Luxury Woodland Homes Emerge in Lorton, Virginia's New Development

In Lorton, Virginia, a new residential development is taking shape, offering a unique blend of luxury and nature. The Woods at Occoquan Overlook, situated just 19 miles south of Washington, D.C., is attracting homebuyers seeking spacious living in a serene woodland setting.

Janisse Rivera and Saul Soto Sanchez exemplify the appeal of this community. Originally searching for a rural retreat, they decided to make The Woods at Occoquan Overlook their primary residence. "We desired ample outdoor space with tree views, close to but not immersed in the metropolitan hustle," Rivera explained.

Craftmark Homes, the developer, plans to construct 43 expansive single-family residences on 74 acres near the Occoquan River over the next 30 months. This project, set to be completed by April 2027, offers a rare opportunity in Fairfax County, Virginia's most populous county with over 1.1 million residents as of 2020.

The development features four customizable house styles, each boasting four to six bedrooms and multiple bathrooms. Standard features include Bosch kitchen appliances, a brand with a rich history dating back to 1886 in Stuttgart, Germany. Homebuyers can opt for upgrades such as Thermador appliances, a California-based brand founded in 1916.

Prices for these luxurious homes start at $1.73 million, reflecting the premium nature of the development and the generally high property values in Fairfax County. The largest model, the Kenmore, spans up to 8,395 square feet and includes a two-story foyer with a curved staircase.

Eena and Vijay Agarwal, another couple drawn to the development, purchased a Maiden model on a 1.2-acre lot. They were particularly attracted by the option to include an elevator, a feature that aligns with the growing trend of "aging in place" that gained popularity in the 1990s.

The Woods at Occoquan Overlook benefits from its proximity to major transportation routes, including Interstate 95, the longest north-south interstate in the United States, and Route 123 (Ox Road), a historic thoroughfare dating back to colonial times. This accessibility allows residents to reach nearby urban centers like Fairfax, Tysons, or Vienna in approximately 30 minutes.

The area surrounding the development is rich in amenities and recreational opportunities. The 350-acre Occoquan Regional Park, part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority established in 1959, is just two miles away and offers boat rentals on the Occoquan River. The Laurel Hill Golf Club, opened in 2005 on the former site of the Lorton Reformatory, is three miles from the community.

Local shopping options include The Shoppes of Lorton Valley, anchored by Giant Food, a chain founded in 1936 in Washington, D.C. Residents can also enjoy modern conveniences like Starbucks, established in 1971 in Seattle, and Five Guys, a burger chain that originated in 1986 in nearby Arlington, Virginia.

The development also boasts proximity to cultural attractions such as the Workhouse Arts Center, a repurposed facility that was once the Lorton Reformatory, operating from 1910 to 2001. The Occoquan Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983, offers additional charm and historical interest just three miles away.

With its blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and thoughtful design, The Woods at Occoquan Overlook represents a significant addition to Lorton's residential landscape. As construction progresses, it promises to become a sought-after community for those seeking a balance between suburban tranquility and urban accessibility.