Potomac River and Waterfront Homes

Washington Monument
Washington Monument in Washington DC
The Potomac River is located on the east coast of the United States, and runs through Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. before it empties into the Chesapeake Bay. It is over 380 miles long and wider than 11 miles at its widest point. As it passes through Washington DC, the nation's capital, the Potomac passes the Washington Monument and the memorials of Jefferson, and Lincoln. Many consider the Potomac to be one of the most beautiful and bountiful rivers on the East Coast. The river is also widely regard its historic, scenic and recreational significance. Among the many who loved the Potomac was George Washington, who worked as a surveyor at many points along the banks of the river. George Washington's mansion at Mount Vernon is on the Potomac.

Mount Vernon is a pleasant riverside community.

The Potomac's source is a small spring at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia. From there, the river gathers many tributaries, winding through the mountains and valleys of Appalachia. One of its most dramatic turns occurs at Harper's Ferry where the Shenandoah meets the Potomac.

Harpers Ferry

At Great Falls, the Potomac tumbles down from the Appalachian Highlands to the sandy soils of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Visitors from the colonial era to the modern era relish the views here. Today visitors at Great Falls will not only marvel at the cataracts, but also the engineering efforts of those who sought to fulfill George Washington's dream of connecting the Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River. The C & O Canal was only operational for a few short years, but remnants of the system are still functional at Great Falls Park.

Finally, the river flows almost 400 miles widening to over 11 miles as it reaches the Chesapeake Bay on the long, low, and barren peninsula named Point Lookout, Maryland. Before the US Civil War, Point Lookout was home to a few hotels and boarding houses, but during the war it was converted into one of the largest and worst of the Union prisoner-of-war camps.

Point Lookout Postcard

Fishers, anglers, boaters, sailors and kayakers all enjoy the Potomac.

The Potomac River has a watershed of 14,670 square miles including tributaries in Maryland (the Monocacy, Savage, and St. Mary's Rivers); in Virginia (the Shenandoah and Occoquan Rivers); in West Virginia (the South Branch and Cacapon Rivers); in Pennsylvania (Conococheague and Antietam Creeks); and in Washington DC (the Anacostia River). The Potomac cradles forests, battlefields, farmlands, mountains, parks, and cities. It is known to many as our Nation's River.

If you're searching for a home or condo in Northern Virginia with a view of the Potomac, contact us.

Properties in Focus

Nestled beneath a canopy of towering trees along McLean’s exclusive Gold Coast, an unassuming drive presents an extraordinary Potomac River Estate located at 1169 Crest Lane.

1169 Crest Ln

Masterfully designed and meticulously built in 2013, this remarkable Waterfront respite sits on a 2.32-acre expanse encompassed by pristine landscaping and overlooking sweeping vistas of the Potomac River’s rippling waters. Inside, the bespoke masterpiece displays an artfully executed floor plan centered around the everlasting beauty of nature’s landscape with walls of windows lining the striking 10,150 square foot home’s gracious entertaining salons and decadent private suites. Showcasing an artistic display of agelessly modern architecture juxtaposed by the organic and bountiful scenery of the 3 level estate’s surroundings, this 4 Bedroom, 5 Full Bathroom, 1 Half Bathroom architectural anomaly will certainly take your breath away. [Crest Lane - $17,500,000]

WELOME TO THE MARINA! RARELY AVAILABLE WATERFRONT 2BD/2BA (1826 SQFT) LUXURY CONDO THAT OVERLOOKS THE BELMONT BAY MARINA ON THE BANKS OF THE OCCOQUAN RIVER***ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS FROM THE BALCONY, LIVING ROOM & HOME OFFICE***GLISTENING HARDWOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT***OPEN FLOOR PLAN w/RENOVATED CHEF’S KITCHEN w/TOP OF THE LINE BOSCH APPLIANCES, QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, UPGRADED CABINETS AND CUSTOM LIGHTING***NEW WASHER AND DRYER***FRESHLY PAINTED***CROWN MOLDING*** CUSTOM BUILT-INS***PRIMARY SUITE OFFERING TWO MASSIVE WALK-IN CLOSETS w/CUSTOM ORGANIZERS AND RENOVATED PRIMARY BATH w/MARBLE FLOORING, QUARTZITE COUNTERS, STAND ALONE TUB AND EXTRA LARGE FRAMELESS SHOWER***AMPLE SIZE GUEST SUITE w/GUEST BATH w/QUARTZITE COUNTERS***SEPARATE LAUNDRY ROOM ***TWO GARAGE PARKING SPACES***STORAGE UNIT NEAR THE CONDO***NEW HVAC INSTALLED 2023***NEST THERMOSTAT***BELMONT BAY OFFERS COMMUNITY POOL, GYM, TENNIS COURTS, SOCIAL COMMITTEE, BIRDWATCHERS, PICKLE BALLERS & THE BELMONT BAY PADDLERS CLUB FOR KAYAKS AND CANOES***ENJOY SUMMER CONCERTS ON THE COMMUNITY GREEN & BRING YOUR OWN BOAT OR JOIN ONE OF THE TWO BOAT CLUBS AND RENT A NEW BOAT EVERY WEEKEND***COMMUTER RAIL TRAIN IS LOCATED IN THE COMMUNITY FOR EASY ACCESS TO ALEXANDRIA, CRYSTAL CITY, PENTAGON, AND DC***EASY ACCESS TO 95***.

440 Belmont Bay Dr #303

Wooded McLean serenaded by a gentle creek on the southern border, 17 years of organic landscaping these three stories, solid tumbled brick, is a tribute to peaceful living in our nation's capital.

1347 Kirby Rd

The gorgeous over 13,000 sq ft of living and entraining space (including wrap around deck and stone patios) with Brazilian Cherry, owner may accept or reject any offer at any time. 12-foot ceilings, gourmet kitchen and four fireplaces. * Solid Brick Construction all four sides * NEW!! 50-year Roof with copper bay roofs, valleys and flashings. - $136,000 finished today, warranty coveys * Three Car Garages with garage door openers * 13, 000 square feet of living and entertaining space * Elevator staff with rough in wiring (just need the passenger box and controls) * Waterfront along entire southern border * This house is approximately 80 feet tall, way above the new height ordinance of a maximum height of 35 feet now in place in Arlington County and Fairfax County. * State of the Art Alarm and video system. * No HOA (Homeowners Association) You can live as you please w/o HOA restrictions * There are other features we can mention in the public ad - so be sure to ask at the Open House [Kirby Woods - $3,695,000]

Rugged granite cliffs and panoramic views of the Potomac River set the stage for this exceptional estate which merges extraordinary views with a thoughtfully designed residence, creating an idyllic place to experience a lifestyle of health and well-being.

700 Bulls Neck Rd

A gated entrance reveals the understated, French Provincial architecture. Native materials including Vermont Slate, copper, and limestone blend seamlessly into the landscape. A pair of majestic Bald Eagles also call this location home and can often be seen overhead, further emphasizing the unique natural elements found here. All major rooms of the residence feature sweeping views of the river. Custom iron doors introduce guests to a circular rotunda with unobstructed views to the river and beyond. Galleries extend both direction to the public rooms including the main salon, dining room and soaring great room with sweeping views of the river. A world class kitchen by Lobkovitch with design input from renowned chef, Jose Andres, captures every luxurious amenity. A separate catering kitchen will satisfy the most discerning host, and the dining room will easily accommodate 24 guests. On the opposite end of the main level, a spacious salon captures unmatched views of the river and leads to the Collector’s Garage/Sport Pavilion. This finely finished annex accommodates 18-22 automobiles and doubles as a ballroom space for large indoor gatherings. The Pavilion will also accommodate a multitude of sports and entertainment uses, from pickleball to bowling. Upstairs, the primary suite with extraordinary river views features a spa-quality, double bath featuring Rohl fixtures, fireplace, coffee bar, and an expansive closet and dressing room. Four additional bedrooms on this level, all with beautifully detailed, en-suite baths, capture stunning views. The lower level introduced by two separate staircases will surprise and delight. A game room adjoins a dramatic wine room with an expansive cellar, wet bar and fireplace. With a quartz crystal backdrop, the cellar accommodates 3,000 bottles. The nearby media room features dual retractable screens. An exercise suite captures sweeping views outdoors and overlooks the indoor basketball court outfitted with official NBA Spaulding hoops, professional flooring, and a separate exterior entrance. Just a few steps beyond, an indoor swimming pool and spa are equipped with an LED lighting system, adjoining bath and shower, and a separate de-humidification system. Two additional bedroom suites complete this level. An ADA compliant elevator services three levels of the residence, and a Smart-House system by Savant controls Lutron lighting, music, HVAC systems, fireplaces, entrance gates, and security systems. A full-house generator, geothermal system for heating and air conditioning, and dual well and septic systems for water and sewer insure self-sustaining operations throughout the estate. Over the daily garage which accommodates four cars, a separate staff suite with a separate entrance provides further accommodations. Outdoors, a covered veranda with built-in heaters, a firepit, and an outdoor kitchen overlook the lawn and gardens. Discrete electronic screens built into the veranda arches provide comfort year around. The central lawn area will easily accommodate a large tent for 200+ guests. Beyond the lawn, an infinity edge pool, multiple terraces and a second firepit provide ideal vantage points for the spectacular views in all directions, abundant wildlife, and the city of Washington beyond. The estate’s ideal location just 10 minutes to Tysons Corner provides easy access to both National and Dulles Airports. Washington is less than 20 minutes. Over eight years in design and construction, The Cliffs captures every imaginable luxury and convenience, further elevating the natural setting and the health and wellness ethos felt throughout. With no peer, The Cliffs is unquestionably the finest new estate residence ever offered in Washington. [Bulls Neck Hundred - $33,900,000]

Waterfront Perfection! Enjoy sophisticated living in this spectacular 3 bedroom + Den, 2.

5 Pioneer Mill Way #501

5 bath Robinson Landing penthouse with stunning views of the Potomac River, US Capitol and Maryland shore! Floor to ceiling windows capture streaming light all day illuminating the spacious living and dining space as well as the sleek contemporary kitchen. All this has been thoughtfully designed to optimize the water views. Entertaining is effortless in the living space complete with marble surrounding the gas fireplace. Breathtaking views from two balconies are unparalleled. The gourmet chef's kitchen offers endless river vistas, gas cooking, top-of-the-line appliances and European style cabinetry. A large waterfall edge island with quartz countertops provides ample space for seating or casual dining. The enviable den is ideal for working from home or as a comfortable place for relaxing. The primary suite is the ultimate retreat offering a separate sitting area, his/her walk-in closets plus an expansive bath with soaking tub, seamless glass shower and a double vanity with lighted mirrors. Two additional bedrooms with sizable closets and a stylish bathroom will delight house guests. A private elevator and 2 deeded parking spaces with an EV charger complete this special property. This luxurious waterfront community offers exceptional amenities including a fitness center, pet grooming spa, a bike room and concierge service. [Robinson Landing - $4,850,000]

Based on an acceptable offer, the owner is offering a $15,000 credit to upgrade the kitchen counter tops and cupboards to suit the new owners' design choice.

3361 Lakeside View Dr #8-7

Don't miss this lovely 2-BR, 2.5-BA townhome right on the water's edge. Who needs the beach, when you can walk out on your BRAND NEW deck and take in the serene tranquility of the Lake each day. (There is still time to even customize the deck stain color if you hurry.) The interior decor features a tasteful blend of tropical elegance and modern comfort, with imported terracotta tile, stained louvered doors, and airy, light filled spaces. The NEW plush carpeting will keep your feet comfy, and the NEW glass windows will provide breathtaking views of the water. Don’t miss the PULL DOWN ATTIC in the Primary Bedroom, offering abundant storage, but the opportunity to expand with a third bedroom-loft. All appliances have been replaced within the last 2-5 years, and the replaced HVAC has plenty of service life left. Home has been exceptionally well maintained and offers ample opportunity to create your own new space. Located at the Water's Edge, the community offers amenities for everyone, pool, tennis, dog park, trails, and abundant parking. A rare gem, only minutes to Arlington, the EFC Metro, Pentagon, Tysons, and Washington DC. For a complete list of improvements see attached documents. [Waters Edge - $549,000]

Northern Virginia, Potomac River, , ,

Will Nesbitt

View posts by Will Nesbitt
Will is the principal broker of Nesbitt Realty and Condo Alexandria. He is licensed in anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but focuses on those communities found in and around Alexandria, Arlington, Mount Vernon and Springfield/Franconia. Will has been involved in real estate management, sales and investment for more than twenty years. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army. While in the army, he studied Russian at Monterey's Defense Language Institute. He is also a "veteran of the dotcom wars" and built most of the sites associated with NesbittRealty.com Will currently resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Old Town, overlooking New Alexandria. He is a former president of the Mount Vernon Youth Athletic Association and founded the Alexandria Fun with Friends Group. Will is the author of BattlestorM, a tabletop fantasy game, which was published by Ral Partha Publishing in the late '90's, and Arthur's Realm, a boardgame available at the Gamecrafter.