The Patterson Group sat down with local author Christine Gunderson to talk through her latest novel, Behind White Picket Fences, and the real conversations with Alexandria moms that inspired it. Discover the surprising question at the heart of her book — and why she thinks it's one every modern parent is quietly asking.

Summer is officially here, and we asked our Alexandria Stylebook contributors to share the books they can't put down this season — from poolside thrillers to memoirs worth texting your friends about, here's what's on their reading lists right now.

Steeped in history yet thoughtfully reimagined for modern living, this exceptional detached residence, originally built in the 1880s, seamlessly blends timeless architecture with sophisticated luxury. Following an extensive renovation and expansion completed between 2022 and 2025, every detail has been meticulously curated to honor the home's historic character while introducing today's finest finishes and amenities.

 Luxury real estate has always operated by a different set of rules. While headlines over the past year have focused on inflation, interest rates, political change, and global uncertainty, the world's premier property markets have continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience.

Located on a quiet street in the highly desirable Wellington neighborhood, this charming storybook Colonial is truly one of a kind. Situated on a rare, flat 0.56-acre lot, the home offers over 3,600 square feet of thoughtfully renovated living space while preserving its timeless character and architectural charm.

The world's wealthiest homebuyers are getting older, and they are changing the way luxury homes are designed, purchased, and lived in. As global populations continue to live longer, luxury real estate is undergoing a transformation. Increasing life expectancy, combined with a growing desire among affluent homeowners to age in place, is influencing everything from home design and community planning to buyer preferences and inventory trends.

Summer in Alexandria is all about waterfront sunsets, patio dining, outdoor festivals, and exploring the charm of Old Town's historic streets. Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities, unique events, outdoor adventures, or easy day trips, there's no shortage of ways to make the most of the season.

From Old Hollywood estates to ultra-private London penthouses, this spring’s celebrity real estate market is offering a rare glimpse inside some of the world’s most fascinating homes. Beyond the recognizable names attached to these listings, many of the season’s standout properties share something even more compelling: exceptional design, architectural pedigree, and stories deeply tied to entertainment history.

Tucked away on a quiet street in sought-after Marlan Forest, 7117 Marlan Drive offers the perfect balance of thoughtful renovations, comfortable one-level living, and an extraordinary outdoor lifestyle. Set on a rare, flat 0.35-acre lot, this beautifully updated home feels like a private retreat while remaining close to everything that makes this Alexandria neighborhood so desirable.

Tucked along the peaceful banks of Ireland’s Grand Canal in County Kildare, just 30 minutes from Dublin, sits one of the most extraordinary real estate offerings currently on the market: an entire restored Irish village. Known as Village at Lyons, the 20-acre private estate is listed for €20 million through Sotheby's International Realty, offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own not simply a home, but a living piece of Irish history.

Tucked away on a private .41-acre cul-de-sac lot just steps from the scenic Mount Vernon bike path and the Potomac River, this beautifully reimagined Waynewood residence effortlessly blends timeless character with elevated modern living. Offering just under 2,600 square feet of thoughtfully curated space and more than $350,000 in significant improvements, this home is a masterclass in sophisticated design, comfort, and functionality.

Two stunning new homes could be yours: the first is just off the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway is a newly constructed waterfront retreat that offers a rare opportunity to embrace a relaxed, resort-like lifestyle. The second is tucked within one of Fort Hunt’s most secluded, wooded enclaves is a thoughtfully curated architectural experience designed for collectors, entertainers, and lovers of modern design.

For years, open-concept layouts and ultra-minimalist interiors dominated home design trends. Formal sitting rooms disappeared, walls came down, and homes became brighter, larger, and more streamlined. But lately, a quieter trend has been making its return: the home library.

Buying a home early in life is often framed as a lifestyle milestone, but new data suggests it may be one of the most powerful financial decisions a person can make, and reinforces a key principle in real estate: time in the market matters more than timing the market. The earlier buyers begin building equity, the longer they benefit from appreciation, loan amortization, and overall market growth.

From the moment of arrival, this extraordinary Belle Haven residence makes an unforgettable impression, embodying timeless sophistication, impeccable craftsmanship, and the effortless allure of country club living.

For years, adding a guest house, garage apartment, or in-law suite meant navigating zoning hurdles, public hearings, and strict local rules. In many cases, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) were allowed in theory but difficult to actually build. That’s about to change.

Tucked away on nearly one acre of lush, mature landscaping, is a remarkable residence that offers a quiet, peaceful lifestyle that feels worlds away from the city—yet is only minutes to Old Town Alexandria and Downtown Washington, DC. The setting evokes the calm and privacy of the countryside, while daily conveniences, dining, and cultural destinations remain effortlessly close.

Set along the charming, sidewalk-lined streets of Rosemont, is a beautifully expanded brick colonial offering 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 3,314 finished square feet across four levels seamlessly blending timeless architecture with thoughtful modern updates and exceptional indoor-outdoor living.

Set high on a hill and tucked behind a canopy of mature trees, Lukens Reserve is a rare offering—an exceptional estate that blends privacy, scale, and a curated home that is the pinnacle of refined living, sitting on 1.5 wooded acres and minutes to Washington, DC.

Meet Mia Lov. Best known in Alexandria as the creative force behind some of the city’s most beloved restaurants, Mia also lives in a world few people ever see up close: competitive dog showing.