Old Town Alexandria is the crown jewel of the City of Alexandria. Both a mecca for visitors and a highly popular place to live, the waterfront community is ideally located on the western banks of the Potomac River. The history here is long and involved; home to tobacco warehouses during the colonial era, raided by the British during the War of 1812 and known for its beer breweries in the pre-prohibition era! These days, the highly walkable Old Town offers the best of old and new, from original cobblestone streets to upscale shopping boutiques and top restaurants along King Street.
When it comes to red-hot real estate markets, Old Town has that covered as well. Properties don’t tend to be available for long before going under contract. As for architectural styles, the emphasis is historic, whether it’s centuries-old row houses or antique buildings that have been redeveloped into condominiums. That said, there are also modern exceptions to the rules set forth by the city’s Historic Preservation Division. You’ll find such one example below, as we shine the spotlight on some notable real estate listings for the month of August.
Merging new brand new construction with traditional architecture in a historic waterfront setting is Watermark, a boutique condominium from the IDI Group. There are only 18 residences at this highly anticipated development, of which Unit #301 is one. The three-bedroom, three-bath flat has a 2,868 square foot floorplan and is offered at $2,995,000. River views are on full display from giant floor-to-ceiling windows. Wide-plank floors, a long balcony and a completely open kitchen with quartz counters are among the many other features.
Robinson Landing is the long awaited waterfront redevelopment of the old Robinson Terminal South site in Old Town Alexandria. There are three condo buildings plus 26 high-end townhouses. This Carlyle model at 11 Bakers Walk Street is one of the few townhouses still available. With five bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a loft and nearly 3,000 square feet of living space, the multilevel residence is priced at $2,474,275. Included is a private elevator, a fantastic roof deck and two-car garage. Robinson Landing is just steps from the promenade, new docks, boat slips and upscale restaurants.
A picture perfect Federal-style row house at 212 Prince Street is the embodiment of classic Old Town Alexandria. The brick and clapboard townhouse along “Gentry Row” was built around 1770, and features three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 3,120 square feet of living space, all for $1,599,000. A private deck, charming back yard, “plunge pool,” jacuzzi, koi pond and pool house are among the many elements that lend allure to an amazing home that hearkens all the way back to the American Revolution.
The Oronoco offers testimony that modernism can indeed exist in Old Town. The former Sheet Metal Workers Union building was gutted and transformed into stunning luxury flats overlooking the Potomac River in 2014. Unit #605, a two-bedroom, 2.5-bath apartment with a bonus den, outside terrace and 2,427 square feet of living space, was recently reduced by $100,000, down to $2,199,000. Community amenities include a heated swimming pool, fitness center, clubhouse, dog-washing station and more. It’s just steps from the river and Oronoco Bay Park.
A remarkable free-standing house at 209 South Lee Street recently sold for $3,900,000. Built in 1812, on a lot dating to 1749, the five-bedroom home was renovated in the 1850s to include ornate Victorian details. With 5,226 square feet of interior living space, the main structure is surrounded by exquisite gardens and mature foliage, as well as an original carriage house with a full kitchen and bath. From soaring ceilings and incredible millwork to multiple fireplaces and an upgraded kitchen, this slice of history offers a quintessential snapshot of Alexandria’s grandeur.
The list of things to do and see in Old Town Alexandria is limitless. You’ll find fantastic restaurants throughout the community, as well as bars, coffeehouses, dog-friendly places, art galleries and over 100 boutique shops. The Torpedo Art Factory, Founders Park, historic museums, walking tours and water taxis are just a few of the specific attractions. Those who enjoy the visit and are curious about planting roots also have plenty of choices in Alexandria’s many other neighborhoods, to the north, south and west of Old Town. We’ll be spotlighting many of these other communities in the months to come.
To learn more about homes, condos and townhouses for sale in Old Town Alexandria, call Andre Perez at 202-798-3600.
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