Sometimes, life takes you to a place where you didn’t expect to go, and it turns out to be an even better destination than you imagined. Just ask Wendy and John Mills. A few months ago, a new work opportunity for Wendy’s husband – and the chance to be a bit closer to family – had the Mills looking for a new home in the DC Metro area from their location in Rochester, NY.

The Mills toured many communities in the DC suburbs. The neighborhoods they visited were nice enough, but none had that certain “something” that really felt like home. Then, fate stepped in. One evening after yet another home buying reconnaissance mission in the National Capital area, Wendy and John were driving to meet some family members for dinner at a popular Loudoun County restaurant. On the way, they happened upon Brambleton, and since they were a bit early and had some time before heading to the restaurant, they decided to take a drive through the community.

Goodbye, frustrating new home search. Hello, Brambleton!

“My husband and I noticed how different Brambleton is,” Wendy recounts. “It is cozy, yet spacious, and each area is well laid out. So we started researching various builders in the area. Fast forward to 11 months later, move-in date to our new Knutson Homes’ Fleetwood model has come to life, in an urban-inspired townhome!”

The Mills customized their new townhome to include four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. What really clinched the decision for Wendy was the new townhome’s loft. She works from home, and the loft created an ideal office space. (The home’s open rooftop terrace, with its promise of quiet evenings or fun parties under the stars certainly didn’t hurt, either.)

 “I saw [the loft] and immediately told my husband, ‘Oh, this space…. is mine,’” Wendy said.  

Their new home is their sanctuary in the energetic metro area they’ve chosen to call home. They liked Rochester, but they love the vibrancy, history – and lower annual snowfalls – of greater Washington, DC. And their new Brambleton address offers them the best of the best in their new town.

“If you are looking to live in a well-planned community, Brambleton is by far the best,” said Wendy. “The overall layout, and small yet important things like its partnership with Verizon FiOS, the 18 miles of trails and pathways…it all still takes my breath away each time I drive in.”

Brambleton’s open space and commitment to leaving natural areas undisturbed is a big hit with the third member of the Mills family, too, their Jack Russell Terrier mix, Fuji. At eight years old, Fuji is in the prime of his life, and Brambleton has become “home sweet home” to this outdoor-loving little character.

The Mills moved into their new Knutson townhome in December, and Fuji and his “parents” are looking forward to their new lives in what they see as the friendliest, best-designed and most spirited community they’ve ever found.

“Everything here is awesome,” Wendy says. “Like the Farmers’ Market…I totally look forward to walking over to it and bringing my dog with me,” she adds with a beaming smile. “Can’t wait to do that as part of my weekend routine.”

So, welcome home to Wendy and John Mills and their happier-than-ever dog, Fuji. He’s sure to love that when Brambleton is blanketed with snow in the winter, it’s not nearly as deep as it was back in Rochester. Because now, he can still look out over the landscape and see everything that he and his humans love about their new hometown.