The neighborhoods of single-family homes in North Arlington have become some of the most desirable communities in the Washington area because of their proximity to downtown Washington, commuter routes and local shops and restaurants. Residents in this suburban area of Virginia also appreciate living under canopies of mature trees along meandering streets with an eclectic mix of homes.
Traditional brick-front Colonial-style homes are the norm throughout Arlington, but Cape Cod-style, Victorian and even some contemporary homes are mixed into the neighborhoods. In some cases, the traditional homes have been replaced by larger residences, while in others, the owners have used their imaginations to transform the original structures with additions to expand the living space.
The Cape Cod-style home at 5708 Little Falls Road, built in 1937, has been renovated and updated during its 73-year history but retains its core architectural features. On the market for $899,000, this brick-and-siding home rests on a desirable site of nearly a half-acre.
Nestled under mature trees and set back from the main road on an asphalt drive, this residence includes a deep swath of lawn in front of the house and a peaceful backyard for enjoying a good book, gardening or entertaining friends. The fenced yard includes a flagstone patio accessed through a wall of French doors, a gently sloping lawn and professionally landscaped garden beds. The brick wall of the adjacent two-car garage includes a charming arched niche, perfect for placing a flowering plant or a small sculpture.
While residents may prefer to keep this peaceful oasis intact, the backyard also could be used for expanding the home beyond the current 2,800 finished square feet. The home has five bedrooms, three full baths and a half bath on three finished levels and includes two fireplaces.
The focal point for this home is the grand formal living room, which has a soaring cathedral ceiling with arched beams and a Juliet balcony on the upper level with a charming decorative railing. The living room also has original wide-plank hardwood flooring, a ceiling fan and a gas fireplace with a white-painted brick surround and low built-in bookcases on either side.
Adjacent to the living room is the formal dining room, which has wide-plank hardwood flooring, a chandelier, chair-rail molding and two built-in corner china cupboards flanking the window.
Next to the dining room is the center-island kitchen, an addition to the home with ceramic tile flooring, pull-out pantry shelving, a built-in desk and recessed lighting. A double window over the double sink frames a view of the backyard. The kitchen has been updated with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a Bosch dishwasher, a Jenn-Air cooktop and two Thermador wall ovens. The kitchen opens into a breakfast room with ceramic tile flooring and a wall of French doors to the patio.
The original kitchen is on the opposite side of the dining room at the front of the home. This room has been transformed into a convenient first-floor laundry room with a washer and dryer, a sink, a large window and the original kitchen cabinets and drawers for extra storage. The laundry room also includes extra closet and storage space.
On the opposite side of the living room, a step-down leads into a cozy den with paneled walls and a window overlooking the backyard. Future owners may want to expand this room or create a home office or library with the space.
Just beyond the den is a bedroom wing that includes the master bedroom. The master bedroom has windows on two sides, including one overlooking the backyard. This room has a wall of built-in cabinets and two closets, one of which is a cedar closet.
Adjacent to the master bedroom is a full bath with a combination tub and shower. In the hallway nearby are a linen closet and a cedar closet.
The second bedroom includes built-in cabinets, a closet and a private full bath with a shower.
The two bedrooms could be combined by future residents into an expansive master suite.
Upstairs, the hallway includes the Juliet balcony overlooking the living room. The third bedroom has a built-in desk and two closets. Two additional bedrooms are on the upper level, each with a single closet. The fifth bedroom has a charming sloping ceiling. The three bedrooms share a full bath.
The finished lower level has a recreation room with a high ceiling, a wood-burning fireplace and a built-in wet bar. This level also has a half bath and a utility room with stairs to the side yard.
The flexible spaces can accommodate a family and guests when entertaining or be converted for use as a home office.
In addition to the existing charms of this home and the potential for additional updates, this North Arlington residence is in a prime location. Residents can walk to the elementary, middle and high schools and also to the Lee-Harrison Shopping Center. By car, residents can be in downtown Washington within a few minutes and have quick access to Rosslyn, Ballston, Tysons Corner, McLean, the Pentagon, Crystal City and Old Town Alexandria.
DETAILS:
Address: 5708 Little Falls Road, Arlington VA 22207
Community: Country Club
Age: Built in 1937
Price: $899,000
Size: Approximately 2,800 finished square feet on site of 0.45 acres
Taxes: $8,534 in 2009
Homeowners association fee: None
Exterior features: Cape Cod-style single-family home with brick-and-siding exterior, new asphalt driveway, new split-rail fence, two-car garage, mature trees and fenced yard
Interior features: Three finished levels with five bedrooms; 3 1/2 baths; foyer with coat closet; formal living room with beamed cathedral ceiling, wide-plank hardwood flooring and gas fireplace; formal dining room with built-in china cabinets, wide-plank hardwood flooring and chair-rail molding; center-island kitchen with recessed lighting, ceramic tile flooring, built-in desk and upgraded appliances; breakfast room with ceramic tile flooring and French doors to patio; step-down den off living room; first-floor master bedroom with two closets, built-in cabinets and adjacent full bath; second bedroom on main level with private full bath; laundry room with additional cabinets and storage space; upper level with three bedrooms, full bath and Juliet balcony overlooking the living room; lower level with recreation room with fireplace and wet bar, half bath and utility room
Amenities: Flagstone patio, landscaped backyard, two fireplaces, furnace replaced in 2009
Close by: Walk to elementary, middle and high school; walk to shopping center with shops and restaurants; minutes to major commuter routes, downtown D.C., Tysons Corner, Old Town Alexandria
Schools: Nottingham Elementary, Williamsburg Middle, Yorktown High
Open house: By appointment
Contact: Realtors Carol, Tracy and Leslie Wilder of McEnearney Associates at 703/798-7226 or www.3wilders.com
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