Looking To Relocate?

Prospective Owners and Residents Information:

HOW TO FIND US 

LOCATION:

The Colonies is located in Northern Virginia about one mile from Tyson's Corner and Leesburg Pike (Route 7). It is 4/10^th of a mile from Chain Bridge Road (Route 123). The Tyson's Corner area is known for luxury hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and booming businesses. We are about two miles from the heart of McLean, Virginia and about four miles from Langley, Virginia. Maryland is about five miles away using I-495, the Capitol Beltway. Washington, D.C. is approximately eight to ten miles away depending on the route you take.

You can reach The Colonies from several directions:

Heading North: go past I-66 and Route 7 (Leesburg Pike). Take exit 11-a, Chain Bridge Road (Route 123 - North) towards McLean. Take a right at the first traffic light (Old Meadow Road). Proceed 1/4^th of a mile. Turn left at "The Colonies".

Heading South: go past the Dulles Access Road. Stay in your right lane. Take exit 11-a, Chain Bridge Road (Route 123 - North) towards McLean. Proceed under the I-495 bridge. Take a right at the first traffic light (Old Meadow Road). Proceed 1/4^th of a mile. Turn left at "The Colonies".

Take I-66 past the West Falls Church Metro Station. Shortly after you enter Fairfax Country, bear right onto the Dulles Access Road. Bear right at the Route 276 Toll Road sign. Take a right at the SECOND exit (Route 123 towards Tyson's Corner). You will merge onto Chain Bridge Road (also known as Dolly Madison Blvd.). Take a LEFT at the third traffic light (Old Meadow Road). Proceed 1/4^th of a mile. Turn left at "The Colonies".

                 Route 123 - Chain Bridge Road.

Heading west: Go about one mile past Evans Farm (left). Go past Lewinsville Road/Great Falls, the Dulles Access exit, Anderson Road, and Colshire/Scotts Crossing. Take a LEFT at Old Meadow Road/Springhouse Road. Proceed 1/4^th of a mile. Turn left at The Colonies".

Heading east: Go past Tyson's Corner. Go under the Beltway bridges. Take a RIGHT at the first traffic light, Old Meadow Road. Proceed 1/4^th of a mile. Turn left at "The Colonies".

 

Washington Metro Transit Authorit

Map of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.

Map of Area Tourist Attractions

Map of Colonies Property 

OUR FACILITIES:

                Administrative Office

The Colonies has assets worth well over $30 million and operates with an annual budget of about $1.7 million. We have a staff of approximately 30 full and part-time employees to manage this operation. The Administrative Office is the first building on the right upon entering the property.

                Clubhouse

The Clubhouse is very popular and is frequently used to host community or private functions. The Clubhouse is lavishly decorated during the holidays and attracts many residents. The Clubhouse features a large central room with a fireplace, TV lounge, billiards room, bar and dance area, a cloak room, and a fully equipped kitchen. There are meeting rooms available for small gatherings.

The Clubhouse is available for private functions for a modest fee. Many residents and owners find this to be a great location for social gatherings, or private celebrations, gatherings or entertainment. The veranda overlooks the swimming pool and is next to the gas grills located to the rear of the Clubhouse; this offers residents and their guests a excellent location to enjoy cookouts during the summer months.

                Cook-out Facilities  

There are a number of charcoal grills located throughout the property. These are available on a "first-come, first-served" basis to all residents. Picnic tables are also available.

 

Exercise Facilities

                Weight Room

We have a small exercise facility in the lower level of the clubhouse. The exercise facility features a variety of equipment to keep you fit and trim to include a Universal system, bicycle and treadmill. There is a sauna located in both the men's and women's changing rooms.

                 Par Course   

The Colonies has an 18 station Par Course that stretches throughout the grounds. The Par Course begins with a series of warm-up exercises and gradually increases the intensity of the exercise regime. After reaching a peak, it begins a series of less strenuous exercises designed to gradually cool you off. The trail wanders throughout the 29 acres of the Colonies and takes you up and down a series of hills. You'll certain get a good workout if you follow the Par Course.

                 Swimming Pooll

We have an Olympic size swimming pool w/ attached children's wading pool open during the warm weather months. Currently the pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The hours of operation are 12 PM until 8 PM Monday – Friday and 11 AM – 7 PM on weekends and Holidays.

                Tennis Courts

We have two fenced asphalt tennis courts equipped with night lighting to permit individuals who must work late to enjoy a game before retiring for the night. In addition to our tennis courts, there are tennis courts in the Westgate Park that is located along the property line.

 

Residential Buildings

There are 12 residential buildings located on the property incorporating 459 units. There are 28 different apartment models available in The Colonies.

                Streets

There are two private asphalt-paved streets in The Colonies: Provincial Drive and Tremayne Place.

 

                Storage Areas

Each apartment has a designated storage room that can be locked. Each storage area has overhead water sprinklers, however, no flammables can be stored in the storage rooms.

 

"Tot Lot "

The "Tot Lot" is located in a quiet area of The Colonies and provides play facilities for young children. It includes a slide, a "stage coach," and various toy "animals" for children to ride. Additionally, a basketball court is located in this area.

 

OUR GROUNDS: 

The Colonies is situated on 29 acres of rolling hills. The grounds are filled with mature hardwoods, fruit-trees, and evergreens. Virginia's flowering dogwoods and cherry trees are especially beautiful each spring. Flowerbeds are planted with a wide variety of annual and perennial flowers so we enjoy colorful blooms throughout much of the growing season. Azaleas and other flowering bushes are common throughout the property as well. A sidewalk meanders through the park-like grounds offering residents a chance to stroll throughout the year. There is a beautifully landscaped man-made pond by the Administrative Office which is the background for many wedding photos.

SECURITY:  

The Colonies is a gated community with perimeter fencing bordering the entire property line. We have three gates for convenient access to the property. The main gate (located at the front of the property) is a manned gate. The two gates at the rear of the property utilize an access control system. The back gates are closed and secured between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM.

The Colonies maintains 24-hour-a-day security for its residents. Two guards are on duty at all times. While one guard performs access control duties at the main entrance, the other guard roams the property and responds to any complaints, emergencies, etc For your safety, each elevator has a telephone linked directly to the security desk.

Each building is carefully and individually keyed, including the elevators. Guest access can be obtained using and intercom phone located in the lobby.

Each building has smoke detectors and heat sensors located in all corridors connected to the alarm system. When activated, the alarm system alerts the monitoring station who in turn alerts our security and the local fire and rescue department. Additionally, fire extinguishers are strategically located on all floors and in the garage area.

Emergency generators generate power in the event of power loss. These generators supply emergency lighting to the hallways and power to illuminate emergency exits.

ACTIVITIES:   

There are many activities that take place at The Colonies. These activities are organized by the homeowners and some are facilitated by the Administrative Office. Some activities are at little or no cost. The "Lunch Bunch", for example, meets each fourth Wednesday of the month bringing their own "covered pot" contribution for lunch. The Colonies always hosts a lavish holiday party in December with a beautifully decorated tree and a turkey and ham dinner with all the fixings.

In some years the social committee has been very active, in other years less active. If you are interested in social gatherings, there is always someone who can work with you to schedule events -- either small or large. We encourage volunteerism. Currently, yoga classes are offered once a week, twice with the demand. Occasional TGIF parties and special events in the Club House continue to attract newcomers and established residents alike.

FLOOR PLANS:

There are 459 apartments in 12 condominium apartment buildings in The Colonies. Each building has an average of 38 apartments on three levels. Each floor has a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom apartments. There are 28 different floor plans utilized throughout the development. The apartments range from 700 square feet (the "P" model, the smallest apartment) to 1678 square feet (the "W" model, which is the largest apartment in The Colonies).

A letter of the alphabet identifies the floor plan for each apartment.

Floor plans are available via email or fax upon request.

One Bedroom Apartments:

Three Bedroom Apartments

BECOMING OUR NEIGHBOR BY LEASING

Leasing is especially attractive in the Washington Metropolitan Area. The highly transient nature of diplomatic, government and military life makes affordable, short-term housing a prized commodity. The growing economy in Northern Virginia has also helped make The Colonies a great place for singles or families seeking temporary housing within easy commuting distance of their employment.

The central location enjoyed by The Colonies is a very important consideration when selecting a home. You should carefully weigh any rental savings against the time and aggravation spent getting to and from work. While others are still fighting rush-hour traffic, you will be home enjoying swimming, tennis, or just good relaxation.

For listings of available apartments, check our classified listings or contact a local real estate agency.

     BECOMING A FELLOW CO-OWNER:

      Ownership in The Colonies has many attractive benefits:

You are very convenient to schools (elementary, middle, high school, and colleges, and universities).

Tyson's Corner's shopping malls are just minutes away.

You can easily drive to work on the Capitol Beltway (I-495) which is less than 1 mile away.

You can take the Metro to work (buses stop along Magarity Road, just outside our gates). The bus takes you to the Metro transit system that links you to Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

The Colonies has a 20+ year proven track record for excellence in management.

The Colonies has a 20+ year proven record of owner oversight and control.

The annual budget is based on years of experience.

The condominium fee has grown very slowly in recent years, approx.1.5 %.

Financial replacement reserves are strong.

 

MOVE-IN/OUT PROCEDURES   

Prior to any move-in or move-out, written permission must be obtained from The Colonies Administrative Office by the person(s) making the move by completing the move-in / move-out form. Normally, seven days notice of intent to move will suffice for the request. The moving van will not be allowed to enter the property unless approval has been obtained.

New owners shall exhibit proof of ownership to secure a move-in permit.

New tenants shall present a copy of their lease, with Exhibit B from the Administrative Resolution I-B-2, Approval of Leases, attached to the lease, to secure a move-in permit.

Those moving in or out and utilizing the elevator must obtain (from the Guardhouse) elevator pads to be hung on the walls to prevent damage. The pads are to be returned to the Guardhouse once the move is complete.

Moves on Monday through Friday may not begin before 8 AM, and must be completed by 6 PM. Saturday moves may not begin before 10 AM, and must be completed by 6 PM.

No moves may be scheduled on Sunday, or any Federal holiday.

All moves (in or out) must be made through the garage using the elevator or stairs. Access to the garage and parking spaces may not be impeded.

The General Manager can only make exceptions to the time limits and/or access through the lobby.

All areas used by movers will be left in the same condition as when the move (in or out) began. This includes removal of any packing, boxes as well as any other debris associated with the move. The cost for clean-up and/or repair will be assessed to the owner’s account.

To verify damages to the common areas, an inspection shall be made by one of the management staff immediately prior to and after the move. The person(s) making the move should accompany the staff member on each inspection or waive the right to appeal any claim.

During moves, use of the elevator may not be denied to residents having reasonable need for their use.

Movers shall not hold the elevators while they move possessions piece by piece to the elevator door. Furniture and boxes will be accumulated at the elevator door and loaded and unloaded expeditiously in order to free up the elevator.

 

GREAT SERVICES:

The Colonies offers residents and owners with a variety of services. Some are obvious, others less obvious. A track record of award-winning management is one service that deserves special mention, keeping roads clear of snow in the middle of a snowstorm is another. The "in-unit" service program is a cost-efficient way for owners to have their units serviced promptly, and twenty-four hour per day security is always a plus.

                 Administrative Office

The Administrative Office can assist new owners or renters with many details of owning or living at The Colonies. The staff will provide facility passes, register pets, assign keys, move-in/move-out procedures, reserve the Club House, help with the in-unit service needs, schedule exterminators as part of the pest control program, and assist in many other ways. The office is open Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM until 5:00 PM. The contact points are as follows; Telephone (703)-827-8388, Fax (703) 893-2484 and email colonies@erols.com.

                Car Washing

There are designated areas where cars can be washed. Water faucets are turned on from April 1^st through December 1^st between buildings 3 & 4, 7 & 9, 10&13 and 13 & 14. You may use your facilities pass to pick-up the faucet key from the security guardhouse. You must provide your own hoses, buckets, etc.

                Jump Start Service

The maintenance staff will help residents restart a car with a dead battery upon request. The service is only offered from 7:30 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday and there is a $5.00 fee for this service.

              Electrical Service   

Electrical services are provided by the Virginia Electric and Power Company (VEPCO). The Colonies is completely operated by electrical power.

              Elevators

An elevator serves every building and operates with a special key assigned only to residents. In case of emergency, each elevator is equipped with a telephone linking it directly to the Security Office.

              In-Unit Service  

The Administrative Office will schedule the maintenance staff to visit your apartment to make repairs or provide other maintenance services for a fee. These include minor electrical and plumbing needs, cleaning services, etc. For more complex repairs or services, you will be given name and number of companies that have frequently provided services to residents in the past.

                Lock-out Assistance

The Colonies security staff will assist owners/residents who are locked out of their apartment (provided that a key is on file) There is a $10.00 fee for this service.

              Parking

Each owner or resident has one covered parking space and there is ample parking outside every building for residents and their guests.

              Pest Control

The Colonies provides free pest control service to any resident requesting it. The service provider is usually schedule to visit the property each Thursday. Please contact the office if you would like to be placed on the list.

             Recycling  

There are facilities located near building 6 and in between buildings 7 & 9 and 13& 14 for recycling plastic, aluminum or bimetal cans, and glass. Newspapers and telephone books are also recycled by placing them on the floor of your hall trash room. Aluminum cans may also be left in the bucket located in your hall trash room.

              Snow Removal

The Colonies install plows onto the vehicles operated by the Maintenance Department and begins plowing as soon as snow begins to accumulate. The entire grounds staff is mobilized to clear off sidewalks and steps. Please be patient when inclement weather strikes, all of the staff lives outside of the property.

              Telephone Service

Bell Atlantic provides telephone service to Northern Virginia. Access to each apartment is through a telephone room located in the basement of each building.

              Trash Removal  

Trash is removed three times a week. However, larger items are hauled away by our personnel. If you plan to put a larger item (such as: mattress, furniture, etc.) next to the dumpster, please contact the office so they may remove it as quickly as possible. If you utilize an outside contractor, the contractor must be told that they are responsible for removing their debris from the property.