Nestled amidst the wooded hills lining the Potomac River, this residence is a Hugh Newell Jacobsen masterpiece and one of the Capital Region’s most prized architectural treasures. A case study in modernist design since its conception in 1971, it was reimagined through a meticulous 2023 renovation by architect Wouter Boer and builder Alair. Set on nearly ten private acres, the property celebrates Jacobsen’s iconic design language while showcasing contemporary craftsmanship.
Arrival is marked by newly installed hardscaping, a reimagined driveway, and a sculptural parking port with pavers. In true Jacobsen fashion, the structure retains its original steel framing and hardware, with crisp, pavilion-like volumes draped over the rolling topography. Expansive panes of glass, upgraded to high-performance double-pane windows, dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior.
A pivoting front door beneath a minimalist entry portico opens to a foyer and interiors defined by white oak flooring and hand-applied Vasari plaster walls. A transverse gallery runs the length of the home, organizing the floor plan and allowing the living spaces to unfold in deliberate procession.
The central living room, grand in scale and anchored by a minimalist gas fireplace, overlooks a verdant backdrop and flows into a library with an integrated wet bar backed by CLE tile. Connected by a fully glazed corridor, the family room features a soaring cathedral ceiling, custom built-ins with marble knobs, and a balcony with glass railings.
The informal wing includes a spacious casual dining area and open kitchen by St. Clair, both opening onto a rear patio through multiple glass doors. The kitchen features bookmatched Monet marble countertops and a full-slab backsplash precisely aligned for visual continuity. Appliances by Miele, Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Fisher & Paykel are discreetly integrated. A generous mudroom leads to the detached, temperature-controlled two-car garage and additional guest parking.
True to Jacobsen’s philosophy of organizing spaces by function, the private wing is thoughtfully separated for tranquility. The reimagined primary suite features its own HVAC system, a custom dressing room, and a spa-inspired bath clad in Calacatta marble. The expanded bath includes an infrared sauna behind frosted glass, a floating double vanity honed from a single marble block, and a walk-in shower room.
Across the gallery, additional accommodations include a secondary suite with a Lacava vanity and two more bedrooms with walk-in closets. These are served by a hall bath with dual marble vanities and a walnut shower floor. A nearby laundry room features limestone countertops and cement tile flooring.
A fully independent guest house offers complete privacy with its own HVAC system, a full bath with cast iron tub, and new decking, ideal for visitors, staff, or extended family.
New systems include six Mitsubishi HVAC units with six-zone climate control, Navien tankless hot water, and a whole-home Generac generator. Integrated technology includes Ketra lighting by Lutron, hidden whole-home audio, automatic blackout shades in all bedrooms, and comprehensive security monitoring.
Park-like grounds framed by towering trees and open lawns create complete seclusion despite proximity to downtown DC and Tysons. An architectural statement of enduring significance, this residence is both a living piece of design history and a thoroughly modern estate, representing a rare convergence of visionary design, masterful renovation, and contemporary living.
