A Look at the Market in Northwest Washington
October 10, 2012 â– Page 21
Crestwood Spanish Colonial shines with smart updates
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uyers looking for a property with substantial natural light and a layout that’s right for today’s families might not consider
ON THE MARKET caRol buckley
a 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival home. Too dark, they may think, with low, beamed ceilings and a warren of small rooms. But this 1925 Crestwood property proves those assumptions wrong. The nine-foot ceilings do have beams, but they give structure to these large rooms rather than hem them in. And loads of windows on this corner lot allow in quite a bit of natural light. The overall effect, says Realtor and owner Katherine Kranenburg, is one of California living: easy and relaxed, with a thin line between indoors and out. And those outdoors will appeal to buyers who don’t want to start a landscaping scheme from scratch. Mature perennials ring the property, from huge crepe myrtles at the backyard’s border to the colorful and inventive mix of East Coast standbys with sculptural yuccas — the latter a nod at the home’s archi-
tectural pedigree — in the front. In the home’s rear yard, trees and those plantings are a shady haven for swimmers in the pool. Seating areas abound here, including a patio near the pool, an open veranda adjacent to the bottom-level entrance and a wooden deck just above that. The combination has been party-tested and succeeded, said Kranenburg. “We do tons of entertaining here,� she said. Back on the ground floor, a few highlights catch the eye. There’s more than the beams to look at in the two-exposure living room. A stylized, somewhat heraldic mural decorates the fireplace with motifs taken from the natural world. Wellknown area muralist Byron Peck painted the piece, which sits atop a hammered copper mantel. Kranenburg renovated the kitchen with a sleek mix of white custom Sterling cabinets and Silestone black matte counters that offer the look of soapstone with none of the hassle. Spanish-designed lights over the large island are a modern-look version of leaded glass that’s appropriate to the home’s vintage. Architectural Ceramics glass tile forms a backsplash that’s another twist on a classic: Long, thin tiles
Photos courtesy of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
This five-bedroom, 3.5-bath house at 4500 17th St. is priced at $1,129,000. stretch along the wall in an updated take on subway tiles. Toward the door that leads to the wooden deck, a built-in desk sits near a coat closet and half-bath, both added by Kranenburg and featuring period doors and hardware — a touch that history-minded buyers will appreciate. At the other end of the kitchen, workspace segues into a dining room that can easily hold a large dinner party. Built-in custom shelving in the sunny library also has a heft that’s typical of older pieces. This spot, entered through French doors, can be used in a host of ways — even by the same owners. It was once Kranenburg’s home office; now, the
NEW LISTINGS
Elegance Defined
Kenwood, Md. Magnificent & grand Colonial on 2/3 acre lot. Featuring 8 BRs, 6.5 BAs. Elegance & grace throughout including a beautiful curving staircase to both the 2nd & 3rd floors. $2,995,000 Ted Beverley 301-728-4338 Pat Lore 301-908-1242
Quintessential Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase, MD. Four beautiful levels recently expanded & renovated. High end kitchen w/island breakfast area, Great room MBR suite w/spa bath. 5 BRs, 4.5 BAs. Flagstone patio. $1,879,000 Eric Murtagh 301-652-8971 Karen Kuchins 301-275-2255
bright room is a children’s art and play space. Two bedrooms — both with dual exposures — share a hall bath with the cast-iron tub original to the home. The master bedroom features a Juliet balcony and roomy closets with built-ins. In the master bath, heated marble floors, a frameless glass shower and a custom double vanity are the standouts. Storage is always at a premium in older homes, so Kranenburg developed an unorthodox solution. An odd corner of the second floor is
hidden from view, but peek around it and there’s Elfa shelving ready to hold out-of-season clothing, holiday decorations and more. The top level is a fourth bedroom that has other potential uses as well, including, as now, a home office. Like other spots here, the bottom level also shows evidence of a detail-oriented renovation. Custom shelving in the family room offers both open and closed storage. The home theater system now there will not remain with the house, but See House/Page 24
Impeccable
Chevy Chase, DC. Seamlessly renovated white Colonial on one of Barnaby Woods most coveted blks. Fabulous kitchen, brkfst rm, family rm. 4 BRs/ 3.5 BAs include MBR suite w/spa ba. Fin. 3rd flr w/BR & playroom. Walk-out LL w/rec rm & frpl. $1,199,000 Ellen Abrams 202-255-8219 Anne-Marie Finnell 202-329-7117
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Space and Light
Chevy Chase, DC. Colonial on private wooded lot in quiet neighborhood. 4 BRs, 3.5 BAs. Family rm addition. MBR suite w/new ba, 13’5� ceilings & brick frpl. Loft BR w/skylights. Att. garage. $975,000 Ellen Abrams 202-255-8219 Anne-Marie Finnell 202-329-7117
CHEVY CHASE 4400 JENIFER STREET NW 202-364-1700
Contemporary Style
Colonial Village. Beautiful & spacious custom home overlooking Rock Creek Park. Living rm w/access to patio, open kitchen w/granite & SS appl. 3 BRs on main level. LL w/rec rm, powder rm & library. 2 car garage. $799,000 Delia McCormick 301-977-7273
Great Views
Cleveland Park. Three exposures in this spacious (1200 sf) one bedroom at The Broadmoor coop. Living rm w/French drs to solarium. Entrance foyer, den/office, updated kit & formal DR. Period details. $445,000 Susan Berger   202-255-5006 Ellen Sandler    202-255-5007
DUPONT 1509 22ND STREET NW 202-464-8400
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