Neighborhood Spotlight: Hollin Hills, bringing the outside inside

Hollin Hills is one of the largest collections of mid-century modern homes in the country, located right here in Alexandria! As you drive through, you can’t help but notice the floor-to-ceiling window, glass box homes that thrive on bringing the lush green surroundings inside. This renowned, historical community was designed by Charles Goodman in the late 1940s (and developed by Robert Davenport) with the inherent concept of connecting daily life with nature through large windows, pristine lines and minimalist design.

Goodman’s work is most notably exemplified by the varying angles in which the homes are sited — many appearing at an angle from the road vs. directly facing the street in a more traditional fashion. Why? When inside, you’ll notice his thoughtful design makes it so you can hardly see another home through most windows. The large windows showcase peaceful views of nature creating a feeling of seclusion and retreat from city life.

Additional notable highlights in this community are that trails, parks and green spaces abound. Hollin Hills is simply an intentional oasis of nature.

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 for the significance of its architecture, community planning and development efforts, this neighborhood is a true community! Hollin Hills has its own volunteer-driven Civic Association and hosts annual events such as a July 4 picnic, Oktoberfest and Winter Potluck.

One of the most popular annual events is the Hollin Hills House and Garden Tour. This year it will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25. It’s no surprise to residents (and non-residents who frequent) that it’s already sold out! The Seward Group is one of the proud Premiere Sponsors of this event.

Hollin Hills is less than 30 minutes from our nation’s capital. It is bordered on the south by Sherwood Hall Lane, on the north by Paul Spring Road, on the east by Fort Hunt Road and on the west by Elba Road.

If you live in the Hollin Hills neighborhood, you don’t need to venture into D.C. for shopping and eating. Hollin Hills sits between Belle View Shopping Center and The Hollin Hall Shopping Center, both offering an array of well-known establishments. In the Hollin Hall Shopping Center, you’ll find the Hollin Hall Pastry Shop, a children’s clothing store (529 Hollin Hall), River Bend Bistro & Wine Bar (dine in), Roseinas (catering plus food/wine to go), Via Veneto, Village Hardware and the beloved Hollin Hall Variety Store (the local five-and-dime store). Belle View Shopping Center highlights include Unwined, Primos Family Restaurant, Dishes of India, The Virginia Florist and more. It’s also a quick drive — or lovely walk — to Old Town Alexandria and the Potomac River.

Westgrove Dog Park, another local favorite, is conveniently located just off Fort Hunt Road.

Houses don’t last long on the market in this coveted community, as anxious buyers are snatching them up and multiple offers are the norm. The average DOM (days on market) YTD (year to date) is 3 days, and the ratio of average listing price compared to average closed price is 104.7%. In other words, the average home in this neighborhood sells for 4.7% over list price so far this year.

Here’s a quick snapshot of market activity in July:

If you’re seeking a community feel, life close to Washington, D.C. and a mid-century modern home (BONUS: with access to a neighborhood pool membership), please reach out. Email [email protected], call 703-298-0562 or visit The Seward Group website to set up an appointment with one of our agents.

About The Seward Group: We are award-winning real estate agents with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Lyssa Seward, Brittanie DeChino, Melody Abella, Anita Edwards, Laura Catron, Gina Wimpey and Elaine McCall make up our team. We offer our clients Full-Spectrum Concierge Real Estate Service at all price points, assisting with every step of the process from beginning to end. We are licensed in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in Old Town Alexandria.