Yesterday, the American Horticultural Society’s board decided to take the beloved River Farm, a 27-acre property along the Potomac River, off the market. Initially listed by @compass in 2020 for $32 million, the board rejected offers in March and September this year from the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) and the Northern Virginia Park Authority (NOVA Parks).
The prospective sale of River Farm made headlines more than a few times during its time on the market. Many locals voiced concern about the threat of development. In April 2021, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the River Farm Historic Overlay District, limiting the development type that could occur if the property were to have sold.
And now…
A snippet from the AHS Board statement yesterday, Oct. 5, 2021:
“Thanks to the overwhelming outpouring of support from our American Horticultural Society members and donors, neighbors and stakeholders, public officials and the community over the past year, we are extremely pleased to announce that River Farm will continue to be our national headquarters and remain a priceless asset for the general public and future generations to enjoy. We are grateful to all of those individuals and groups who rallied around us to help preserve and protect this historic property. Throughout the year-long debate over the future of River Farm, we have always been convinced that there is a strong and viable path forward – with AHS as the steward of the property, supported by like-minded friends and partners. And now, with River Farm officially off of the open real estate market, we have the opportunity to fully realize this dream.”
River farm will re-open to the public in the coming weeks.