McLean, VA May 2025 by City Lifestyle

A masterpiece of design

$5,999,900

A LUXURY OASIS ON A PRIVATE 5-ACRE ESTATE

Tucked Away on a Private Road off of Georgetown Pike in Great Falls

This stunning 5-acre estate offers an unparalleled blend of elegance, comfort, and resort-style living. Boasting nearly 9,000 square feet on the Main Level, and 13000 square feet under roof for the ultimate in single-level living. This custom-built home is a masterpiece of design, featuring the highest quality materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and over $1 million in breathtaking landscaping. Sophisticated Interior & Grand Living Spaces As you step through the grand mahogany double doors, a magnificent reception hall with hardwood floors and custom moldings welcomes you. The sunken formal living room, with a striking masonry fireplace and expansive views of the pool, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Adjacent, the formal dining room also overlooks the outdoor oasis, setting the stage for elegant gatherings. The chef’s kitchen is a culinary dream, featuring two center islands—one for cooking and another for prep—top-of-the-line appliances, industrial-strength gas cooking, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, black galaxy countertops, and custom flat paneled cherry cabinetry. A spacious Costco pantry, powder room, and garage entry foyer provide additional convenience.

The open-concept breakfast area, with walls of glass, seamlessly flows into the family room, which showcases a stunning stone fireplace, custom built-ins, and recessed lighting throughout. Just outside, an outdoor kitchen and private poolside bathroom, featuring a private spa with a sauna, shower as well as a separate apartment with a bedroom, living room, kitchenette, full bath, and separate entrance. Hidden away in the corner is a Sports Court. All this elevates the outdoor entertaining experience.

A dedicated office wing offers two private offices—ideal for working from home—along with an additional formal powder room. The bedroom wing features five oversized bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, walk-in closets, and recessed lighting. The primary suite is a sanctuary of relaxation, with a private sitting area, dual-sided fireplace, and direct access to the patio and pool.

Schedule your private tour today and experience the unmatched beauty of this remarkable home.

Introducing McLean City Lifestyle

Welcome to the premiere issue of McLean City Lifestyle! We’re beyond thrilled to bring this magazine to life and, more importantly, to bring our McLean/Great Falls community together in new and exciting ways.

McLean/Great Falls is more than just a beautiful place to live — it’s a place where neighbors support one another, where small businesses thrive, and where every resident has a story worth telling. We’re overjoyed to celebrate the people, places, and passions that make this community so special.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes. We’re honored to be your guide to all things McLean/Great Falls, and we hope this magazine becomes a source of inspiration, connection, and community pride.

Best wishes,

SUZANNE PURDY, PUBLISHER @MCLEANCITYLIFESTYLE

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Purdy | suzanne.purdy@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Natalie Tsay | natalie.tsay@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Natalie Tsay

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Andrea Joseph May 2025

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Proverbs 3:5-6

Your neighborhood boutique furniture store situated right in Old Town Alexandria.

Creative Classics is your neighborhood boutique furniture store situated right in Old Town Alexandria. We specialize in high-quality, American-made furniture. Buy American products to avoid import tariffs and support American families. All items can be customized to your liking; from different sizes, upholstery in various performance fabrics and full grain leathers, and wood products in many different stain colors and wood species. Our design specialists are available to help you create the perfect space in your home. All deliveries are made by our own delivery team, we never outsource this service. We offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that you will not find at large retailers. Come visit our NEWLY RENOVATED 9500 square foot showroom, we have something for every style and budget.

Design services | Customized options for furniture | White glove delivery and set up

1: The U.S. Capitol Building 2: The Lincoln Memorial 3: The National Mall and Washington Monument Photography by Caitlyn Abigail Purdy

Built in 2023 by Kul Homes, this stunning residence offers 7,408 total square feet across three levels, featuring high ceilings, recessed lighting, crown moldings, oversized windows, and hardwood floors.

The house backs to parkland & county maintained trails system. Designed for both comfort and elegance, the home boasts 6 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms, including a main-level bedroom with an en-suite bath. A truly exceptional home in a prime location! This like-new home offers plenty of storage throughout and can accommodate an elevator.

For more details, visit www.1564ForestVillaLn.com

More Than a Workout

Finding self-care and community through fitness

There’s no shortage of advice on how to get in shape. From trendy workout programs to quick-fix fitness fads, it can feel like there’s always a new “best” way to stay active. If you listened to many of these tips, you’d think fitness is one-size-fits-all — but it’s far from it. Because everybody (and every body) is different, what works for your neighbor may not work for you at all. In other words, fitness is highly personal.

But it’s not just about which muscle groups to target or how to get your cardio workout. Getting and staying fit, like many things in life, is all in the approach. To Glenn Lebowitz, Co-Owner of FLEXX Fitness, fitness is the foundation that holds up everything else. “My life is a pyramid. Fitness is the base level,” says Lebowitz. “Being fit sets the baseline for me to be a little bit sharper mentally and a little bit more focused and unencumbered emotionally.”

Just as fitness can be about self-care, it can also be about finding community. For Lebowitz, FLEXX Fitness isn’t just a place for people to exercise — it’s a way to bring the community together. “McLean doesn’t have

ARTICLE BY NATALIE TSAY

a community center, and I think we can be that,” says Lebowitz. Members are greeted by name, and quickly get to know each other thanks to the small class sizes and just-right-sized gym space. FLEXX fosters connections, accountability, and support not just from the trainers, but between members.

And the perks don’t stop at the weight rack. Whether it’s through the many discounts at local businesses that gymgoers receive as part of their membership, a schedule of classes customized to the community’s wants and needs, or free clubs (like a walking club) open to all, FLEXX is truly committed to serving the people of McLean and providing a sense of community.

Clearly, there are many benefits to an active lifestyle. But if you’re not in a regular fitness routine, where should you start? Lebowitz recommends making small commitments to fitness every single day: walking, stretching, and riding a bike are just a few examples.

Physically, it’s important to keep your body moving — but it’s also a great way to keep calm. “We're all stressed, and for me fitness is a way I deal with the stress,” says Lebowitz.

“And if you love other people, which most of us do, you're better for them. You can help them more if you're okay, too. So taking care of yourself is kind of critical.”

The most important thing you can do, according to the experts at FLEXX, is change the way you think about fitness in the first place.

“Starting a health or fitness journey is

probably one of the more difficult habits to build,” says Alexandra Puryear, Manager of FLEXX. “But once you get started, it becomes a part of your normal routine. And I think if you can make the shift mentally on changing the verbiage from ‘I have to work out’ to ‘I get to work out’ or ‘I enjoy working out,’ that little shift in mindset helps to build that habit.”

At the end of the day, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. And fitness is about so much more than just breaking a sweat. At FLEXX, self-care is at the heart of every personalized fitness plan, and the gym is a space where people can connect, grow, and support each other. Because when you feel your best, you’re able to show up fully — for yourself and your community.

A LEGACY OF ELEGANCE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

For over thirty years, our clients have joined us on transformative journeys. From our beginnings in Vienna to our current presence in Northern Virginia’s prestigious neighborhoods, we remain committed to exceptional service, community engagement, and strong family values.

Discover the ancient tradition of relaxation with our Moroccan Hammam at Nordine Salon & Day Spa. This authentic ritual purifies and softens the skin through ceremonial steam and rejuvenating exfoliation, offering a unique journey to wellness.

DIY Duotone Statement Earrings

Shake Up Your Jewelry Box With These Handmade Geometric Earrings— Perfect For Yourself Or As A Gift For Your Best Ladies

SUPPLIES:

• 2 half-circle stamping blanks

• 2 large gold bars

• 2 medium gold bars

• 2 ear wires

• Jump rings, assorted sizes

• Embroidery thread

• Metal punch

• Bent nose forceps

• Needle nose pliers

Use both your bent nose forceps and needle nose pliers to secure each end of the jump ring. Gently twist the jump ring to open the gap, and place the jump ring through the holes in the pieces you are connecting. When securely through both pieces, gently twist the jump ring in the opposite direction to close the gap and secure the pieces.

2. 3. 4. 5.

Make sure to have all of your materials gathered before starting the project for easy assembly.

Take your half-circle stamping blanks, large gold bars and medium gold bars and arrange them in the order you want your earrings to flow. You can see how we arranged ours, but consider switching up the placement of each item for varying earring styles.

Mark where each of the holes line up on the individual pieces. These spots are where you’ll be creating holes with the metal punch to connect each item with jump rings.

Once you have your spots marked, carefully and precisely punch holes in your individual pieces. Once all of your holes are punched, connect each piece with the desired size of jump ring.

For an added touch, punch extra holes in the bottom piece and finish off with knotted embroidery thread for a bohemian tassel effect. 1.

RETIRING IN STYLE

BRINGING QUIET LUXURY TO THE DMV

There’s no denying that the word “retirement” has close associations with the word “Florida.” For decades, people across the country (including the DMV) have packed it all up and flown south to spend their retirement somewhere warm. But over the years, the number of retirement-age residents in Virginia has been steadily growing. More and more, people are choosing to spend their golden years in the DMV, not down the

ARTICLE BY NATALIE TSAY PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA JOSEPH

coast. And with one of the most appealing cities in the world to call home, it’s no wonder that many don’t want to leave.

But when starting a new chapter in life, retirees often need new accommodations. Those who don’t yet need to change any part of their routine may opt for independent living. Those who need help with daily tasks and want immediate access to medical care may opt for assisted living, and those dealing with even more drastic changes could require memory care. One new rental retirement community in Tysons Corner offers a tailored living experience for every stage of life.

The Trillium redefines what it means to retire, offering a lifestyle that is both effortless and enriching, purposeful and inspired by passion. “Our residents aren’t moving in because they need to move in,” says Martin. “They’re moving in because they want a maintenance-free lifestyle.” Every detail is meticulously managed, allowing residents to spend their days pursuing what they love — whether that’s travel, friendships, or personal passions. Free from the burdens of home maintenance and daily meal planning, they gain the ultimate luxury: the freedom to live on their own terms.

“OUR RESIDENTS ARE MOVING IN BECAUSE THEY WANT A MAINTENANCE-FREE LIFESTYLE.”

Though one of the highlights of retirement is doing more of what you love, it can be a daunting task to create a routine that incorporates everything. Luckily, residents of The Trillium don’t have to look very far to find countless ways to pursue whatever fulfills them. “Upon moving in, residents complete an interest form, allowing us to tailor our programming to their passions and preferences," says Martin. Whether it’s a sushi-making social in the lobby, a show at Capital One Hall, or a trip to the Library of Congress, the residents are certainly not wanting for options to enrich their everyday lives.

For many retirees, especially those who have spent much of their lives in and around DC, prefer the hustle and bustle. The Trillium is nestled in the vibrant Boro district, a location chosen partially for its proximity to the highway and the metro, partially for its access to countless restaurants and shops. But the Boro district is also a very intergenerational neighborhood, a “community that is truly of all ages,” according to Samantha Martin, Director of Sales at The Trillium. And that’s something that residents want: a place that is neither all young people nor all older people. A place that attracts people from all stages of life.

And while the surroundings might be bustling, the community is a tasteful sanctuary: thoughtfully designed spaces are bathed in natural light, showcasing exquisite fixtures and contemporary art set against pristine walls. The state-ofthe-art fitness center and salon/spa in the lobby allow residents to focus on taking care of themselves without going far. The abundance of natural light creates an airy, open ambiance — a design philosophy that extends throughout the community. Retirement doesn’t have to take place somewhere else anymore. Like recent college grads or parents raising children, retirees can have comfortable, fulfilling lives right here in the DMV. And for those who appreciate quality and understated sophistication in every facet of life, The Trillium is the embodiment of quiet luxury — where elegance is effortless and every detail is carefully curated.

Creating a HOME

NOT JUST A HOUSE

Designing award-winning and best-selling homes for over twenty years, James McDonald Associate Architects’ goal is to create a custom home made for you, helping to make the realization that your dream home is only an ask away.

Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community.

Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction. Your dream life is waiting.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

From Stem To Vase:

TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART

Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings. As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the superstitions associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language. In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.

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“Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance.”

Flower Frogs

Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.

“Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.”

Florals and Fruit

Add an extra burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase to preserve their shape. Fill the surrounding space with water and then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.

“Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.”

Hanging Florals

For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between long-stemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.

No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.

“They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.”

GARDEN TO GLASS

DIY COCKTAILS WITH FRESH HERBS

Nothing says spring like the aroma of fresh-cut herbs in a crisp, cold, cocktail. With warmer weather finally here, growing herbs at home can transform your cocktail hour and add a fresh kick to your springtime favorites.

Growing herbs is incredibly easy and can be done in a variety of ways—from a container in a window, to a planter box in the yard. With a container or garden full of fresh herbs, you will be ready to take your cocktails up a notch.

Basil is a bright herb that is easy to grow and perfect for cocktails. Make sure to harvest immediately before mixing drinks and take leaves from the top to ensure a continual harvest. Fresh muddled basil leaves lend a crispness to the Gin Basil Cucumber cocktail.

Sage is easy to grow and does well in containers. The leaves add an earthy freshness to a refreshing cherry-infused Bourbon.

Mint is also easy to grow, but give it lots of room, as it likes to spread out and is virtually indestructible in the garden. Mint is a versatile herb but is especially lovely in the Rhubarb Mint Mojito.

Try recreating these refreshing cocktails with herbs grown at home and take your cocktail game to new heights!

ARTICLE BY TARA NORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADALYN SINCLAIR