Nestled on a sprawling, level half-acre double lot, along a verdant stretch in the heart of sought-after Chevy Chase Village Section Three, 3626 Raymond Street is the classic craftsman charmer. From the curbside, the home’s warm yellow shingle and green trimmed exterior radiates character amongst today’s cookie cutter residences. A low stacked-stone wall is bifurcated by a central flagstone walkway offering an elegant approach across the manicured front lawn, stepping up into the charming covered porch. Adjacent is a paver motor court offering ample surface parking in addition to a neatly integrated carport. The Hollywood film-worthy interiors continue the old-world ethos, with stunning, rich, intricate millwork throughout, showcasing a level of craftsmanship from a far bygone era. Meticulous curation has infused the century-old space with fully modern amenities to suit present-day lifestyle demands. The central foyer’s showpiece is the grand staircase, bent around an integrated bench and whose intricacy is peerless. Embassy-sized formal living and dining rooms flank the entryway in a traditional center hall configuration, setting the tone for deceptively grand spaces. The former features a roaring fireplace and two full exposures to natural light. The latter has a buffet cabinet built into the bay window sill, coffered ceiling, pinhole lighting to establish a sophisticated ambiance, and flows into a recessed library nook surrounded by built-ins. The main informal living area is the spacious family room, also featuring a wall of built-ins opposite a set of sliding doors opening onto the covered rear porch, an ideal setting for al fresco dining or entertaining. The family room is connected to the kitchen area by a spectacular transverse gallery, its floor-to-ceiling picture windows blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. A decidedly more modern space, the kitchen connects to the rest of the main level via a custom, fully wooden island with integrated seating and introduces a commercial-grade Wolf range and state-of-the-art, full size refrigeration for the culinary enthusiast. An adjacent, ethereal breakfast nook and mudroom area complete the main level. A private study introduces the upper level primary suite, occupying a substantial portion of the home’s footprint. The bedroom is privately tucked away and enjoys lush views from a wall of glass, while the dressing area comprises three walk-in closet areas on dual levels. In stark contrast, the primary bath is lavishly clad in Calacatta marble and generously equipped with dual inset vanities, a separate full powder room, freestanding clawfoot tub, walk-in shower enclosure, and Waterworks fixtures. Completing the upper level are a bedroom suite, two additional bedrooms sharing a hall bath, and a convenient laundry room. Two additional bedrooms, easily repurposed as bonus spaces, a full bath, and a communal sitting area are found on the top level. The self-sufficient lower level intertwines leisure and function with a recreation room, kitchenette, bedroom, full bath, and second laundry room, while a private office wing opposite spans the entire depth of the home. One of the best features of the home is the enormous backyard featuring a covered mahogany porch, a sprawling 60-foot pool w/ auto cover, expansive green space and lovely specimen gardens. A true rarity so close to the City.
