The city of Alexandria is rich with history, from the earliest settlers through the Civil War to the present day. Apart from the area's famous landmarks that we all know, there are some unique and interesting attractions off the beaten path. Here are four that you probably didn't know about.
Hollensbury Spite House
Hollensbury Spite House
In 1830, brickmaker and city councilor John Hollensbury's home was one of the two houses that directly bordered all alley that attracted an annoying amount of horse-drawn wagon traffic and loiterers. To stop people from using the alley he built a 7-foot wide two-story home using the existing brick walls for the adjacent houses as the sides of the new house. The living room walls of the house have gouges from wagon-wheel hubs. The house, which is still standing and occupied, was dubbed the narrowest house in America by Ripleys Believe It or Not.
The Grave of the Female Stranger
According to local legends, a young couple arrived in Alexandria in 1816 and rented a room in Gadsby’s Tavern at 138 North Royal St. The woman was seriously ill and her husband hired a local doctor to treat her–-on condition that the doctor doesn’t ask questions about their identities. The woman eventually died on October 14, 1816.
The husband borrowed money from a local businessman to bury her in town, repaying him with a cheque, which later turned out to be a forgery. The woman’s grave can still be found in the St. Pauls Episcopal Church section of the town’s cemetery.
A slab bears the inscription “To the memory of a Female Stranger whose mortal sufferings terminated on the 14th day of October 1816 Aged 23 years and 8 months….”
Mount Vernon Slave Cemetery
For nearly 200 years, the woods at George Washington's famous estate hid a secret. A graveyard for the former president's slaves lay hidden beneath a thicket of bushes until an 1885 map of the estate revealed a burial ground. A marble marker was placed on the site in the 1920s but it also disappeared beneath a tangle of vegetation. In 2014, archeologists began a multi-year project to learn more about the cemetery. So far, they've found dozens of unmarked graves and estimate the graveyard to contain over 150 slaves.
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary
Founded in 1792, this was a family business operated continuously until 1933, when competition from synthetic drug companies and the Great Depression led it to bankruptcy. The apothecary closed in 1933 and reopened as a museum in 1939. The museum displays the original collection of herbal botanicals, hand-blown glass, and medical instruments that were there when the store closed.
Recent Listings
Immaculately constructed as a former model house, this stunning four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home boasts many designer upgrades and fine finishes not typically found in homes.
Get ready to live a life of luxury in one of Vienna's most sought-after communities - Cedar Mill. Sunlight fills the spacious open concept floor plan, leading you from one lavish space to the next. Find your passion for cooking again in the chef-approved kitchen lined with exquisite wood cabinetry, modern appliances, and granite counters - allowing you to flex your skills! Laughter will fill your home from the adjoining formal dining room and living room grounded by the gentle roar of the brick surround fireplace. Enjoy views of the tranquil backyard from the breakfast nook giving way to the raised deck - ideal for entertaining year-round.
End your day of fun or work in the spacious upper-level primary suite with access to a large closet and ensuite bathroom. An additional three bedrooms can be found down the hall on the upper level. Some of the many upgrades and amenities you will find throughout include energy-efficient windows with noise dampening properties, a fully finished basement with ceramic flooring, a large recreation room, a newer roof, a laundry room, a newer water heater, an oversized garage, and tons of storage space. Access W&OD Trail and the Vienna Metro minutes from your front door and a quick commute to DC along I-66, Route 7, Route 485, or Route 50 - a commuter's dream! Fine dining, entertainment, top-rated schools, and local shops are also mere moments away, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this vibrant and exciting community as you make Bell Lane part of your next chapter. [Cedar Mill - $995,000]
Best ever location! Walk straight in from the parking lot (no stairs) but the back balcony is on the second floor for best view and security! All new paint and carpets.
New refrigerator and other appliances are newer. Electrical panel replaced 2021, HVAC - newer 2-3 year old. Large bedroom with large walk in closet. Extra storage area one level below. Two Parking passes, one for resident and one for guest. ALL UTILITIES EXCEPT PHONE AND CALBLE INCLUDED IN CONDO FEE. Community has pool and beautifully maintains the grounds and buildings, stairs to be replaced and pool just updated.
Great access to everything. Less than two miles to Van Dorn metro and bus stop on Edsall road. [Edsall Bluff - $215,000]
Welcome Home to this immaculate and immensely popular Toll Brothers Ellsworth II model in Dominion Valley with hardwood floors throughout the main and upper levels.
This uniquely special home features one-of-a-kind amenities with rare two laundry rooms, one on the main level and one on the upper level. Coupled with a hard-to-find main-level bedroom and attached full bathroom, you have a never-before built-in in-law suite. Featuring an open space living concept that seamlessly joins the comfort of your spacious family room to an open breakfast area and Gourmet kitchen, you will enjoy the luxurious SS appliances that showcase a built-in microwave, wall oven, and range hood 5-burner cooktop. Luxurious primary bedroom with a private sitting area and a beautiful owner’s bathroom suite with double sinks, a soaking tub, and a spacious standing shower. A princess suite with its own bathroom. 2 other spacious secondary bathrooms and a jack-and-jill bathroom. The other full-size laundry room in the upper level. The basement comes with a finished recreation room, a full-size bathroom, and a spacious bonus storage room. The community comes with many amenities, including a signature Arnold Palmer golf course, Palmer’s Table & Tap for fine dining, and various outdoor pools, tot lots throughout. [Dominion Valley Country Club - $1,055,000]
Great Townhouse in beautiful Golf Course community, gleaming hardwood floor on main level, granite counter top, S/S Appliances, Rear Deck backs to trees.
Completely remodeled townhome with redesigned floorplan. 3 BR 2.5 BA. Solid hardwood floor on main level leading up to the second floor hall way. New carpet on all bedrooms. Brand new gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and brand new upgraded stainless steel appliances. New bathrooms with new floor, toilet, vanity, crystal lights. Laundry room with new front load washer dryer. HVAC 3 years old. Big private fenced backyard with a storage shed. Super convenient location for shopping, commuting, and public transportation. Expensive and time-consuming remodeling has been done for you. Don't miss this home sweet home [Williamstown - $285,000]
This lovely 3 bedroom end unit townhome with 3 finished levels in the popular Woodstone Community is a must see! Light filled kitchen w/center island and stainless steel appliances and an eat-in area.
Rear deck backing to the wooded area with stairs going down to the fenced yard with shed. Walk-out from the lower level from the recreation room with full bathroom. Roof replaced 2018, A/C replaced 2020, new dishwasher 2022, bathroom vanities (main lever and basement) replaced 2022, Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring on the main and lower level 2022. Convenient to major roads and public transportation. Great location and close to everything including Huntington Metro, Springfield Metro and Kingstown area with shopping, movie theater and restaurants. There is one assigned parking space in the front of the home with plenty of extra open parking spaces. This townhome is priced to sell! You owe it to yourself to see this beautiful townhome. Open House Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 [Woodstone - $485,000]
Updated brick front 2 level home on a quiet street located in the Woodson school pyramid
Large screened in porch at rear of the house.
Over 2,900 finished square feet and a beautiful fully fenced 1/3 acre backyard with mature azaleas, trees and plantings. Shed on the side of the house for additional storage. Huge living room with wood burning fireplace and picture window overlooking front yard.
Separate dining room. 5 bedrooms 3 full baths. Hardwoods on main level, new carpet lower level and main level bedrooms 2022. New Quartz countertops in kitchen. Updated bathrooms. Custom large sliding glass door from kitchen to deck. Lots of natural light pours into this home. Replacement windows throughout. French doors from dining room to screened porch and deck for morning coffee and outdoor entertaining. Deck can also be accessed from custom oversized sliding glass door from kitchen. Walk out lower level with kitchenette, 2nd fridge (works, but AS IS), large rec room, 2 bedrooms, full bath, laundry/storage room . Wood burning stove in rec room. Sliding glass door from lower level to outdoor covered entertaining space. New concrete steps and path up to house 2021. Move in ready and no HOA. OPEN Saturday August 20, 2-4 PM
Rutherford neighborhood has an online social media site
Vienna Metro just 4 miles away
Express bus to Pentagon stop is just 2 blocks away
Rutherford Pool and park/trails short distance
Many shops, restaurants and amenities nearby. Close to Mosaic shopping center, Fairfax Hospital and Trader Joes.
Little Run Elementary, Frost Middle, Woodson HS [Rutherford - $799,000]
Updated Colonial on quiet cul-de-sac.
Attractive 3 level home has been freshly painted. Step into the foyer and into the light spacious living room with hardwood floors, a brick fireplace and access to formal , separate dining room. Remodeled Eat-in kitchen with new white cabinets and quartz countertops. Recessed lighting and new ceramic tile flooring. New stainless steel appliances and recessed lights in kitchen. Breakfast area for informal family meals. Kitchen opens into family room with glass sliding door to the renovated deck overlooking the back yard. Upper level has new carpeting 2022. Primary bedroom and renovated bathroom. 3 additional bedrooms. Hall bathroom is renovated and has a sky-light. Walk-out Lower level with a newly carpeted recreation/game room, recessed lights, and a sliding glass door to a patio. The laundry area has a washer/dryer and a sink located in the utility room. Access to the one car garage is from the main level family room. New door and opener. Garage is shelved. Recent deck. Idyllic, private yard with mature plantings and fringed with trees. Sought after Burke Centre Community with 5 pools, tennis and pickle ball courts. Club houses/community centers. Trails, basketball courts, playgrounds and tot lots offered throughout the area also. VRE station in Burke is approx 2.2 miles away with a stops at Crystal City, L'Enfant Plaza and Union Station. Commuter Bus stop on Oak Leather to Pentagon and other locations. Many shops, restaurants and amenities in the area. Open Saturday 8/20, 2-4 pm [Burke Centre - $775,000]
Immaculately maintained and tastefully upgraded executive style home on quiet cul-de-sac in unique Ridgelea Hills community.
Spacious rooms with more than 4,000 finished SQFT. Windows, doors and siding were all replaced in 2011. Hardwood floors were installed in 2012 on main and upper level. The 3.5 bathrooms are all updated and pristine. Main level has central hall foyer with coat closet and powder room. Bright and spacious living room is being used as a dining room by present owners. The original dining room boasts large picture windows overlooking the back-yard with an in-ground swimming pool. Kitchen completely renovated with cherry cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and recessed lighting. Bay window also overlooks the scenic back yard and the gleaming pool. Deck can be accessed from the main level. Cozy family room off the kitchen has a beamed ceiling and a handsome brick fireplace. Off the foyer is a study/office with a built in closet and access to the garage. Take note of beautifully crafted staircase going to the upper level. The home itself has 4 bedrooms + sitting room, which could be 5th bedroom, on upper level. The laundry room is conveniently located on the upper level. Attached 2 car garage.
WALK OUT Lower Level has fully finished over 1000 sq. ft open floor plan overlooking pool and fully fenced back yard (which can also be accessed from deck and via private gate and side walkway). The floor is covered in large ceramic tiles and is ideally suited for a media room with recreation area or a large home office with library. There is also an exercise room /den and a 3rd full bathroom. Sliding glass door to the patio and the picture perfect swimming pool create an idyllic, private resort. The rear of the house is fenced and there are mature trees and landscaped plants that provide quiet privacy – a veritable oasis. The sought after Ridgelea Hills community is a short distance to Vienna or Dunn Loring metros, with the Fairfax Hospital, Mosaic Center, and Tysons Corner all close by. Located just a few minutes to the 495 beltway and Routes 395, 50, 66 providing easy access to Washington D.C. and many local attractions and a less than 30 minute trip to both Reagan and Dulles International airports. OPEN SUN AUGUST 21, 2-4 PM [Ridgelea Hills - $1,150,000]
This meticulously maintained and updated home is located on a cul-de-sac in Ridgelea Hills, It has 5 bedrooms and 2.
5 bathrooms and over 3,600 finished square feet. Covered south facing entry porch has slate flooring. Perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. Double front doors open up to a large central foyer. Step down into bright living room with wood floors, large windows and quality wood blinds. Formal dining room. The renovated eat-in kitchen has hardwood floors and a breakfast area. There is recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances and beautiful granite counter tops. There is a door going to the garage. You can access the private back yard and a brick patio area from the rear of the garage. Upper level 1 is the Primary bedroom suite with the adjoining sitting room. Primary bathroom was renovated and updated (2022) and large walk in closet. Upper level 2 has a loft area and 3 good sized bedrooms, a hall bathroom and a laundry room. Walk-out Lower level features a family room with French doors to the exterior and a handsome brick fireplace. The 5th bedroom /office is on this level with a half bathroom (could be converted to full bath). Lower Level 2 has a large recreation room with recessed lights, an office and a spacious storage/mechanical room with built in work bench. Owners have installed several storage closets in rec room area.
2 car garage was reconditioned and painted (2021) Replacement windows 2007. Roof replaced 2006. Home is well insulated and maintained. Average monthly bills are approx. $200 a month.
Location is amazingly convenient for the commuter. Only minutes to the Capital Beltway, Fairfax Inova Hospital, 10 mins to the Vienna or Dunn Loring Metro and Mosaic Shopping Center. Woodson High School pyramid. Foot path close by, currently under construction , gives easy access to Mantua Elementary school.
Ridgelea Hills is a wonderful community of 180 homes part of the Greater Mantua community and Citizen's Association. Ridgelea Hills residents can belong to Mantua Swim and Tennis Club which has 3 pools, 4 lit tennis courts and many great social events throughout the year. The clubhouse can be rented for private events.
OPEN SUNDAY AUGUST 21, 2-4 PM [Ridgelea Hills - $1,035,000]
Charming - home in incredible condition! Wonderful garage addition and extension to master bedroom w/walk-in closet & office/study! Gorgeous hardwood floors and renovated bathrooms! 5 amazing levels! Huge shed w/Electric.
Massive newly replaced deck for entertaining. This home backs to deep woods and is sure to please nature lovers! Prime location - so close to Mount Vernon Hospital, GW Parkway, 10 min to Old Town! [Kirk - $825,500]
