Story Gina Dropik

Photos by Deirdre Parry

Kingston Chase is a community of 537 single family homes located in Herndon. Built on the old Folly Lick Farm, a thriving dairy farm in the 1800s and early 1900s, the community provides tree-lined streets, a pool and tennis court, excellent schools, and a full calendar of social events to its residents. Most homes are colonials on quarter-acre lots.

Located on the border of Fairfax and Loudoun counties, Kingston Chase is convenient to Route 7, the Dulles Toll Road and Route 28, and is approximately 25 miles from Washington, D.C. While it is not located within the boundaries of the Town of Herndon, the Old Town area of Herndon is within walking distance via the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad trail.

Resident Amy Barrett has lived in Kingston Chase for nine years. “Even though we aren’t located within the town limits we still have all the benefits of the town, like Herndon Day and outdoor summer concerts,” she said.

Children in Kingston Chase attend Fairfax Public County Schools. Clearview Elementary School is located in the community and within walking distance. Bus transportation is provided to Herndon Middle School and Herndon High School. Barrett and has sent her three children to all three public schools.

“They are fantastic schools. The middle school really makes sure that all of students needs are addressed and the high school has really strong programs,” said Barrett.

The community is governed by the 11-member Board of Directors of the Kingston Chase Homeowners Association (KCHOA). The KCHOA is a non-profit association with the mission of protecting the value of the properties, maintaining and improving common areas, and promoting the health, safety and welfare of Kingston Chase residents. Meetings are held monthly and an annual meeting is held in January.

Silvio Krvaric is the president of the KCHOA and has lived in the neighborhood since 2004. “Unlike many of the surrounding communities, KCHOA also has an Architectural Review Committee, which enforces covenants on good maintenance and upkeep. This really helps to keep the neighborhood looking clean and well kept,” Krvaric said.

Many holidays are celebrated with social events in Kingston Chase, including parades on the Fourth of July and Halloween, an egg hunt at Easter time, a kids triathlon on Labor Day and a potluck dinner during the winter holiday season. Other social events held throughout the year include yard sales, dog day at the pool, Herndon Olympics, adult and teen pool parties and an annual Family Fun Day.

“It’s really low key,” said Barrett. “You can participate as much or as little as you want. The community events are really nice.”

A community playgroup, called The Children’s Corner, meets several times a week, and provides an opportunity for parents and their young children to form friendships over lunch and play time. In addition, members of the Children’s Corner often hold Mom's Nights Out which include dinner and/or shopping or Dad's Nights Out which include such activities as poker or bowling.

A variety of other clubs and committees also function within the community. The Women's Club meets monthly at a member's home or local restaurant, giving neighborhood women a chance to forge friendships and take a break from their hectic lives.

A Book Club meets monthly to discuss a variety of books. Members take turns selecting the book and hosting the meeting at their home. The newest club is the Conservation Corps, which was established to improve the neighborhood in a variety ways including beautifying the neighborhood, assisting homeowners with yard care and mosquito control.

The pool is seen as the focal point of the neighborhood during the summer months. The community swim team, the Kingston Chase Fighters, competes with other local leagues, and is a popular activity for both amateur and champion swimmers.

Two grassy lawns provide open area for recreational play. A tennis court and tot lot provide additional recreational opportunities and a walking trail behind the pool connects to the Folly Lick Stream Valley Park, a wooded area of streams and trails. Additionally, the Kingston Chase Clubhouse can be reserved for small parties or meetings.