Author: Carolanne Korolowicz

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Carolanne Korolowicz, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Carolanne in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach her directly at [email protected].

I’ve always heard my grandmother saying she was from Barcroft more often than saying she was an Arlingtonian. Though a niche distinction, for those from there– it’s an important one.  When she tells stories of her upbringing, it is always painted like a Norman Rockwell scene. She speaks of farmettes, relatives living next door, days on the playground and a community truly caring for one another.  As I started my Barcroft research, outside of just generations of familial stories,  it was hard to take in all of the information to write a concise article due to every happening, resident and home being documented with great importance. Whether a neighbor started a business or went to go visit their cousins in the country, the community took a genuine interest.

The early settlers of Barcroft considered themselves pioneers headed west. Post-Civil War, real estate developers saw investment opportunities in Northern Virginia. With (relatively) easier access to Washington due to advancements in transportation, these subdivisions were heavily advertised to city folk looking to escape to the “country air”. There was an early, and overall unsuccessful, attempt to subdivide the land that makes up modern-day Barcroft by Frank Corbett. In 1886, he hired surveyors to lay out a 40-acre subdivision amongst his 162-acre farm, believing the existing train station nearby would be a popular selling point. However, his lots failed to sell. The issue was that he made the tracts too large, pricing out the demographic looking for these properties—middle-class, federal workers. After his death in 1897, a new developer swooped in on the purchase of his remaining lots, starting Barcroft’s second wave.

In 1903, Abbie Galt Fox purchased the balance of Corbett’s property. She partnered with her son-in-law, Stephen Prescott Wright, to help subdivide, manage and finance the “new” Barcroft. As the lots began to sell, Barcroft expanded both north and to the east. Apartment complexes began to emerge alongside Columbia Pike. The rural village over the next couple of decades would start to become the neighborhood we recognize today.

What is unique in Barcroft’s timeline is that a strong sense of community emerged as quickly as the new developments. In June 1903, a young resident, Eddie Haring, took it upon himself to print the first official Barcroft News. The newsletter was compiled of personal news (similar to someone making a Facebook status today), neighborhood updates, opinion pieces and letters to the editor. One in particular really shows the hope and pride residents had in their new hamlet: (more…)

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Carolanne Korolowicz, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Carolanne in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach her directly at [email protected].

As Spring peaks, Northern Virginia features flowering azaleas, dogwood canopies, and pesky dandelions. Manicured lawns flaunt along neighborhood streets, and Mother Nature continues to outshine in parks, trails and the spaces in between.

Home to a plethora of flora and fauna, Virginia has a long history of impressive grounds. The “Mother of Presidents” could also tack on, “and Their Gardens.” Many of these impressive natural displays are publicly accessible, but many of these gardens rooted in history are found at private residences. The Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) devotes an entire year of planning and preparation for their signature event, Historic Garden Week, to give the public a peek behind the fence.

The annual event is divided by region and tours span over the week (April 18–25). Northern Virginia kicks off in Old Town Alexandria this Saturday from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Tickets include tours of five rowhomes’ grounds, admission to Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, and complimentary refreshments. (more…)

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Carolanne Korolowicz, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Carolanne in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach her directly at [email protected].

For close to a century, the Arlington County Public Library system has been a robust resource for the community.  With eight full-service locations, over 84,000 active patrons take advantage of the over two-million item collection, filled with both physical and digital materials. One of the promises of the Arlington Public Library is to provide a “third space” for innovation, conversation and community. With 5,000+ programs and events, Arlingtonians from infancy to retirement have a welcoming space to explore. From storytimes, The Shop, book clubs, and informative First-Time Homebuyer Workshops (shameless plug), no resident’s special interest is left behind.

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This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Carolanne Korolowicz, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Carolanne in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach her directly at [email protected].

As the snow steadily fell, the temperature continued to plummet, and the ice encased the ground, I couldn’t help but dream of warmer days. Curled up on my couch, I escaped by scrolling Zillow and envisioning myself on a rocking chair with a water view. Deciphering my future vacation home, I thought the following, “Cancun is too distant, Florida’s weather is too unpredictable, and Rehoboth is too crowded…leaving the only option; Colonial Beach, Virginia.”

Though my previous statement is mostly in jest, Colonial Beach is honestly one of the area’s best kept secrets. Located just 85 miles from Arlington, the river town is low-key enough for a day trip and activity-filled enough for a long weekend. My parents recently purchased their get-away just steps from the Potomac River (the body of water that the beach is off of). They have found it to be a reprieve from city-life, a fantastic place to host all ages, and home to a great community of locals, part-timers, retirees and business owners.

(Colonial Beach Boardwalk, Photo: Virginia.org) (more…)

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Carolanne Korolowicz, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Carolanne in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach her directly at [email protected].

Anyone who commutes into Washington understands why Rosslyn has been coined “The Gateway.” It’s a small taste of what you are about to enter after leaving the Old Dominion. The enclave is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies, swanky dining concepts and residents looking to be DC-adjacent, and for the rest of us– a part of the commute slug. Now a shining example for the county, Rosslyn started off more like a stubborn stain.

Rosslyn’s documented history began on an endearing note with a father, Joseph Lambden, purchasing a substantial portion of property for his daughter and her husband, Carolyn & William Ross, in 1860. The property would be christened “Rosslyn Farm.” Their newlywed nest didn’t last long. With the occupation of Arlington by Federal troops and disturbances of the Civil War, the couple had moved to France and officially sold the property to the Rosslyn Development Corporation in 1869.  (more…)

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Carolanne Korolowicz, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Carolanne in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

This holiday season marks my first as a toddler mom. The concept of Santa and the significance of the celebrations are far beyond my son’s understanding, but the themes, images and magic are starting to click. Besides the constant supply of sugary treats, my son is mesmerized by the glow of a Christmas light.

As someone whose holidays have always been spent in Arlington, I wanted to relive my earliest memories of driving around sleepy neighborhood roads to see displays of holiday cheer. My husband and I packed up the kids, my brother joined too, to experience the nostalgia and see Christmas through a child’s eyes.

Of course, the first stop was 1713 N. Quebec Street, the famous “Christmas House”. For over 30+ years, the owner – who is considered an unofficial resident historian – has created a winter wonderland in the heart of Cherrydale. Built in 1898, the Dutch Colonial acts as the perfect backdrop for this temporary Santa’s Workshop.

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My son was lifted up to overlook the vast array of vintage Santas, a life-size Thomas: The Train Engine, Garfield with his lasagna in tow, and a toy-shop window display. As I look out onto the scene I’ve admired for three decades (many years where I, too, had to be held up to get a decent view), the magic was less about the mythical characters, but the humans behind it. First, the logistics of pulling this off year after year are impressive. But mostly, I was taken aback by the dedication and gift these neighbors continue to give. (more…)

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Carolanne Korolowicz, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

I hate to admit it, but I was completely consumed by McDonald’s resurgence of Monopoly. For those who don’t frequent the drive-thru; diners collect Monopoly pieces (stickers) with purchases for a chance to win various prizes. Luckily, I got sick of Big Macs before I had to call 1-800-GAMBLER. Though the contest had me on the verge of a clogged artery or debt, it sparked the idea for this week’s article.

Monopoly has expanded from a tangible board to a virtual world with Monopoly GO!, but did you know that the game’s origin story of a “down-on-his-luck business man creating a board game to help his family during The Great Depression” was just a farce? The idea for the real estate empire pastime is actually credited to Lizzie Magie, an Arlingtonian.

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This recurring Real Estate feature is sponsored by The Eli Residential Team. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service. This week’s post is written by Carolanne Korolowicz.

In Arlington, the contention between urban development and environmental preservation is ever present. Citizens went to bat to save Arlington’s tree canopy during the Missing Middle debacle, there are environment-focus ballot measures almost every election, and plenty of local associations with a mission to preserve the county’s green landscape. But, did you know that debating over trees is actually an Arlington tradition? Before boundaries were even drawn, trees have been at the center of almost every development project.

On October 21, 1767, the stage was set by John Carlyle and Charles Alexander. The two prominent figures went to trial to dispute whose land (modern day Arlington and Alexandria City) was whose. Twenty-four witnesses gave their testimonies about the land boundaries defined by tree markers. Many of these witnesses were quoted mentioning the trees’ ages, whether they had been marked as line or corner trees, and the type of instrument used. With tree-defined boundary lines, the testimonies became a source of confusion rather than clarity.

In other historical accounts, it is clear that the DC-area forefathers viewed trees as part of the area’s heritage. A friend of Thomas Jefferson wrote, “Nothing affected Mr. Jefferson like this wanton destruction of the fine trees scattered over the (Federal) City grounds.” The friend also stated that Jefferson himself once said, “The unnecessary felling of a tree, perhaps the growth of centuries, seems to me a crime little short of murder.” As obvious by these statements, the conservation cause has always been one of great passion.

The acknowledgement of prominent trees has been documented over the centuries. George Washington’s survey oak in Glencarlyn being one of the first. Later in 1860, a large, anciently marked poplar tree was noted to be a landmark for the Cherrydale Neighborhood, but was cut down for the Washington and Old Dominion Railway in 1912. George Nicholas Saegmuller, an original owner of “Reserve Hill”– today’s Knights of Columbus Arlington Headquarters– planted a strip of evergreen forest from LIttle Falls Road to Old Dominion Drive as a homage to his homeland of Germany. Most importantly, the first tree to be given protection was one of the oldest oak trees of the Nation at the Grunwell Estate, located in Country Club Hills, in the late 19th century.

Citizens acting as stewards of wildlife are deeply rooted in the makeup of Arlington. This symbiotic relationship remains today through the Forest and Natural Resources Commission’s Notable Tree Nominations. Since 1987, the volunteer-led program has awarded over 400 significant trees and their caregivers. In 2024, eleven trees were selected, including four on Fort CF Smith, six in North Arlington and one located on the corner of Columbia Pike and George Mason Drive. Though not legally protected, the status has proved helpful when communicating the importance of conservation during development projects.

What makes for a notable tree? The committee looks for these three items: size, neighborhood value, and uniqueness. Nominations are due every year on October 31st – so it’s not too late to submit! For legal protection, an application must be submitted for a ‘Specimen Tree’ through the Trees and Shrubs Ordinance. This designation requires tree conservation and protection if development of a site occurs. Violations result in a civil penalty of up to $2,500. Applications are due September 30th every year.

As headbutting between developers and “tree-huggers” continues on, Arlington County has made efforts in favor of the area’s ecosystem over the decades. The citizens hold the power to improve these protections. Nominating trees for significance, or legal protection, is the easiest way to make a difference.

To quote the late local historian Eleanor Lee Templeman, “Although Arlington County has already lost a great deal of its forests through careless development of subdivisions, an awakened public concern over this priceless heritage will save a great deal of remaining beauty. Our stream valleys and palisades still possess true wilderness areas which must be preserved for posterity.” (Arlington Heritage: Vignettes of a Virginia County, 1959)