Sale could privatize Washington mansion
Citizens in a Fairfax County community are worried that a looming sale could possibly price tag them obtain to River Farm.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – Neighbors are increasing uneasy as a deadline techniques to sell historic Fairfax County house owned by George Washington.
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The stately River Farm, which sits on the banking institutions of the Potomac River, has welcomed the public for extra than 50 a long time.
But now, persons in the community are concerned that the 27 acres of riverfront property it sits on might be shut to the general public forever depending on who purchases it.
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The household features a magnificent perspective of the Potomac – and has 6 bedrooms and 10 baths.
The house is on sale for $32.9 million.
1st noted by Alexandria Dwelling, the American Horticultural Modern society – which owns River Farm – is hunting to promote soon after slipping on tricky financial situations.
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But that will come with the fret that the grounds may possibly no extended be guaranteed to keep open to the general public for out of doors recreation.
And that is where the Northern Virginia Conservation Have faith in and NoVa Parks comes in.
The multi-jurisdictional groups are doing work to make an offer to purchase the home obtained by Washington in 1760 in buy to permit neighbors take pleasure in its yard and its views.
“Our objective is to have them choose it off the sector, recognize that this is what is the greatest foreseeable future for the house and do the job with us on a truthful value,” said Alan Rowsome of Northern Virginia Conservation Rely on.
Individuals from the surrounding space have fond reminiscences of the grounds.
“My brother acquired married there, which was in excess of 30 years ago and then my children we would consider them there and they would go sledding. It truly is a attractive spot and we just relished it a good deal,” claimed Debbie Trenchard.
The neighbors are battling as well – by serving to to fund the Help you save River Farm campaign through non-public donations.
The American Horticultural Modern society explained to FOX 5 that it also prefers to hold the property solitary-use and allow the general public access.
But with a likely massive financial gain on the line, that’s no assurance.
NoVa Parks states it expects to make an offer on the property by Monday.
