The Fairfax County Park Authority is now accepting public comments on the proposed curatorship of the historic Ash Grove house in Vienna. Community members are encouraged to submit their comments online or by U.S. mail before Nov. 15. There will also be an opportunity to share comments and ask questions about the proposed curatorship at an in-person public meeting on Monday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. at the Patrick Henery Library located at 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna.

Ash Grove is one of the few standing 18th-century Virginia houses and was built by the Fairfax family. Thomas Fairfax built the original portion of the house in 1790, and the family inhabited the house until 1847. The house sits on approximately one acre of land between the densely wooded Old Courthouse Spring Branch stream valley and the Westwood Village townhouse subdivision. The property’s grounds have several historic structures, including the house and restored 18th-century brick kitchen and smokehouse.

The applicant, who recently completed a 12-year restoration of the Fairpoint Harbor West Lighthouse in Ohio, is proposing to restore the Ash Grove property in accordance with the 2024 Treatment Plan for use as their primary residence. Additionally, the applicant proposes public access to Ash Grove through an annual open house event, scheduled tours and a social media presence. Details pertaining to the proposed curator application and opportunities for submitting public comments are available at https://engage.fairfaxcounty.gov/ash-grove.

The Resident Curator Program offers long-term lease agreements to qualified tenants in beautiful public park settings. The curator leases are without charge in exchange for financial commitment and approved rehabilitation of the Park Authority’s underutilized historic properties.

Learn more at by visiting the Resident Curator Program website. For additional questions, contact Stephanie Langton, manager of the Resident Curator Program, at 703-324-8791.