Perks on Washington Street, just as you get to Old Town Alexandria is a great little independent coffee shop. Hollin Hall Bakery to our south has great pastries and coffee.Favorite Restaurant in the Area:
Old Town Alexandria is filled with great restaurants and parking is easy. At the south end of Old Town (closest to our neighborhood) are two great restaurants, Faccia Luna for pizza and pasta, and Southside 815 for Southern/American cooking.Favorite Places to Go:
Old Town Alexandria is close and is a great place to go for dining, shopping, or just walking around. The Belle View Marina is a great place to launch a kayak or a dog into the river. The Mount Vernon bike trail is just a few blocks away.Best Features of the Home:
The house has been extensively customized with exquisite furniture-quality built-ins, cabinets and architectural woodwork including an incredible one-of-a-kind kitchen featuring custom cabinetry of cherry and apple wood from the Shenandoah. Other quality features include Architectural Series Pella windows, solid redwood and brick siding, gleaming hardwood floors on two levels, a convenient floor plan, ample room sizes, extensive storage space, a spacious screened porch, and terraced gardens. The home also features panoramic Potomac river views in the winter.Favorite Room:
We spend a lot of time in the kitchen and that’s where everyone congregates when we entertain. The eat-in area is great for intimate dining (when the weather isn’t good enough for the screened porch), and it’s just a really beautiful and peaceful space.
Has there been any remodeling since you purchased the home?:
Most everything has been updated with exquisite custom features. The owner is a professional cabinet- and furniture-maker and he has put his best work into customizing the home with beautiful woodwork throughout. This includes a one-of-a-kind kitchen of cherry and apple wood cabinetry. A large master bath was added, complete with a soaking tub looking out at the river and garden.Most Romantic Spot:
The screened porch is fantastic for romantic dining in the garden.What’s in the neighborhood?:
Marlan Forest is a neighborhood of well-maintained custom homes near Old Town, Alexandria. The neighborhood, which has been featured in the Washingtonian Magazine’s Best Places to Live, is adjacent to the George Washington Parkway, sitting at the top of a ridge that provides panoramic winter river views for a handful of lucky homeowners.
Favorite restaurants in the area: Mike’s American Restaurant has excellent American cuisine, but the service is hard to beat in the Washington area. Although the restaurant does not take reservations, and the wait is extensive, we have had no problems using their “call ahead” system.
Best features of the home: The feeling of seclusion and privacy is the highlight of this open, airy home. The free flowing main level living room, dining room and kitchen has access to a large and protected deck. The lower level family room with wet bar and fireplace has access to the very private, fenced patio. The patio and deck are connected by a very useful and space saving spiral staircase.
The West facing rear of the home is shaded and secluded by a permanent wooded area (Chesapeake Bay Water Shed). Even with the air of privacy and seclusion, this maintenance free home is very close to Metro and I-495/95. Very convenient to Old Town Alexandria, shopping, recreation and schools. Just five minutes to Ft. Belvoir.
Any remodeling since last sale price:
New kitchen with gas stove.
New Windows and sliding glass doors.
New garage door and opener
New carpets
Newly painted
New roof
New closet organization in the MBR.
Most romantic spot in the neighborhood:
The Potomac River
What’s in the neighborhood:
Schools (HS, MS and ES)
Recreation – parks, playgrounds, golf, Potomac River
Shopping – Kingstowne Shopping Center
What I will miss the most:
Convenience to amenities and commuting, while maintaining a private and secluded feeling.
There are multiple local coffee shops nearby, including a Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and local establishments.
Favorite restaurants in the area:
Mango Mikes – a locally-owned restaurant with a Caribbean flair. They offer a broad menu and an outstanding steel drum Sunday brunch.
Favorite places to go:
The proximity to the Metro offers convenient access to the entire city of Washington DC – including the Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Museums, MCI Center, and other area attractions. Locally, the multiple nearby parks offer walking paths and wonderful large open areas.
Best features of the home:
The best features of the home obviously begin with the proximity to the Metro, bus stop, and local shopping centers and parks. The home itself is one of the most desirable in the neighborhood as it is a second floor end unit offering additional light via extra windows in the kitchen and master bedroom and a large private corner deck with views of trees in both directions. The home also offers an attached garage with additional second parking space. There is also a two-sided fireplace in the living room. The home also offers all new flooring including hardwood in both bedrooms, kitchen and entry.
Favorite room: The living room is our favorite room as it offers a cozy view of the fireplace while also offering loads of natural light and views of trees through the large windows throughout the year.
Any remodeling since last sale price:
The entire condo has been remodeled. New energy efficient windows have been added throughout. New hardwood floors have been added in both bedrooms, kitchen and entry, new premium carpet in the living/dining rooms, and new vinyl in both bathrooms. All walls have been freshly painted and new updated lighting has been installed throughout. All appliances have been replaced with GE Select appliances and the wood cabinets have been refaced with six additional cabinets added for increased storage. Additionally, new kitchen countertops have been added including a new porcelain sink and brushed nickel faucet. Both full bathrooms have been updated with new vanities, mirrors, brushed nickel faucets, and lighting. The hot water heater has been replaced as well as the heat pump — which now includes an energy saving programmable thermostat. All electrical receptacles & switches have been replaced and all door hardware has been updated with brushed nickel knobs and hinges. The finished garage has been completely repainted with wood base molding added.
Most romantic spot:
The most romantic spot in the home is definitely the large soaking tub area in the master bathroom. The walls, painted in a warm hue, surround the bathtub whose entrance is encased with large elegant drapes which serve to frame the area and instill a sense of privacy. Warm glowing candles add to the mood.
What’s in the neighborhood: The neighborhood offers convenient walking access to the community pool and clubhouse, Metro stop, bus stop, multiple parks, as well as nearby shopping centers containing multiple restaurants, a post office, a Giant grocery store, as well as a Home Depot.
What I will miss the most:
We will miss the sense of community and close proximity to everything, from walking access to the Metro and bus stop to the multiple restaurants, shopping centers, and parks, that the area offers. Residents are friendly and take pride in the city – it truly is a wonderful place to live.
Favorite restaurants in the area: Kingstowne Center is loaded with shops and restaurants, from King Street Blues to Stonefish Grille, Noodles, Johnny Rockets, Chipotle and Panera Bread. There’s an Uno’s, a Macaroni Grille, Pasara Thai Restaurant and our favorite, Shiro Japanese Steakhouse! So many choices – you’ll never have to wash dishes again.
Favorite places to go: The Farmer’s Market in Kingstowne Center during the summer months has various vendors and live entertainment. A great way to enjoy a Friday evening. Or enjoy relaxing at one of the two community pools – the south center is within walking distance, and its a great way to cool down at the end of the day.
Best features of the home: We love the open floor plan with the kitchen open to the eating area and family room where we spend most of our time. There’s a gas fireplace that adds a warmth and coziness to cold winter nights. During the warmer months we especially love entertaining on the back patio surrounded by tiki torches and candlelight. The yard is beautifully landscaped, private and quiet.
Favorite room: The living room is wide open with cathedral ceiling and skylights. The plantation shutters keep the room feeling bright and airy and the sliding glass door leads you right out to the patio and backyard.
Any remodeling since last sale price: Replaced the laminate in the kitchen with Quartz counter tops and replaced all the appliances in 2005. The interior of the house was painted in 2007, crown moulding was added in the family room. Plantation shutters were custom made for the first floor and master bedroom. Updated the light fixtures in family room, eating area and hallways. Gutted and remodeled the master bathroom to create a spa-like bath with double vanity and huge walk-in shower.
Most romantic spot: The back yard on warm summer nights.
What’s in the neighborhood: Community centers of Kingstowne. The South Center is located across the street from the neighborhood and it features one of the two community pools, tennis courts, play ground, exercise room, etc. Also there are walking and hiking trails throughout Kingstowne, but the best kept secret is Kingstowne Park, which abuts the neighborhood has hiking trails and three small lakes. In Kingstowne Center there are countless restaurants, shops and services, including a post office, banks and movie theater.
What I will miss the most: Friendly neighbors and sense of community. Convenience of Kingstowne including the close access to public transportation and proximity to major highways. The house is great and the backyard and gardens will be missed.
Coffee shop of choice: Panera Bread – with their free wi-fi and huge selection of soups and sandwiches, it’s a great place to read or study. Since it’s in Downtown Silver Spring, there’s always Borders, Starbucks, and the Majestic (a 20-screen movie theater) in case the studying wears thin…
Favorite restaurants in the area: It’s a 10 minute walk to Woodside Deli for breakfast or Armand’s Pizza for lunch. Only a short drive or 1 metro stop away is Downtown: Mandalay (Burmese), Canyon Grill (similar to Houston’s, but better), Thai Derm, Mrs. K’s Tollhouse, Great Eggspectations, Baja Fresh, and the Shopping Mall.
Favorite places to go: American Film Institute (AFI) Theater – great seats, fantastic selection of new and indie movies, and they even serve alcohol!
Best features of the home: Location, location, location. 10 minute drive to NNMC Bethesda/NIH via the “back way” without ever getting on the beltway. 10 minute drive to WRAMC as well.
Favorite room: Toss-up – I love spending time in the kitchen (the new appliances and granite counter tops and all the space make it fun to spend time there), but I also love our upstairs office with its large window and great view of the city and the walking bridge. The deck is a nice place to hang out in the evenings.
Any remodeling since last sale price: Yes! The kitchen is almost entirely new – new hardwood floors, granite counters, stainless appliances. New carpet, new hot water heater, and a fresh coat of paint (interior) round out the improvements.
Most romantic spot: We really enjoy taking walks in our neighborhood all 4 seasons…it’s hard to pick one spot.
What’s in the neighborhood: Snyder’s Grocery store, Armand’s Pizza, and Woodside Deli are all within short walking distance. Only a 5 minute drive away are the Forest Glen Commissary, Silver Spring Cycles, and a FedEX Store. There’s also a small park with a playground, tennis courts, and basketball court just about 2 blocks away.
What I will miss the most: The location! Convenient to work, hike and bike trails, and good neighborhoods to explore on foot, while at the same time the metro allows easy access to the Mall, downtown DC restaurants and nightlife, and even the airport – it’s been great to fly in and out of Ronald Reagan National Airport without having to worry about finding or paying for parking or a taxi cab!
Coffee shop of choice: Caribou Coffee or Starbucks Coffee
Favorite restaurants in the area: Austin Grill, Hard Times Cafe, Shiro’s (Japanese)
Favorite places to go: Accotink Park, Best Buy, Whole Foods
Best features of the home: New fixtures and flooring (see remodeling section below) Also, being in a house near the end of the street has its advantages with minimal traffic. The double brick walls between each unit allow complete and total privacy.
Favorite room: The living room. I love the space and walk-out access to my patio.
Any remodeling since last sale price: Considerable remodeling! Cherry wood laminate flooring was installed in the entire upper level. The bathrooms have brand new, heavy tile (NOT vinyl flooring). Both bathrooms have entirely new fixtures. The master bedroom has a new ceiling fan. The kitchen has undergone the most remarkable transformation with new wood cabinets, counter tops, a sink, new heavy tile flooring and a brand new dishwasher. The living room has a new Berber-style carpet.
Most romantic spot: The picnic table down the hill. It is surrounded by trees and greenery and is a really nice place to have quiet time.
What’s in the neighborhood: Trees, trees and trees! We’re nicely secluded away from the hustle and bustle of normal life.
What I will miss the most: The greenery and its peace and quiet. I really love the way the tree line shields the neighborhood from any traffic noise. The grassy area behind my house was always so fun for me to give my dog (Lucky) some great exercise.
Favorite restaurants in the area: Kingstowne Center is loaded with shops and restaurants, from King Street Blues to Stonefish Grille, Noodles, Johnny Rockets, Chipotle and Panera Bread. There’s an Uno’s, a Macaroni Grille, Pasara Thai Restaurant and our favorite, Shiro Japanese Steakhouse! So many choices – you’ll never have to wash dishes again.
Favorite places to go: The Farmer’s Market in Kingstowne Center during the summer months has various vendors and live entertainment. A great way to enjoy a Friday evening. Or enjoy relaxing at one of the two community pools – the south center is within walking distance, and its a great way to cool down at the end of the day.
Best features of the home: We love the open floor plan with the kitchen open to the eating area and family room where we spend most of our time. There’s a gas fireplace that adds a warmth and coziness to cold winter nights. During the warmer months we especially love entertaining on the back patio surrounded by tiki torches and candlelight. The yard is beautifully landscaped, private and quiet.
Favorite room: The living room is wide open with cathedral ceiling and skylights. The plantation shutters keep the room feeling bright and airy and the sliding glass door leads you right out to the patio and backyard.
Any remodeling since last sale price: Replaced the laminate in the kitchen with Quartz counter tops and replaced all the appliances in 2005. The interior of the house was painted in 2007, crown moulding was added in the family room. Plantation shutters were custom made for the first floor and master bedroom. Updated the light fixtures in family room, eating area and hallways. Gutted and remodeled the master bathroom to create a spa-like bath with double vanity and huge walk-in shower.
Most romantic spot: The back yard on warm summer nights.
What’s in the neighborhood: Community centers of Kingstowne. The South Center is located across the street from the neighborhood and it features one of the two community pools, tennis courts, play ground, exercise room, etc. Also there are walking and hiking trails throughout Kingstowne, but the best kept secret is Kingstowne Park, which abuts the neighborhood has hiking trails and three small lakes. In Kingstowne Center there are countless restaurants, shops and services, including a post office, banks and movie theater.
What I will miss the most: Friendly neighbors and sense of community. Convenience of Kingstowne including the close access to public transportation and proximity to major highways. The house is great and the backyard and gardens will be missed.
