This two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Woodbridge is 30 minutes southwest of Washington. The 2,200-square-foot unit has vaulted ceilings, hardwood and carpeted floors, and large windows in the living area and bedrooms. The master bedroom has two walk-in closets, and the bathroom has double sinks, a Jacuzzi tub, and a separate stand-up shower. The condo is a short walk from the Occoquan river, two golf courses, and a wildlife refuge. The condo community features a fitness center, pool, clubhouse, and concierge service. Heat, air conditioning, water, and trash are included in the rent.

Address: Belmont Bay Drive, Woodbridge
Price: $1,798 a month
Move-in: October 1

Know about a great rental? Send it to eleaman@washingtonian.com.

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Where: 3314 O St., NW
Listing price: $6,750,000
Time on the market: Seven months
Bedrooms: Six
Bathrooms: Seven

The best feature of this 1870 Georgetown rowhouse is the south-facing solarium on the second level, which has French doors that open on to a balcony and large windows that flood the space with light. The family room has a wall of built-in bookshelves and a large bay window. The master suite, which has a spacious dressing room and study, houses one of seven fireplaces in the home. Off the backyard, there is a detached three car garage.

Have a tip about a luxury property on the market? Send it to eleaman@washingtonian.com.

More>> Open House Blog | Homes | Real Estate  

Many of us consider ourselves closet do-it-yourselfers. There is a whole industry out there telling us that, given a little time and the right tools, we can paint a room, upholster a chair, build an armoire, and redesign a whole room for less than $1,000.

If you hire someone, it’s like you are wasting money. And isn’t that supposed to be the fun of owning a place anyway? That you can do crazy stuff to it (a mural of 1960s rock greats, a stage in the living room, a wall of mirrors) and then, presumably, fix it? In movies, they build whole montages around home improvement antics, where the leading lady wears overalls and has paint in her hair and seems to be having the time of her life.

Let this blog post mark the beginning of my campaign against this insidious idea. I will call the campaign, “It’s worth the money.” Here’s why:

Remodeling your home? Want to learn how to be more environmentally friendly? Love the Washington Redskins?

If so, mark your calendar for the Remodeling & Home Decor Show at the Dulles Expo Center this weekend, from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28.

You can browse decorating and remodeling ideas at hundreds of exhibits—from appliance stores to furniture lines and cabinet makers to custom home builders. HGTV’s Steven Whittle, co-host and carpenter on Bad Bad Bath and Save My Bath, will give tips on ways to live green and give tours of a 2,500-square-foot model of an eco-friendly home.

Pick up this complete bedroom set for $1,200 in Centreville. The Shaker-style furniture is made out of cherry-stained oak. The set, for which the seller claims to have paid more than $3,000, includes a pair of nightstands, a chest, a dresser with mirror, a queen-size bed, and a mattress and boxspring.

Other good finds:
• Dark bamboo table and two chairs for $180.
• White marble-top side tables with carved legs for $100 each.
• Black shelf with metal frame for $45.
• Large beige sofa for $200.

Thanks, Craig!

• The Arlington County Board approved plans for the expansion of the Arlington National Cemetery. Two 4.3 acre parcels of land will be added to the cemetery’s grounds. The expansion is not expected to take place until after 2011. [DCMud]

• Washington Business Journal is reporting that Lehman Brothers, which earlier this week filed for bankruptcy, has hefty investments in multiple DC projects. Development company Monument Realty may face economic trouble: “Over the past several years, Lehman has invested about $620 million in at least 15 Monument projects, according to Monument’s Web site, often acting as an equity partner above and beyond any exposure as a debt provider on Monument projects.” [WBJ]

• Mayor Fenty was on site for the groundbreaking ceremony at the 2300 Pennsylvania Avenue block in Southeast. The site will house more than 200 affordable housing units, a grocery store, and retail space.  [DCMud]

Eight embassies and diplomatic residences will open their doors to the public this Sunday during the Kalorama House and Embassy Tour. In its 24th year, the tour provides the opportunity to see the architecture and learn the history of each residence on the tour. Interesting stops include the residence of the ambassador of Monaco (pictured at right),  whose house was once the home of President Warren G. Harding, and the Italian country villa style residence of the Zambia’s first female Ambassador.  

The tour is from noon to 5 PM on Sunday, September 21 and begins at the Woodrow Wilson House, 2340 S Street, NW.  Tickets are $30, $25 in advance.