Introduction to a New Chapter

For 27 years, Annette Larkin owned a house in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, Va., a few miles south of Washington. She loved the village feel and the walkability to shops and restaurants, but as the political scene on Capitol Hill became more toxic, her priorities shifted.

Shifting Priorities

“What I wanted more than anything was to live closer to the mountains and have total privacy in my front and back yards — to me, that is real luxury,” said Ms. Larkin, 61, a media relations consultant who works remotely. “I also wanted a fenced-in area where my dog Artie could be safe outside.”

The Search Begins

A few years ago, Ms. Larkin was working as the director of public relations at the Inn at Little Washington, a three Michelin-starred restaurant about 75 miles west of downtown D.C. She fell in love with the town, Washington, Va., locally known as Little Washington, and its bucolic surroundings, in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Falling in Love with the Area

“The views are incredible, and between Little Washington and Sperryville, there’s so much good food, nice people and, of course, wonderful hikes,” she said, referring to a town nearby. Ms. Larkin was eager to move to the area, but she also wanted to stay within a 90-minute drive of her mother’s home in Maryland. She started her search in April and listed her four-bedroom Del Ray house, which has yet to sell.

Finding the Perfect Property

“Annette knew exactly what she wanted: a property with some land and a house that wouldn’t require a lot of work,” said Denise Chandler, principal broker of Country Places Realty in Washington, Va. “There are only about 42 homes on the market now in Rappahannock County, where she wants to live, and there were even fewer last spring. Annette was focused on finding something comfortable where she could enjoy a simpler lifestyle.” With a budget of around $500,000, Ms. Larkin wanted at least two or three bedrooms, so she had space to work plus a guest room for friends and her daughter to visit. She also wanted views of the mountains, where she loves to hike.

A New Lifestyle

“My foodie friends are excited to come stay with me and try out the restaurants around here,” she said. “I also love to entertain and cook for people, so I wanted to make sure the kitchen had plenty of prep space.” Apart from a new scene, her goal was to live debt free for her retirement years. “I wanted to sell my house in Del Ray and buy this next house without a mortgage,” she said. “I downsized to keep my budget low.”

Conclusion

Annette Larkin’s decision to leave the D.C. suburbs for the Virginia mountains marks a significant shift in her priorities, from the hustle and bustle of city life to a more peaceful and private existence. Her journey is a testament to the human desire for change and the pursuit of a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle.

FAQs

Q: What motivated Annette Larkin to move from the D.C. suburbs to the Virginia mountains?
A: Annette Larkin wanted to escape the toxic political scene on Capitol Hill and live closer to the mountains, where she could enjoy total privacy and a simpler lifestyle.
Q: What was Annette Larkin’s budget for her new home?
A: Annette Larkin’s budget was around $500,000.
Q: What were Annette Larkin’s priorities when searching for a new home?
A: Annette Larkin wanted a property with some land, a house that wouldn’t require a lot of work, at least two or three bedrooms, views of the mountains, and a kitchen with plenty of prep space.