Virginia Land Becomes An Agrihood

What is an Agrihood

An Agrihood (a combination of agriculture and neighborhood) is a planned community with neighborhoods that are centered around a working organic farm. The community is focused on the environment and its impact upon it. The communities provide a variety of amenities that may include hiking/biking trails, lakes/ponds for fishing or kayaking, shops and restaurants. Keep reading to learn about two Agrihoods located right here in Virginia. 

Willowsford 

The community of Willowsford was founded in 2010 and is located in Aldie, Virginia just outside Washington DC. It encompasses 4,000 acres of Virginia Land including 2,000 acres of wooded area which is a conservation easement. The easement is looked after by Willowsford’s sister company Willowsford Conservancy. The workers from the conservancy are working hard to restore the Virginia land ecosystems to their natural native state. In addition, the Conservancy maintains the trails and provides nature based educational programs for the residents of the Willowsford Community. The centerpiece of the community is a 300 acre working farm which produces 150 varieties of produce. The farm is run by staff but residents of the community are encouraged to participate and Willowsford offers a variety of educational programs, a CSA and a farmers market where community members can buy organic produce. Willowsford is interspersed with homes built on spacious lots. There are about 2,000 homes in the community and home prices range between $600,000 and $1.5 million. The community is divided into 4 living areas called Villages each with its own distinct feel and amenities. The villages are connected by 40 miles of hiking and biking trails. There is a central Lodge Clubhouse with a 2,500 square foot fitness center available for residents to use. Residents can also make use of a demonstration kitchen, resort-style pools, outdoor amphitheater and a community farm stand. Children and youth who live here can take advantage of parks, tot lots, fishing in the pond, zip lining and campgrounds. The adults can enjoy gourmet dining and entertainment at One Loudoun (a mixed-use community with restaurants, shops and offices) located in the town of Ashburn or spend an afternoon at one of the many vineyards located nearby. Willowsford is an easy commute to Fairfax, Reston Town Center and Washington DC with Dulles International Airport, Route 28, the Dulles Toll Road and I-66 all within a short 15 minute drive.

Chickahominy Falls

This Agrihood is a 55 plus community consisting of 180 acres located along the Chickahominy River in Hanover County Virginia. Chickahominy Falls was built to create a unique living community for older adults with a focus on living a healthy, happy and active lifestyle in a natural environment. Conceived in 2015 and approved in 2016, the community opened its doors in 2019. In 2020 Chickahominy Falls was named the best new neighborhood for 50 and over/retired by Richmondmag.com. The community is made up of 6 neighborhoods with a 10 acre working farm, Woodside Farm, as the centerpiece of the community. The farm provides organically grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers to the residents of Chickahominy Falls all year round. 

The layout of the homes in this community allow older people to live life to the fullest and encourage aging in place. The amenities at Chickahominy Falls create a sense of wellness and community. The Barn at Woodside Farms is actually 2 barns joined by a covered walkway and includes a professional grade kitchen. The Barn is where it all happens from cooking demonstrations to farm centered educational programs and just plain old fun with your neighbors. The community is built to shine a spotlight on the natural environment so you and your family can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, walking trails and a variety of gardens. Opening later this year is The Farmhouse, a luxurious Clubhouse with a fitness center and outdoor pool. If you choose to actually leave this amazing community, the quaint, historic town of Ashland is located just minutes away. Here you will find a variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment for your enjoyment. 

As we continue to become more aware of how the lives we live affect the environment around us, Agrihoods provide us with the option of a community intended to support the wellness of our natural environment and of our mind, body and soul. Agrihoods supply us with the best of both while allowing us to remain close to the city centers that we love. They will continue to be a popular choice especially for environmentalists and those focused on personal wellness. Agrihoods will make being neighborly the popular choice once again.