History of Balmoral Greens
Origins and Development:
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Early History: The area where Balmoral Greens now stands has a rich historical tapestry, dating back to pre-Civil War times. It was once part of the Union Mills region, with documented history from the early 1700s. The land was included in a large grant by King Charles II in 1649, eventually coming into the Fairfax family‘s hands, pivotal in the region’s colonial development.
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20th Century: The land was used for various purposes, including as a site for the National Florence Crittenton Mission under Kate Waller Barrett‘s leadership from 1915 to 1925, focusing on anti-vice efforts.
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Modern Development: The community as we know it today began to take shape in the late 20th century. Most of the 180 homes in Balmoral Greens were constructed between 1996 and 2002, with the architecture featuring primarily Colonial, French-country, and international styles.
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Historical Markers: A historic marker was placed in 2007 to acknowledge its past, particularly its connection to the anti-vice movement and Civil War history, including old battle trenches and small, historic cemeteries.
Demographics
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Community Composition: Balmoral Greens is a relatively small, exclusive community with a focus on luxury and privacy. The community consists of 179 single-family homes on varying lot sizes, mostly from one to five acres, promoting a sense of spaciousness and seclusion.
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Cultural and Historical Significance: Residents often take pride in the area’s historical depth, which includes the presence of Native American artifacts from over 11,000 years ago and connections to significant figures like George Washington, who worked as a surveyor under Lord Fairfax.
Real Estate Trends
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Property Values: Real estate in Balmoral Greens is high-end, with home prices from the early 2010s ranging between $800,000 to over $1.2 million for sales. More recent sales, like in 2019, have seen properties sold for as high as $4.6 million for particularly lavish estates.
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Market Activity: The real estate market here is not as fluid as in more urban areas, given the exclusivity and size of the lots. Between May 2012 and May 2013, there were 10 home sales, indicating a steady but not rapid turnover.
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Architectural Trends: The homes are known for their architectural diversity and luxury features, including estates with equestrian facilities, golf course adjacency, and custom designs. There’s a noted appreciation for historical elements in new constructions or renovations.
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HOA Management: The HOA oversees community affairs, with dues at $160 per quarter, covering services like trash collection and common area maintenance. There have been instances where historical preservation (like the re-interment of Civil War-era remains) has been part of community activities.
Concluding Thoughts
Balmoral Greens embodies a unique blend of historical significance and modern luxury living. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., yet secluded nature, appeals to those seeking privacy and a connection to Virginia’s rich past. The real estate market reflects this exclusivity, with trends showing a preference for high-value, custom-built homes. The community’s engagement with its history through the HOA’s actions further cements its identity, making it not just a place to live, but a community with a story to tell.
For more detailed and current information, visiting the official Balmoral Greens HOA website or contacting local real estate agents would provide the most up-to-date insights into living in or buying property in this area.
