History of Collingwood-on-the-Potomac:
Collingwood-on-the-Potomac is situated in a region with deep historical roots, part of what was once George Washington’s larger estate known as River Farm. The mansion at Collingwood, constructed in 1852 by Henry Allen Taylor, was built on land that has a storied past dating back to the 17th century when it was part of the Piscataway Neck estate owned by Giles Brent.
The property has seen various uses over the centuries:
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Initially used as an overseer’s house for Washington’s estate, it evolved into a farm by the mid-19th century under Taylor’s ownership.
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By the early 20th century, the mansion was significantly altered to reflect Colonial Revival architecture, becoming a venue for social gatherings, including a tea room and restaurant.
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During World War II, the mansion served educational purposes as a training facility for military intelligence.
Unfortunately, in 2019, there were plans to demolish the Collingwood mansion, which was listed on the Fairfax County Inventory of Historic Sites, but only honorarily. This decision was made by its then-owner, Tyler Murrell, part of the family behind the Five Guys restaurant chain, who intended to build a luxury single-family home in its place.
Demographics:
Fairfax County, where Collingwood-on-the-Potomac resides, is characterized by its diversity and affluence. While specific demographic data for the Collingwood neighborhood itself is not explicitly detailed in readily available online sources, we can infer from county-wide statistics:
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Population: Fairfax County, as of the 2020 census, has a population of 1,150,309, making it the most populous jurisdiction in Virginia.
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Diversity: The county is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity, with significant populations of Asian, Hispanic, and African American residents alongside a large White population.
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Education and Income: Fairfax County boasts high educational attainment levels, with many residents holding advanced degrees. This is reflected in the median household income, which is substantially above the national average, contributing to a vibrant economy driven by technology, government, and education sectors.
Real Estate Trends:
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Property Values: Collingwood-on-the-Potomac features predominantly large, competitively priced homes. The area is known for its colonial-style residences built in 1962, which have since been updated, adding to their appeal and value. According to various real estate listings and analyses:
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The median home value in Fairfax County has seen fluctuations but generally reflects an upward trend, particularly in desirable neighborhoods like Collingwood. In late 2024, the median listing price for homes in Fairfax County was around $722,210, showcasing a 7.0% increase from the previous year.
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Market Dynamics:
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The real estate market in Fairfax County has been described as a seller’s market, where demand often exceeds supply, leading to properties selling above asking price or within a short period.
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Inventory levels for homes in Collingwood-on-the-Potomac, as part of the broader Fairfax market, showed a decrease in available properties in late 2024, suggesting a tight market.
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Community and Lifestyle:
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The neighborhood offers a serene, almost rural feel with its proximity to the Potomac River, yet it’s well-connected to urban amenities due to its location near Alexandria and Washington, D.C. This balance contributes to its desirability, impacting real estate trends positively.
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Future Outlook:
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Given its historical significance, natural beauty, and strategic location, real estate in Collingwood-on-the-Potomac is likely to continue appreciating, although subject to broader economic conditions and local policy changes regarding historical preservation and development.
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Conclusion:
Collingwood-on-the-Potomac encapsulates the historical legacy of Fairfax County while being a part of its vibrant, multicultural, and economically robust present. The real estate market here is driven by a combination of historical allure, community appeal, and proximity to major employment and cultural centers, which shapes its future trends. The loss of historical structures like the Collingwood mansion underscores a tension between development and preservation in areas with rich historical backgrounds.
Given the website provided, collingwood.intranets.com, does not yield accessible public information, this analysis relies on broader data from Fairfax County and similar neighborhood profiles. For the most current and detailed information, direct access to local real estate databases or community-specific studies would be necessary.
