Rooms With a View
 
Townhome Has Indoor/Outdoor Appeal

By Cathy Cruise

Courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty

Like to be in the center of it all?

This stately Arlington townhouse, with its spectacular views of Georgetown and the Potomac River, might just be for you. Conveniently located next to the Rosslyn Metro, this home in Arlington’s desirable Highgate subdivision is also within walking distance of a number of diverse restaurants, theaters and stores. Reagan National Airport and the Kennedy Center are a mere 15 minutes away by car.

But you don’t have to look outside to experience this property’s appeal. All four levels, recently upgraded to total luxury status, feature exceptional craftsmanship and premium materials. The gourmet kitchen is gorgeous and functional with its lush Corian counters—including a center island—airy golden-hued wood cabinets, and a double oven and gas-powered oven range, all stepping away from the separate breakfast room. In the dining room you’ll find elegant crown molding, chair rails and stunning hardwood floors, all nestled beside a cozy corner fireplace. A spacious living room with beautiful four-paneled windows is also located on this level.

Upstairs is the huge master suite with large windows and an inviting sitting area tucked in beside a second fireplace. The master bath evokes utter decadence with its double shower (with Grohe rainshower) and opulent, two-person Jacuzzi tub. The next level up houses the other two bedrooms, both with private balconies and those brilliant “views from the top.” A den and fully equipped home gym can be found on the lowest level, which has its own outside entrance. Around back is a shady patio area enclosed by a gated privacy fence, perfect for a small table and any number of flowers and plants.

Who Gary Frey, Sotheby’s International Realty, 202-234-3344
Where 1556 Colonial Terrace, North Arlington
What $1.1 million

(January 2008)

Happily Ever After?
 
Falls Church Home Makes It Possible

By Cathy Cruise

Courtesy of Re/Max Gateway

Nestled amidst tree-lined Providence Street in Falls Church, this home evokes all the charm of a fairy tale. But this new construction is no cozy cottage. It encompasses 5,722 square feet of space on a level lot that backs to trees and attractive landscaping. The shingle and stone facade with hardiplank siding serves to spotlight the exterior’s most eye-catching attribute—double custom-curved front doors of solid wood.

Inside is a dramatic two-story foyer, enhanced by hardwood and custom stone flooring. The staircase rail is trimmed in wood and accented by rectangular cutouts. Large living and dining areas offer distinctive windows and a fireplace, while a vaulted family room features a two-sided fireplace with custom mantel. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the breakfast room in natural light, and a library holds another fireplace and French doors.

The gourmet kitchen provides a granite center island, rich cherry wood cabinets, breakfast bar and stainless steel appliances. Also on this level are a butler’s pantry, laundry room, oversize mudroom and a guest powder room.

The five bedrooms include the impressive master suite with cathedral ceilings and his-and-her walk-in closets. The master bath contains a huge Jacuzzi tub with stream spout, separate shower, double vanities with Kohler fixtures—all above special heated flooring. A second laundry room is on this level, as is a private spiral staircase leading downstairs.

A recreation room can be found in the resort-style lower level, as well as a media room, a custom granite wet bar with built-in, glass-front cabinetry, a powder room and an exercise room, along with a luxurious sixth bedroom suite with walk-in closet and full bath.

This home affords easy access to Tysons Corner, Dunn Loring Metro, Route 66 and Interstate 495.

Who Paddy Murphy, Re/Max Gateway
Where 2308 Providence St., Falls Church
What $1.5 million

(December 2007)

Shades of Tuscany
 
European Touches Evoke World-Class Charm

By Cathy Cruise

Courtesy of Jobin Realty

You don’t need a sweeping Mediterranean seascape outside your window for the romance of this house to overtake you. Instead, gaze out at the six-foot, triple-tiered Piazza fountain flanked by upright junipers at your home’s elegant front walkway. Or luxuriate in the 8,000 square feet of indoor space, including a two-story foyer and living room accented by four-part crown molding and stacked floor-to-ceiling windows.

The main level features a first-floor master bedroom with tray ceiling, custom chandeliers and separate his-and-hers closets with raised “back saver” cherry cabinets. A large office on this floor has a tray and coffered ceiling with a designer chandelier and recessed lights. The kitchen holds upgraded cherry cabinets, double ovens and a nine-foot-long center island, all adjoining a family room with a double-sided fireplace, cathedral ceiling and a computer work center.

The downstairs level invites you into a haven modeled after Mediterranean resorts. A huge gym and spa bath with an aromatherapy grotto steam shower utilizes seven (yes, seven!) shower heads. Double iron doors and an exquisite inlaid tile floor lead to a custom wine cellar replete with a barrel vault ceiling reminiscent of old French wineries. A high bar large enough to seat 10 stands amidst a sink, dishwasher, full refrigerator and new Venetian gold granite counters. This level also features a private theater with a 10.5-foot screen, a den and an art niche with tumble marble tile and Venetian plaster walls.

Other elements of this remarkable home include a second master bedroom, three additional bedrooms (six in all), three full baths, including two with double sinks, and a large patio on a wooded back lot. This turnkey, full-featured, decorated house is close to a community pool and clubhouse, great schools, shopping and wineries.

Who Kay Lee Russell, Jobin Realty, 703-542-7549
Where 25552 Cedar Hollow Drive, Chantilly
What $1.1 million

(November 2007)