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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]