Real Estate Information

     Spring is here and it’s time to run down to your local garden center and buy a selection of herbs, ready to plant; you’ll be ready to add delicious flavorings to your favorite dishes until fall with annuals, and perennials will come back every year! Your garden will look beautiful with a varied selection of your favorite herbs. Below are some quick tips I have found useful when growing herbs.

Getting Started:  You can grow outside in containers or even inside, preferably on a windowsill that faces south.  When choosing a container it is best to use terra cotta, wood or cement, as long as they have adequate holes for drainage. If possible, place a couple of inches of broken flowerpots or stones in the bottom of the container, this will allow for better drainage, and then add good quality potting soil. Place the herb plants a few inches apart from each other, pack more soil around them and water. It is a good idea every few weeks to add some organic fertilizer to the soil, at half the recommended strength. 

Maintenance:  In warm temperatures you may need to water a couple of times a day. August in Washington DC definitely requires extra water. When the potting mix looks pale and dry, or it is shrinking away from the sides, it is time to water. Good sunlight will produce herbs with plenty of flavor and aroma and most herb varieties require at least 6 hours of sun per day.  Check the growing instructions to see whether the herb requires full or partial sun. To ensure fresh and fast growth it is essential to prune regularly. You can also freeze or dry the extra cuttings to use in the winter months.  When cutting, wait until the dew has dried and then snip in the morning – this is the peak time for moisture and fragrance.

      For more information and insight into growing herbs connect online with these great resources... 

Acknowledgements:

Herb Gardening Guru

Gardening Guides

Story by Elizabeth Roller, Team Member of The Nellis Group

    The Fairfax Sportsplex located at 6800 Commercial Drive, Springfield, VA 22151 plays host to a variety of sports and leagues. The Sportsplex has indoor soccer & volleyball during the days and evenings every day. In the evenings, there is coed volleyball, coed soccer and mens and womens leagues. There is a snack/refreshment bar with lower priced beverages and pizza for the players in the different leagues. There are not many places like this in Fairfax County and this is the only in Springfield, VA.

      I have been playing in the indoor Volleyball leagues at the Fairfax Sportsplex for over 8 years. There are a variety of levels that play throughout the week from people just picking up the sport of Volleyball to athletes that played on College Volleyball teams. The Nellis Group has had the pleasure of sponsoring both our Mens & Coed Teams while I have played at the Sportsplex. The season is composed of 8 weeks with a Championship night (9th week) where there are semi-finals and finals played all in one evening. The following season begins the very next week. These are photos from 2 different Nellis Group Championship teams (Mens High A & Coed A).

       If you are looking to get back into shape or pick back up an old sport check out the Fairfax Sportsplex today located near 395 and Edsall Road.

     Looking for a nice motorcycle ride in Loudon?  There are many to choose from.  A nice ride that I recently found is 25 miles long with beautiful farms and battlefields as scenery for most of the way as you travel from Manassas to Middleburg, Virginia.  At the end of your ride there are multiple "watering holes", such as Market Salamander and the Red Horse Tavern, to rest and recuperate at before going back the way you came or taking another adventure. 

      For me, the adventure begins by taking exit 47A off of I66 to Sudley Rd (234N).  Within moments you are traveling through Bull Run Battlefield.  Follow 234N until the intersection of Route 15 in 8.5 miles.  Continue across Route 15 and 234N now becomes Waterfall Rd (Route 601) which will decrease from a 4 lane divided highway into a 2 lane road into an unmarked road (no center lines).  Follow Waterfall Rd for 8 miles until you get to a T-intersection (you will have a stop sign in front of you and railroad tracks to your left.) Turn right onto Loudon Ave (Loudon Ave becomes Halfway Rd (Route 626)) and follow it for 8 miles until you meet another T-intersection with a stop sign.  Turn right at the stop sign and on look for parking as the Market Salamander and the Red Horse Tavern are immediately on your left.   

       My wife and really enjoyed the food at Market Salamander which has a terrific grill and short order menu.  Food was top notch and at very reasonable prices. Rides like this and more can be found at www.motorcycleroads.com .

--
Lee Kind is a Realtor with The Nellis Group. He can be reached at: 703-946-7554

   The Condos at Carlysle Square provide everything a resident could desire in Alexandria, Virginia. The condo building is situated in between the conveniences of multiple restaurants and shopping. Many of the units have floor to ceiling windows that radiate light among the unique floor plans. This building at 520 John Carlyle boasts an open loft style with 10 foot plus ceilings and exposed ductwork. Many of the condo units have hardwood flooring, granite countertops and upgraded cabinets.

    The Condos at Carlysle Square have underground garage parking and access to additional storage units. Many residents love the flexibility of never getting back in their car once they arrive home. The restaurants include: Jerry's, Table Talk, Zikrayet Lebanese Restaurant, Carlyle Club, Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches, La Porta Restaurant & Italian Gourmet Market Deli. The chosen grocery store located at 1700 Duke Street, Alexandria VA is Whole Foods Market where you can get great produce & even a quick dinner.

     This unique condo building offers the best in metro access. It is a short distance to the King Street Metro within .31 of a mile. For more information on the Condos at Carlyle Square or to know about condo units in Alexandria coming up for sale contact The Nellis Group today.

    Every Easter Sunday at the Lincoln Memorial a "small" church from Vienna, Virginia: Capitol Church puts on one of the largest Easter Sunrise Services in the Metro Washington DC area. From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in front of the reflecting pool, the pastor Amos Dodge leads thousands of people in worship on this holy day.

     I am always amazed at 2 things:

1. How many people show up... For a service that starts before 7 AM on a weekend they get GREAT attendance from people of all races, color and denominations.

2. The beauty... There is nothing like sitting there with the singing and seeing the sunrise over the Nation's monuments and being there with thousands of people as everyone takes in the beauty of the day and the moment.

       I hope this year you take advantage of a sunrise service and join us and thousands others at the Lincoln Memorial... See you on the steps of Lincoln. The details are below:

Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial (Courtesy of Capital Church)

Time: 6:30 AM

Date: Sunday April 24, 2011

Location: Independence Ave SW & 23rd St SW
    Washington, DC 20001

Color is the personal finishing touch that pulls landscape together. It takes time and a bit of money, but the results are worth the effort. Plan color for maximum impact with minimalexpense and effort.

Put flower color where you want to focus your attention. To make a small space feel larger, place warm colors (red, orange, and yellow) in the front of a garden and cool colors (blue, green, and purple in the back.

The most pleasing landscapes are those where color is uncomplicated. Too many shades and hues do little to enhance a house. Keep the planting in your front yard simple. Generally, a lot of busy color in the front is not a good feeling. Use a single color for a calm appearance.

Color is most effective when snuggled next to something green. Color needs the green backbone behind it to work well, and it should enhance your shrubs. Don’t put annuals out in the middle of the yard. They will get lost without a green backdrop.

A great location for color inspiration is Bon Air Park in Arlington, Virginia, which has a large Rose garden (that's probably blooming RIGHT now!) There's also the ever-beautiful gardens at George Washington's Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia.

Carol French has been a realtor with the Nellis Group since 1995. Contact Carol to find that perfect home with that perfect garden for you and your family: carol@nellisgroup.com or 703-926-8144

Ann's dog, Zak

Calling all dog-lovers!

Thinking about making a move? You’ve checked out the schools for the children, the work commutes for Mom and Dad, the nearby shopping and coffee bars for the adults. But, what about the needs of the canines?

Where are pet-friendly communities, dog-walkers, doggie day care centers, pet bakeries, dog parks, dog training, boarding facilities, retail stores for pet food and accessories, and, most importantly, veterinarians for man’s best friend(s)? Look no further than western Prince William County!

Drive along I-66 West and you'll see Dogtopia, a nationally recognized doggie-day care franchise not far from a Petco, and a Petsmart that provides the supplies today’s furry friends require. Moving on, a local Merrifield Garden Center in Gainesville offers fun for the dogs in their on-site dog park while owners shop for landscaping tools, plants and supplies. Victory Lakes, a lovely community around the corner in Bristow, has many amenities, including its very own dog park! Signs posted everywhere offer pet-sitting and dog walking services while local newspapers and community newsletters provide even more choices. Gainesville has another Petsmart as well as pet-friendly hotels and numerous vets for your pets’ medical needs, including the veterinarian-owner of this year‘s winner of “best in show“ at The Westminster Dog Show!

Haymarket has Arthur’s Court, a "pet bakery" where you can shop for healthy home-baked treats for both dogs and cats. Walk across the street in this little village and enjoy your own treat at Cupcake Heaven or one of the other restaurants in that same block. Close to the Town of Haymarket is the “Piedmont Community“--a place that dog-lovers love. The miles of sidewalks are a walker’s delight, whether you have a pet or not. On any given day, whether sunny, rainy, or snowy, you will see countless people walking their dogs here.

All sizes, shapes, and breeds are out there enjoying their surroundings. Dogs are welcome at The Winery at La Grange in Haymarket where they can be seen basking in the sun while their owners enjoy the scenic views and the fruit of the vines.

Down the road off Rte. 29 South is a well-known boarding facility called “Paws Awhile Pet Motel,” owned and operated by two nuns. In business for over 35 years, they offer doggie day care, training, and grooming, as well as boarding. Many of my neighbors, friends, and clients have used this business and highly recommend it!

For a great location that offers countless conveniences and services, don’t miss this area.

Come on out and see what you’ve been missing! And don't forget to bring your dog!

Ann Hilkert has been a realtor for over 25 years and has lived all over Northern Virginia. Contact Ann to find that perfect home for you, your family, and your furry companions: ann@nellisgroup.com or 703-926-8147

     There's a new featured home on the market from the Nellis Group: a 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in West Village at Shirlington condominiums in Arlington, Virginia.

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     The condominiums at West Village at Shirlington have countless amenities: a huge pool, a club room with billiards, a fitness center, courtyards and greenspace, gardens, and even a putting green! This community is just across Four Mile Run Drive from Shirlington, a vibrant urban area pentiful with boutiques and dining options. 

     Popular restaurants and shops in Shirlington include Aroma, Cake Love, Bear Rock Cafe, Johnny Rockets, Capitol City Brewing, Best Buns Bread, Bungalow Billiards, Caribou Coffee, Bistro Bistro, Luna Grill and Diner, and more. Get your grocery shopping done at Harris Teeter, which has a pharmacy, too. WETA is located here, as is Signature Theatre, a popular professional playhouse in Arlington.

     Get to Washington, DC quicky via I-395, or take advantage of one of the many metro stops within 5 miles: Braddock Road, King Street, Pentagon City and Crystal City. The community of West Village at Shirlington offers a free shuttle to the Pentagon City metro station to residents!

The Unit

• Bright and open, sun-filled floor plan with luxury materials throughout
• Master bedroom with walk-in closet and upgraded custom shelving
• Master bathroom with large vanity and deep tub
• Second bedroom with large closet
• Second bathroom with over-sized shower
• Hardwood floors throughout
• 12x12 marble textured ceramic tile in the bathrooms and sunroom
• Gourmet kitchen – granite countertops, 42” maple cabinets, GE stainless steel appliances, featuring gas cooking, extra deep undercounter sink with side vegetable wash, Hansgrohe kitchen faucet, and built-in microwave
• Granite breakfast bar in the kitchen
• Separate dining room
• Over-sized double pane windows
• Washer/dryer in unit
• Wood blinds in both bedrooms
• Recess lighting throughout
• Restoration Hardware fixtures in bathrooms
• Spacious sunroom with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a courtyard with playground
• Parking spot
• BONUS 7’ x 9’ storage unit located in the building

Building and Community Amenities

• Controlled access to the building
• Mail delivered to the building
• Private courtyard
• Largest private pool in Arlington with kids’ pool
• Sports pub and billiards room (can be rented for private parties)
• Fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and free weights
• Multi-media private screening room
• Business center with wireless internet
• Grilling areas throughout community with large gas grills
• Putting green
• Poolside game room
• Playground
• Onsite recycling centers
• Onsite Management

Location and Transportation

• Commuter’s dream: Private shuttle in morning and evening to and from Pentagon City Metro, and located right off I-395 with easy access to Route 50 and I-66
• Walking distance to Shirlington Village
• Close to Pentagon City, Ballston / Clarendon, Bailey’s Crossroads, and Seven Corners
• W&OD bike trail adjacent to property
• Across the street from Arlington County recreation center with fields, courts, and gym

   Lake of the Woods in Locust Grove, Virginia is the best kept secret of Northern Virginia. Lake of the Woods also known by locals as LOW is nestled between Fredericksburg and Culpeper. It is located off of Rte 3 and I-95. It is a gated community with its own private lake.

    LOW is an extensive private community covering over 2,600 acres and 4,260 lots. The main attraction of course is to have a home on the water. This is important so that you have quick access with your own water frontage and a dock for keeping your boat in the water year round. Out of 4,260 lots in Lake of the Woods there are only 850 lots that have water frontage. There is certainly a premium associated with those lots. For more information on Lake of the Woods go to LOWA    

      As an avid wakeboarder and skiier I covet my time on the lake. The lake itself is just over 550 acres of swimming and powerboating. If you leave your dock any day prior to 7 AM you will be pleasantly surprised with what I call "glass paradise". Many times if wakeboarding or skiing in the Potomac or other surrounding water to Washington DC you will hit choppy water. If you go out on the water at Lake of the Woods early in the morning you will see a new thrill... I call it glass paradise because when you cut outside the wake the lake is still- it truly looks and feels like glass before you go and cut back into the wake. 

      Lake of the Woods only allows boats that are registered by owners in the community so it really cuts down on the Holiday craziness you can experience in other areas with water access. This is truly one of the best places to live, vacation and find a second home. As a Real Estate family we are able to call LOW home as we have a place with water frontage inside the community. The image above was taken at sunset from our deck as we live off of one of the many coves in the community. Let us know if you want more information on living at Lake of the Woods.

Large Yardley II Model On the Golf Gourse!

View more information on this home.

Main Level has hardwood floors in the foyer, living room, and dining rooms. Sunroom with ceramic tile. Corian Countertops and 42" cabinets in Kitchen.

Built-In Entertainment Area/Deck at Rear.

Inground Sprinkler System and Grounds Professionally Landscaped.

Spacious loft and overlook with 2 large bedrooms. Super floor plan. Neutral colors. Great for entertaining!

Heritage Hunt is an active adult community for residents 55 years and older. It is located in Gainesville, Virginia, close to shopping, health facilities, and cultural and social opportunities.

Heritage Hunt covers over 750 acres of natural landscaping and has its own, Arthur Hills designed, 18-hole championship golf course, two clubhouses, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a multiple choices of home styles. Gated with a single entry point, it’s a community that offers natural beauty, a wide variety of home selections, and wide variety of amenities. The Heritage Hunt community has a robust social calendar and dozens of clubs. 

Situated at the exit ramp extension of the Gainesville exit off U.S. 66, Heritage Hunt is directly adjacent to the 450-acre Conway Robinson Memorial State Forest, the historic Manassas National Battlefield Park, and other recreational opportunities.