Small yards and large common green spaces give Brambleton a welcoming look. (Photo by Ann Cameron Siegal FTWP)
The original vision for the planned community of Brambleton, near Ashburn, was to create a place with “connectivity,” where residents could be a part of something more than just a place to live.
From the pioneers who flocked to green-roofed sales trailers in 2001 , purchasing homes sight unseen, to the buyers of the 587 homes sold since this past January, residents laud Brambleton’s small-town atmosphere.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this fall, the development is one of the fastest-selling planned areas in the country, yet it still is only one-third built.
Located 34 miles west of the District, close to Leesburg and Dulles International Airport and in the heart of Loudoun’s technology corridor, Brambleton’s 2,300 acres include townhouses, single-family houses and condos in a variety of styles designed by six builders. New-construction prices start at $333,990 for townhouses and $509,990 for single-family houses.
Jason Reinhardt, vice president of sales for Sport & Health, which has a fitness center in the community, moved to Brambleton a year ago. He said he and his wife, Kelly, participated in a 5K run there in March 2010 and fell in love with the family-friendly vibe they found. Now, with their second child joining the family in September, Jason says he’s happy with their choice. “Everyone wants convenience, and everyone wants it at their front door,” he said. “Brambleton has done a pretty good job of piecing it all together.”
“So far. . .” appears to be the unspoken phrase among many who live here. With more than 3,000 existing homes and another 6,000 to come in the next decade or so — culminating in a projected total population of 31,500 — the question looms: Can the cozy atmosphere be maintained?
“I hope so,” said resident Anne Brinker. “When you’re making a 10,000-home community, it’s hard to keep the small-town feel, but [the developers] are really trying.”
Despite the downturn in the real estate market, Brambleton’s 20-to-25-year build-out plan is still on track, according to Kim Adams, marketing director for the Brambleton Group.
The developer designed a network of trails and sidewalks, placing many residents within walking distance of the vibrant town center, well-landscaped parks and ponds, and the three public schools within Brambleton’s boundaries. Landscaping gradually transformed once-flat farmland into a setting with gently rolling berms created from excavated dirt. There is even a dedicated sledding hill for youngsters.
Outdoor concerts, summer camps, holiday celebrations and charity events offer close-in activities where reliance on the family car is minimized.
After five years in Brambleton, Hueminh “Huey” Tsao’s home-schooling family of seven has built a solid network of friends. This year she and a neighbor were inspired to host their first block party. “There are about 25 houses on our street, and we had a 95 percent turnout,” she said. The casual potluck event required minimal preparation and expense, she added, but helped to build a stronger sense of community.
Featured Columns
Loading...
Comments