Special feature: Sophisticated lifestyle pleases

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By Michele Lerner

While some people think of condominiums as "starter homes," available at lower prices than town homes and single-family homes, that is not always the case in the Washington area. Many condominiums have lavish amenities and sophisticated appointments that come with an equally lavish price tag.

Mostly located within the city limits or in the close-in suburbs of Bethesda and Arlington, these upscale developments pamper residents with concierge services and guest suites for visitors, fitness centers, doormen, security, roof decks and more. Some even have restaurants in the building, which provide room service and catering to residents.

Many of the larger condominium buildings in Washington have homes that range from moderately priced homes on the lower floors to superexpensive penthouses, but this article features buildings with homes priced at $500,000 or higher.

Washington

Luxurious amenities can be found in abundance at 22 West, located between New Hampshire Avenue and 22nd Street NW. This prime location is within walking distance of Georgetown, Dupont Circle and the Foggy Bottom Metro station.

The sleek, contemporary high-rise building has both curving and sharply angled walls of glass. The building also has a uniformed doorman, optional valet parking, a 24-hour desk staff, an on-site manager, concierge and engineer. Residents in the 92 homes have indoor parking spaces and a storage unit. Amenities include a rooftop swimming pool, a fitness center, a restaurant offering room service, a common room with city views and a garden terrace.

Nearly two dozen different floor plans are available, ranging in size from 948 to 3,600 square feet with one to three bedrooms, some with a den. Base prices range from $783,500 for a one-bedroom home to $3,438,500 for a three-bedroom home with a den. Penthouses are priced from $1,839,500 to $3,898,500. Monthly condominium fees range from $700 to $2,800, which includes all utilities. The homes have floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, oak floors, balconies, terraces, French doors and high-tech wiring, along with a gourmet kitchen and a marble master bath. Call 202/333-3313 or visit www.22west-dc.com.

At 2501 Pennsylvania Ave., Intrepid Residential, a subsidiary of Intrepid Real Estate LLC, is building 16 sophisticated condominium homes. Depending on the floor plan, these lavish homes will include such features as a private elevator lobby, a circular foyer, an outdoor terrace with a separate, enclosed indoor terrace room, a media room or a formal dining room. The developers are saving the 19th-century brick facade of the Luzon, an apartment building on the site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The building includes two reserved underground parking spaces for each residence, a 24-hour lobby attendant and wiring for a personal security system for each home. The prime location is within walking distance of Georgetown, Dupont Circle, the Kennedy Center, George Washington University and the Foggy Bottom Metro. A Trader Joe's specialty grocery store is across the street from the building.

Standard features include marble counters and custom Italian cabinets in the kitchen, marble master baths, upgraded appliances and a choice of wide-plank exotic hardwood floors in teak, Brazilian cherry or oak. The homes have 10-foot ceilings, walls of windows, recessed lighting, multizone heating and air conditioning and high-speed Internet access. The homes are priced from $1,800,000 to over $4,000,000. Condominium fees range from $1,800 to $2,000 per month. Call 202/659-2501 or visit www.2501penn.com.