Lake Anne

Welcome to Lake Anne, Virginia

The original shopping plaza in Reston, Virginia, Lake Anne is considered by many to be the heart of Reston. Designed by architect James Rossant in the 1960s, the village was conceptualized as a modern example of New Urbanism, meaning its developers set out to build quality homes while preserving as much of the organic enclosure as possible.

The village is situated around an artificial lake, which serves as a natural coolant for many of the homes surrounding it. Pedestrian-friendly and dynamic, the community’s layout and planning make it possible for residents to savor a contemporary lifestyle in a scenic, tranquil environment.

What You'll Love About Lake Anne

• A Scenic Lake: Aptly, life in the village revolves around Lake Anne, a 119-acre man-made lake where benches and other outdoor amenities are yours to enjoy. The lake's waters are teeming with carp, catfish, and bass, making it a lively fishing spot. Visitors can also explore the lake by kayak or canoe, and you can even rent a paddle boat at the Plaza. Also of note is The Lake Anne Trail, a 1.7-mile loop that circles the water and passes through some of Reston's most picturesque neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the Van Gogh Bridge is one of the best spots to view weeping cherry blossom trees in the spring and snap a selfie to capture the moment.
• Family-Friendly Complexes: In Lake Anne Plaza, play structures and interactive public art displays create the ultimate kid-friendly diversions — from the Swing to Plaza Fountain, the Sun Boat, and the Wooden Horse. And since adults just want to have fun, too, they can always climb the Lookout Tower, which commands sweeping views of the lake, for a taste of the action.
• Local Shopping and Dining: Love sampling specialty stores? You’re in good company among the community boutiques selling chocolates, pretzels, used books, apparel, and cycling gear — not to mention the Reston Farmers’ Market, which takes center stage each Saturday with its fresh assortment of produce, seafood, meat, cheese, and bread.

The dining scene here doesn’t disappoint, either: Cafe Montmartre is a beloved spot for French-Vietnamese fusion, Lake Anne Brew House specializes in small-batch craft brews best sipped from their outdoor patio, Lake Anne Coffee House & Wine Bar serves a chef-driven menu washed down with house wines, and Kalypso's Sports Tavern is a cool place to unwind overlooking the lake.

• A Colorful History: The storied village center of Lake Anne Plaza was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017 and harbors several landmarks, including Untold Stories, a statue depicting founder Robert E. Simon as a genial old man on a bench by the lake.
• A Dose of Culture: The Lake Anne Community Center hosts regular art exhibitions at the JoAnn Rose and 3D galleries, while the Reston Art Gallery (RAGS) spotlights rotating exhibits and studio space.

Real Estate In Lake Anne

Undoubtedly one of the most sought-after areas in all of Reston, it’s fitting that Lake Anne attracts countless homebuyers who appreciate its distinct blend of history and nature. Around the lake itself, real estate primarily consists of condos and townhomes, though buyers will still find a select number of single-family homes to choose from as well. Offering a combination of modern and classic architecture, noteworthy Lake Anne homes provide plenty of living space wrapped in privacy by wooded expanses.