Sense joins sensibility in Jane Austen suite
By Jackie Friedlander
With Valentine's Day coming up this week, our thoughts naturally turn to romance. And who could be more romantic than Jane Austen, the creator of classic love stories like "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility"?
Since WCI Communities named a townhouse end unit for her at its new Kensington Parc community in Fairfax, we would naturally expect the master suite to be an especially romantic setting. We would find our heart's desire there.
Like many luxury homes, this one devotes half of the second story to the master suite. It features an adjoining sitting room with a bay window, and an optional fireplace can divide the two areas.
The master bath boasts a corner tub framed by dual vanities, in standard cultured marble with an optional granite upgrade. The separate glass-enclosed shower includes a built-in seat. Two walk-in closets stand nearby. Convenience and charm are thus combined ... or, as Ms. Austen would put it, sense and sensibility.
On the other side of the stairway landing, two bedrooms share a "buddy bath" between them plus one walk-in closet. In addition, an optional hallway bath may be added.
Below the master suite sitting area, another bay window adds drama to the dining room, making any dinner more romantic. The dining room adjoins the family room with an equally romantic fireplace and deck.
The dining room and parlor are framed by pillars on either side of the two-story foyer, and hardwood floors continue throughout this level, creating an elegant atmosphere.
Each townhouse cluster is designed to resemble a brick manor house, where even Mr. Darcy would feel at home.
The schools are Navy Elementary, Franklin Middle and Chantilly High.
The Jane Austen starts at $898,900. The model is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take U.S. 50 toward Fair Oaks to Rugby Road to 3975 Portloe Terrace. Call 703-263-3123.