2854 Hunter Road in Fairfax has what it takes to become the perfect suburban retreat.
Winding down the country lane framed by lush towering trees, you wouldn’t realize that you are situated in the convenience of Fairfax, Virginia. The drive feels more reminiscent of a trip to the English Countryside; the view to either side beckons that of driving to Oxfordshire toward well kept homes and gardens. To my wondrous surprise, off of the lovely paved-drive I am placed on a generous 2 3/4 acre estate, immaculately kept just as an English Country Garden. The private drive is lined in mature azaleas and century old, breathtaking English boxwoods, their majesty suits the gorgeous 1950’s Red Brick Colonial home to the “t.” The spectacularly kept grounds are highlighted with magnificent Japanese maples that breathe fiery light into this property when the fall comes; however, in the perfectly cool spring day, their leaves shine a glittering green and twist in the wind. A well placed stone bench faces the entry of the home and the meandering path up to the front entrance… but we’re not going in yet. There is far too much to see outdoors.
With a fantastic eye for design, the present home owners have put a tremendous amount of love
into this home which was a diamond in the rough when they found it. A jewelry designer by trade, he has an organic and innate understanding of specific placement of objects both artistic and of the living sort. The current owner’s passion for the garden is evident by the precise care he has taken to maintain the integrity of the home’s exterior facade and the complementing landscape. Rhododendrons, azaleas, and the ever present boxwoods could quite easily steal the show as they are both intricately and elegantly placed to frame the stately garden which has a fantastic grassy yard. The curving lines of the neatly kept beds are a wonderful contrast to the large yet graceful home which is set back at the perfect distance on the plot. Walking back towards the rear western portion of the land, the native trees have been left to their natural state and are the perfect playscape for the woodland creatures who live along the Bear Branch Creek that happens to stroll through the property. The natural element of the estate is alive and well as you stand at the back of the property, listening to the dozens of species of birds singing, the spectacular trees’ leaves whistling and feeling the wind on your face.
On the southern portion of the property is an enormous (and quite rare) 2 two story, 2 car garage complete with a true craftsman’s workshop and shed. To give some perspective, an industrial riding lawn mower fits in the shed section. The original 1950’s windows with their perfect wood frames give this outdoor workspace so much character and it just feels like someone has made some truly amazing things on the massive original work bench; you can just sense it. An interesting treasure sits in the main garage. Found inside the home, under the stairs was an antique cast iron safe… no actual treasures were found upon opening it, but I think it is a treasure in itself. Up the stairs in the garage to the 2nd floor, a massive additional bonus space is available and could be finished out for a wonderful room or rooms. Immediately coming to mind in this immense trussed space is the ever desired, often coveted, man cave. There are so many possibilities with this room with towering ceilings that the imagination starts to fly in all different directions. Just off to the left of the garage is every gardener’s dream. You have a blank canvas for you to grow your very own organic vegetables and herbs in raised beds. Heirloom onions still linger here and mountains of fresh mint have made it into one of the beds. This is an area that gets full sun and could make a great place to come and relax while working your own soil and growing an amazing garden.
After enjoying the outdoors, it is time to head inside.
The meandering brick pathway that I mentioned earlier leads you past more beautiful landscaping and towards the most welcoming red front door. The pergola at the entrance is grand and historic; the columns which stand powerfully before you are original columns from the National Arboretum. What a beautiful and patriotic touch to this stately home! The design element from the columns has been repeated on either side of the door by cutting one of the columns in half. Details such as these are echoed throughout the home which once you have arrived inside this diamond on Hunter Road, you will be pleasantly delighted by what comes next. From the exterior and all of the formality of the yard, one may expect to find a very traditional home. However, if you remember the juxtaposition of the natural elements of the curvature of the plant beds and the native areas left to their own devices, you will find something quite similar inside. This home is again spectacular with the close attention to detail and artistry that has been employed throughout. Inside, 2854 Hunter Road, the traditional elements blend seamlessly into the modern conveniences through the clever, elegant design. Original oak hardwoods run throughout the home; stained a savory mahogany color, the floors have the warmth and character that we all strive for when looking for a home of this caliber. Straight ahead through the entry is the staircase to the 2nd floor, where the bedrooms and sitting area are located. Immediately to the right is a perfectly sized formal dining area.
Through the dining room is a fabulous gourmet kitchen that I didn’t want to leave. The custom cabinets are very deep and make efficient use of space (I am a huge fan of corner cabinets and lazy Susan’s – of the circular sort!). My eye went straight for the huge white porcelain farmer’s sink with a sleek Kohler fixture then darted quickly to the powerful, industrial Wolf gas cooktop complete with dual convection oven and a Wolf venthood overhead. The functionality of this kitchen is perfect for a cook – well thought out and the finishes are just absolute perfection. Immediately behind the kitchen is what was originally a sunroom that currently functions as a perfect media room with custom wood blinds and a structurally reinforced wall that easily manages to hold a 60″ flat screen plasma TV. Completely wired for surround sound and cable, this room is just one of the bonus features of the home. With the shades at full attention, the sunroom-gone-media room is a veritable room of vistas surrounded on three sides with trees, nature and beauty. A majestic half century old maple tree is to the left of the sunroom – in the mid day sun, the room has a bit of the leave’s russet glow. Imagine in the fall when this tree lights up with its flamed leaves. Off the back of the sunroom is another pergola and porch, perfect for a breezy evening; and also utilizes columns original to our Nation’s Arboretum.
Leaving the sunroom and coming around to the kitchen again brings us to the powder room nicely appointed with a modern vessel sink and stunning fixtures. The powder room floor is a sultry honed Italian marble which adds some oomph to this already glamorous space. The whole home is painted in serene earth tones, from a super light moss to a warm golden wheat; all of the colors work with nearly every pallet. Across from the powder room is a stairwell to the fully finished basement which has great tall ceilings and recessed lighting throughout. Also below grade, there is a full bath of neutral colors and great natural light for being in the basement! A full laundry room, complete with an original porcelain dual sided sink is situated at the center of the home in the basement. A tiled room is just off of the laundry would be perfect for a home gym. Straight through the tiled space is a walk-out mudroom which is so multifunctional, the possibilities are endless. With the light through the new French doors, so much could be done in this space. It could be an artist’s studio for a painter or a potter, or a childrens’ activity room or crafting space – you name it. Back upstairs on the main floor just past the powder room you have entered into the living room. The sheer size of this space is impressive not to mention that the focal point on the southern wall is a picture perfect brick wood-burning hearth. The comforting aroma of winter past just slightly lingers on in this late spring day. Imagining family and friends in this comfortable gathering space is warming to the soul. Beyond the main living room is a light and bright library with more views to take in. Looping back through the living room, we are heading upstairs to the bedrooms.
A bit of reconfiguration was done to the second floor, by instituting thoughtful architectural details with a truly custom air about them throughout the home. What had once been a dark, dated, narrow hallway is now an open and bright landing that would be a wonderful spot for a home office, study area, or a second smaller living area. Beyond this bonus space is the first of three bedrooms – all of which are very generously sized. The closets were reconfigured to allow for a window desk or vanity area and the views are just amazing from this vantage point. The maple tree that you see the base of from the sunroom is directly out the window and casts a crimson hue through the shades. Around the corner from the sitting area is the second bedroom which is currently being utilized as a nursery, but still makes a great bedroom when the time comes for a “real bed” given its functional size. The second full bath is at the end of the hall. The tile work is wonderful and all of the details make this a very efficient use of space. Even the linen closet in the hallway is an amazing size. What?! Another serendipitous bonus?! Pulling down the attic stairs, you will find a conditioned attic space that has been fully decked and could potentially be finished for a space to be utilized to your heart’s desires. There are so many hidden wonders in this home, it is just astonishing! On the other side of the stairs is the master suite. Oriented towards the south, this room has a very functional use of space and has all of the creature comforts that a homeowner could want. The master bathroom has sweeping views of the property and is beautifully designed and encapsulates everything you’d need in a master bath. This includes a huge walk-in closet that has the unexpected feature of natural light through a window which is highly effective and makes it unnecessary to have a light on during the daytime in the closet. A peek out the farthest southern facing window will give you a wonderful surprise. If you wanted to add French doors to the master suite, you would have a very nicely sized sundeck straight off of your master bedroom. It would be large enough for at least two chaise lounges and a larger bistro set for four. How wonderful would it be to wake up in the morning and take your coffee on the deck while listening to nature around you? It would be grand.
The modern twist of the interior of this English country garden estate caught me by delightful surprise. It seemed like at every turn there was another little gem that was unexpected and, quite frankly, it was refreshing. From the enchanting landscaping and natural surroundings that make this home so very private and serene to the masterfully designed kitchen and inviting hardwoods, 2854 Hunter Road was the diamond in the rough that some very proud homeowners have polished into a glowing gem which is now ready for your own personal touches. The location of the property is in the center of Fairfax, convenient to most major thoroughfares and the Metro is just minutes away. Right off of Nutley Street, you can hop onto 66 and find yourself in downtown Fairfax at the drop of a hat, or take a pivot-turn on into Arlington and the District. Being spot on the Orange Line is an amazing opportunity to indulge in the shops and restaurants in the clever and fun North Arlington districts of Clarendon, Courthouse, and Rosslyn. If you are a commuter, this Orange line positioning is sharp and spot on. If you’re seeking the quiet solitude of acreage in the center of Fairfax with soft grass, and meandering streams, this is the spot. The fact that this gorgeous home is ready for the next owner- nothing needs to be done- painting is out of the way, the hardwoods are immaculate, the kitchen is gorgeous and ready for anyone to become a chef! There are several bonus rooms which could be anything you want them to be. The only thing stopping you right now from making this house your own is… well, you… Shopping and entertainment are at your fingertips. Now you can have your very own modern English country retreat in the heart of Fairfax. This home is coming soon to the market. To schedule a showing, please contact Arbour Realty.
