Photo courtesy of the Reston Museum.
Urban planning and architectural students study Reston, VA for a reason--some of Reston's early designs were groundbreaking. Hickory Cluster, the first development in Reston, is one. Designed by the famous architect Charles Goodman, they represent why Goodman's early designs changed the way developments were planned.
Architectural historian Elizabeth Jo Lample noted in Housing Washington: " ... The appeal of living in a Goodman house is enormous to those who share his avant-garde spirit, plus his ideals for openness, engagement with nature, and liberal social values. ... To those who are fortunate enough to obtain them, his dwellings feel like highly livable works of art, glazed conduits to the natural world."
One of Goodman's trademarks is the way he used the land. In Hickory Cluster, he arranged groups of townhouses around intricately paved terraces, which in turn are leveled into a wooded hilltop. Overlooking Lake Anne Village Center, the Hickory Cluster townhomes features sharp changes in the rooflines, varying sizes, and contrasting textures. The homes come in a variety of designs with 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms, rooftop terraces, balconies, playrooms, private studies, family rooms and recreation rooms.
Parking is ample: there is underground garage parking or carports for some models and large parking areas for others. The cluster backs up to Reston Association path and is just a short walk to Lake Anne, Reston Town Center, and Lake Anne Elementary School. The new Reston Station, Silver Line Metrorail, is a five minute drive and Dulles International Airport is within 15 minutes by car.
Visit the Hickory Cluster website to learn more about this historic, and beautiful, Reston community.
