EXTERIOR:
This residence and its gardens occupy a property consisting of
10.19 acres. They were designed in 1980 by a prominent architectural
review official in Washington as his personal retreat The unusual
residence has a contemporary look, although with its hipped roof
and bay window design, there are hints of earlier periods, notably
the late 19th century of England. The residence is nestled into
a low hillside below surrounding hills and is sited for absolute
privacy. The views are considered among the loveliest in Loudoun
County. There are two springs and a 20 foot wide creek on the
property. Meadows and mature woodland ensure a variety of outdoor
experiences. With its orchard and numerous flower and herb beds,
the partially fenced in landscape surrounding the residence is
a gardener?s delight. There are specimen trees and shrubs along
with a large selection of rare garden plants. Immediate access
to the house is via flagstone walks, terraces, and steps, a fortune
in masonry work. The scale of the house is entirely deceptive.
From a distance it appears small, In fact, it is quite substantial.
Composed of a West Virginia golden sandstone, the foundation walls
rise a full story out of the ground at the rear of the house.
This masonry is more than 12 inches thick. Above the wood structure
goes far beyond today?s standards for house construction. That
structure is clad in vertical siding painted gray, with trim painted
white. Mahogany has been used for recent improvements, painted
to match the existing woodwork. Accommodating four fireplaces,
the chimneys rising above the tall hipped roof are the same warm
sandstone as found in the foundation.
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INTERIOR:
The interior spaces are baronial in size, with excellent circulation
throughout. The unique floor plan allows for both gracious entertaining
on a large scall as well as a relaxed atmosphere when desired.
The many UV protected casement windows make the interiors bright
and airy, and all rooms have lovely views. Unless otherwise stated,
all flooring is hardwood. The four fireplaces are located in interior
walls, making them more efficient and freeing up the exterior
walls for windows. The house has a two-zone central air system.
The first floor is heated by propane and the second floor has
electric. The interior is fully air conditioned.
FIRST FLOOR:
Entrance Hall and Conservatory:
24? x 22?, Ceiling 19?
This space is wedge-shaped, conforming to a 45-degree bend between
one side of the house and the other. The front entrance is at
the narrow end. Upon entering, the space opens dramatically to
two-stories with a bank of floor-length windows overlooking a
beautiful wooded hillside. A balcony crosses the space and connects
the wings of the house at the second floor. The cathedral ceiling
has three large triple-ply skylights. The floor is composed of
squares of black and white tiles. Overhead is a wood and brass
ceiling fan.
Library (or bedroom):
24? x 24?, Ceiling 9?, Bathroom (carpeted) 7? x 9?
This room is L-shaped, with a fireplace and full bath carved out
to create the ?L?. There are built-in bookcases and cabinets,
a large closet, crown molding, a dry-bar with stained glass cabinet
doors, and several concealed storage spaces, including a secret
compartment for valuables. The stone fireplace has a built-in
fan and ductwork, which provides additional heat to an upstairs
bathroom. The antique alabaster chandelier does not convey.
Drawing Room:
16? x 32?, ceiling 10?, floor to ceiling bay window 24? x 2.5?
deep.
This elegant room has a panoramic view with a pair of columns
separating the walk-in bay window from the rest of the space.
A large fireplace opposite has a magnificent carved mantle, marble
surround and hearth. The hearth marble was originally in the Folger
Library in Washington, D.C.
Dining Room:
16? x 19?, ceiling 10?, floor to ceiling bay window 11? x 2.5?
deep.
This space is ideal for grand formal dining. French doors lead
out to a spacious flagstone paved porch off of which is a deck
and stair to the gardens. The brass chandelier was imported from
France and does not convey.
Kitchen and Breakfast Room:
16? x 24?, ceiling 9?
The kitchen is ample for cooking and with the breakfast room area
is a magnet for guests. The breakfast area has a built-in corner
cupboard and a massive stone fireplace with a charming (and useful)
Vermont Stove, which conveys. The outside wall has floor length
windows centered by French doors, which lead out to a flagstone
paved pergola and direct access to the front lawn and gardens.
The antique ceiling fixture does not convey.
Stair Hall: (Including the octagonal stair):
8? x 17?, ceiling at first floor 9?, ceiling at second floor 11?
The stair hall contains a coat closet and a small pantry. The
unusual stair with its oak railing wraps around a huge octagonal
colum which rises from the basement. The stair hall has imported
French ceiling lights which convey (an antique lantern does not).
The second floor has a linen closet and skylights making the space
unexpectedly bright.
SECOND FLOOR
Master Bedroom and Sitting Room: 15? x 28?,
ceiling 9? Bathroom (carpeted) 6? x 12?
This room is a haven. Its windows provide a panoramic view of
the rolling landscape to the east. Several features make it especially
lovely. The fireplace in the sitting area has a wall of magnificent
carved antique paneling in very rare tigers-eye oak. The paneling
conveys. A beautiful signed stained glass window overlooking the
conservatory was commissioned by the owner and does not convey,
but is open to negotiation. The rosewood and brass ceiling fan
conveys. There is a bank of closets in a dressing hall between
the bedroom and bath and a separate closet for shoes and hats.
Studio/Office:
13? x 15?. Ceiling 14.5? Window alcove 5? x 3? deep
This completely unexpected and secluded space is accessed from
the master bedroom. There are four storage closets, including
two, 6? x 16? walk-ins. Access to an electrician?s attic at the
very top of the house is via this room.
Second Bedroom:
12? x 20?, ceiling 9? Bathroom (L-shaped and carpeted) 10? x 15?
This bedroom is larger than most master bedrooms and has perfect
cross ventilation. The ceiling has a rosewood and brass fan. The
bathroom, which has a skylight, provides access to a 5.5? x 10?
walk-in closet.
Note: The balcony between the two bedrooms overlooks
the conservatory and is ample for a small sitting area.
BASEMENT AND GARAGE:
The basement and garage occupies the same footprint as the entire
area of the first floor, including the dining room porch. The
garage is large enough for a limousine or large RV. There is a
separate potting area as well as a comfortable workspace with
plenty of natural light. The workspace contains built-in cabinets
centered by a pantry with 19th century doors that convey.
The basement contains a very large laundry room
with additional built-in storage, ample room for freezers and
contains a working gas stove which conveys. The new washing machine
(to of the line) and dryer convey as does a horizontal freezer.
Between the basement stair hall and garage is a
tool room. Off the tool room is a storage area for mowers and
tractor with double doors to the outside. This room contains the
electrical panels and a converter panel for self-generated electricity.
The existing generator (only rarely used) is capable of running
the entire house. The generator conveys, as does the tractor mower
if desired. A door from this room provides access to the remainder
of the basement, a huge area with a 9? ceiling and dirt floor,
with a potential wine cellar roughed in.
MLS#: LO4324532
LIST PRICE: $835,000
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