Collingwood, VA Homes For Sale
Located along the banks of the Potomac River in the southern reaches of Alexandria is the small and very exclusive neighborhood of Collingwood. The small subdivision is part of the larger Fort Hunt area, and also part of Fairfax County. You’ll find some lovely waterfront homes for sale here—when active listings actually pop up, that is.
Like its neighbor Arcturus to the north, Collingwood is a place with a long history. It was originally included in a 1,800-acre plot of land purchased by George Washington in 1760. Washington’s family had already owned much of the coastline in the area, including the famous Mount Vernon estate which originally belonged to the president’s father. But when George married Martha Dandridge Curtis in 1759, he realized he would need more land to accommodate his new wife’s 153 dower slaves. And so, the new land was purchased and on it was built a large house for the slave’s overseers. That stately white home with its pillars was named Collingwood still stands today on 8.7 lush riverfront acres. It has been used for many years as the Collingwood Library Museum on Americanism.
One other little tidbit—the Collingwood estate was also used as a dueling location for upper-class Marylanders back in the day. It seems they were not allowed to settle their differences with pistols or swords in Maryland. But Alexandria had no such pesky rules!
Collingwood has evolved over the years, with most of the original land sold off and subdivided. It was a summer retreat for wealthy Washingtonians during the early 1900s and later expanded as an upscale year-round suburb. You’ll find a variety of architectural styles from old historic homes to Colonial Revivals, Tudors, Italianate and Mediterranean. But while this small enclave is known for its lavish waterfront homes for sale, there are also a number of relatively modest mid-century homes such as split-level brick and clapboard residences.
Local residents enjoy life along the river as well as nearby parks and other greenspaces. Schools in the area include Waynewood Elementary, Carl Sandburg Middle School and West Potomac High School. Commuters can drive north along Getting to Old Town Alexandria and Washington, DC is easy via the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Call District Partners at Compass to learn more about this enjoyable waterfront community, (202) 798-3600.