Surrounded by flowering cherry trees on a beautifully landscaped .8-acre corner lot in desirable Rock Creek Hills, this exceptional, one-of-a-kind home underwent a renovation and expansion in 2004, investing the over 7,000 square-foot home with a magical New Orleans flair. Luxury and detailed quality abound in the arched and pillared entries, gracious covered porches, soaring two-story spaces, stunning woodwork, designer finishes and elaborate gardens which create an elegant estate.

 

The main level of this home is laid out for easy flow and sophisticated entertaining. Off the large foyer, architectural columns lead to a formal living room with gas fireplace and double French doors that open to a covered porch. From the porch are views of the pool, patio and surrounding landscaping, all enclosed by a wrought-iron-style fence. Also off the foyer is a formal dining room with built-in china cabinet and large windows overlooking front yard plantings. The adjacent two-story family room has a cathedral ceiling, twin skylights with power shades, a wood-burning fireplace and bay window which overlooks the front yard. The gleaming hardwood floors have been recently refinished.

 

In the center of the family living space, the chef’s kitchen is open to the family and dining rooms. Outfitted with Wood Mode cabinetry, fully integrated appliances include sub-zero refrigerator/freezer, Bosch dishwasher, and trash compactor. The Dacor gas cooktop and double oven as well as Advantium microwave/speed cook ovens are stainless. Double-level Costa Verde granite countertops surround a central work island, featuring the same granite and a separate brass sink for easy food preparation.  A built-in sound system as well as tv cable connection ensure that the chef’s experience is complete. An adjacent light-filled “jewel box” breakfast room overlooks the pool and features more built-in cabinets with accent granite countertop as well as a pantry closet. Two sets of French doors lead from the jewel box onto separate covered porches overlooking the pool. (In winter, before the crepe myrtles bloom, one can see the back yard. It’s a perfect perch for a morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.)

A side entrance leads from the driveway to a second foyer off the kitchen, easing grocery and delivery transport. Off this foyer is a powder room with an antique vanity, as well as an enormous laundry room with expansive built-in storage and access to the 2-car garage with an additional bay for bikes and tools. The left wing of the home houses four spacious and lovely bedrooms- two with full baths, and an additional hall bathroom serves the remaining bedrooms.

An open stairway in the family room, leads upstairs to a library loft with bookshelves and two large cedar closets as well as an additional closet for storage of seasonal decorative items. From the library, enter the expansive, owners’ bedroom with vaulted, two-story ceilings, twin skylights, wood-burning fireplace, and French doors that lead to a private, upper-level porch. The luxury ensuite bath, also two stories, features skylights, recessed lights, a free-standing whirlpool tub with a bay-window view and separate frameless glass shower. There is also a double vanity and heated towel rack. Off the bathroom is an expansive walk-in closet with built-ins.

 

The recently renovated sun-filled, walk-out lower level of the home, has French doors that open to the pool and provides versatile space— perfect for pool parties, work/study and in-law/guest accommodations. There is a large family room with gas fireplace, full bath with roll-in shower and a bonus room currently used as an artist’s studio. A second kitchen allows for easy preparation and serving of guests and pool parties.

 

Without compromising curb-appeal, this home boasts a substantial investment in high energy efficiency, due to 59 solar panels installed discretely on the south- and west- facing roofs.  Energy conservation sensitivity is also supported by three separate H/VAC zones as well as under-floor radiant heat in the kitchen and family room spaces.  A high-capacity natural gas emergency generator situated behind the garage also ensures that the home remains comfortable and operational in the event of power outages in the neighborhood.

 

The tiered corner lot offers a parklike setting with beautiful stonework, an abundance of flowering shrubs and mature trees, a side patio – even a labyrinth garden for meditation. The gracious pool area, accented by a perimeter of crepe myrtles and hydrangeas and featuring a Hot Springs “Prodigy” hot tub, Weber natural gas grill, and spacious pool deck for fire pit area, provides a spectacular oasis for relaxing and entertaining. A long driveway with turnaround allows parking for several cars.

 

This special, rarely available home boasts a close-in location close to the shopping districts of downtown Kensington, Bethesda and Friendship Heights, and is just one block to Beach Drive and the hiking/biking trails of Rock Creek Park. The nearby Connecticut Avenue corridor allows for easy access to downtown DC and 3 International airports within 35-45 minutes. A perfect sanctuary, with a central location so you can be close to it all.  Welcome home!