Exploring Riverbend Park in Great Falls

Riverbend Park is located in Great Falls, Fairfax County. Riverbend Park Covers an area of 400 acres having forests, meadows, and ponds. Riverbend Park is tucked away in a remote river setting and is the only riverfront park of the Fairfax County Park Authority. There are a number of trails in the park which include a 2.5-mile portion of the Potomac Heritage Trail linking national and regional parkland. Canoeists and kayakers can enjoy many islands of the Potomac River in the park. Continue reading

A Little About Scott’s Run Nature Preserve

Scott's Run Nature Preserve
Scott's Run Nature Preserve is a nature preserve in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. Located in McLean, it is bordered by Virginia State Route 193 to its south, Interstate 495 to its east and the Potomac River to its north. It encompasses 336 acres (136 ha) of woodland with its namesake, Scott's Run, flowing through its west side. Scott's Run originates in nearby Tysons Corner and enters the Potomac on the northwest side of the preserve. Continue reading

Life on the Potomac River

PotomacThe Potomac River is 400 miles of beautiful scenery that runs on the east coast starting with Maryland and passing Washington D.C. to its end at the Chesapeake Bay.
Washington Monument
Washington Monument surrounded by cherry blossoms
Passing by some of our nation's greatest landmarks including The Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. There are many great recreational areas to enjoy along the way. George Washington was a great admirer of the Potomac River. He worked along the river as a surveyor and his home was on the Potomac River. The Great Falls are where many visitors gather to enjoy the awesome scenery it provides. The water comes down from the Appalachian Highlands to the sands. Visitors can still see some of the remnants of the C & O Canal which was started with George Washington's vision of connecting the Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River. Point Lookout is also widely visited and was home to one of the largest Union POW camps. The Potomac has much to offer along all 400 miles which include mountains, parks, recreational areas, historic monuments, and homes. Great FallsIf you're searching for a home or condo in Northern Virginia with a view of the Potomac, contact Nesbitt Realty.  

Properties in Focus

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. 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. Interest rate buy down possible. * 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 [1347 Kirby Rd, McLean, VA]

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. 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. [3361 Lakeside View Dr #8-7, Falls Church, VA]

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. 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. [1169 Crest Ln, McLean, VA]

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. 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. [700 Bulls Neck Rd, McLean, VA]

Waterfront Perfection! Enjoy sophisticated living in this spectacular 3 bedroom + Den, 2.5 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. [5 Pioneer Mill Way #501, Alexandria, VA]

For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.

Potomac Riverboat Company

cherry blossom
Cherry Blossom sternwheeler
The Potomac Riverboat Company operates several authentic split sternwheelers (also known as riverboats) on the Potomac River near Alexandria VA. They also operate a pair of watertaxis which ferry passengers from the Gaylord/National Harbor to Old Town Alexandria. Unlike most cruise companies in America, the Potomac Riverboat Company does not operate "restaurant boats". Rather, they use their boats as touring and private party and or charter boats. When a vessel is chartered, whether you have a party of 2 or 200, the boat belongs exclusively to you. The Potomac Riverboat Company offers a 40-minute narrated Seaport Cruise which plies the waters between two magnificent historic sites -- Alexandria (in Virginia) and Georgetown (on the Washington, D.C. side of the river). Passengers are treated to riverborne views of America's greatest monuments. They also offer a narrated cruise downriver to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens.

Properties in Old Town Alexandria

Biking the Mount Vernon Trail

Julie and I rented bikes in Old Town last week. We then biked the Mount Vernon Trail to Mount Vernon and back.  The trail here is pleasant with some ups and downs that can be a little challenging, but not too tough.  The views along the river and through the forest are great. Along the way the trail passes through the Dyke Marsh. We stopped there to take some pictures and drink some water.   Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.