A gristmill is a mill for the grinding of grain, specifically a customer's own grain. Grist mills were a common site in colonial America, but there are few such mills still in operation today. Pierce Mill a Rock Creek Park in DC is open to the public but is non-operational. The mill needs repairs.

But George Washington's Gristmill in Mount Vernon Virginia is fully operational and is a site to see! The mill operates everday from April until the end of October. The gristmill is three miles south of Mount Vernon on the site of Washington's original mill and distillery. Combination tickets which include a visit to the Gristmill are sold at Mount Vernon's Main Gate.

George Washington inherited Mount Vernon in 1754 and the mill was part of the estate. At that time, the gristmill was a "custom mill", meaning that grain was ground here for private usage. Grain was not ground for sale. Rather, neighbors and residents of Mount Vernon used the mill almost exclusively. 

Washington decided to convert the custom mill into a "merchant mill". A merchant mill ground flour and cornmeal as a service for profit. In 1771, Washington added a second pair of grinding stones. Washington's Gristmill served Mount Vernon but it also ground grain for sale up and down the East Coast of America and as far away as Portugal and the West Indies. The current reconstruction depicts the operation of the mill during this period.

As in Washington's day, the mill was powered by a stream of water from Dogue Run. In those days, a wharf at the point where Dogue Run enters the Potomac served to bring grain to and from the mill.

Mount Vernon is a wonderful community about 5 miles from Washington DC. From Fort Hunt to Fort Belvoir there are manor homes, houses, townhouses and condos to fit any budget or style.  Check out Fort Hunt Info for a little more information about this area. Contact Will Nesbitt for a local expert who cares about your goals and real estate needs.

This is wonderful neighborhood with easy access to parks, bike trails and jogging paths. These homes have generous proportions and ample lots.

Heading south, one will encounter Westgrove first. Westgroves homes, many built in the fifties and sixties, are sturdy, brick homes with tasteful, colonial touches. Like much of New Alexandria, Westgrove lies below the uplands, but still well outside most of the River's floodplain.

Villamay homes are perched on the bluff, and many have wonderful vistas to the River and beyond the Potomac to Maryland. Villamay homes are often split level characterized by enormous rooms with a thoroughly modern feel.

Marlan Forest, as the name implies, is a bit more wooded than Villamay and Westgrove. The lots are large and most have towering hardwoods. The entire neighborhood is quiet, elegant and highly desirable.

The Many Neighborhoods of Fort Hunt Road

The neighborhoods surrounding Fort Hunt Road are generally low-crime, high-income and well-maintained. Despite these commonalities, there are many differences between these neighborhoods depending upon the geology, location and builders in that neighborhood. This information is provided to give one an idea of the many choices offered along Fort Hunt Road, as well as give you an idea of what sort of activities are available here.

Neighborhoods

• Belle Haven --- Belle Haven is one of the Northern Virginia's most prestigious neighborhoods because of it's proximity to services, high quality of construction and commanding position near Fort Willard.
• New Alexandria --- Between the Belle Haven Country Club, Belle Haven Marina and Mount Vernon Rec Center, you'll find New Alexandria. This one little neighborhood includes garden apartments, cottages, houses, townhouses and luxury homes.
• River Towers --- River Towers is a one of a kind place near the marina, the Metro and shopping, but surrounded by 26 acres of park lands.
• Bucknell --- "Bucknell" includes both Bucknell Manor and Bucknell Hieghts, and is a neighborhood of Cape Cods, duplex townhouses situated on the uplands behind Fort Hunt Rd. Some of the most affordable homes along Fort Hunt Road are found in Bucknell.
• Villamay --- Villamay, Westgrove and Marlan Forest are situated half-way down Fort Hunt Road along the Potomac. The homes here are general upscale, but lacking pretension.
• Mason Hill --- Mason Hill was one of the last subdivisions to be developed along Fort Hunt Road and as such its homes are generally newer than most neighborhoods in the area.
• Hollin Hills --- Hollin Hills is yesterday's vision of tomorrow. This is one of Northern Virginia's most remarkable neighborhoods because of its unique setting and architecture.
• Hollindale --- Sometimes called Hollin Hall because if its proximity to the Hollin Hall Shopping Center. Hollindale is mostly traditional single family homes on rolling wooded lots.
• Waynewood --- Americana at its best. Tree-lined streets, churches and schools frame a community where families are welcome.
• Arcturus --- Estate homes, manors and luxury houses are most common along the Potomac in Collingwood and around Arcturus. There are a few more modest homes as well in Wellington and Collingwood.
• Stratford --- The last stop on Fort Hunt Road neighbors Mount Vernon. Large river homes with excellent views are found here.
• Area Shopping --- The area is well served by a wide range of shops and services.

To search properties contact Will Nesbitt. I am a condo specialist, but I am also a resident of this area. Thus I serve many clients all along Fort Hunt Road in condos, townhouses and single family houses. I know this area well and will work hard to serve you.