Alexandria is noted for elegant and exciting gardens like this one on Childs Lane. Featured in three garden club tours last summer, its .42 acres provide a delightful display.
It includes a topiary ivy ring encircling a courting swing for two, a Hosta walk with 176 varieties, a Peony ring, three birdhouses, two Japanese bridges and an enclosed heated glass conservatory beneath towering trees with lighting underneath.
Camellias bloom in both spring and fall, as do the Japanese Wisteria on the arbors. Other plantings were chosen in order to attract butterflies, including the Black Swallowtail and Monarch. A slate walkway winds through the entire area. The adjoining Little Hunting Creek enhances the view.
Throughout the house, floral window treatments echo the theme and will remain with the home.
LOCATION: Childs Lane on the Potomac
PRICE: $949,000
CALL: Tom Pleimling Realty, 703-360-6300
STYLE: Red-brick Dutch Colonial (distinguished by steep gambrel roof)
BUILT: 1965
LOT SIZE: .42 acres
HOUSE SQUARE FOOTAGE: 5,000
BEDROOMS: 5
BATHS: 3.5
PARKING: Attached one-car port plus driveway
MAIN FLOOR: To the left of the tiled entrance, the living room features a white brick fireplace between crown molding and hardwood floors. The expansive mullioned window overlooks the front lawn, where a topiary peacock guards a circle of red geraniums beneath towering trees. To the right of the hallway, fluted pillars divide the gourmet kitchen from the ten-year-old dining and family room, with its fireplace, hardwood floors and carport entrance.
This open, flowing family and dining area is designed to take full advantage of the garden view, through walls of mullioned windows. They surround the glass doors that lead to the rear porch, where additional fluted pillars frame the garden. On ground level, a wooden deck and a hot tub provide even closer views. A Weber grill will remain with the home. The front entrance also includes the stairway leading to the upper floor. Behind the stairs on the main floor, the heated glass conservatory faces the garden, including equipment that will remain with the house. This room adjoins a bedroom and full bath, in addition to the powder room.
SECOND FLOOR: The skylit hardwood hallway provides three bedrooms and a full bath. The master suite includes a Jacuzzi tub and double shower with a ceiling heat lamp and skylight. A pull-down ladder leads to the attic.
SCHOOLS: Stratford Landing Elementary, Carl Sandburg Middle, West Potomac High
