. You can do it on flat water, like the Reston lakes, or in the open water. It’s a fun sport anyone can enjoy.

And we are lucky in Reston to have a company that offers SUP workshops on our Reston lakes—Surf Reston. They offer 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.

Enjoy these last few weeks of summer break. Maybe I’ll see you out on the lakes!

- See more at: http://allrestonrealestate.com/blog/#sthash.lTRisQ0X.dpuf

By Eve Thompson

There is every type of dwelling available in Reston—from single family home to condos, from large to small… and everything in between. Despite the fact I live in a condo, I always associate Reston with townhomes. Perhaps that is because we have such diverse townhome communities—we have close to a 140 separate townhouse clusters. That’s a lot.

Many people who move to Reston have never considered living in a townhome. They perceive them as dark and small with little privacy from neighbors. Then they visit some of the townhome communities and change their minds. Our townhome clusters are wildly varied from the comfortable and modest to over-the-top luxurious. Many are on our lakes or golf course. All have beautiful, well-kept common areas.

Cedar Cove cluster in South Reston has garages and access to Lake Audubon!

So is a Reston townhome right for you? Possibly yes. Reston townhomes offer a wide range of housing options for almost every price point. You’ll often find neighborhoods that are a combination of young families, singles, or couples who have downsized. It’s a wonderful, eclectic mix. And for busy professionals, you have the bonus of a lovely neighborhood that you don’t have to care for—your cluster will maintain the common property!

If you’ve never considered townhome living because you’re worried about the size, the light or living in such close proximity, maybe you should reconsider, there is a lot of upside to this housing style. And no place does it as well as Reston.

By Eve Thompson

Labor Day weekend--the last hurrah before summer officially ends. We celebrate the holiday in style here in Reston with the annual Lake Anne Jazz and Blues Festival--one of my absolute favorite events of the whole year. If you're new to Reston, or have never made it down to Lake Anne for this event, make sure to put it on your calendar.

In fact, the Lake Anne Jazz and Blues Festival is so much fun, it's going to be an entire week this year. The fun starts August 30 and culminates on Saturday, September 5. And the best part is it is free. Fun for the whole family, this festival showcases talented local emerging artists and national jazz performers. Not only will there be great music, the Lake Anne merchants are featuring specials and there will be a fun featured film as part of the ongoing Summer Film Festival series.

Ready for a week of great music? Here is the full list of activities:

• August 30 (sundown) - Summer Film Festival Series Movie "Jazz on a Summer's Day" (1959 Classic)
• September 1 (7-10 p.m.) - The Red Tree Solo (Café Montmartre)
• September 1 (8 p.m.) - Jazz Trivia Night (Kalypso's Sports Tavern)
• September 1 (6-9 p.m.) - Mykle Lyons Trio (Plaza)
• September 2 (8-10 p.m.) - The Caterpillars Duet (Café Montmartre)
• September 2 (9:30 p.m.) - Jazz Karaoke Night (Kalypso's Sports Tavern)
• September 3 (7-9 p.m.) - Take A Break Concert Series featuring the Chris Vadala Quartet (Plaza)
• September 4 (7:30-10:30 p.m.) - Cabernet (Café Montmartre)
• September 4 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) -- The Jason Kearse Trio (Plaza)

Lake Anne Jazz and Blues Festival Line Up

• September 5
  1 p.m. Ted Garber
  2 p.m. Cissa Paz
  3 p.m. Integriti Reeves4 p.m. Nia Olabesi
  5 p.m. Mykle Lyons
  6 p.m. Texas Chainsaw
  7 p.m. Adrian Duke (Headliner)
  9:30 p.m. Post Festival Late Night with Sam Gunderson (Kalypso's Sports Tavern)

Don't forget about the merchants. Here are some of the specials you can expect:

• Chesapeake Chocolates: Special Edition chocolate musical notes and instruments. Wine Tasting Sept. 3 from 5:30 to 7:30p.m.
• Reston's Used Book Shop: 50% off all books about music
• Small Change Kids Consignment Shop: Melissa & Doug musical toys 50% off
• The Reston Museum: Music sale on local jazz performers Beverly Cosham, Menda Ahart and Felicia Crowley

But that's only until Saturday, you say. You are right. So on Labor Day, head down the road to Herndon for the annual Herndon Labor Day Festival! It's Monday, September 7, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Herndon Town Green (777 Lynn Street, Herndon, VA 20170). There will be tastings of Virginia wines and craft beers, great music, a craft show, sponsor gallery, and food vendors. The Herndon Parks and Recreation Department and the Herndon Woman's Club produce this fun event.

• Admission
  Wine, Craft Brew Tastings and Entertainment - $20
  (ID required to purchase tastings)
  Concert only or designated driver - $5
  Extra beer tastings - $2 per ticket- Cash only at gate
  - Children 12 and under free
  - No pets allowed
  - Wine and craft brew tasting and selling of open containers ends at 4 p.m.
• 2015 Participating Virginia Wineries
  Cardamon Family Vineyards
  Chateau O'Brien
  Desert Rose Ranch and Winery
  Horton Vineyards
  Mattaponi Winery
  Mountain Cove Vineyards
  Rebec Vineyards
  Rogers Ford Farm Winery
  Thistle Gate Vineyard
  Two Twisted Posts Winery
• Featured Craft Brews
  Forge Brew Works, Belgian Blonde
  Mad Fox Brewery, K?lsch
  South Street Brewery, Satan's Pony - Amber Ale
  O'Conner Brewing Co., El Guaop - IPA
  Brothers Craft Brewing, Great Outdoors- Pale Ale
  Devils Backbone Brewing Co., Vienna Lager
• Food Vendors
  International Grill
  Island Smoothies and Coffee
  Italian
  Rito Loco
  Sherri's Crab Cakes

Enjoy your last official weekend of summer. I know I'm looking forward to it!

- See more at: http://allrestonrealestate.com/blog/#sthash.vNfftgXv.dpuf

By Eve Thompson

Most of the Reston condominiums built in the 1970’s look nondescript from the outside. There is no way around it—they are boxy and plain. But if you take the time to go inside, you will be pleasantly surprised. Vantage Hill is a wonderful example of this.

Vantage Hill sits on 15 beautifully wooded acres that have been designated a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. That’s 15 acres for 152 units or, more than 4,000 square feet per unit.

And then there are the spacious interiors. These may be condominiums, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up space. The units are generally 2 or 3 bedrooms with generous floor plans, ample closets and spacious kitchens. One of the beautiful things about these older condominiums is that most of them have been updated—new kitchens, new bathrooms, and new flooring. It’s the best of both worlds—the solid construction and beautiful landscape of the 70’s with the beautiful interiors and modern designs of today.

Utilities are included in the condo fees. Vantage Hill is located between Reston Town Center and Lake Anne Village Center, with an easy walk to either. It’s about a five-minute walk to Lake Anne Elementary School. Older children attend Langston Hughes Middle School and South Lake High School.

- See more at: http://allrestonrealestate.com/blog/#sthash.vNfftgXv.dpuf

Welcome to our new real estate blog!

Many of my clients are curious about the whole Reston Association Design Review Process--it's something they really want to understand before buying a home in Reston. In a previous post, I talked about working with Reston Association's Design Review Board. Today, the topic is appealing a DRB decision. And yes, you can do it.

How to Appeal a DRB Decision

To appeal a DRB decision, you must be either the applicant or a registered Affected Party. And the DRB will hear only one appeal of a decision.

To get your appeal heard, you must submit it to the DRB Secretary within 15 days after the notice of a decision has been mailed. If you're filing the appeal as an Affected Party, it must submit it within 7 days after notice of a decision has been mailed. All requests for appeals must be submitted in writing.

After that, the process is that the Secretary will schedule the appeal to the next available full Design Review Board. DRB decisions may be overturned on appeal for either or both of two reasons:

• If the original reviewer(s) misapplied specific guidelines or DRB-approved cluster standards.
• If there is new and/or additional design information that was not available to the original reviewer(s).

Typically, the appeal decision becomes the final decision.

For more information on the Design Review process, visit the Reston Association website.