Six homes are on this year’s Reston Home Tour, including the home of Jonna Mendez, the former director of disguise for the CIA.
Mendez, who is considered a trailblazer in the spy world, rose through the ranks. Her team’s work during the Cold War hid the identity of CIA officers and assets.
“Her home is fascinating and filled with a lot of treasures from her time overseas,” says Lisa Watts, Reston Museum executive director, in an email.
The self-guided tour, now in its 22nd year, features five single-family homes and a high-rise condo. The Reston Home Tour raises funds for the Reston Museum. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 19.
Watt says the homes chosen by co-chairs Debban Dodril, Stephanie Randall, and Mary Miceli reflect various aspects of Reston living, whether it’s their location, walkability, or design, and most have been updated to “incorporate the homeowners’ style and use of space.”
What Homes Are Part of the Tour?
The homes that will be showcased, according to a museum news release, include the following:
- A renovated lakefront home with a “highlighted by walls of windows and an organic modern design aesthetic;”
- A remodeled mid-century home “featuring a one-of-a-kind expanded outdoor living space drawing you to the Hidden Creek Country Club golf course views beyond;”
- A vintage Reston home renovated with a “multi-generational floor-plan and a modern/vintage design;”
- A colonial that is well landscaped and offers both indoor and outdoor living;
- A Reston Town Center condo that’s described as “treasure-filled” with a “glimpse into the owners’ adventure-filled world-travels;”
- A split-level that has been reimagined on the inside and outside.
Watts says each home offers inspiration. That inspiration may be a paint color, the way the furniture is placed, or how a room may be expanded.
Watts, who is the new executive director of the museum, wasn’t sure what to expect.
“After touring some of these stunning homes myself, I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday than exploring beautiful Reston while learning about its rich history, creative interior design, and architecture. It’s an inspiring experience, one that has sparked fresh ideas for creativity in my own space. And of course, wrapping up the day with a wine tasting at The Wine Cabinet sounds like the perfect finishing touch,” she says.
Randall, who has co-chaired the event for three years, said, “After last year’s tour, I was especially motivated to bring more color into my own home, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to my space.”
Things to Know About the Tour
No one under 12 years of age may tour the homes.
No food or water is allowed in the homes.
A guidebook is provided on the day of the tour.
The homes may be toured in any order.
Docents will be in each home to provide information.
Tickets are available online for $38, and a map is provided by email.
Feature image of home on the Reston Home Tour courtesy Reston Museum
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