September, 2009:
Fort Ellsworth
The Garden Style Condos at Fort Ellsworth offer the ideal location for getting to King St and Duke St right near the heart of Old Town. Built in 1974, these three story condos are just two blocks from the King Street metro, VRE and offer:
- Community Party Room
- Pool
- All utilities included in condo fees
- Reserved parking spaces
Fort Ellsworth is right next to the Telegraph and 495/I-95 intersection making for easy access to VA, MD, or DC
 Ben Forshell |
About the Author — Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo Alexandria.
To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search. |
History of Franconia
This brief history of Franconia is from the sign pictured above, which is posted by the Fairfax County History Commission in front of the Franconia Post Office on Franconia Road in Fairfax County VA.
“‘Frankhonia Farm’ was situated on 191 acres purchased in 1859 by Alexandria merchant and businessman William Fowle from John Broders of Oak Grove Farm. His son, Robert Rollins Fowle, sold 18 acres to the Alexandria & Fredericksburg Railway Company in 1871 for a station which was named after the farm. The station served as Garfield Post Office from 1881 to 1890 and again from 1898 to 1907. Initially situated south of Franconia Road near present day Fleet Drive, the station was relocated after a fire in 1903 to the north side of Franconia Road. Regular service at Franconia Station was discontinued circa 1953.”
Homes for sale in Franconia
Showing properties
1 - 5 of 152.
See more Franconia.
(all data current as of
5/17/2012)
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$334,999 : 6804 Lois Dr, Springfield3 beds, 2 full baths
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$189,950 : 6939 Mary Caroline Cir #E, Alexandria1 bed, 1 full bath
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$479,000 : 5201 Ballycastle Cir, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full baths
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$539,990 : 6232 Summit Point Ct, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full, 2 part baths
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$430,000 : 5700 Ashfield Rd, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full baths
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
The Sugar Cube — Old Town Sweets
The Sugar Cube is located two blocks north of King St. on Lee St. not far from the Torpedo Factory. The Sugar Cube is an upscale confectionery and treat shop that provides everything you’d expect from a candy store and a bit more. The Sugar Cube offers:
Inside the Sugar Cub
- traditional favorites,
- innovative interpretations of the classics,
- and candies that push the boundaries of global flavors.
The sweets at the Sugar Cube are as varied as sea salt infused Scotch bars to Haribo gummy bears, but they all share the common elements of superior quality and freshness. The owners Kim and Alyssa Theodore claim that they have personally tasted and approved every item offered for sale at the Sugar Cube.
The Sugar Cube is just one example of what makes Old Town Alexandria so special. This is a neighborhood where it’s not difficult to find caring entrepreneurs who are experts in their fields. As such they bring a higher level of quality and service to the products they offer.
Coffee and Wine in Old Town Alexandria
Grape and Bean is just another example of an Old Town artisan boutique. Shops like Grape and Bean, or as they call themselves Grape + Bean, are community assets and part of what makes Old Town so special. Long-time Alexandria residents David Gwathmey and Sheera Rosenfeld opened Grape & Bean in 2008. Together they have managed to create a place that is comfortable, warm and welcoming, while offering excellent service and high quality products.
Grape and Bean is a retail wine shop, coffee shop and a wine tasting bar. Along with wine by the glass and coffee by the cup, Grape and Bean offers a food menu with cheese plates and other items that are tailored for sharing. As a wine and coffee shop, Grape and Bean of course retails wine by the bottle and coffee by the pound. I find that they are an excellent resource for gift baskets, and they’ll really put the time in to help you make your best selection.
Midtown Alexandria Station condos
If access is your priority, then there can be none better in the Alexandria area than the Midtown Alexandria Station Condos. Their location is ideal in three ways:
- Immediate metro access: The condos are literally across the street from the Huntington Metro Station. It is actually a shorter walk from the condos than from some of the metro parking.
- Immediate access to Beltway and I-95. The Telegraph Rd intersection with the Beltway is just a half mile down Huntington Ave.
- Richmond Highway shopping. With every essential need from hardware stores, grocery stores, clothing stores, and every imaginable restaurant all within a few miles south on Route 1.
Rooftop pool at Midtown Alexandria Station
If that’s not enough, the Midtown Condos are also brand new, built in 2007 they get as close to that “new condo smell” as you can find with this great a location. Included in the condo amenities you’ll find:
- Outdoor Pool
- Gym
- Club Room
- Tennis Courts
- Sun Deck
- Guest Rooms
- Sauna
Interested in seeing what’s available at Midtown Alexandria Station Condos? Call us any time.
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Ben Forshell |
About the Author — Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo Alexandria. To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.
|
The Glass Harp in Old Town
Jamey Turner is one of the treasures of Old Town Alexandria. He’s a master musician, who has showcased his talents on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. When he’s in Old Town he’s often spotted near the Torpedo Factory at the end of King St. He rubs his moistened fingers atop ordinary wine glasses to “find the uncommon in the common”. The glass harp sounds a bit like a synthesized flute. Mr. Turner often plays music that was composed specifically for the glass harp.
If you’d like to order a CD or book Jamey for a private function check out his website at JameyTurner.com .
Overview of River Towers
Cherry blossoms frame the condos at River Towers
River Towers offers some unique features in the Belle View area. Its ample open spaces and beautifully maintained grounds give this trio of hi-rises a relaxed easy going feel. Yet, just a two block walk away the Belle View shopping center offers all the essentials of life.
With its own outdoor pool, tennis courts, and exercise room the River Towers condos offer you all the amenities you’d expect from hi-rise living, with the added benefit of one of the nations greatest parks running along the George Washington Parkway. Inside you’ll find studio, one, two, and three bedroom units and enjoy the benefits of having all utilities included in your rent. Want to see what’s available now?
| About the Author — Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo Alexandria. To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.
|
High-rise in Old Town Alexandria at the Alexandria House
Located near the corner of Madison and North Pitt the Alexandria House Condominiums are ideally situated for getting to the busy night life of King St. as well as easy access to Crystal City and Washington DC. In addition to its superb location it also offers excellent amenities, including:
- Concierge service
Entrance to Alexandria House high-rise in Old Town
- A rooftop pool
- Community party room
- Sauna and exercise room
- Controlled access and video monitoring of the outside
- Additional Storage
- An underground garage
Interested in what’s available now?
With a wide variety of layouts, the units come in one- to three-bedroom styles with hardwood floors.
The building has heat pumps and central air conditioning. Condo fees range typically from $450-650, depending on unit size.
The Alexandria House was built in 1975 and is beautifully situated near the Potomac River and GW Bike Path along which a multitude of parks can be found.
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Ben Forshell |
About the Author — Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo Alexandria. To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.
|
Art Festival in Old Town Alexandria VA
At the 2009 Alexandria Art Festival
This weekend Julie and I went to Old Town with the Alexandria Fun with Friends Group to enjoy the Alexandria Art Festival. The Art Festival occurs every year around this time and features artists and craftsmen from around the area.
2009 Art Festival in Old Town Alexandria
King Street closes to vehicular traffic and artists set-up stalls in the street. It’s an easy way to enjoy lots of art from lots of folks. The weather was very co-operative, neither too hot nor too cold.
2009 Old Town Alexandria
This 12 foot tall image of a koi caught my eye, as did many smaller pieces.
Arts Festival in Old Town Alexandria
I found that my camera was drawn to the larger pieces, but this is probably because I knew they would photograph well. There were many smaller items for sale too. However, many of us felt that this year’s festival seemed to offer more pieces that would be welcomed in a restaurant or hotel lobby than usual and a few number of the smaller pieces that look nice in a home.
Harpist
There were several musicians playing up and down the street. This harpist sang like an angel, but I have to admit that my favorite was the steel drum player.
People walking King Street during Art Festival
We walked all the way up to Washington Street before turning around and making way back to the Potomac. After some discussion the group voted to eat at the Charthouse. At the Charthouse, the ladies had a little wine and we enjoyed some relaxed conversation and then dinner. For my part, I think the food at the Charthouse is good, but not great. Even though it’s a little pricey, it’s worth it because of the pleasant views of the Potomac that are offered.
 Will Nesbitt |
About the Author — Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
King Street Trolley — a great way to get to know Old Town Alexandria
King Street Trolley
Around Old Town Alexandria, parking can sometimes be a hassle, (unless you want to pay to park in a garage), but a great way to explore Alexandria is to take the Metro to King St. and then hop a ride on the King St. Trolley. There is no charge to ride the trolley, and it makes stops about every two blocks between the King St. Metro and the Potomac.
The Trolley was designed to complement service by the National Harbor’s new Water Taxi. The National Harbor is located across the Potomac in Maryland and is the site of a brand new convention center. The convention center and many restaurants are already open in this brand new area landmark. Additionally boat service is available up and down river from the Strand in Old Town. The length of this circuit can be walked in about 20 minutes, so many choose to take the trolley to the Potomac and then walk back to the Metro through Old Town.
Trolley at King Street
The Trolley makes it final stop before returning to the Metro near the Torpedo Factory. Just as the name implies, the Torpedo Factory was torpedo factory in the early part of the last century. Today the Torpedo Factory Art Center is a world-renowned art center with three floors of open studios and galleries. Here, one can observe artists and purchase original artwork. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is on the Potomac waterfront. Street musicians and entertainers play nearly every night weather permitting, and tourists and locals alike enjoy walks down by the waterfront.
A train arrival at busy, convenient King Street Metro
The trolley runs its route from 10 am to 10 pm every day. A printable map is available for those who know nothing about the area.
