Lease of Early Education Center in South Riding, Chantilly at 42851 Smallwood Terrace to Falcon Academy for $35/SF NNN

Aerial view of the early education and childcare facility at 42851 Smallwood Terrace in South Riding, Chantilly, VA, recently leased to Falcon Academy.

Serafin Real Estate leases fully built, special‑purpose child care facility at 42851 Smallwood Terrace to top early education operator in under 4 months on the market

Serafin Real Estate successfully leased 42851 Smallwood Terrace in Chantilly, VA to Falcon Academy. The 9,919-square-foot building was originally constructed as an early education and childcare center. Previously operated by the Winwood School, the property offered a turnkey layout. This made it ideal for a tenant like Falcon Academy.

The property was listed, marketed, and leased in under four months. This fast timeline highlights strong demand in the local market. The lease rate achieved was $35 per square foot NNN. As a result, this transaction set a high benchmark for similar special-purpose properties in Loudoun County.

Lease Details

Leased Price (Rent Rate): $35.00 / SF NNN
Lease Date: June 1, 2025
Tenant: Falcon Academy
Property Type: Special Purpose / Childcare / Early Education Center / School
Property Use: Owner-User

Property Description

A fully built, 2005 facility originally designed for early education use, offering a ready‑to‑operate layout for childcare or preschool use. The property is an ideal match for operators seeking immediate occupancy, avoiding costly build‑outs or conversions.

Address: 42851 Smallwood Terrace, Chantilly, VA 20152
County: Loudoun County, Virginia
Zoning: PDH‑4 / Special Purpose / School
Property Type: Early Education / Childcare Center / Special Purpose Facility / School
Building Size: ~9,919 square feet
Lot Size: ~1.17 acres

Strategy / Marketing & Execution

Serafin Real Estate employed a focused strategy to lease this specialized asset quickly, leveraging both the property’s built‑in attributes and market demand:

Emphasized “turnkey readiness” in marketing — building features, classroom layout, utilities, safety, etc., already suited to early education operations
Targeted outreach to established childcare and school operators in the Northern Virginia / Washington‑DC metro area, including regional brands seeking expansion
Used high‑visibility listing channels specializing in special purpose / educational real estate to reach the right tenants
Price positioned aggressively at market‑top for education facilities in South Riding / Chantilly to attract quality operators willing to pay for location and built‑in improvements
Negotiated lease terms that balanced landlord improvements / maintenance and ensured tenant stability

Neighborhood / Submarket Overview

Located in the South Riding / Chantilly submarket of Loudoun County, an area characterized by strong demographics, affluence, and rising demand for childcare and early education services.

Proximity to Loudoun County Parkway and Tall Cedars Parkway ensures strong traffic and accessibility for commuting families
Within reach of dense residential neighborhoods with young families and households with high incomes in South Riding, eastern Aldie, and Chantilly
Limited competition in fully built, turnkey childcare facilities in the immediate submarket—operators frequently face build costs, permitting delays, or retrofit costs

Conclusion

The lease of 42851 Smallwood Terrace to Falcon Academy at $35/SF NNN demonstrates Serafin Real Estate’s ability to effectively match specialized assets with high‑quality tenants. The fast lease up (under four months) underscores both the strong demand for turnkey early education / childcare facilities in Loudoun County and the value of offering ready‑to‑occupy space. For landlords and owners of special purpose properties, this transaction serves as a model for how to price, market, and execute leases to operators who value location, build quality, and child‑friendly features.

FAQ / Learn More

Q: Why did this property lease so quickly?
A: Because it was already built for early education use (former Winwood School), minimizing the barrier to entry for the tenant. The market demand for quality childcare space in this area is high, and competition among operators for suitable space is strong.

Q: What made Falcon Academy the right tenant?
A: They are a known operator in early education, with resources to commit to top‑tier facilities. They are able to accept terms at a higher rate (here $35/SF NNN) for a property that matches their operational needs.

Q: What lessons does this deal offer for other property owners?
A: Special purpose properties—especially childcare/education centers—can command premium rent when functionally built, well located, and marketed properly. Key elements include clarity on permitted use / zoning, amenities (classrooms, restrooms, kitchen, parking, play area), and lease structure that addresses both landlord and tenant needs.

Q: What’s next for Serafin Real Estate / Owner?
A: Capitalizing on momentum from this lease, Serafin Real Estate continues to deliver value by matching unique properties with ideal tenants and maximizing return for owners of special purpose and education-focused real estate.