The Spy House-Lake Jackson

My co-worker Bouy followed behind me as I made my way up the winding road. The overcast skies and secluded area set the perfect ambiance for the piece of Cold War history that we were about to explore. Just as I thought I might have missed my destination, I saw the sign before the iron gates: ALVICTUS.

Bouy and I parked our vehicles in the driveway (which has two access points) near the spacious 800 square foot detached garage. As I got out of my car, I noticed the security walls surrounding the property. Considering its history as a safe house for spies defecting from the Soviet Union, it made sense that privacy was of the utmost importance (although it was common knowledge of most area residents). 

The house sits high above Lake Jackson, with stairs leading down the terraced hill to the water. The landscaping is incredible-the azaleas are in bloom and their colors popped against the grey skies. A koi pond stocked with fish greets you at the main entrance of the house. The water wheel from the old Piney Branch gristmill sits beneath the pool area and turns in its own water well. Ah-the pool. Neoclassical statuary, an observation deck, and a covered serving area (bar) make it the perfect place for entertaining guests. 

The house was originally a log cabin. Victor Purse, a State Department official, purchased the property in 1959 from a murder suspect who needed money to pay his legal bills. Purse incorporated the cabin into the present house, which has 4,654 finished square feet. The name ALVICTUS stems from the first name of Victor's wife, Alice, and part of his name.

As a lakeside retreat, this was not the Purse's year round home. At some point during the Cold War, an arrangement was made between Mr. Purse and the Central Intelligence Agency. ALVICTUS became a safe haven for defectors from the USSR. I am including a link to a more thorough history of Victor Purse (an illustrious character himself with very important connections) and ALVICTUS.

I unlocked the door to the main entrance. The foyer reminded me of a castle with its stone walls, large tiled floor, and beautiful antique chairs that were fit for royalty. There were several bookcases filled with literature from around the world. Artwork and a large gilded mirror graced the walls.

We started with the main areas of the house. The grand room (living room-although-I could use any room for living there) has two story windows (instead of walls) that provide a commanding view of the lake and surrounding scenery. Wood paneling acts as an accent wall and a gas fireplace sits opposite of the windows. The floors are heated stone; there is an upstairs balcony with a Grecian Atlas bursting out of a pediment and holding up the ceiling. In the entrance to the dining area, there is a wood paneled bar area. The dining room has wood beams on the ceiling and is lavishly decorated with a gorgeous chandelier and antique furniture (as was the rest of the house).

Bouy interrupted my daydream of reading in front of the fireplace and having a delicious cup of homemade hot cocoa. "Lisa-you are like a kid in a candy shop!" He was right. I had not even walked through the rest of the house and I was already in awe.

The original log cabin is now the mother-in-law suite. DISCLAIMER: DO NOT INVITE YOUR MOTHER -IN-LAW IF YOU DO NOT WANT HER TO STAY. She will have 1 .5 bathrooms, a living area with a fireplace mantel, full size kitchen, a sun room, and her very own door that leads to the pool deck. You have been duly warned.

As I walked through the rest of the house, I was subconsciously looking for anything that might seem like a possible secret passage. I'm a History major- there are some eras that I love and others that I don't. The ones that I am fascinated with are usually those that deal with espionage. My favorite American historical period would be the American Revolution, with the Cold War coming in at a close second.

I had a relative (now deceased) who served in the CIA and was in many of the hotspots at the time. He was awarded a medal, but the family was not allowed to know what it was for. I wish now that I had a better appreciation for this time than when I was younger. Growing up during the 70s and 80s (I'm 42), I remember when Gorbachev came into power, intent on changing the Soviet Union from its policies of isolationism. I also watched the coverage of the 'fall' of the Berlin Wall, so happy for those people on each side who would no longer have a barrier to opportunity or each other. The Cold War spanned almost 43 years; to have it officially end in my lifetime and understand what it meant has made it even more intriguing to me. I began to wonder if my relative had ever been to ALVICTUS.

Although it is large, the home has a warm, inviting feeling. You would never know that it was a spy house unless someone told you, which I just did. As we were leaving, I took one last look around and hoped that whoever purchased ALVICTUS would appreciate the property and its history as much as the current owners and not change a thing.

The house address is 11625 Purse Dr Manassas, VA 20112. It has 3 bedrooms, a study, 3 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms. There is crown molding throughout; other features include built-in bookcases, wood floors, and covered boat storage for when you are not on the lake.

The listing price is $749,000.

If you are interested in purchasing this great piece of history, call me! I will be more than happy to assist you in the process as your buyer's agent.

Lisa M. Castellanos,
Realtor® Coldwell Banker Residential Mortgage
Licensed in Virginia 703-763-1950-Office 703-595-8573-Cell 4500 Pond Way Suite 220 Woodbridge, VA 22192 Email: lisa.castellanos@cbmove.com Visit My Site: www.cbmove.com/lisa.castellanos  

History of ALVICTUS (with current pictures):
http://www.themoyersteam.com/listings/alvictus-of-lake-jackson-manassas/