The Woodruffs’ Vallonia

sears Vallonia on Franklin

It’s always fun to follow up on some old blog posts, and even more fun when we can announce a historic mail-order home for sale in the process! A few years ago, we wrote about a popular Sears catalog model, the “Vallonia.” Its arts-and-crafts style and spacious expandable interior hit the taste of the 1920s and was loved in our area as well; about a dozen still existing specimen in DC and its close-in suburbs have been authenticated so far. We featured Vallonia owners Kathryn and Simon back then, and here’s the exciting news: You can see their lovely home from the inside now, and you could even purchase it! It’s listed for $619,000 and open this weekend.

The home’s first owner was a certain Miles L Woodruff, who–according to the DC City Directory from 1928–lived in the house with his wife, Myrtle, née England. Myrtle and Miles had only been married since 1923, when Miles was 24 years old and Myrtle was 22. The kids certainly got on with their lives a little faster a hundred years ago, didn’t they! They listed Sears Roebuck as the “architect” on their 1927 building permit, and the closest railroad tracks for the delivery of the parts was barely a couple of blocks away. We don’t know what Miles did for a living, but Myrtle was listed as a “dictaphone operator for the Aviation Institute of the US”. (Check this out if you have no clue what that might even have been.)

Fast-forward to the pandemic year of 2020, and you will find a fabulous 5-bedroom home with an awesome 21st-century kitchen and a huge backyard. (And in case you’ll ever find yourself going to an office again, the place is just about three and a half miles away from the U.S. Capitol.) It’s a nice mix of historic architectural detail (those narrow-width floors!) and modern conveniences. We loved Miles and Myrtle’s radiators and some iron ovens that perhaps could still heat up the basement.

As for Simon and Kathryn, we’re not at liberty to say where they ran off to, but just want to congratulate them on their adorable new baby boy. He’s a total charmer, and one day, they’ll probably take him back to visit 3003 Franklin St NE in Langdon. Brace yourself!

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East Bethesda Beauty

Please join us for our first open house this Sunday, May 5 from 1-4pm.

4705 Maple Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814

Get ready to fall in love with this lovely home offering 1920s charm and character and 21st century amenities. The custom architect-designed 3-story addition provides beautiful spaces and lots of light. This well-thought out home has it all: gracious formal rooms, a generous open kitchen and family room, cozy corners, three fireplaces, and gorgeously designed outdoor spaces. The lot measures 9,000+ s.f. with a deck, patio, front porch, off-street parking, a gazebo and a water feature.You’re steps from downtown Bethesda, shopping, dining and entertainment. WalkScore rates this superb location a 90 (“Walker’s Paradise”), and the Bethesda Metro station is just 0.5 miles away.

4911 Chevy Chase Boulevard, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Set on a quiet street just steps from Norwood Park, this brick colonial is close to downtown Bethesda and Friendship Heights. The unassuming exterior belies a bright and expansive interior space. 

The entry leads to an extensive kitchen/family room addition with southern exposures. In the front of the home, a charming living room with wood-burning fireplace opens to a formal dining room. Back in the addition, skylights, a vaulted ceiling and an arched gable transom bring in light and connect to the outdoors – a spacious, level fenced back yard with a patio. The kitchen has a large island and an abundance of cabinets. All first floor hardwoods have been newly refinished. Upstairs on the second level you’ll find a renovated hall bath along with two good size bedrooms. There is also a third room which can serve as an office or nursery. The third floor owner’s suite features a full bath, bedroom  and ample attic storage. 

The lower level is unfinished but freshly painted and houses the washer/dryer and a full bath.  It was formerly home to some pretty fierce ping-pong competitions!

Offered at $1,099,000

Open Saturday, March 6 from 2-4pm and Sunday, March 7 from 1-4pm.

For more photos go to: bit.ly/4911-Chevy-Chase

East Bethesda Cape Cod

4545 South Chelsea Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814

Arguably the prettiest cottage on the block, this 1930s brick Cape Cod resides in the Glenbrook Village section of East Bethesda. Walk to Metro (NIH Medical Center/Red Line is 0.7 miles), downtown Bethesda, Walter Reed, parks, hundreds of shops and restaurants, Harris Teeter and Starbucks. Walk Score® gives it a 74, which means most errands can be done on foot.

The newly renovated kitchen features stainless appliances, quartz countertops and a spacious butler’s pantry. It opens to a sunny, separate dining room. The living room has a wood burning fireplace and is open to a comfortable family/TV room (which the sellers are willing to return to its original bedroom layout upon request). A bedroom and a full bath complete the first level.

Upstairs you’ll find a generous bedroom running the entire width of the house, a walk-in-closet, a dressing room (currently used as a home office)  and a full bath.

The basement provides a spacious recreation room, a third full bath with a jetted tub,  a work shop/utility room, a guest room with a pull-down Murphy bed and a laundry room with an exit to the side yard.  The verdant outdoor space oozes with charm. The back yard features a raised deck, ample seating and dining spaces, a built-in hot tub, swing, large patio and a shed. There is private off-street parking.

Click here for more photos.

Open Sunday, April 14 from 1-4pm.

Offered at $799,000

For more information contact:

Marcie Sandalow/Compass 301-758-4894 or Marcie@Compass.com
or
Catarina Bannier/Compass 202-487-7177 or Catarina@Compass.com

6BR/3.5BA in Cleveland Park

3711 Idaho Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016

Classic 1920’s brick colonial in a lovely Cleveland Park setting. Light and bright, this expanded house offers abundant space throughout. The 2006 renovation/addition added amazing tree-top views from the third floor, a large master bedroom and a sunny family/breakfast room. The living room overlooks the front of the house with park views. The spacious dining room can seat a large party. The open kitchen offers a variety of stainless appliances (Bosch, Kitchen Aid & Dacor) and granite counter tops. The basement provides great overflow space with a recreation, exercise, laundry and storage rooms. There is a car port in the back along with a handsome stone patio. The yard was professionally landscaped and maintained, and even though the season doesn’t show it to its advantage right now, it’s lush and handsomely done. Sidwell Friends is just around the corner. Shopping, groceries and restaurants are a 3-block stroll. Metro is 0.8 miles, though buses to downtown DC can be found on Wisconsin Avenue. The house resides within the boundaries of the Cleveland Park Club which has a pool and party facilities.

First Open House: Sunday, February 17 from 1-4pm.

Offered at $1,895,000

Victorian Perfection, Down to a T

1509 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

Offered at $1,395,000

First Open House:  Sunday, September 2 from 1-4pm

Situated in the Greater U-Street Historic District (and simultaneously located within the boundaries of Dupont), this stately Victorian home resides in a thriving, ever-dynamic neighborhood on a tree-lined street within blocks of “everything”!

Feel the substance and grace of life in the 19th century while enjoying the ease and comforts of the 21st. The U-Street and 14th Street corridors offer everything from superb dining and night life, stylish shopping & health clubs to supermarkets, caffeine and other every-day needs.

In the home itself, a tiled foyer leads to a deep reception hall, offering a traditional yet semi-open floor plan with a bay-front living room, large dining room, coat closet, powder room and eat-in kitchen on the first floor. Access to the backyard and patio provide lovely flow for entertaining.

On the upper two floors, find a total of five gracious bedrooms and two full, renovated baths with ample closet space. The master bathroom features a jetted tub, dual vanities, a separate toilet enclosure and a separate shower. Gallery lighting on the third floor showcases your art work, and green vistas in all directions make for a tranquil atmosphere.

Radiator heat and two-zone central air conditioning guarantee comfort in all seasons. The unfinished basement offers ample storage along with a laundry room, a separate exit and lots of future potential. And with a parking space in back–secured by remote-controlled gate–you’ll never have to worry about coming home late.

For more information contact:

Catarina Bannier 202-487-7177 or Catarina@Compass.com
or
Marcie Sandalow 301-758-4894 or Marcie@Compass.com

More NEWS from the Chestnut Team!

4409 chestnut

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UNDER CONTRACT

If “Chestnut Street” rings a bell, or if you have a vague feeling you might have seen this before, that would be because this is our fifth (5th!!) listing on the same street this year. They all couldn’t be more different from one another, though. If not a coincidence, perhaps it’s serendipity (but we’re totally open to new streets!). This weekend, we’re presenting 4409 Chestnut St.

 Things we LOVE about this new listing near Downtown Bethesda:

  • The shady front porch with room for plants.
  • Wide living room, perfect for nights in with family and friends. (And a center fireplace that has a cast iron wood stove insert for extra cozy gatherings.)
  • Renovated kitchen!
  • Plenty of natural light in the dining room attached to the kitchen.
  • Den/TV room next to the dining room. And right next to that, a second bathroom with dual vanities and a jetted tub enclosure, with lots of light. 
  • Green views in all directions. The deck off the dining room is ideal for grilling, reading or watching fireflies.
  • Versatile basement: Tons of storage space, a laundry room and a bright in-law suite with full bath and second kitchen.
  • A workshop across the entire back of the house. Drywalled and insulated and ready to be turned into living space if needed. The possibilities are endless: a teenagers’ hangout, a hobby zone, a home office–or even just a garage!

East Bethesda combines the best of the suburbs with the amenities of big city living.  Medical Center and Bethesda metro stations are each about 0.8 miles away. The new Harris Teeter and hundreds of restaurants and shops are all within walking distance. East Bethesda has an active citizens association that plans events throughout the year, including the ever famous Halloween Parade.  Just a few short blocks away, Lynbrook Park is the neighborhood anchor with tennis courts, a playground, a baseball diamond and a gathering spot for dogs (and their people).

$799,000

3+ bedrooms, 3 full baths. 

California Dreaming in Bethesda

It doesn’t get much better! Come check out our favorite new listing:

UNDER CONTRACT

4304 Chestnut Street

Bethesda, MD 20814

Offered at $949,000

First Open House:  Sunday, July 15 from 1-4pm. 

Beautifully remodeled and expanded with an attention to detail throughout, this lovely home offers bright and inviting spaces for every aspect of modern living. The open floor plan allows in light and creates great flow for entertaining. Understated Arts & Crafts features make for a unified and distinctive charm. 

True one-floor living makes this home the perfect condo alternative for those that prefer to be surrounded by lush green gardens yet want to be close to the many urban amenities of downtown Bethesda. NIH Medical Center and Bethesda Metros are each within a mile. Lynbrook Park with a playground, tennis courts, baseball diamond and leafy splendor is just around the corner.  A plethora of dining and shopping options are all within walking distance. 

3 Bedrooms/2.5 Baths. 

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For more information, get in touch!

Marcie Sandalow 301-758-4894 or Marcie@Compass.com

Cati Bannier 202-487-7177 or Catarina@Compass.com

Rarely available 2BR/2FB at City Vista

SOLD FOR $832,500

Multiple offers

475 K Street NW, Unit 716, Washington, DC 20001

Offered at $799,000

First Open House- – Sunday, June 24 from 1-4pm. 

Here’s your rare opportunity to own one of the brightest flats in this landmark luxury “it” building.  At City Vista, sleek city style meets great amenities in a vibrant and convenient historic neighborhood. 

Walls of windows offer spectacular city views from the spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath 7th floor corner unit. 

An open-concept living area with stainless/granite kitchen at the heart of the condo is framed by bedrooms on opposite sides for extra privacy. Brand new carpet in the bedrooms complements the freshly painted walls. Enjoy in-unit laundry, deeded garage parking and extra storage.  Step down for a coffee at Busboys and Poets in the morning, walk to your downtown office, come home for a swim in the rooftop pool at lunchtime, or watch the sunset from your west-facing balcony – this place truly has it all. A communal grill area and tables for rooftop dining against a spectacular setting, the beautifully designed party and community lounge, the residents’ library and private 1-acre interior park-like gardens make City Vista a truly exceptional place to call home. 

 

 

For more information, contact

Marcie Sandalow at 301-758-4894 or Marcie@Compass.com

or

Catarina Bannier at 202-487-7177 or Catarina@Compass.com

Bethesda Bungalow + Treehouse!

SOLD for $685,000

4417 Chestnut Street

Bethesda, MD 20814

Nestled in a tranquil setting, this lovely home offers a lot more space than you might imagine. On the main level, you will find a generous living room with south and west facing windows opening to a bright dining room. The kitchen is bright and cheery. Next to it is a family room/den whit a door leading to a raised deck. There are two bedrooms and a full bath on the main level. The lower level features a recreation room with built-in bookshelves, a spacious home office, full bath and a room currently serving as the third bedroom. There is also a laundry/utility room which leads to a storage room which opens to the backyard and lower deck. The treehouse is just about the cutest thing we’ve ever seen… perfect for evening cocktails, or, as was originally intended, a kid’s hideout (we still have the slide that goes with it!). 

The location is ideal as it has access to two metro stations (Bethesda and NIH Medical Center). Within easy walking distance are multiple restaurants, parks, downtown Bethesda, Metro, NIH, Walter Reed Medical Center, and award-winning Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. East Bethesda is renowned for it’s easy going vibe and friendly residents. 

Offered at $685,000

First Open House this Sunday, May 6 from 1-4pm. 

For more information, contact:

Marcie Sandalow 301-758-4894/Marcie@compass.com or

Catarina Bannier at 202-487-7177/Catarina@compass.com