5521 Potomac Avenue NW

Property Description

Overlooking the Potomac River in the heart of Washington’s coveted Palisades community, Potomac Avenue NW is a beautifully restored Arts & Crafts home that captures sweeping water views while preserving the character of its early-20th-century origins. Originally built in 1915, the residence underwent a comprehensive modern renovation and expansion in 2011 in collaboration with The Levine Group, carefully rebuilding the home’s infrastructure while honoring the architectural details that give it its enduring character. From the street, the home presents a timeless silhouette, anchored by a welcoming full-width front porch that overlooks the surrounding greenery and distant river vistas. A winding flagstone path bifurcates the circular front lawn framed by a combination of landscaping and hardscaping for an elegant approach to the towering three-story facade. The interiors are a showcase of expert workmanship and thoughtful preservation, with custom millwork reclaimed from an antique Pennsylvania barn reworked into a radiant golden hue. High ceilings, graceful archways, and stained glass by local artisans establish a sense of warmth and authenticity from a bygone era. Many original double-hung windows were painstakingly restored with updated mechanics to preserve their historic proportions while improving functionality. The main level unfolds with a series of inviting living spaces designed for both everyday comfort and entertaining. An elegant entry hall revolves around the focal-point floating staircase and opens into generously proportioned formal living and dining rooms with effortless flow. The former has a wall of built-ins crafted by Jaeger & Ernst master carpenters framing the archway, while the latter features a fireplace with vintage tile-surround, infusing warmth into those elegant dinners. In a nod to contemporary lifestyle preferences, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Custom inset cabinetry sitting flush with the coffered ceiling juxtaposes the professional appliance suite including a commercial glass-front Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf range, Viking convection microwave and warming drawer. A substantial wraparound center island opens into the ethereal family room, featuring a custom built-in Tansu and a wall of glass, allowing the room to be flooded by natural light. A unique galley-style office and generous mudroom complete the main level. At the top of the staircase is a gallery offering sweeping river views. It leads into the primary suite, an oasis occupying its own wing. The bedroom opens, via custom glass pocket doors, into a private dressing room with full cabinet-grade storage and an island, then into the spa-like primary bath showcasing a freestanding tub and walk-in shower, and a generally soothing ambiance. Two additional bedroom suites are generously proportioned and feature more than ample closet space. The dramatic staircase then wraps around the central atrium into the spectacular top level, where three additional unique bedrooms share a common hall bath. The pièce de résistance is a large sitting room at the front of the home, opening onto a covered balcony granting unparalleled unbroken vistas of the verdant canopy and roaring rapids below. A functional entertaining space, the lower level comprises a recreation room with a rough-in for a future kitchenette, optional fitness area, full bathroom and rough-in for laundry facilities, along with ample storage. A detached studio is tucked away at the rear of the property, adjacent to the private parking pad. Vaulted ceilings, skylights, and built-ins with fridge elevate the space up to the lofty standard set by the main residence.