About Folkstone

Most Folkstone residents were drawn to the neighborhood by its convenient location–close to places like Reston/Herndon, Tyson’s Corner, and Dulles Airport– and its peaceful, tree-filled lots and common ground.

Long-time resident Bob Ray offers a bit more background about the neighborhood:

History

In the mid-1970s, developers took note of a large parcel of beautiful wooded property between Fox Mill Road and West Ox/Lawyer’s Rd.  But because so much of the 200 acres in question would not perk, they had to work out an agreement to give about half of the property to the County for a forested park, in return for the right to develop the other half on lots that would average about one half- acre each.

The developers also planned to give the Folkstone Homes Association about thirty acres of land, with twenty acres between Folkstone Dr. and Ft. Lee St. for the purpose of building a community swimming pool and tennis court facility.  When it was discovered that the large parcel of Folkstone Common land in question would not perk, the plans were scrapped.  A subsequent effort to install tennis courts at the County’s expense was also unsuccessful due to the County’s contigency that the courts be open to the general public.

Neighborhood Features

The Folkstone Forest Park off Folkstone Dr. had an original nature trail, which was improved by scout project, and recently this trail was further upgraded by Eagle Scout Nick Stevens and the Association (at no cost to the homeowners). The trail has three footbridges for an easy walk in the forest and a wide variety of native trees and plants, which are labeled for the benefit of Folkstone hikers and walkers.

The south part of the Folkstone Park off Ft. Lee St. was cleared by the developer and planted with grass for use as a neighborhood event site, ball-field, kite flying area, or just general green space. Folkstone Homes Assn. has provided mowing and other maintenance in this area since its inception.

Between two sections of the grassy area, sits a wooded grove.  This grove is presently being improved with the plantings of azaleas, rhododendrons, and a variety of other perennial plants and bushes that will greatly beautify the area.  Paul and Carolyn Beck of Ft. Lee St. have provided all the plantings and labor so far, and they would very much welcome help in this project by anyone who likes gardening and is willing to assist.  We are much indebted to the Becks for their generosity and hard work.

The large 80+ acre forest that sits between the two sides of Folkstone has a well-marked trail runs a 2-mile loop from one end of the park to the other, with bridges at either end, and several small footbridges in between to cross the many tributaries of Little Difficult Run.

Hikers or other nature lovers who would like to help maintain our trails simply by walking through them and picking up whatever litter might be found or trimming back bushes, etc. are welcome.  We already have a number of people who voluntarily assist in this effort.  If you have an interest in helping or any concerns about maintenance, please contact maintenance@folkstonehoa.com