Comments on: 70 Neighbors Petition to Protect Historic Woodland House

By: A. Smythe

A. Smythe — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:53:06 +0000

A foundation has been dug and poured for at least a month.

By: TFC

TFC — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:00:41 +0000

Anyone know of any news about the property? I think I heard the developer had submitted a proposal but had included use of the little alley as part of the offset.

By: Edward bottomley, London`

Edward bottomley, London` — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:58:26 +0000

my grandmother’s(who passed away 15 years ago) cousin(who also passed away) is the last owner to live in the property, i would hate to see the property be split into smaller portions, we need to save things that remind the new generation about the past. my father has also been to the property a couple of times, but that was a long time ago

By: Gordon Theisz, City of Falls Church

Gordon Theisz, City of Falls Church — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 03:12:51 +0000

Liz, it is now owned by a developer. See this link from a recent article in FCT:
http://fallschurchtimes.com/26332/city-rejects-initial-woodland-house-subdivision-plan/#comments

By: Liz Tenney, Falls Church

Liz Tenney, Falls Church — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 23:34:29 +0000

I drove by today and noticed that they had cleared out almost all vegetation around the property. You can really see the entire house, such as it is, from top to bottom. Just about the only thing standing is the old tree (100 yrs?). Does this mean it’s going up for auction soon? I don’t know why I am so obsessed with this house!

By: Andy Rankin (Falls Church)

Andy Rankin (Falls Church) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 16:22:31 +0000

Advertising in Preservation Magazine sounds like a great idea. I’m not sure if the executor of the estate could be convinced to do it – but maybe VPIS could work with them to make it happen?

By: Liz Tenney, Falls Church

Liz Tenney, Falls Church — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 04:32:05 +0000

Any further news on the sale of this beautiful home? I am really hoping somebody does purchase it for renovation and it is "lovingly restored." I recently saw a picture of it c. 1970 and it looked great. The executor of this estate should advertise it in Preservation Magazine and several other nationwide publications. Heck, even at a few million, it would be a bargain compared to some of the other areas close to major metropolitan cities (NY, LA, Chicago, etc.). Oh if I only had the money... (ED: For anyone who missed it, here's the link to the 1970 photo.)

By: Andy Rankin (Falls Church)

Andy Rankin (Falls Church) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:19:44 +0000

Could the City really pass an ordinance to limit the value the current owners could get from this property? I’d be uncomfortable with that kind of approach.

I’d love for someone to save this property and restore the house – but I think is should be done at market prices. It just doesn’t seem fair to deny the current owner the right to get full value for the property.

Now, if there’s a way to update the zoning to beef up the current requirements for redevelopment on the lot (i.e. prevent sub-standard houses from going up) then I’d strongly support that. If the developers are limited to appropriately sized houses it could swing the value proposition – making it more feasible for someone to purchase the property as is and renovate the house.

By: Robert Jones, Falls Church

Robert Jones, Falls Church — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 03:15:57 +0000

I was able to get some intel on this sale and we need to act very fast or this property will be gone forever and replaced with lots of new development. The executor of the estate is out of Richmond. He has no interest in preserving the property as his commission is based on the sale price. Several developers are submitting bids with the intent to hold and list the property; then when it doesn’t sell, demolish it and build several new homes.

I have faith in our city government but we need them to pass a city ordinance that this property cant be torn down. I don’t know anyone in city hall but if you do please contact them and lets save this house This property is to valuable to lose. I do know there are several restorers that want the home to preserve it but they cant compete against a KB Homes, Toll Brothers etc…. the only way we can save it is to ensure developers don’t want to mess with the city on this. HELP HELP HELP

By: Bob Clarke, Falls Church

Bob Clarke, Falls Church — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:02:31 +0000

Sale date for the house is set for July 23rd by sealed bid to executor above