Home of the Week: Masterpiece of a Home Across from Crow’s Nest Natural Area

Sitting on 11.49 wooded acres and just across from Crow’s Nest 3,000 serene acres that its original owners helped preserve, 109 Hawks Nest Drive is an inspirational and nature-infused masterpiece. In addition to its waterfront allure, the community is for equestrian lovers too, with a fenced pasture, two barns and a community boat launch and picnic area, among other amenities. Belle Plains Boat Club is just down the road (or around the bend of Potomac Creek) – for that many more waterside memories.

The home – spanning over 6,000 square feet throughout its four levels – was designed by celebrated architect Sabina Weitzman and constructed by Stonehaven Homes. Only the finest of materials were utilized here, including curly maple wood floors in its unique 4th floor tower, custom metal railing on its outdoor decks and interior areas and premium Anderson windows throughout.

Before heading inside, let’s explore the land. The 11.49 acres here overlook the 3,000-plus acre Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve, which is loaded with hiking and adventure opportunities galore. The Preserve will never be developed, equating to a lifetime of tranquility and nature exploring opportunities aplenty. In the heart of a migratory bird path, its owners have been dazzled by feathered visitors throughout the years spanning arctic snow geese, white pelicans and frequent bald eagles. In the words of its owners, “you’re surrounded by woods here… what’s not water is lush woods and lovely pastures.”

The focal point of the home is those stunning water views. In fact, its owners wanted every room to naturally flow with nature – and it absolutely shows, with select curves and cornered windows that make the water views pop that much more. Among the exterior highlights of the beige beauty are Hardiplank siding and nearly 900 square feet of porch and deck space, including two outdoor rooms with fireplaces, a sitting area and outdoor covered dining room. There’s a two-car garage with a separate workshop and a tree-lined driveway winds to the residence itself. Heading inside, every square foot is tastefully utilized and optimized for both everyday living and unforgettable gatherings. And there are five fireplaces, eleven ceiling fans and three exterior fans throughout the property for maximum comfort.

Custom-milled, red elm and travertine stone abound on the main level, with a two-story, window-clad great room (with wood-burning Rumford fireplace enclosed in a tower of captivating stonework), den with fireplace and the show-stopping kitchen as major highlights. The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream with cherry cabinetry, Thermador stove and oven, a Bosch dishwasher, granite countertops and expansive breakfast bar near the great room. On the bedroom front, stunning water views anyone? The primary bedroom – which is often enveloped in mature Yoshino cherry trees just outside – has a private sitting area, his-and-her closets and huge ensuite bath with stone flooring/accents, heated floors, soaking tub, two sinks and a walk-in shower. Upstairs, don’t forget to pause in the loft area overlooking the great room… or journey up to the fourth-floor tower (really, does it get any cooler than this?).

The finished walkout basement can very easily be its own apartment or in-law suite, complete with two bedrooms, a movie room, Scandinavian cast-iron ceramic stove, kitchen, pool table space and storage upon storage. Don’t forget to hit the outdoor room just off the basement with its own wood-burning fireplace, too. Location-wise, 109 Hawks Nest Drive is within approximately 15 minutes to Interstate 95 (U.S. 17 exit), multiple Virginia Railway Express stations and Downtown Fredericksburg. For everyday needs, Town and Country Market Place and Woodlawn Shopping Center are within 10 minutes.