There are many hot areas in Washington. Yes, Georgetown is great, The Hill is heaven, Columbia Heights is cool and Adams Morgan is absolutely magnificent, but let me introduce you to Brookland –and once you visit you’re sure to be a believer.

Here’s something you might not know and I’ll probably regret telling you but acres of sumptuous gardens are open to the public on the grounds of the Franciscan Monastery (http://www.myfranciscan.org/).

Yes, in Brookland!

That’s not all, an organic grocery store, day spa and coffee shop are just some of the attractions in this growing area. 

 Yes! Organic Market

3809 12th Street, N.E

Washington, D.C. (202) 832-7715

Cafe Sureia

3629 12th Street NE,

(between Otis and Newton Streets)             

202-269-9444 

 cafesureia.com

Want more? How about 1721 Girard Street, a 1260 square foot brick colonial situated on a beautiful corner lot for under $400,000 in Brookland.

Property: 3 bedroom 1 full 1 half bath colonial with sun-porch, fireplace, washer/dryer, and hardwood floors.

Price: $399,900

Perhaps the title of this blog entry “Try Cape Cod “ conjures a day with Grandma at the beach and a lunch of lobster and corn on the cob. For the buyer of this 1956 Cape Cod, there are so many more memories to be made in this delightful home. Imagine white sock clad toddler feet slipping and sliding across the pristine hardwood floors — or the carefree laughter of kids attending a birthday party in the backyard.

This 4 bedroom, 3 bath abode is also much larger than it appears. There are 3 levels of living space situated on a 12,075 square foot lot.

Offered at $650,000 this all brick Cape Cod is located at 1716 Macon Street in McLean. An open house will be held on SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2008: 1pm-4pm***

Price:$469,000

Maybe you’re a young family just starting out and a 5000 square foot home is just too much space for you. Why not choose a townhouse? At 1280 square feet This townhouse is very spacious and can easily accommodate a couple with children. Or for retirees looking to downsize — this handsome 2 level townhouse featuring 2 master-suites and 2. 5 baths might be just the right fit.

Hardwood floors, gas fireplace and a private patio make for an attractive, cozy, and comfortable living environment.

The community is across the street from Tysons Galleria Mall so you can walk to the mall and take in a movie, do some shopping or have dinner at Neisha Thai and follow up with ice cream at Coldstone Creamery.

Here’s one of the best parts of this deal: The house is across the street from Tyson’s Corner shopping mall. One more thing: the community even has a pool and a gym.

Location: 1616 East Ave, McLean, VA 22101

Property: 4 bedroom, 3 bath 1965 brick colonial

Price: $719,000

This East Avenue home was built in 1965.  Have you ever looked at your house and wondered what was happening in this country around the time your house was constructed? The same year this colonial was erected, a short distance away in Washington, President Lyndon Johnson was signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, perhaps one of this country’s most important pieces of legislation.  This law ensured every American the right to vote.

That same year, McLean High school was bursting at the seams with students. Langley High School opened in 1965 to alleviate the overcrowding. Since then, the house pictured here has been well maintained and updated. If you’re interested in having a look-see, more information is available on www.Redfin.com

http://www.redfin.com/stingray/do/listings-search#residential=true&condo=true&lat=38.92042119903317&long=-77.19715118408203&zoomLevel=11®ion_id=24355®ion_type=6&market=dc

Location: 1463 Buena Vista Ave. McLean 22101

Price: $599,000

Okay folks this house has only been on the market for 27 days. One of the great things about this home is the expansive 9,375 square foot lot.  Children are sure to appreciate the lush green front and backyard. The landscaping is attractive but certainly there is room on this property for an Asian or English garden, maybe even an organic vegetable garden.  Now if you’re in love with this house but not sold on growing your own veggies, McLean has a farmer’s market every Friday at Lewinsville Park beginning on May 2 through November 14th.

Mark your calendar, the farmer’s market will be closed on May 16th in honor of McLean Day.

Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road

Directions: From downtown McLean, head west on Chain Bridge Road. The market site is located on the left between Westmoreland Street and Great Falls Street. From the Beltway: take Rt. 123 North, turn right on Great Falls St., then first left onto Chain Bridge Rd., Lewinsville Park is on the right.

Property:  3 bedroom 2 1/2  bath expanded brick split level

Location: Dumbarton at Franklin Park

Price:$699,000

This house is located on a cul de sac in a desirable area close to Chesterbrook Elementary and St. John Academy on Linway Terrace. Whether the owner of this property chooses to expand the existing house or build a completely new one on the lot — the location (with its close proximity to Washington) is unparalleled.

Location: Great Falls at Kirby

Price: $1,200,000 

What if I told you a 2 acre property recently hit the market in McLean? I know, I know, 2 acres sounds like a house in Great Falls but its not. It is however located between Great Falls and Kirby streets –definitely in McLean. 

There’s an extra bonus– it backs to Pimmit Run Park and is a stone’s throw from The Tuckahoe Club and Tyson’s Corner. In fact, Pimmit Hills Library is one of my very favorite places — sorry Dolly Madison branch (route 123.)

Now, back to the house. As you can tell from the photos there are hardwood floors throughout. Just one glance and becomes obvious that this home isn’t your standard cookie cutter c.1970′s McLean colonial.

Here’s why: Cathedral ceilings, modern columns and a sunken living room make for high drama. 

The family room is enormous and for families that fancy entertaining, a home theater with overhead projector, drop down screen & built-in sound system means the neighborhood kids will convene at your house.

A lower level suite means the in-laws can stay for a long period and you won’t even notice — or the suite can also be used for an Au pair.

 Location: Spring Gate Drive at Scott’s Crossing 

Price: $350,000

Condo: 2 bedroom 2 bath condo at The Gates of McLean near I-495, Routes-66, and 267

At the risk of sounding like a public relations flack for the Gates of McLean development I’ve discovered another fantastic 2 bedroom 2 bath condo for sale — this one at a recently reduced price!

This unit has 9 foot ceilings, fireplace in the living-room, a balcony and is carpeted in a neutral tone to complement pale shades of cream, eggshell and saffron on various room walls accented by crown molding.

After a long day of work or an intense aerobic workout in the Gates two-story clubhouse with weight room, the owner of this unit will appreciate a relaxing spa bath in the over-sized soaking tub. 

Where some condos are lacking in storage space… both bedrooms inside this unit have walk-in closets.  Another attractive bonus: this property has its own underground garage space.

Price: 4,300,000

 This  5 Br, 6 full & 3 half bath, 1.5 acre estate in McLean is so gracious it gives the appearance of a historic property.  And no, it is not Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.

 Custom finishes appear throughout this exceptional property. The expansive master suite features his and hers baths with closets. A conservatory, sun room, billiards room, library, exercise room and sauna are just a few of this property’s amenities.
DIR: From McLean: West on Old Dominion, R Dominion Ridge into the Reserve, turn left after security gate on Centrillion to 871 on R. Or I495 to Georgetown Pike towards Great Falls, L Centrillion to 871 on L.

The top floor neutral toned home is almost reminiscent of a loft — or at least a loft by Washington’s standards — wide open spaces, tall ceilings, hardwood floors and lots of light.

The kitchen and baths have been updated while the bedrooms feature ample closet space and decorator touches. And never mind the recession or the increasing cost of gasoline, for it’s hard to be blue or worried in a condo where over-sized windows bathe the unit in natural light. A gas fireplace and decorative mantel in the living-room will accommodate a range of design styles. 2 reserved parking spaces are part of the amenities package.