2801 Valley Dr, Alexandria, VA, 22302

Known as the “Nantucket House” due to its gray, cedar shake shingles, scooping rooflines, and mature always-in-bloom landscaping, this one-of-a-kind home offers both space and unparalleled charm. The nearly quarter acre lot gives children and pets plenty of room to romp with separate gathering areas for family and friends to relax nearby, either in the outdoor seating areas or on the grand porch, exquisitely enclosed with large picture windows overlooking the entire yard. The porch boasts 16’ natural wood ceilings, country-style ceiling fans, and plenty of space for lounging on an oversized sectional with dining for as many as 18 surrounded by nature and its light. The open-concept kitchen, breakfast room, and family room form a communal living space and connect to the grand porch through French doors that open wide, inviting all to flow to and from one space to the other. The home’s blend of practicality and charm extends to the two story entryway foyer, entered from one of the home’s three porches. This entrance is naturally lit by a large southern-exposure picture window that highlights the wide, curved stairwell. There’s plenty of room on the exterior porch, in the entryway, and in the foyer for removing shoes, school backpacks, coats, and hats, which can easily be stored in the deep, tall custom-designed coat closet that adjoins the foyer. Head upstairs via the bright, window-filled curved staircase to find three of the five bedrooms. At the top of the stairs, you’ll find a landing large enough for a reading nook for family members to enjoy bedtime story time. The primary bedroom boasts an ensuite bathroom and a large, custom-designed walk-in closet. Two more bedrooms share the hall full bathroom with attached laundry room, so laundry doesn’t have to be carried from one level to another. Need main floor living for an au pair, in-law suite, or office? Enter from the driveway (which fits five cars), through yet another lovely exterior porch to the library with its own fireplace and the most formal of the three dining spaces’ dining room. Two bedrooms (or offices) and a third full bathroom are on this main level just off the library and dining room. The finished basement could be a gym or children’s playroom. It has an additional half bath and a storage area with built-in, floor-to-ceiling shelving. Walk to Alexandria’s first-rate George Mason Elementary School, as well as several fun restaurants and shops, including Reunions Gifts, Whistle Stop Toy & Hobby, Rocket Fizz Candy Store, Great Harvest Bakery, St. Elmo’s Coffee Shop, Rampart’s Tavern, Café Pizzaiola, Fairlington Pizza, and Baskin Robbins. Only minutes away from the shops and restaurants of Old Town, Del Ray, and Shirlington, it’s also one stoplight to DC and barely ten minutes to Reagan National Airport. This beautiful home combines charm, spaciousness, and a versatile layout that is bolstered by walkability, privacy, and neighborhood charm.