Description

This elegant country estate is ideally situated across from Battery Kemble Park on an acre of extensively landscaped gardens and grounds in the highly desirable Kent neighborhood. Built in 1936 for Eleanor Lansing Dulles, the original farmhouse was designed by legendary, pioneer architect Gertrude Sawyer with a later addition by notable architect, Anne McCutcheon Lewis. Since then, and more recently, the property has been expanded to include nearly 8,000 square feet of meticulously renovated living space, extraordinary gardens and outdoor entertaining and living spaces. No detail was overlooked in the impressive transformation of this historic residence, with masterful collaboration from Solis Betancourt and Sherrill (interior), Barnes Vanze (architect), and Richard Arentz (landscaping). With this rare offering of over an acre of land (one of only 3 properties currently listed in Washington with more than an acre), the impeccably designed grounds and gardens offer a remarkable private retreat and a wonderful place to entertain with multiple seating/al fresco dining areas, outdoor speakers and an impressive 50’ pool surrounded by a bluestone sundeck, in addition to thoughtfully designed lighting around the entire property. The extensive landscaping includes a gorgeous variety of native trees, plants and flowers, offering seasonal blooms and inspiring views throughout and including perennial gardens, a vegetable garden, lawns lined by boxwoods and a wooded area filled with hydrangeas, wildflowers and bee hives. Upon entry into the home, a welcoming foyer provides transition to the formal rooms on the main level with heart pine floors, bead board, recessed lighting and unlacquered brass hardware throughout. The front living room, with an antique pine mantel, is directly opposite a light-filled dining room which faces the front gardens. The modernized farmhouse kitchen, which includes a large pantry and mudroom, is well-appointed with Vermont Slate and zinc countertops, a large center island, two dishwashers, two ovens and sinks, a wine refrigerator, and abundant cabinetry storage. The expansive family room is wrapped in glass windows and offers an impressive fireplace with an antique blue mantle that replicates the color and finish of the front door. The room is a haven of entertainment, featuring a concealed drop-down 11’ wide movie/TV screen, a projector, dramatic surround sound, and Lutron blackout shades, providing an immersive cinematic experience, perfect for movie night or watching sporting events. This level provides access to multiple separate terraces, creating a wonderful flow for entertaining and seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. There is also a piano room, powder room, and two coat closets on the main floor. The second level of the residence offers four light-filled, spacious bedrooms, and three full bathrooms, including the luxurious primary suite. The primary bedroom has a dramatic Western facing window overlooking the garden, multiple walk-in closets, blackout shades, and an en-suite bathroom with dual vanities, a steam shower, and separate soaking tub. The primary bedroom also provides private access to the third floor, which offers an exercise room, office, and oversized cedar closet. There are three additional bedrooms and two bathrooms on the second level, which share a central homework room with built-ins, and a laundry chute. The walk-out lower pool level is expansive and enhanced with blue stone flooring. This level has TV/playrooms and a spectacular billiards room with built-ins that opens onto the outdoor pool area. There is also a guest room/office with exterior access and a wall of windows overlooking the pool. Completing this level is a full bathroom, wine room, storage room, and laundry room. Throughout this special property, everything has been designed to integrate indoor-outdoor living and offer a uniquely private experience in the heart of Washington, DC.