Designers call the concept “bringing the outside in,” and, just in time for summer, a contemporary home in Bethesda offers just that in magnificent fashion: A solarium, two covered decks and a terrace, all on a scenic, wooded lot.
Just off River Road, the house at 6217 Winston Drive is on the market for $775,000. It sits on a hill amid tall, mature trees. Glass doors, skylights and walls of bright windows usher in the sunshine. The home was custom-built in 1981 with unique architecture and window placements that make it an eye-catching find.
Guests walk up a short set of steps to enter the home through a two-story solarium with black tile floors, a bright, upbeat room that welcomes guests into the home.
A glass door from the solarium opens to a hallway leading to the main level of the four-bedroom home with an open floor plan. Along this hallway, a set of sliding glass doors opens onto one of two decks with striped awnings. This deck faces the front entrance. A half bath across from the deck is outfitted with white cabinets and a black-and-white wallpaper design.
Gleaming hardwood floors and the tall ceilings go well with the modern design. The open living room and dining room are the focal point of the home and feature a vaulted beamed ceiling.
The living room has a fireplace flanked by two rectangular windows and high wedge-shaped windows on the back wall. The living room flows seamlessly into the formal dining room, which offers plenty of room for a large table to seat guests when entertaining.
Glass doors in the dining room lead to another deck with an awning that overlooks the side yard and its natural landscape.
The kitchen features a center-island cooktop with room for several stools, white cabinetry and gray Formica counters. One of the walls has a long counter with an opening for a chair to use it as a desk, as well as extra cabinet space and room for the phone and other home-office accouterments.
The large, charming breakfast room has scenic views of the outdoors. Situated on the far end of the kitchen, the sunny breakfast room features a wall of rich wood-paneled windows that looks out onto the terrace and garden area. This room also has a ceiling fan, track lighting and recessed lights. Appliances include a built-in oven, gas range, refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposal.
A glass door opens from the breakfast room to the terrace and deck. This backyard haven features bamboo, flower gardens and huge trees — one of which actually figures into the deck’s design and provides shade. Built-in benches border the two-level deck, while a small relaxing pond in one corner of the deck suggests tranquillity. A flagstone walkway leads from the back around to the front of the house.
A stairway in the front hall is the path to the upper level, which houses only the master suite and a loft. Along the stairway, there is a ledge covered with small, green ceramic tiles that would make the perfect place to set plants or other decorative items. The open loft space overlooks the main level.
The master bedroom is a comfortable retreat, and its location guarantees privacy in the sleeping quarters.
This room has a vaulted ceiling, hardwood floors and ceiling fan. It features windows that open and look down into the solarium. The closet comprises a long hall lined on both sides with doors and a vaulted glass ceiling for plenty of natural light.
The suite includes a spacious master bathroom, which has a long tub with jets, stand-up shower, raised sink and a bidet. White ceramic tiles cover the floor, and tall, olive-green cabinets highlight one of the walls.
The remaining three bedrooms and two baths, as well as a family room, are found on the finished lower level. One of the bedrooms with an extra-tall ceiling is now being used as a home office.
Down the hall are two more bedrooms with closets and above-ground windows.
The family room is an inviting space suited for family relaxation or entertaining. This room has white, built-in bookcases, two large windows and recessed lights.
There is also a laundry room with a washer and dryer on this level, as well as a separate door leading to the front driveway. This area would work well as an in-law suite or nanny’s quarters.
Address: 6217 Winston Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817
Community: Country Club Village
Age: 22 years
Price: $775,000
Size: A lot of 0.31 acre
Taxes: $4,364
Exterior features: Contemporary design, wood siding, balcony, deck, patio, terraced garden, large driveway, landscaping
Interior features: Four bedrooms, three full baths, loft, solarium, skylights, living-room fireplace, hardwood floors, open beam ceilings, French doors, vaulted ceilings, country kitchen, kitchen island, breakfast room, recessed lighting
Amenities: Humidifier, bidet, master whirlpool bath, gas range and oven, wet bar
Schools: Wood Acres Elementary, Thomas Pyle Middle, Walt Whitman High
Close by: White Flint Mall, shops, Strathmore Hall Arts Center, restaurants
Open house: By appointment
Contact: Jane Fairweather of Coldwell Residential Brokerage at 301/530-HOME
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