The city of Alexandria is rich with history, from the earliest settlers through the Civil War to the present day. Apart from the area's famous landmarks that we all know, there are some unique and interesting attractions off the beaten path. Here are four that you probably didn't know about.
Hollensbury Spite House
In 1830, brickmaker and city councilor John Hollensbury's home was one of the two houses that directly bordered all alley that attracted an annoying amount of horse-drawn wagon traffic and loiterers. To stop people from using the alley he built a 7-foot wide two-story home using the existing brick walls for the adjacent houses as the sides of the new house. The living room walls of the house have gouges from wagon-wheel hubs. The house, which is still standing and occupied, was dubbed the narrowest house in America by Ripleys Believe It or Not.
The Grave of the Female Stranger
According to local legends, a young couple arrived in Alexandria in 1816 and rented a room in Gadsby’s Tavern at 138 North Royal St. The woman was seriously ill and her husband hired a local doctor to treat her–-on condition that the doctor doesn’t ask questions about their identities. The woman eventually died on October 14, 1816.
The husband borrowed money from a local businessman to bury her in town, repaying him with a cheque, which later turned out to be a forgery. The woman’s grave can still be found in the St. Pauls Episcopal Church section of the town’s cemetery.
A slab bears the inscription “To the memory of a Female Stranger whose mortal sufferings terminated on the 14th day of October 1816 Aged 23 years and 8 months….”
Mount Vernon Slave Cemetery
For nearly 200 years, the woods at George Washington's famous estate hid a secret. A graveyard for the former president's slaves lay hidden beneath a thicket of bushes until an 1885 map of the estate revealed a burial ground. A marble marker was placed on the site in the 1920s but it also disappeared beneath a tangle of vegetation. In 2014, archeologists began a multi-year project to learn more about the cemetery. So far, they've found dozens of unmarked graves and estimate the graveyard to contain over 150 slaves.
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary
Founded in 1792, this was a family business operated continuously until 1933, when competition from synthetic drug companies and the Great Depression led it to bankruptcy. The apothecary closed in 1933 and reopened as a museum in 1939. The museum displays the original collection of herbal botanicals, hand-blown glass, and medical instruments that were there when the store closed.
Properties in Old Town Alexandria
Bright and sunny first floor end-corner unit fabulously located in North Old Town’s “Harbor Terrace.
” This one bedroom condo features a main living room with an adjacent dining area, right off the kitchen, with hardwood floors, in-unit washer/dryer and windows in every single room. Bedroom has spacious closet and ceiling fan. Convenient parking lot with 2 unassigned spots (1 resident and 1 visitor), spots are on a first come basis. Street parking available. Meticulously landscaped grounds offers gazebos, picnic areas and benches, creating a serene community. You are just minutes from the heart of Old Town, right off the George Washington Parkway, a block from the Mount Vernon Bike Trail, a few traffic lights to DC and Regan Nation Airport, near the future home of Amazon HQ2 and the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus. Enjoy premium restaurants, shopping and easy commuting with access to the Braddock Road metro station and soon-to-open Potomac Yards metro station, Rt.1, I-395, I-495 and GW Parkway. Domestic pet friendly with board approval. [Harbor Terrace - $299,000]
URBAN MEETS TRADITIONAL IN OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA! Built in 2016 - Amazing contemporary townhome at Majesty West is filled with modern finishes and features.
State-of-the-art gourmet kitchen with Carrera marble waterfall island, open concept living room/dining room/kitchen, gorgeous primary bath with walk-in glass shower, stunning 5" dark wood floors, fourth-floor loft/family room, two roof-top terraces, entry level guest room, 2-car garage and so much more! Marble, glass tile, nickel door hardware and faucets complement the sleek style. Tons of windows provide natural light from the front (east) and rear (west), and a beautiful open view. Always intrigued by the idea of living within walking distance of everything Old Town has to offer - but not excited about a historic home - then this is the one for you! Walk to King Street Metro, shops and restaurants. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the river with your dog or a bike ride to Mt. Vernon along the trail! OPEN HOUSES: Thursday, 10/14: Opening Reception from 5-7. Be among the first to tour this fabulous home! Saturday and Sunday, 10/16 and 10/17: 12-12:30pm Live Facebook Virtual Tour AND 1-4pm In-Person Open House. [Majesty West - $1,385,000]
A rare opportunity in Old Town's desirable Southeast Quadrant! Over 4,000 square feet on just 3 levels, all above ground.
This all- brick, semi-detached and beautifully renovated home has everything. This exquisite, "10+" home has outstanding natural light, beautiful hardwood floors, off-street parking, a new metal roof (2021), brand new, paver courtyard (2021), top floor auPair Kitchenette & custom bath (2019), designer wall-framing, a custom designed staircase and a voluminous, walk-in, naturally-lighted pantry . First floor living space is gracious and elegant. Enter the Living Room highlighted by a wood-burning fireplace and custom built-in cabinets /shelves. A sconce-lit, petite hallway leads to a large separate Dining Room designed with transom style skylights that extend through the kitchen and provide excellent natural light to both rooms no matter the weather. The classic white, high-end gourmet kitchen opens to a huge Family Room featuring another wood burning fireplace, custom built-in cabinets/shelves, and floor-to-ceiling windows & courtyard door with arched windows. An enviable, large walk-in pantry and updated powder room are perfectly placed. Don't miss the chippendale pet pocket door off the kitchen. The enormous second-floor primary bedroom features a beautiful Palladian window and en suite with a huge shower and walk-in closet. The third floor has two spacious, high ceiling gabled bedrooms and a gorgeous bath with large stall shower. The third floor has a kitchenette, with beautiful inset cabinetry and a wine fridge, a counter and opens to a second family room that leads to a 5th bedroom/yoga room This home is in an exceptional location being just minutes from the King Street Metro & free trolley, DC, the Pentagon, Reagan National Airport, Amazon HQ2, the new Virginia Tech Campus, the Potomac River & National Harbor. Only two blocks to restaurants and 4 blocks to Ada's, Barca and Old Town shops and wonderful parks. [Old Town SE Quadrant - $2,275,000]
Space! Lots of space! This modern Old Town Alexandria home in an amazing location, offers 4 levels of 10ft ceilings with large bright rooms! Walk through the foyer to an elegant living room with firepace and built-ins open to the dining room for fantastic entertaining.
The recently updated white kitchen features high end appliances, huge center island, quartz countertops and breakfast area that opens to a deck overlooking the fully fenced private outdoor space with garden. The owner's suite spans the entire first upper level with a huge walk-in closet and bathroom with soaking tub, shower and double vanity. The second upper level has 3 bedrooms with 2 additional full bathrooms. The expansive lower level offers family room, kitchenette, storage, large sun-filled windows, walk out and an additional bedroom. Wow guests on the roof top terrace with a views of the Potomac River and Old Town and occasional fireworks. Home has 2 assigned parking spaces and is prepped for elevator installation if needed. Have you caught on to the latest rage, pickleball? Neighbors have created a court almost in your backyard. Not your thing, then head out your front door and enjoy the amazing shops and restaurants along Washington and King Streets. Location is a commuter's dream with close proximity to Hwy 495, Hwy 395, George Washington Parkway Reagan International Airport, Metro and Amazon HQ2! You definitely want to come and see this fantastic home! [Old Town - $1,595,000]
Beautiful brick town home in sought after Old Town Court and located in the heart of Historic Alexandria.
This 5 level home has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 2,988 finished square feet and an abundance of natural light and charm. Open concept living room and dining room, perfect for entertaining. Hardwood flooring throughout! Gourmet kitchen with granite countertop, tile backsplash, center island with pendant lights and a breakfast room with easy access to the patio. Large owner's suite with dual walk-in closets, sitting room and en suite bath with dual sink, vanity, frameless glass walk-in shower and soaking tub. Two additional bedrooms, a home office and two full bath on the 3rd level. 4th level bedroom/loft with brick accent wall and full bath, perfect for a family or guest room. City and 4th of July views from the rooftop terrace! Fenced patio off the kitchen for additional outdoor living. Lower level with a half bath, coat closet, spacious storage room and garage access with 2 reserved parking spots. This home is situated in heart of Old Town Alexandria, steps from an array of shops, bars, restaurants, and public transportation including metro and bus stops. [Old Town Court - $1,000,000]
5BA Remodeled 1880 Old Town Brick End-Unit Townhome! Beautiful hardwood floors! Living room with separate dining room! Renovated kitchen with gas cooking, ceramic tile floor, custom backsplash, stainless steel appliances & tons of cabinets and counter space! Beautiful bright family room with wood burning fireplace leading to fully custom fenced back yard with brick paver patio! Upper level BRs & custom spa-like BA with custom storage & full size stackable washer & dryer! Close to everything in Old Town - the shops and restaurants on King Street and parks! Call today for your private showing! [Historic Old Town - $859,900]
PRICE ADJUSTMENT JUST MADE!!! Location! Space! Solid! A Charm! Are You Yearning For A Yard, 3 Finished Levels With A Walkout Basement, Beautifully Buffed Hardwood Floors, Freshly Painted, New Light Fixtures, New Ceiling Fans, Updated Kitchen, Updated Bathroom, Double Closets In Primary Bedroom, Windows Galore/ Then this is the Property For You!!! Home Warranty Included! Close To Whole Foods, Potomac Yard Shopping that Includes A Wonderful Target, Best Buy, Starbucks, Chipotle, PetSmart and Many More Great Restaurants and Stores! Close to Mount Vernon Bike/Running/Walking Trail, Convenience Of Old Town Shopping, Restaurants, Close To The Fabulous National Harbor, MGM and Tanger Outlets! About a 10 min Drive to Washington National Airport (DCA) Right At 495!!! Imagine The Possibilities For This Lovely Home Too!.
Welcome to this freshly updated one bedroom in Braddock Place.
Seller is offering $3000 credit for new appliances. Amazing top floor access opens up into this light filled unit with views of the National Harbor, Old Town, the Masonic Temple and as far as the eye can see. Updated with wide plank hand scrapped Luxury Vinyl floors. The kitchen features freshly painted cabinets and granite top counters. The washer/dryer right outside the bedroom makes laundry simple. Enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tub after working up a sweat in the gym and sauna. Living on the top floor comes with extra perks, such as 9ft ceilings, recessed lighting and ceiling fans. The Braddock metro is right outside your front door, and you are just steps away from all of the restaurants of North Old Town. Quick access to the new Amazon HQ2 and minutes from the Pentagon and the District. One reserved garage parking space conveys with the property. New windows have been installed in the whole building at no cost to the owners. [Braddock Place - $425,000]
GREAT NEW PRICE! Welcome to this handsome one bedroom in Braddock Place.
Easy first floor access opens up into this light filled unit with views of the pool and hot tub. Updated with wide plank hand scrapped wood floors. The kitchen features newer cabinets, granite and stainless steel appliances. Full size front load stacking washer/dryer right outside the bedroom makes laundry simple. Enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tub after working up a sweat in the gym and sauna. Living on the first floor comes with extra perks, such as 9ft ceilings, recessed lighting and ceiling fans. The Braddock metro is right outside your front door, and you are just steps away from all of the restaurants of North Old Town. Quick access to the new Amazon HQ2 and minutes from the Pentagon and the District. One reserved parking space just steps to the building door conveys with the property. New windows have been installed in the whole building at no cost to the owners. Great opportunity for an investor also. [Braddock Place - $365,000]
NEW PRICE**!! OPEN SUN, OCT.
17, 2-4PM!!! LOCATION and ELEGANCE COMBINED! This is luxury condo living at its finest! Take advantage of the opportunity to live in the exclusive Alexandria House in historic Old Town Alexandria! This two bedroom, two bath apartment is newly renovated throughout, including all new floors, new kitchen, all new appliances, new bathrooms and is freshly painted. All new floor-to-ceiling climate-controlled windows/doors make this apartment light and bright. Every room has access to a huge wrap around balcony that provides incredible views of Old Town and the Potomac.** Two assigned garage parking spots with assigned storage unit (8x6)! Residents enjoy wonderful amenities, including: spacious and elegant lobby, fob access, 24/7 concierge, security cameras, penthouse party room (where the condo social committee, holds among other events, its annual Fourth of July party to watch the national fireworks), rooftop pool & sauna, fitness room, resident lounge, community conference room, bike storage, charging station for electric cars, and Amazon delivery storage units with locks**! Relish the culture and convenience of big city living along with the enjoyment of outdoor activities. Not only is there nearby shopping with Harris Teeter and Trader Joe’s less than two blocks away, but the Alexandria House is also only a few blocks away from Oronoco Bay Park and the Potomac River for boat lovers, and close to from the GW bike trail that takes you from Arlington National Cemetery to Mt. Vernon. Or, if you prefer, take a leisurely stroll to waterfront festivals, The Torpedo Factory, as well as all the quaint shops, fine restaurants and entertainment that King Street has to offer just a few blocks away! One can even take the Water Taxi either to the National Harbor and the MGM Hotel and casinos or Washington, DC to enjoy the Kennedy Center or Smithsonian museums. Close to two metro stations, river, parks, bike trails, and the GW Parkway to get to Pentagon and DC, National Airport. **Visitor Parking at Front of Building, or easy to find parking space in nearby streets**!! [Alexandria House - $799,000]
Rarely available 2 bedroom 1 bathroom condo with private outdoor patio in Colecroft.
Close to everything! Across the street from the Braddock Metro. Close to restaurants, shops, and all that Old Town has to offer. Short commute to National airport. Updates throughout this property! Bathroom completely renovated in 2016. New flooring, double vanity with Marble countertops, tub, and tile. Upgraded kitchen with updated backsplash and quartz countertops. Newer appliances, including Bosch dishwasher and Kenmore Elite Refrigerator with ice maker. All new carpet in 2019 in living/dining, hallways and bedrooms. New washer (2019) and dryer (2020), in unit. HVAC was replaced in 2019 and recently cleaned and serviced. Custom primary bedroom closet, along with custom top down, bottom up shades with continuous loop. Brick patio offers outside privacy. 1 reserved covered garage spot (#125) is included in the purchase price. Condo amenities include a party room, fitness room, picnic area with grills, and a reading library in the lobby. This one won't last long, don't miss it! [Colecroft - $449,900]