As an Alexandria, Virginia resident and REALTOR®, I get to see a lot of Northern Virginia condominiums. While few wish to be outside on a cold day like today (with snow flurries this morning), most of the year provides beautiful, temperate weather in Northern Virginia.
One criteria that many condo buyers ask for time after time is a balcony, terrace or patio. Washingtonians as a group spend a lot of time inside at their high-pressured jobs, whether in the government or private sector. At home, in the evenings, or on the weekends, condo dwellers like to be able to spend some time in the outdoor fresh air. Unless you live in a single-family home with a big yard or a townhouse with a deck or community park, the next best choice is a big balcony.
Many balconies at Northern Virginia condos are very small, with little use other than a bit of storage. Not an inviting atmosphere for spending time outside relaxing, dining, reading, or gardening.
However, there is one condo in Alexandria with REALLY BIG BALCONIES! That condominium is Alexandria Knolls West.
How do I know? I live there.
VERY LARGE ALEXANDRIA KNOLLS WEST BALCONY
Look at that huge 40 foot by 6 foot balcony! We took this picture during the Summer when our balcony garden was in full bloom. Notice the sliding glass doors from each room onto the balcony. During the warm Spring, Summer, and Autumn months, we enjoy eating 3 meals a day on our lovely balcony overlooking Old Town Alexandria in the distance. Many residents of Alexandria Knolls decorate their balconies beautifully and enjoy the spacious outdoor space.
Alexandria Knolls West (AKW) is located at 6101 Edsall Road, Alexandria, VA 22304. There are 191 condo units in the 18-story building. There are several one bedroom and two bedroom models available, all with large balconies ranging in size from 30 to 40 feet long. AKW sits right in the heart of the
Condo Canyon area of the West End of Alexandria, conveniently situated near Landmark Mall, Route 395, Route 95, and the Capital Beltway. Old Town Alexandria is a short 4 mile drive East.
Currently available condos at Alexandria Knolls West (as of April 18, 2008):
For a private viewing of any of these units at Alexandria Knolls West condos or any other condominium in Northern Virginia or D.C., please call me at 703-626-0715 or send me an e-mail at brian@brianblock.com
That IS big! Even when my daughter chose an apartment in Texas, she chose the model with the biggest balcony. You're right, some of them don't allow you to do much more than step outside to check the temperature first hand. By the way, prices sure are consistent here.
I love your balcony! I also love the fact that the railing is huge concrete. Safer. Thanks for sharing the big plus for these condos.
Brian,
Even with Pennsylvania winters you can 'squeeze' 8 or 9 months of good outdoor use from such a feature!!! And we sorely miss the covered outdoor patio in our prior residence!!! Thanks, Fran
Wow... that is a huge balcony... and the plants are beautiful! If I ever had to get a condo.... I would need this type of balcony.... I need my outdoor space.
MARGARET: Yes, they are some of the biggest balconies I've seen on any condos in the metro-D.C. area. When we had a party at our place the other Summer, we practically had the whole gang of 35-40 guests out on the balcony.
SALLY: Thanks. The railings being high and concrete do give you a much better sense of security when you are standing or sitting out there.
FRAN: That's about the same amount of outdoor months that we get here in Northern Virginia. December, January, and February are a bit too cold.
MARTIN: Thanks for your comment and your compliment on our garden. We also grew tomatoes out on the balcony and it was a delight to wake up every morning to a handful of ripe ones.
Looks like a good value for the area. We love our back yard in Michigan but it is a nice alternative .
Years ago I lived in a studio apartment in Falls Church and I didn't have a balcony and hated it. When I had enough money to buy my first place I told my Realtor do not even show me a place that does not have a balcony. I think balcony's are a GREAT selling feature!
NAOMA: The big balcony and the floor to ceiling sliding glass doors in the living room and both bedrooms sold us on Alexandria Knolls condos.
TERRY: Thanks for your comment. These condos are some of the best buys in Alexandria.
SANDRA: Getting some outdoor air once in a while, is a must in my book. We love the balcony, and I have a lot of clients who want balconies on their condos. We can even grill out there for barbeques.
WOW - That IS a big balcony! Impressive. That sure beats many of the ones I see in the District.
JAMES: They are the biggest balconies around, so I think.
Brian- You have a nice balcony, how much time do you get to spend out there? In what months of the year? I never understood why someone would buy a condo on the ocean here with a teeny tiny balcony with those awesome views! It makes no sense! Katerina
Brian, some kind of outdoor space makes a condo so much more attractive, at least in my opinion. I spend a lot of time on my front porch, and I'd be lost with no way to step outside or sit and blog! Well, not today. Maybe not in August, but the space is very usable for about eight months out of the year.
KATERINA: Thanks. Generally from about mid-March through early November we're able to spend time out on the balcony. It was one of the big selling points when we bought the condo. A couple years ago, we had it tiled with the Mediterranean tiles.
PATRICIA: I certainly agree. Being locked up inside all day can make one irritable.