5-in-1 Community Is Still a Discovery

The choices make Stonegate an ideal move-up community, said Scott Schiavone, a financial planner, who moved from the Manors at Stonegate condominiums to one of the townhouses. "My wife and I looked all over, but realized that we loved where we were -- we just wanted more space," he said. "People can find the variety they want and still have a common experience."

Cidney Quenzel, president of Stonegate Mews association, lived in the condos for six years before moving to her townhouse a year ago. Stonegate's convenient location and its mix of people of different ages appealed to her.

She said, "If you're always racing against time, this is a perfect location."

Each Stonegate community takes pride in landscaping and offers examples of how to make the most of small spaces. Soon, the azaleas and dogwoods will start to flower profusely; warmer weather will bring out the crape myrtles. "When it blooms here, it's like a botanical garden," Quenzel said.

Highpointe at Stonegate, with 147 townhouses, is the newest section, built between 1996 and 2000. Here, a storm-water runoff pond between townhouse rows became an attractive, useful area with the installation of raised walkways and water-loving plants, including weeping willows and cypress trees. A second area is about to get the same treatment.

Highpointe's townhouses really are at the highest point. Olga Thomas, that association's secretary, enjoys views of the District's fireworks and the Washington National Cathedral from the upper level of her three-bedroom, 4 1/2 -bath townhouse.

At the Hamptons at Stonegate, 85 townhouses with double decks and Palladian windows have a bird's-eye view of the archaeological preserve and a walking and exercise trail below.

The 79 townhouses of Stonegate Mews are the smallest in square footage, but that cluster runs the only pool and clubhouse in the community. Condo residents are also members. A handful of residents from other parts of Stonegate have guest memberships.

The pool is "a welcome feature, now that we have kids," said Kim Whittaker, who moved to Stonegate Mews five years ago.

With five different boards in Stonegate, communication can sometimes falter. Highpointe's Thomas would like the five communities to share a Web site, so that concerns and information could be shared more efficiently.

Association-driven activities are limited. "People are not here to party," said Dina Biblin, association president for one of the townhouse clusters, called Stonegate Foundations. She described residents as "high-end professionals" with correspondingly busy work schedules.

However, there are a few regular events. Residents of Kell Lane are known for organizing chili cookoffs or appetizer contests in the spring and fall, both for fun and to raise money for charity. Jim and Barbara Atherton, who live on the lane, are members of a local bluegrass band, the Pluckers, that provides entertainment.

In Highpointe, Michael Perez, a management consultant who describes himself as "a business owner with a dog," brings his springer spaniel, Bailey, to an annual doggie party, complete with birthday cake for the community's canines.

Quenzel said that it has been easier to get to know her neighbors since she got a West Highland terrier. Dog walkers are plentiful in Stonegate. "At 6:30 in the morning, this place is hopping," she said.