Inspired by historical houses like George Washingtons Mount Vernon, Northern Virginia is justly proud of its classical Colonial homes.

A fine example on Evening Lane is listed at $689,000 by Bonnie Rivkin at Coldwell Banker. Call 703-518-8300.

White pillars rise two stories high in front of the 50-year-old red brick exterior, framing the white  broken pediment over the entrance, in the Southern Colonial design.

The front door opens onto the entrance foyer. It stands between the living and dining rooms, in the arrangement  that gives the center-hall Colonial plan home its name. The parquet floors, the small-paned windows and the parlor fireplace all help carry out the Colonial theme.

The dining room adjoins the rear eat-in kitchen, with its central work island and large pantry. It was enlarged as part of the 1972 renovation project that also transformed the one-car garage into a laundry room, mud room, pantry and storage area. Parking is now available in the driveway.

The main floor also includes a powder room plus a den that opens onto the rear patio and yard, with its garden area.

To the right of the house, another patio features an iron spiral staircase leading to a roof deck in the front of the house. An additional deck overlooks the backyard.

Hardwood floors continue through the second floor, in addition to the ceramic-tiled baths. 

Three bedrooms and a full bath are located off the hallway. The master suite at the end of the hall was part of the renovation. The bedroom features a vaulted ceiling, private closets and sliding glass doors leading to the deck. The master bath boasts dual sinks and a glass-enclosed shower.

The master bedroom also adjoins an office space with a door to the front roof deck. Pull- down stairs in the upstairs hall lead to a finished attic.

Located in the Mount Vernon area, this home has its own presidential history. President Gerald Fords first press secretary, Jerald terHorst, built the house, which he still owns. In 1974, it had a  red phone  direct to the White House. After Ford pardoned Richard Nixon, terHorst resigned his post, thus attracting other journalists who camped on the front lawn.   Noted visitors to the home  included President Jimmy Carter, Lady Bird Johnson, and Virginia Governor Chuck Robb. A photo layout of the owners, their daughters and their pets appeared in Parade Magazine.

The house is located near Mount Vernon Hospital and less than a mile from the George Washington Parkway, making it convenient for other capital commuters.
The schools are Holland Meadows Elementary, Carl Sandberg Middle School and West Potomac High School.