Although a castle was never built at gracious Hollin Hall in the Hybla Valley of Virginia, it almost had a royal occupant. During World War II, the princess of Norway hoped to flee the hostilities in Europe and purchase the old plantation lands. President Roosevelt personally inspected the land for her but somehow, his assistant, Merle Thorpe, ended up owning the property.
Today's community of Hybla Valley lies in Fairfax County, south of Alexandria, on the south eastern side of Virginia
Although a castle was never built at gracious Hollin Hall in the Hybla Valley of Virginia, it almost had a royal occupant. During World War II, the princess of Norway hoped to flee the hostilities in Europe and purchase the old plantation lands. President Roosevelt personally inspected the land for her but somehow, his assistant, Merle Thorpe, ended up owning the property.
Today's community of Hybla Valley lies in Fairfax County, south of Alexandria, on the south eastern side of Virginia. The beautiful Potomac River flows past rolling hills, meadows and woodlands on the east. Huntley Meadows Park clings to its western side. Little Hunting Creek is to the south. Hybla Valley has tons of green space for you, as well as plenty of options when it comes to shopping and eating.
Want to live in Hybla Valley? We hate to break it to you, but it's time to break out the checkbook and make sure your pen has a lot of ink (but that's just a good way to prepare for life in general). Rental properties are spacious with mostly two- and three-bedroom apartments. You can occasionally find all-paid utilities housing for rent.
When Should I Start Looking?
If you want to live here, start your search now. Yes, right now. You can multitask, can't you? It may take a while because property rentals are in demand. Six weeks or longer before your proposed move-in date isn't too early to find rental housing.
What You Need to Move There
You'll need your credit score, a letter verifying employment and salary, and a copy of your last paycheck stub to secure a home for rent in Hybla Valley. When it gets serious, you'll need cash in the form of a cashier's or bank check. Prepare for first month's rent and security deposit. Bringing your pet? Bring more money for a deposit.
Hybla Valley is surrounded by America's history and the arts. The lovely garden and river view neighborhood is a sought-after area to rent an apartment in Hybla Valley, but it is a little more pricey.
Groveton: North of Hybla Valley lies Groveton, in the area of Manassas National Battlefield. The Mary Louise Jackson Amphitheater hosts outdoor concerts, plays and international music festivals.
Bellehaven: This neighborhood lies to the northeast, and is the home of Eastern Shore's Own Arts Center. The art center offers instruction in many different art mediums for all ages. It also fosters the performing arts and supports local artists and musicians.
Fort Hunt: Directly east off Highway 1 is one of the most popular areas to live. Enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac in this area. The elegant River Bend Bistro and Wine Bar is a lovely place for a lunch break.
Mount Vernon: To the southwest is George Washington's home, Mount Vernon. The now 21-room mansion started life as a one story farmhouse that was enlarged over Washington's lifetime to the size it is today. The views along the Potomac are breathtaking.
Culture
Hybla Valley dates back to the Revolutionary War era. Alexandria, VA is part of the Valley and has some fantastic regional museums highlighting the Civil War history of the area, and of course the wonderful museums and monuments of Washington D.C. are just a short trek away.
The Athenaeum, a historical landmark, was originally built in the 1850s as a bank. The "Athen" part of the name refers to the Greek Revival style of the building. Now owned by the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association, its galleries exhibit all kinds of contemporary art -- from paintings to photographs to rugs.
Shopping
Hybla Valley has the basics you'll need like grocery (there are 13 stores within a mile of the downtown area) and hardware stores but you'll probably want to head for Old Town Alexandria, about five miles away, for anything special. Along cobblestone side streets, past street performers with musical water glasses, harps and guitars, (doesn't it sound dreamy?) in and around the waterside or the quaint old buildings, you'll find a selection of wonderful things for sale.
Be sure you don't miss the year-round farmers market right on King Street. It's the longest running farmers market in the U.S.
At The Outlet Mall, just outside of Leesburg, shop 'til you drop at famous name designer stores.
Dine out
Although burger and fast food places crowd Richmond Parkway, there are some great eateries right in the center of Hybla Valley, which may show an Alexandria address. You can't go wrong with homemade bread with cheese spread, regular salad with fresh onions and peppers, and a bright lemon vinaigrette dressing. The Wiener Schnitzel, Chicken Cutlet, Greek salad, washed down with the Warsteiner Beer are great choices, too. Small, cozy Mama's Kitchen has a great Gyro Platter and the prices are even better. Tender lamb, tasty seasonings - it's a best bet for lunch or dinner, but serves breakfast, too.
Get Outdoors
You don't want to spend all of your time in your new apartment, do you? Good -- skating rinks, swimming pools, small parks and playgrounds and the streams surrounding Hybla Valley provide a great environment to spend time outside.
Ritzy Belle Haven Country Club has a nicely manicured golf course with friendly, helpful staff. The tennis courts are well maintained. A little on the expensive side, but guests say its worth every cent.
Biking and hiking trails criss cross a small area rich with views of lovely quiet space, perfect for a picnic or time to spend by yourself.
Getting Around
Hybla Valley's WalkScore is just 60 out of 100, suggesting that it's possible to do some errands on foot. Basically, however, you're going to need a car to successfully navigate the area unless you find housing around the center of town or near Richmond Parkway. That's the area that has most of the grocery stores and services you'll probably want. Also, to get to the Amtrak stations or into Alexandria proper, you'll need to have your own transportation.
At 37 minutes, Hybla Valley commuters have a fairly long trip into the office, about 37 percent longer than the average Virginian, and 42.3 percent greater than the national average. Most people here drive their own cars or carpool with colleagues
Several Amtrak Stations are within a few miles from the center of Hybla Valley but you still have to get yourself to the stations. Want to get somewhere a little faster? The closest passenger airports are Dulles International Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, both 7.5 miles from Hybla Valley.
