By Eve Thompson
Links Pond Cluster in South Reston feels like a little touch of country in the heart of Reston. The 67-home neighborhood borders Reston National Golf Course, and features the pond for which the cluster is named. It’s a common sight in the summer to see people spending lazy days fishing in the pond. This cozy neighborhood feels remote, but is actually in the heart of all Reston has to offer.
Developed in 1974, the Links Pond community features 3-level, 4-bedroom brick and siding townhouses. Each home has one assigned parking space, with plenty of additional parking on South Lakes Drive.
This is a great community for young families. The schools—Terraset Elementary, Langston Hughes, and South Lakes High School—are all close. With easy access to the Reston Association paths, it’s easy to get out for a run or walk. Links Pond is close to both South Lakes Village Center and Hunters Woods Village Center, home to the Reston Community Center.
Residents also have easy access to the Toll Road and the Wiehle metro. As with every cluster that is part of Reston Association, Links Pond residents have access to the RA pools and tennis courts—nearby Glade pool with its waterslide is a favorite for kids!
Find listings for Links Pond and South Reston here.
By Eve Thompson
Bet that title made you think of green buildings, green living, green space—or really any way you can live a more environmentally sustainable life in Reston. But it’s not. After all, it’s March! So I’m wondering how green you get on March 17. St. Patrick’s Day Reston 2014 is your chance to show your green.
Everyone is a little Irish on St. Patrick’s day. Donning shamrocks and eating corned beef is fun! Reston provides plenty of opportunities for you to show the world just how green you are. And since March 17 is a Monday this year, there will be plenty of celebrating happening all weekend. Here is my run down of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Reston 2014, with a little something for everyone.
Lunasa at the CenterStage
Wed, March 12 at 8:00 P.M.
The CenterStage at Reston Community Center
$20-$40
Call 703-476-4500
What better way to get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day than listening to one of the finest traditional Irish instrumental bands touring today? Lunasa is a funny, talented, and delightful group of Irishmen that has celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with Restonians for more than 20 years. If you’ve never seen or heard them, don’t miss this opportunity. These concerts usually sell out, so get your tickets now!
Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day at Reston Town Center Saturday March 15 all day!
Clyde’s of Reston 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party
Saturday, March 15, 2014, 9:00 AM to 11:00 P.M.
Address: Reston Town Center at 11905 Market Street, Reston, VA
Phone: (703) 787-6601
Clyde’s will kick off St. Patty’s day with delicious Irish fare beginning at 9—is anything better than Irish breakfast? You can also have a Guinness, listen to Irish music and enjoy Irish folk dancing. This is a family event, so there will plenty of children’s activities, including a moon bounce and face painting, all day long.
Potomac River Running’s Lucky Leprechaun 5k.
http://www.prraces.com/luckyleprechaun/
WHEN: March 15, 2014 – 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Reston Town Center, 11911 Democracy Dr., Reston, Va.
Before you hit the Clyde’s party, put on your best Leprechaun gear and chase the rainbow in this fun 5k race that ends at Clyde’s. You may not catch the pot of gold, but you’ll certainly deserve the treats that await you at the end of the run.
Senior Social: St. Patrick’s Day Style
Thursday, March 13
Noon-2:30 p.m. Free.
Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road
Join the quarterly Reston Community Center and Reston Association social event to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—as if Reston seniors need a reason for a party. Spend the afternoon with friends while enjoying traditional Irish fare and beautiful Irish music and entertainment. Registration required. Contact Ashleigh@reston.org or call 703-435-6577 to register.
Washington, DC St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2014
March 16, 2014. Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Okay, so heading into DC for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade does mean leaving Reston. Trust me, it’s worth it. This parade is always fun and entertaining. Until our own metro station opens, you still need to head to Vienna or Falls Church, but this will be the last year for that! The parade goes along Constitution Avenue — 7th to 17th Streets NW. This two-and-a-half hour special event includes floats, marching bands, pipe bands, military, police, and fire departments. Look for fun stuff happening at the various Irish pubs in the neighborhood tool. This is a fun family day for those who didn’t get enough at Clyde’s.
Whatever you choose to do, have fun and be responsible! Happy St. Patrick’s day!
By Eve Thompson
Brookshire Cluster North Reston is conveniently located to great schools and Lake Anne.
With it’s large green space to house ratio (5 acres to 26 homes), Brookshire Cluster is a magnet for young families—being a cul-de-sac inherently makes for a warm and cozy community that is safe for children to run and play.
Built in 1964 and 65, Brookshire Cluster North Reston is one of Reston’s original neighborhoods. These 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes feature an average of 1,500 square feet of living space. As an all electric cluster association, Brookshire was one of the first clusters to add underground wiring for all utilities (stable through the worst storms) and FIOS for broadband and cable options.
This small townhouse community in the Lake Anne area is surrounded by lush green foliage, magnificent old oak trees, interconnecting paths and recreational areas. It borders tennis courts, a volleyball court and sprinkler park on one side and Lake Anne Village Center on the other.
Brookshire Cluster is also designated a Natural Wildlife Habitat Status. Residents take pride in this community, and bi-annual cluster cleanups where all members help maintain the landscape and beauty of the neighborhood are well attended—the fact that this is one of the friendliest neighborhoods in Reston probably adds to that!
This cul-de-sac community is surrounded by green space.
Neighborhood children attend Forest Edge Elementary, Langston Hughes Middle School, and South Lakes High School. Lake Anne Elementary School is also close, for those children that attend the Spanish Immersion program.
By Eve Thompson
As a real estate agent, I frequently have conversations with clients and friends about their home renovation plans. I’m always amazed at the interesting ideas people have for improving their homes. However, almost always the conversation turns to how much they dread going through the Reston Association design review process.
This is not something you need to dread! I promise—the DRB application procedures are very easy to follow. And, if you do need help, it’s there for you. The Covenant’s Advisors are one of Reston homeowners’ greatest resources that nobody knows about. They are here to help make the design review process the easiest part of your renovation project.
DRB application procedures:
The Reston Associate website has all the phone numbers and forms you need. Here is a recap of the DRB application procedures.
1. Contact RA to find out who your Covenant’s Advisor is:
They’ll meet with you and advise you on your project and everything you’ll need for your application.
2. Submit your application.
The application can be found on the RA website. The application includes the following:
- A detailed written description of the proposed exterior modification or addition
- Scale drawings
- A site plan showing the size and location of project
- Photographs of the existing condition
- A brochure, detail sheet or catalog photo of materials
- Estimated project completion date
- Signatures of at least three different property owners adjacent to or within view of your alteration or improvement. If your property is located within a Cluster Association, at least one of the signatures must be that of a Cluster Officer.
3. Bring in or mail your application to the Reston Association.
4. Property Visit:
RA staff and/or members of the DRB may visit and possibly photograph your property for reference.
5. Attend the DRB review panel meeting:
While not all projects go in front of the DRB review panel, if your project does require it, you should plan on attending the meeting. Your Covenant’s Advisor can you let you know when it’s on the agenda.
Those are the basic steps. If your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision. Or you can revise the plans to meet RA Design Covenants and Guidelines and resubmit your application. However, if you work with your Covenant’s Advisor and follow the RA guidelines, your project should be approved and you are on your way!
By Eve Thompson
Solaridge Cluster in South Reston is close to shopping, the Toll Road, and the new metro.
Nestled just across the street from South Lakes Village Center and Lake Thoreau is one of Reston’s many gems. Solaridge Cluster in South Reston features 35 south-facing solar patio homes with novel design features that allow plenty of natural light to brighten the living areas.
One of the most interesting features of the Solaridge homes (especially on a cold winter day as I write this) are the solar attics with large, south-facing windows that collect heat, with a blower and duct system bringing the warmth down to the living levels.
The homes are built with natural cedar siding, and feature open floorplans and expansive decks and patios, both superb for entertaining and casual living. Of the 35 homes, 29 are two story models and the 6 homes on the east side of the cluster have walk-out basements.
Your neighbors are close, but these patio homes are very private.
Despite the large windows, these single-family homes are very private. Your neighbors are close (and it is, in fact, a very tight knit neighborhood), but inside your home you feel like you’re miles away from everything.
Built by Warren Katz’s Felix Construction, this 30 year old cluster is close to shopping, trails, the Reston Regional Golf Course, the Toll Road, and the Whiele Metro stop.
By Eve Thompson
You thought the holidays were over? Wrong. It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and it’s not too early to plan your special Reston Valentines Day. Whether you’re spending the day with your sweetie, your kids, or your friends, there is plenty to do here in Reston. I originally thought this post would center on Reston restaurants having Valentine’s dinner specials, but I was amazed at all the wonderful things I found to do. Horse drawn carriage rides? Sign me up.
Here are five great local things that will make your Reston Valentine’s Day memorable.
- Horse Drawn Carriage Rides at Town Center. 5:30 to 9:30. Pick up location in front of Talbot’s on Market Street. $5 per person. Children 5 and under ride free. Presented by Reston Town Center; all proceeds benefit Volunteer Fairfax!
- Relaxing massages. What could be nicer than treating your love to an hour of relaxation. Technically Rejuvenations Massage Therapy is in Herndon, but the owners live in Reston.
- Chocolates for your sweetie. Chesapeake Chocolates at Lake Anne is your source for locally made, fine chocolates (I know they’re fine because I’ve sampled most of them). Visit their website to get a flavor.
- Flowers to brighten the day. Sure roses are traditional, but you’ll find so many more beautiful options from my favorite local florists. May Flowers at Reston Town Center and Lake Anne Florist will create truly memorable bouquets for your love. (And you can also pick up a bottle of lovely Virginia wine at Lake Anne Florist.)
- A beautiful piece of jewelry. Burke Jewelers in Northpoint Village has a lovely selection of fine jewelry. You can never go wrong with giving your honey something that sparkles.
What are you doing to celebrate Valentine’s Day?
