One of the most scenic mid-century modern neighborhoods in the Washington Metro area has roots that preclude modernist design by more than two centuries. Wessynton is associated with the Mount Vernon community in southern Alexandria. The neighborhood’s first mention can be found in George Washington’s own diary, in an entry dated April 6, 1785. The president sowed the land, which was one of several large properties within his massive riverfront estate, with holly berries. As it turns out, the name Wessynton is Old English for Washington, the family ancestors having changed the spelling of their surname years before arriving in this country in the 1650s.
Prior to the colonization of America, the Wessynton area belonged to the Doeg tribe, coastal Native Americans who spoke an Algonquian dialect. These early landowners hunted, fished and grew corn along the edge of the river. That is, until English settlers arrived and claimed the territory for their own. Regardless of ancient history, this particular parcel of land, nestled in the hilly woods and abutting Little Hunting Creek, remained pristine and largely ignored until the 1960s. It was only then that the Mount Vernon Ladies Association sold some 65 acres to Miller and Smith Homes, Inc. The developers then brought in architect Nicholas Pappas, of Deigert and Yerkes Associates. We've chosen the Wessynton community for our mid-century modern neighborhood of the month in August.
The mid-century modern ethos is heavily influenced by nature, such as giant windows that seem to bring the outside in, or achieving harmony between that which is built by humans and that which surrounds it. Pappas himself was a staunch believer in the organic exchange between land and construction. Not only did he seek to incorporate natural elements into his homes’ design and placement, he went a step further by creating five distinct home models that would reflect elements of the new waterfront community: River, Manor, Forest, Meadow and Garden. A total of 156 single-family residences were built between the late 1960s and early 1970s. Styles reflect the late stages of mid-century modernism, combining angular elements and low-sloping roofs with more traditional influences such as Rambler and Split-level.
Of approximately 156 single-family residences completed between the late 1960s and early 1970s, 37 are labeled “River” homes. Around 23 of these are located directly along Little Hunting Creek, which flows into the nearby Potomac River. The remaining River homes are dispersed throughout the community. Interestingly, there are also a handful of Manor and Meadow models positioned along the tributary. But regardless of the exact location, all residents have access to the dock, boating and fishing. Other neighborhood amenities include a swimming pool, community clubhouse, tennis and playgrounds. Additionally, there’s Wessynton Forest; 20 acres of wooded splendor that has remained virtually untouched, save for walking paths.
Digging deeper, River houses offers 3,540 square feet of space with 16-foot high entry doors, walnut paneling, huge open living/dining areas, and 190 square foot redwood decks. Forest models are two-story structures with 3,280 square feet, including garages built into the lower level, massive fireplaces, outdoor decks and balconies, and L-shaped living areas with redwood ceilings. Manor homes, of which there are 46, are the largest in the community with 4,440 square foot layouts, including 100 square foot slate entries, attached garages and impressive master suites with studies and dual walk-in closets, one of which measures 24 square feet! There are 41 Meadow houses, with an interesting L-shape that transitions from one to two stories. The horizontal style of these 3,380 square foot homes is augmented by protruding bays. Finally, there’s the Garden home, of which only 11 were built. These 3,125 square foot residences have double front entry doors, 31-foot-long master suites, lower level family rooms and walk-outs to landscaped garden courts hidden behind solid masonry walls.
From waterfront homes to earth-tone abodes backing up to forest land replete with rhododendrons and hollies, Wessynton maintains its popularity 50 years later. This community is a perfect example of how the post-World War II fascination with modern design intersected with a new generation of homes buyers, seeking room to grow. From the scenic location and amenities to convenient access to Old Town Alexandria and Washington, DC, this unique community is like a vacation getaway, just minutes from the nation’s capital.
To learn more about Wessynton and other mid-century modern and contemporary neighborhoods in the Washington Metro area, call Andre Perez at 202-798-3600.
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