A jar of dried habanero peppers, a fall-themed quilt and a multicolor baby’s cardigan made from scrap yarn are just three of the items Gaithersburg’s Karen Johnston entered in the 2023 Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. Johnston, 65, was crowned Homemaker of the Year (HOTY) after entering 157 items in 16 divisions and winning at least one blue ribbon in 14 of them—more than any other participant. This year’s fair is scheduled for Aug. 9-17 and will include the home arts competitions, carnival rides, farm animals and more. We caught up with Johnston to find out how she went from participant to royalty.

When did you get involved with the fair? I started entering items around 2014/2015. My husband was a failed beekeeper, so I started taking over the bees. And then as a reason to use the honey, I started looking at recipes that used honey and of course I went to baklava. I made it and it was really good, and then a friend of mine said, ‘Oh, you should enter this in the fair; it’s really good!’ … So I entered baklava, just on a hoot, and I got a first-place ribbon. … And then I decided to add two things in the next fair. And then I started looking through the fair catalog. It became like a game.

What advice would you give people who are interested in entering a few contests? If your friends and family tell you, ‘Oh, this coffee cake is really good,’ or ‘That sweater that you knit is charming,’ then usually people aren’t going to volunteer a nice comment if it wasn’t really good. So, if you have something that you know that people like, then make one. … Look at it like you think a judge would. And enjoy it. You have to enjoy what you do.

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After finding refuge on their elevated rear deck in Chevy Chase during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Meghan and Scott Rissmiller decided to maximize their main outdoor living area. During the renovation, they paid attention to every detail, from the blue cathedral ceiling to the flooring of the storage space underneath. In the process, they became part of a post-pandemic trend of homeowners splurging on screened porches designed to fit their needs perfectly.

“It gives me joy on a day-to-day basis,” Meghan says of the new porch, which was completed last fall.

The Rissmillers bought their house in 2020, and living with the original deck for a few years clarified their thinking about how they wanted the porch to function. “The benefit of waiting to replace the deck was that we found we were not having full meals out there,” Meghan says. “It was too far from the kitchen.”

So they planned the porch as an unheated lounge area. Washington, D.C.-based designer Kate Ballou of Hendrick Interiors helped the Rissmillers select proportional furniture for the space: a coffee table, two side tables, a lounge chair, an accent chair, a two-seater sofa, and a three-seater sofa large enough for Scott to stretch out and nap on. The teak furniture has weather-ready Sunbrella upholstery.

The cathedral ceiling is painted a haint blue, which Ballou says is often used for porch ceilings in the Southeast—a Gullah culture tradition meant to ward off evil spirits by mimicking the appearance of sky or water.

Size-wise, the Rissmillers hoped to strike the right balance with the porch. It was important to have a backyard play space for their 4- and 6-year-old daughters. “We wanted to make the porch big enough to function well but not take too much of the yard,” Scott says.

David Merrick, senior designer and founder of Merrick Design and Build of Kensington, removed the 150-square-foot deck and built a 236-square-foot porch (about 14 by 16 feet) in its place.

“Decks and porches are structurally very different,” Merrick says. “It is important to have an engineer” design the support system when building a porch rather than reuse the post-and-beam deck structure.

Merrick leveled the yard to accommodate the porch, the spacious lattice-enclosed storage area below it, and an adjacent patio. With water-absorbent compacted stone dust flooring and a ceiling that ranges from 6 to 7 feet high, the storage space is a repository for bikes, a lawn mower and backyard toys. The porch stairway nestles against the house. A small landing for the grill at the side of the house was already there, but now has new finishes to match the porch. Most important: It’s just outside the kitchen, where the grill is handy.

Merrick used hardy materials for the porch, including Azek polymer railings, wood-look composite flooring, and PVC ceiling and exterior components. Large screened areas all but erase the visual barrier between porch and outdoors. For the railings, he chose black vertical balusters that wouldn’t block outside views and paired them with white handrails. “The screen system meets safety requirements,” he says, but with an above-ground porch, the more visible white railings provide “a feeling of protection from falling.”

Merrick is especially proud of two features of the porch. One is the 6-foot-wide screened barn door he built that smoothly glides open at the top of the stairs. Another is the cove lighting that rings the room and provides steady illumination without the strobe effect that can occur when fan blades pass in front of light sources.

Years ago, Jeff Banks built an uncovered octagonal deck and adjacent step-down rectangular deck onto the house he lives in with his wife, Barbara, in the Brooke Manor Estates neighborhood of Rockville. Problem was, “we seldom used it because of the bugs,” he says.
To enjoy views of the woods and pond out back, “my wife really wanted a screened porch,” Jeff says. In 2021, Case Architects & Remodelers of Bethesda replaced the octagonal deck with a 400-square-foot screened porch and upgraded the 200-square-foot rectangular deck.

Zahra Keihani, a Case designer, planned the structure. Like the Rissmillers, the Bankses chose a cathedral ceiling, but instead of an airy paint color, they opted for a stained beadboard ceiling with exposed rafters that “makes the room feel warm, like a lodge,” Barbara says.

Another lodgelike detail: a fireplace that the Bankses say was a must have. Keihani made a fireplace wall the focal point. The stone-wrapped wall at the far end of the room houses both the gas fireplace and the television. (Whether to watch sports or Jeopardy!, Jeff says they likely wouldn’t have used the porch much without a TV.) Flanked by large screened areas and transom windows, the wall stretches to the peak of the cathedral ceiling.

“With the fireplace,” Jeff says, “we can use the room almost all year. It radiates quite a bit of heat.” Extending usability even further is a Sunspace window system featuring four transparent UV-protected vinyl glazing units that slide up to protect openings and collapse into horizontal rails when they aren’t needed.

The rectangular deck, now composed of smooth, weather-resistant Trex composite planks instead of pressure-treated wood, was raised to be flush with the porch. The porch flooring is matching Trex. A surrounding band of darker strips lends a finished look. The black metal rails also are Trex. Crisp white posts and beams are wrapped in PVC for durability.

Life at the house has become pretty porch-centric. It’s attached to the kitchen, so “we eat lunch out there most days,” Barbara says. “Lots of times we’ll leave the door open so the dog can go in and out. It’s truly an extension of the house.”

In Chevy Chase, Lauren Aronson and Rob Hendin added a raised screened porch at the back of their house in May 2022, with an unenclosed outdoor living space below. When they built the house in 2016 they considered a porch but opted for a deck. They regretted it. The deck “was not serving our family,” Hendin says. Bugs, hot sun and exposure to bad weather added up, and “we didn’t use the deck much at all.” Aronson would sit beneath the deck, but that space was confined by a large stairway.

The Levine Group Architects & Builders of Silver Spring built the new two-story structure, and Cindy McClure of Grossmueller’s Design of Washington, D.C., developed the design. Replacing the bulky switchback stairs with a wide spiral metal staircase made a big difference, adding space and light above and below. The 307-square-foot porch and 280-square-foot area underneath are each almost 100 square feet larger than what was there before.

Screens fill three sides of the porch for virtually uninterrupted views. Secured in a framework attached to the columns, the screens can be removed for repair if needed. Ceiling fans help cool the space.

A gable roof provides volume over the seating area in half of the new porch. The other half is a dining area; it has a shed roof with a flat ceiling and skylights near the family room to bring sunlight indoors.

With an eye for elegance as well as durability, McClure chose white beaded Azek ceiling panels, along with white posts, columns and door trim boasting matching details. The Wolf flooring is silver teak-look PVC. Porch features include integrated speakers, recessed ceiling lights, and outlets for more intimate lamp lighting. Slim heating elements by Innova tuck into headers above the screens.

“The lower level [under the porch] feels like an outdoor living room now,” McClure says. It’s unscreened and unheated, but has ceiling fans for air flow and to repel bugs. The stained wood ceiling, recessed lights, white trim and stamped brick pattern on the concrete wall complete the roomlike area. A Trex under-deck drainage system waterproofs the space.

Aronson enjoys that open-air retreat more than ever. And the porch has been a life-changer for the whole family. “Before, we ate on the deck one or two times a year,” Hendin says. “Now we have dinner on the porch from April through November. … We can leave the door open to bring in fresh air. The porch lifts the whole house.”

Writer Wendy A. Jordan lives in Upper Northwest D.C. The author of 12 books, she has written about home remodeling and design for decades.

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Shoshanna Shapiro, owner of Frederick, Maryland-based luxury interior design studio Sho and Co., transformed a formal dining room in Rockville into a multifunctional pantry because, she says client Beth Higgins “loves to feed the world.” Beth and her husband, Tim, have four kids—two in their teens, two in their early 20s—and they’d been using the dining room as a catchall for shelf-stable goods for school snacks and lunches. The kitchen, slightly wider than a galley but not large enough for an island, was out of the question for food prep and storage, so Shapiro suggested putting the dining room to better use.  

“I call it a pantry room,” Shapiro says of the redesigned space that was completed in December. The room has hit all the right notes for Beth. “I love the cohesiveness from the kitchen to the pantry,” she says. “It helps keep everything neat and organized for a busy family.” 

Shapiro took into consideration the Higgins’ desire for a traditional-meets-modern look. The room feels intentional and timeless but with up-to-date touches. Because Beth likes to organize and display her pretty jars, Shapiro tapped Brass Hardware, an online business, to build an open-shelving structure, and Frederick-based Hoth Design to craft the white-oak shelves. Those are finished in an oil-based stain and finish from Rubio Monocoat that also was used on the kitchen’s other-white-oak elements to give the wood a raw feel.  

The wall behind the shelving features nickel-groove siding—aka nickel gap. A fresh layer of Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace (OC-65), a silky shade of classic white, coats the walls and cabinets.  

The clean design and neutral color scheme allow The Tile Shop’s checkerboard flooring to shine. 

Arabescato Vagli Extra marble tops the counters and island. To make the island feel like a heritage piece, Hoth Design made the legs from reclaimed wood. Hardware on the island and throughout the pantry room were sourced for visual interest from various collections at RH and Rejuvenation. 

The pantry room is separated into zones, including lunch-making and baking, for functionality. There’s ample storage—including side-by-side countertop appliance garages—for hiding things, such as the juicer. A Sub-Zero mini fridge holds water and refreshments, and a bottle-filling station in the wall is a clever addition: The kids can top off their drinks on their way to sports and other activities.  

As a final touch, Hoth Design custom built a pair of glass-paned arched wooden doors to close off the kitchen from the pantry room, offering a peek into where the magic happens.    

This story appears in the July/August edition of Bethesda Magazine.

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Floor Decor

An outdoor rug that looks like jute, but even easier to maintain, is good thing. With textures that resemble natural fibers, this handwoven polyester piece is durable and UV-resistant. The Mischa indoor/outdoor rug comes in green, blue and neutral (shown) and six sizes. $68 to $998 at Anthropologie, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda; 240-345-9413; anthropologie.com

Stow It

These braided containers look like traditional coiled rope baskets and have a nautical vibe. The Courtyard bins are constructed of fade- and stain-resistant polypropylene, which won’t absorb moisture and can be hosed off to clean. Choose from white, taupe, charcoal or navy in three sizes. $59, $89 and $119 at Room & Board, 7236 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 866-407-6252; roomandboard.com

Garden Glow

Add some ambience to your next alfresco fete without having to search for an electrical outlet. These natural rattan solar LED floor lanterns charge in the sunshine so they can light up the night. They’re available in round and tapered shapes and can rest on the ground or hang on a hook. $39.99 (round) and $29.99 (tapered) at World Market, 12266 Rockville Pike, Rockville; 301-816-2480; worldmarket.com

Lotsa Pots

The Tula collection of textured planters adds rustic elegance to outdoor living spaces. Each pot is handmade of terra cotta with a smooth glazed finish and has an opening for drainage. The small (7¼ inches high), medium (10¼ inches high) and large vessels (12¼ inches high) are sold separately. $49.50, $179 and $269 at Pottery Barn, 4750 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda; 301-654-1598; potterybarn.com

Rock Steady

A sculptural coffee table that looks like a massive river rock is bound to be a conversation piece, as well as a place to perch your lemonade. Crafted of smooth rounded cement, it has mold impressions, water spots and pinholes for organic appeal. The Pebble concrete coffee table comes in white or charcoal and measures 59 inches wide. $1,099 at Crate & Barrel, 4820 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; 202-364-6100; crateandbarrel.com

Artisanal Apps

Display small bites in style on this eye-catching petrified wood charcuterie board at your next outdoor party. Cut and polished by hand, each serving piece is distinctive, measuring approximately 13¾ inches by 10½ inches. $79.50 at West Elm, 951 Rose Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda; 301-230-7630; westelm.com

This story appears in the July/August edition of Bethesda Magazine.

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When Tyra Villadiego, 33, walks around her family’s quarter-acre yard in Silver Spring, she doesn’t just enjoy the blooming moss phlox in the spring or the variety of asters in the fall. She notes the most welcome addition: native bees.

“There are so many kinds of bees I hadn’t noticed before, like ones that are really small, and I had guessed were flies,” she says. 

About 257 types of native bees live in Montgomery County, says Sam Droege, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey based in Laurel, Maryland, who researches native bees. These lesser-known bees are critical both to successful pollination as well as biodiversity, but they face threats from habitat loss, pesticides and even competition from honeybees. With suburban development consuming former fields, meadows and forests, and the common tendency to plant only lawn grass and non-native plants in our yards, there’s only so much pollen and nectar to go around. Like Villadiego, homeowners can plant native perennials, shrubs and trees whose blooms will provide vital food for a variety of bees that emerge throughout the seasons, helping them to thrive and reproduce. 

For Villadiego, creating a yard to nurture native bees at first seemed like a daunting task. She had to contend with erosion, invasive plants and her father’s preference for a Japanese garden aesthetic. An educational program at Wheaton’s Brookside Gardens in 2023 put her on the right path.

“The whole project became fun again because I had the clear information to make it happen,” Villadiego says. In particular, she was inspired by Massachusetts-based scientist Jarrod Fowler’s eponymous website. She turned to research lists created by Fowler and Droege and learned that certain flowering host plants, such as asters and goldenrods, are best for supporting native bees of the Eastern U.S. 

Villadiego’s enthusiasm and knowledge persuaded her father, Ruperto, to help her add native plants throughout their property, and led her mother, Zoraida, to understand why it’s a good thing to have more native bees. Initially, Villadiego bought asters, Virginia bluebells and coreopsis at local native nurseries, but that got expensive. She also sourced many through local native plant Facebook groups where generous gardeners often offer free plants, and soon found the yard abuzz with fascinating native bees.

In the U.S., there are nearly 4,000 kinds of native bees, according to the University of Maryland Extension—including bumblebees, carpenter bees, leaf-cutting bees, sweat bees, mining bees and mason bees. European honeybees, Apis mellifera, aren’t native. They were imported by colonists in the 1600s to produce honey and wax. More recently, well-intentioned people concerned about declining pollinators decided to help our local ecosystems by becoming backyard beekeepers. Some scientists, however, now discourage that practice.

“The reality is that being a beekeeper is not pollinator conservation,” says Rich Hatfield, a senior endangered species conservation biologist with the Oregon-based Xerces Society, a nonprofit that supports conserving invertebrates (bees, butterflies, moths and others) to protect ecosystem health. “It’s a fun hobby, but it’s not conservation.” 

Honeybee colonies have faced many recent challenges from diseases, pesticides and the loss of habitats, but as managed commodities they aren’t at risk of disappearing, unlike some threatened native bees. In 2023, there were more than 2.7 million honeybee colonies in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Unfortunately, such large numbers of honeybee colonies may negatively impact native bees. 

By adding honeybees to a setting, “you’re bringing in competitors for a native species,” Droege says. “A lot of times you don’t need honeybees, for the wild bees are doing everything.” 

Native bees help “create functional ecosystems in our country,” Hatfield says, by having “an integral role in plant reproduction.” Honeybees can’t do much of the pollination work that native bees can. Native bees “come in all different shapes and sizes that are attuned to go into the different shapes and sizes of native flowers,” he says. The local bees evolved ecologically to match the needs of our native plants.

While honeybees can still be important in large-scale commercial agricultural settings, “native bees like the blue orchard bees [a type of mason bee] are better and more efficient pollinators of native crops,” according to a webpage by the U.S. Forest Service. Similarly, some plants—tomato, eggplant, cranberry and blueberry, among them—require a type of buzz pollination practiced by native bumblebees and others. Their vibrations release pollen that honeybees can’t get to, according to the Xerces Society.

Some might argue that honeybees have been in the U.S. long enough to acclimatize to our ecosystems and thus become essential, but that time span is short when compared with the millions of years that native bees have co-evolved with native plant species. Some local plants even require a specific bee to reproduce and, therefore, exist. 

In Montgomery County, the native spring beauty plant, an early bloomer, requires a specific mining bee that has evolved to emerge from its nest at the perfect time to gather that pollen, enabling both species to reproduce. The hibiscus bee requires pollen from the mallow family (a type of native hibiscus), and the gorgeous pinxter azalea supplies pollen for one particular mining bee. If these native plants disappear from our landscapes, these bees that are all native to the county won’t exist. And vice versa.

“If we want to continue to live in a diverse, healthy ecosystem, native bees have to be a part of that,” Hatfield says. Unlike honeybees, native bees don’t create large honey reserves they can rely on if the overall pollen and nectar supply is low. They need a steady supply from native plants that bloom from early spring until frost.

How to Support Native Bees 

Droege and others are also concerned that honeybees may help spread non-native invasive plants by pollinating them, which helps them to reproduce. “We have a lot of those European plant species as invasives and as garden plants,” he says. “The use of those plants by honeybees is almost preordained because these are the same plants that they adapted to a long time ago.” Such non-native plants include Canada thistle, clovers and English ivy, according to Droege.

Local native bee enthusiasts find that the insects are quite easy to live with—even in close quarters. In 2022, when North Potomac resident Mike Honig realized that a bumblebee colony was nesting in the wall of his home, he did something unusual—he let them stay.

“I was a little concerned at first, but then I learned that bumblebees basically survive for just one season,” he says. Honig did a lot of online research but admits “it was a bit of a hard sell” convincing his wife, Marian, when they could hear buzzing through the wall. Eventually, Mike says, she “got used to the idea, and we would watch them flying in and out.” 

Native bees rarely sting, or their stingers can’t penetrate our skin. If you are stung, it’s usually by a honeybee or a yellow jacket (a type of wasp). Droege describes most native bees as “single moms looking for food” who are entirely responsible for their offspring. A honeybee colony has bees to spare and will sacrifice them to protect the hive. Native bees usually don’t defend their nest because they might “die and that’s the end of their whole line,” he adds. If highly provoked, bumblebees might sting to defend their colony. Only honeybees die after stinging you, and they may cause allergic reactions with their sting.

Most bees nest underground or in tree cavities, logs or hollow stems. We “walk across hundreds of bees’ nests all summer long,” Droege says. 

Honig, 66, an avid native plant gardener, never felt threated by the bumblebees. He waited for the outdoor temperature to cool, observed no more activity (the fertilized new queens spend the winter elsewhere), and sealed the hole where their deck joins an outside wall. He hasn’t had any issues since.

Our Most Common Native Bees

• Bumblebee: Large (½ to 1½ inches); live in colonies with queens in hollow places; practice buzz pollination; essential for fruits and vegetables
• Carpenter: Large (1 inch); bore nests in exposed wood; may hover to look at you; generalist pollinator, also practices buzz pollination
• Leaf-cutting: Locally, about ½ inch; cut leaves to line their nests in cavities; pollinate wildflowers, fruits and vegetables
• Mining (Adrenid): Small (up to ½ inch); dig holes to nest underground; pollinate spring-blooming flowers, trees and fruits
• Orchard Mason: Small (½ inch); efficient pollinator, especially for gardens and orchards; nest in tunnels in wood
• Sweat : Small (½ inch or less); metallic-looking; collect salt from skin and can sting lightly; nest underground or in rotting wood; pollinate flowers and crops
• Sources: Virginia Cooperative Extension, Maryland Department of Natural Resources

When Bethesda resident Mariana Borelli decided to convert her yard to native plants, she faced frustration on several fronts. Many of the so-called “native” plants that were sold locally weren’t truly native to Maryland. Or she found mainly cultivars rather than straight native species, which means the plants were likely manipulated by breeders for size, coloration or larger blooms. Unfortunately, Droege says, such cosmetic changes often translate into less available pollen and nectar, so he recommends avoiding cultivars.

Volunteering at Upper Marlboro’s Chesapeake Natives nursery in 2020, Borelli learned the necessary botanical and business skills to start a nursery, which she did in 2022 in her backyard. Open by appointment only, Wildflower Native Plant Nursery offers native species that she has sourced reliably or grown herself.

With more native plants in her yard, Borelli, 49, initially noticed increasing numbers of birds. That led her to “look more closely and pay attention to the insects,” she says. “Bumblebees are always fun and have cute little personalities. I just love finding them sleeping in the flowers.”

Native bee supporters usually eschew the neat-and-tidy yard aesthetic dominated by lawn grass. Appreciating the potential ecological value of his property through his daughter’s eyes, Ruperto Villadiego adjusted his perception of what makes it beautiful. 

Similarly, Honig is “keen on leaving plant stems to overwinter and not doing a fall cleanup” because he’s learned that native bees, butterflies and fireflies spend the winter in hollow dead stems and leaf litter, which is quite valuable for them. Now he awaits spring’s warm weather “to clean up last year’s mess in the garden.” While others may think his yard looks “ratty, it’s there for a purpose,” he says. 

In the summer, when his native mountain mint blooms abundantly, Honig often “counts no less than 50 types of little bees. Some of them you can barely see.” For him, gardening for these native pollinators “brings with it an awareness that we’re all connected in this ecosystem.” 

An Arlington Regional Master Naturalist, Amy Brecount White does her best to create abundant and sometimes “messy” habitats for native bees in her yard.

This story appears in the May/June edition of Bethesda Magazine.

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Nestled within Bethesda’s unique blend of historical and modern architecture, vibrant dining and lush greenery lies The Astrid—a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling cityscape. Just a 20-minute drive north of Washington, D.C., Bethesda offers the perfect balance of energy and serenity, making it an ideal home for residents at any stage of life. The Astrid’s ideal location ensures that residents are never far from the city’s offerings, providing a sense of convenience and ease.  

At the heart of this dynamic community stands The Astrid, a beautifully designed apartment residence within a tranquil wooded preserve. Its Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics and commitment to coziness seamlessly blend with Bethesda’s buzzing atmosphere, offering residents a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life without sacrificing convenience. The Astrid’s thoughtful design fosters community and comfort, inviting residents to effortlessly connect with the surrounding neighborhood. Whether it’s a short walk, shuttle trip, bike ride, bus journey, or drive away, The Astrid ensures that residents are never far from all the city has to offer while providing a peaceful haven to call home. 

The Astrid’s hygge-inspired aesthetic welcomes residents with a blend of warmth, thoughtfulness and harmonious design. The residences, which are filled with natural light, soft, muted tones and natural materials, create a soothing backdrop that invites relaxation and connection.  

Light-filled spaces serve as a canvas for modern elegance and comfort, with expansive windows inviting natural light to dance across sleek interiors, illuminating contemporary design elements. The kitchens are adorned with modern quartz countertops, complemented by full-height ceramic backsplashes and stainless steel appliances, creating a harmonious blend of style and functionality. 

But it’s not just the design that sets The Astrid apart; it’s the community it fosters. In a world where neighbors can feel like strangers, The Astrid brings people together, encouraging shared experiences and genuine connections. The cozy communal spaces beckon residents to gather for intimate conversation, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

Residents can energize themselves in the fitness and yoga studio, fully equipped with weight and cardio machines. Discover concentration in our meticulously crafted coworking space, complete with complimentary Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, private booths and phone rooms, and seek solace in semi-private workstations for moments of uninterrupted focus. Meanwhile, those looking for relaxation can unwind in various lounges, including a speakeasy lounge adorned with a billiards table and a rooftop dining lounge boasting panoramic views. The dedicated pet spa ensures that your furry companions are as pampered and comfortable as you are. 

Outside, residents can enjoy the Eco Courtyard and Great Lawn, where inviting couches and tables await for lounging or working amidst lush landscaping. Delight in leisurely games of bocce, horseshoes and cornhole, enjoy the playground, or gather around the fire pit for a serene escape. 

Bozzuto offers a portfolio of services designed to allow residents to live simply and comfortably at The Astrid. From 24/7 concierge and maintenance assistance to thoughtfully curated resident events and secure delivery acceptance, living at The Astrid offers a seamless experience. 

The Astrid stands as a sanctuary where residents can retreat from today’s chaos and embrace the simple pleasures of everyday life. Whether curling up with a good book by the fireplace or sharing a meal with friends in the communal kitchen, The Astrid invites residents to slow down, savor the moment and find joy in the ordinary. 

Life at The Astrid is enriched by the vibrant surrounding community of Bethesda, offering dynamic nightlife, thoughtfully curated shopping destinations, exquisite dining options and a thriving arts scene, all just moments away from The Astrid. For those looking for the energy of city life, Washington, D.C., is within easy reach via the Red Line Metro. The Astrid further enhances residents’ convenience with an on-site executive shuttle service, ensuring seamless access to the Medical Center station and beyond. 

To learn more about The Astrid, visit www.livetheastrid.com or call 855-642-1863 to set up a tour. Leasing for The Astrid is now open, offering up to 1.5 months free on a 13 to 15-month lease.* Contact the leasing team at 855-642-1863 for more information, and stay connected with The Astrid on Instagram and Facebook. 

*Specials are subject to change. Contact the leasing office for details and restrictions. 

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Enlisting the help of a professional home cleaner is a huge time-saver. Not to mention, it takes a lot of stress off your shoulders. But with the way the industry is set up, it’s hard not to feel guilty hiring a cleaner. They notoriously work long hours for little pay. 

Well-Paid Maids, based here in Montgomery County, is changing the narrative. Well-Paid Maids is the area’s only certified living-wage cleaning company. That means it pays cleaners — who are classified as employees, not anonymous contractors or temporary gig workers — a living wage starting at $24 an hour. 

Employees are also offered comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision and life insurance; 24 paid days off a year (that’s 20 vacation days and four holidays); 100% employer-paid commuting costs; and more. 

Lexi Grant joined Well-Paid Maids as a cleaner in June 2021. She has since been promoted multiple times and is now an operations manager. 

“Working at Well-Paid Maids has felt like a breath of fresh air,” she described.  

Plus, unlike its competitors, Well-Paid Maids prioritizes its employees’ health — and your family’s — by carefully choosing cleaning products based on their ratings from the Environmental Working Group, the leading rating organization regarding product safety. Each product is rated safest in its category.  

Because Well-Paid Maids takes care of its employees — they take care of you and your home. 

“We stand by our company’s mission,” Lexi said. “People deserve for their work to be respected and recognized. When that happens, you love what you do, and you create the best results.” 

Hundreds of clients have left reviews of their positive experiences with Well-Paid Maids, noting that cleaners arrived on time, were easy to communicate with, went above and beyond and left their homes spotless. Plus, they felt good supporting a company that treats employees well. 

Here’s what one recent Google reviewer said: “Well-Paid Maids has been cleaning my home for more than two years, and I’m continuously grateful for them. They’re professional, kind, patient with my animals and do a fantastic job cleaning!” 

When not cleaning, the folks at Well-Paid Maids take advantage of their proximity to the nation’s capital and advocate for systemic change. 

For example, Lexi recently joined Maryland’s Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller in Annapolis to celebrate Equal Pay Day. For the past two years, Well-Paid Maids has championed a wage transparency bill in Maryland. This bill would help close the gender wage gap in Maryland and is currently awaiting the governor’s signature.   

Down in D.C., Well-Paid Maids spent years advocating for the Domestic Worker Employer Rights Amendment Act, which passed in late 2022. Before the bill was passed, an estimated 9,000 domestic workers in the District lacked basic rights, according to the National Domestic Workers Alliance.  

This bill protects domestic workers against sexual harassment and discrimination under the D.C. Human Rights Act. It also requires employers to create formal, written contracts that outline start dates, work locations, pay, schedules, paid and unpaid leave, and more. 

The bottom line is this: Well-Paid Maids is not only taking care of its employees but also pushing to change a traditionally exploitative industry. Even more, Well-Paid Maids employees care about making clients happy — leaving them with spotless homes where they can unwind after a long day. 

Visit WellPaidMaids.com to support a locally based company doing good — and give yourself a break from cleaning. To book an appointment, simply answer a few questions about your needs, including your location and size of home. You’ll see the cost and clean time before booking. 

Pro tip: If you want to save money, set up recurring cleans. These can be weekly, biweekly or monthly. And after your cleaning, be sure to drop us a Google or Yelp review.  

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When Nancy and Mariano Lim began to redo the small, dark primary bathroom in their 1964 ranch house in Ashton, they had Nancy’s needs in mind. Nancy uses a cane, and they anticipated her mobility might diminish. Their goal was to remodel the bathroom with a beautiful design that didn’t appear to have accessibility modifications.

Integrating safety, ease and convenience into stylish spaces—an approach called universal design—is in demand for homeowners who want to age in place, prepare for multigenerational inhabitants, or accommodate those with physical conditions or other requirements. Universal design is of particular importance in the bathroom, where falls and other mishaps can occur, says Bethesda-based interior designer Sheryl Steinberg.

Safety features should be baked into the design, Steinberg says. As an example, she suggests “layers of lighting” that include general illumination, task lighting and motion sensor lights for nighttime use. All light fixtures, cabinetry and other products selected for the bathroom should be “damp rated,” she advises, to ensure safety and durability. 

For slip prevention in wet areas such as the shower and bath zones, Steinberg recommends flooring with small nonglossy tiles and many grout lines. Storage should be designed for use without having to bend or strain; that means roll-out drawers and easily reached shelves.

Originally a typical 5-by-7-foot space, the Lims’ bathroom, which was finished in 2022, is now 8 by 12.4 feet and has been tailored to Nancy’s needs. “It’s very roomy now,” Nancy, now 75, says. “I like the feel of it, and I don’t feel afraid of falling. It’s a real blessing.”

But in a nod to universal design being truly for everyone, the bathroom was put to the test after the Lims’ adult daughter broke her wrist and leg. She used a wheelchair for weeks and couldn’t manage a standard bathroom. She used her parents’ bathroom instead and “got around fine,” Nancy says.

The work had been done by WLC-Design of Rockville. Russell Wickham and David Lin, co-owners of the architectural design company, absorbed space from an unneeded adjacent hallway to enlarge the bathroom. The old space had no bathtub, just a shower stall separated from the room by a 4-inch threshold. The new space features a bright and open wet room that incorporates a tub and a curbless shower with a rain showerhead, handheld spray, jets to wash the entire body, and easy-access controls. 

Ample built-in seating serves both the tub and shower. Nancy says the illuminated storage niche above the seating “has been great. We have it on so when we get up at night we have lighting.” Recessed LED ceiling fixtures bathe the entire room in balanced, shadowless light, while sconces add task lighting. An overhead sun tunnel suffuses the room with natural light. “We installed reverse blinds at the window” that close from the bottom up, Wickham adds, “to let light through but provide privacy.”

Penny tiles in the shower area are slip-resistant. They form a stylish complement to the nonslippery slate-looking porcelain flooring elsewhere in the room. A barn door at the entry conserves floor space. The multifunction comfort-height commode has bidet settings. (Comfort-height toilets are 17-19 inches tall, the height of most chairs.)

Grab bars, some vertical and some horizontal for practical use, are in place by the shower, tub and toilet. Nancy splurged on a sleek cherry vanity and custom linen cabinet. Not only is the vanity beautiful—“I saw something like it in a magazine and I had to have it,” she says—but it also has large easy-glide drawers and is firmly attached to the wall so Nancy can lean on it for support. Lever handles for the faucets and doors are handsome and easy to use, as are the wide, slider light switches.

Glickman Design Build of Rockville specializes in work that enables clients to stay in their homes, refreshing them with chic designs that incorporate safety and accessibility features, while also preparing habitats to meet changing needs. Owner Russ Glickman’s company website offers a printable checklist for aging-in-place remodeling that covers what to do in all areas of the house. The checklist recommends such specifics for the bathroom as contrasting colors to identify the edges of countertops, and a wall-supported vanity that can be removed easily for height adjustments and is finished under the sink to allow legroom for a seated user. 

While none of the families in this story used property tax credits for their renovations, Glickman says credits can be claimed for medically necessary home accessibility modifications. Montgomery County Design for Life credits include 50% of eligible costs up to $2,500, with an annual limit of $100,000. Program details are at montgomerycountymd.gov/design, including a “program at a glance” in the resource center. Eligible bathroom modifications include maneuverable space, reinforced walls with grab bars, and a walk-in or roll-in shower or tub. 

Maryland’s Independent Living Tax Credit allows state claims of up to 50% of qualifying expenses, with an annual maximum of $5,000. See marylandtaxes.gov/tax-credits.php. Federal tax deduction rules for medical expenses are described in IRS Publication 502; no specific dollar amounts are included. 

Glickman says federal credit claims require a doctor’s note identifying the person’s medical need along with the home modifications indicated, and also a report listing the costs that pertain to the accessibility improvements. An appraiser’s report on what the modifications add to the value of the home is a good idea, too. It’s best to consult a tax professional for financial advice on qualifying for all these tax credits. Glickman’s company and others can provide the tax professional with supporting documentation. 

Sally and Richard Skillman have loved nearly everything about their house in Potomac for all of its 34 years. About 10 years ago Sally began thinking about ways to update the primary bathroom, which was dated and made poor use of space. Now that the Skillmans, both in their 70s, have had hip and knee replacements, the bathroom also needed to be made safer. 

The 13-by-12-foot space was ample, but a large whirlpool tub hogged one end of the room, making a significant chunk of the double vanity’s surface unusable. Plus, the windowless room was dull, with tired colors, spotty lighting that created shadows, and a dim, cavelike shower stall. Rockville-based House to Home Solutions reinvented the room in 2020 by creating an expansive wet area featuring a large curbless shower with a gently sloped, nonslip mosaic tile floor for water drainage, and a freestanding soaking tub that isn’t as deep as the whirlpool and is easier to enter. Wall niches, an attached bench, and easy-access sprays and controls make the shower safe and pleasurable. A tub-side shelf is convenient and doesn’t protrude. 

For comfort, House to Home Solutions President Daniel Carrero always recommends an inline heater to keep tub water hot. He also suggests installing heated floors and a quiet exhaust fan equipped with a sensor for efficient humidity control. 

Polished nickel grab bars at the bathtub, shower and commode match the rest of the Skillmans’ bathroom hardware. An ample amount of open floor space provides maneuverability for a wheelchair, a walker or a person accompanied by an assistant. The electrical switches on the wall next to the bathroom door have been placed to allow the doorway to be widened if needed. 

Taraneh Razavi and Stuart Schlisserman are middle-aged internists in Menlo Park, California. Razavi grew up in the Chevy Chase, Maryland, house where her mother still lives. When the next-door neighbor died a few years ago, the couple bought the property. In coming years, they hope to spend winters in their Chevy Chase house, perhaps retiring there in a decade or so.

Landis Architects | Builders of Washington, D.C., rebuilt the 1,600-square-foot 1950s bungalow as a 2,800-square-foot, two-story home in a modern farmhouse style in 2023. Zahraa Alwash of Zee Design Studio, Architecture and Interior Design in Vienna, Virginia, led the creation of the house’s interior, including the bathroom design. The primary bedroom and bath are on the main floor to enable one-story living for Razavi’s mother, should she ever move in with them, or for the couple themselves. 

The 10-by-9-foot bathroom is loaded with accessibility features. Openings into the room, shower and commode area are 34 inches wide to accommodate a wheelchair or walker. A pocket door slides out of sight to provide floor space. The shower entry is curbless, and its glass door panels are fitted with grab bars. Additional blocking was added behind the wall for the easy installation of more grab bars in the future. A wall niche keeps shower items in reach. Radiant floor heating helps keep the nonslip floors soothing and dry.

Razavi requested good water pressure in the shower; it’s a necessity, she says, to help relieve “the aches and pains of arthritis. I wish more people would do this. It’s a very necessary item.”

It’s wise to plan for bathroom function and accessibility modifications sooner rather than later. As a physician, Razavi knows well that “things happen, and then people can’t use their bathrooms.” She adds, “I can’t tell you how many of our patients have to go back and make these adjustments to their homes when it’s a big hassle for them.” 

Writer Wendy A. Jordan lives in upper Northwest, D.C. Her books include Universal Design: Great-Looking, Great-Living Design for All Ages, Abilities, and Circumstances.

This story appears in the March/April issue of Bethesda Magazine.

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Do prep work.

Now is the time to clean and sharpen garden tools, including shears, pruners and shovels. If you need new equipment, Vanessa Pierre, a garden coach and educator with Homestead Hustle & Healing in Silver Spring, recommends taking advantage of lower off-season pricing. Check any deer netting or enclosures to see if they require repairs. “And you can never, ever go wrong with adding at least an inch to 2 inches of compost on your garden beds every year,” Pierre says. 

Pick your plants.

When deciding what to grow, Pierre suggests first thinking about why you’re gardening. Are you hoping to inspire healthier eating habits? Would you like a steady supply of freshly cut flowers to display? Do you want to replace or supplement cooking staples? Let your reasoning guide your planting, because you don’t want to produce an abundance that will just end up in the compost pile or the yard-trimmings bin. 

Plan your plot properly.

The Square Foot Gardening Method is an easy-peasy approach for newbies. Divide your bed into 12-inch by 12-inch squares. Each will be filled with one, two, four, nine or 16 plants, depending on the size and spread of what you’re growing. For example, in a single square you can grow one tomato plant, two kale plants, four bok choy plants, nine leeks or 16 carrots. Check out squarefootgardening.org to learn how many plants fit in a square.  

Plant at the right times.

MoCo is mostly in growing zone 7b with parts of the north and west in 7a, so by mid-March you can begin planting seedlings of cold-hardy annual flowers, such as pansies, primroses and ranunculus, as well as such cool-weather vegetables as hearty greens, broccoli and cauliflower. In March and April, put in shrubs or trees. Summer crops go in last. “The rule of thumb is Mother’s Day” which is on May 12 this year, says Dave Johannes, owner of Good Earth Garden Market in Potomac, who warns to keep an eye out for late-season frosts that can damage or destroy young plants. 

Let’s talk tomatoes.

Tomatoes are one of the most popular plantings, but also one of the most misunderstood and mishandled. Unlike most seedlings, they need to be planted deep, with roughly two-thirds of the stalk underground. Make sure to fill the hole with fertilizer to give it a boost, then add additional fertilizer every six to eight weeks. If aphids often decimate your tomatoes, plant marigolds nearby. “They will volunteer as tributes,” Pierre says. “The aphids will eat this trap crop and leave your tomatoes alone.” 

Focus on native species.

When it comes to upgrading your landscaping, opt for native species, which are most beneficial to local flora and fauna. The University of Maryland Extension maintains a list of recommendations (extension.umd.edu), which can be purchased at local nurseries and garden centers—including Good Earth Garden Market, Pablo’s Garden Center in Rockville, Wildflower in Bethesda, and J R Wright & Sons in Silver Spring. Good options include flowers such as black-eyed Susans and butterfly weed, shrubs such as spicebush and winterberry holly, and serviceberry and black gum trees. 

Check out a Free Little Plant Stand.

Like a Little Free Library, but for plants, these take one, “leaf one” initiatives can be good spots to score gratis seedlings and seeds to kick-start your gardening projects. Locations dot the county; find one at freelittleplantstand.com/ locations.

This story appears in the March/April issue of Bethesda Magazine.

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This story, which was originally published in the March/April issue of Bethesda Magazine, was corrected to reflect the real estate agents involved in the Long Acre Court and Wellington Drive sales. Hans Wydler and Dina Miller of Compass and Lauren Davis of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty were involved in the Long Acre Court sale. Lauren Davis of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty and Carolyn Sappenfield of RE/MAX Realty were involved in the Wellington Drive sale.

Montgomery County homebuyers must dig a little deeper in 2024, as home prices are on the rise. From November 2022 to November 2023, the median home price in MoCo rose 4.7%, says Bright MLS Chief Economist Lisa Sturtevant.

“The biggest constraint continues to be a lack of inventory,” she says. If there were more homes for sale, I bet we would have more homes sold.”

Montgomery County’s median home price is $580,000, Sturtevant says, but the single-family home, townhouse or condo you’ll find for the price tag differs wildly among communities.

So what will you get for your hard-earned money? With the help of Bright MLS, here are examples of homes that sold for around $580K, $1 million, $2.5 million and $4 million in 2023 in MoCo communities.

What can you get for $580K?

• $583,000
• 4208 Sandcastle Lane, Olney
• 1,632 square ft.
• 3 bedrooms
• 1 ½ bathrooms

Porter and Diana Olsen scrolled through listings on Zillow for entertainment, so they knew what they were looking for when they started to search for a single-family home as a step up from their Olney townhome. On the plus side, the house had been on the market for more than 80 days, and the homeowners had finally dropped the listing price to the Olsens’ price point of $583,000. On the minus side, the dated Olney Oaks Colonial home, built in 1986, had only one full bathroom, and the home’s size—1,632 square feet—was comparable to the Olsens’ townhome. But, the Olsens reasoned, the backyard was lush and wooded—just what they were looking for. They pulled the trigger.

“It was a combination of curb appeal and an opportunity,” Porter says. “The real kicker at the end was the backyard—it’s just this gorgeous view that you wake up to in the morning.” 

Real estate agents: Galen Roop, Cummings & Co.; Ken Abramowitz of RE/MAX Town Center

• $580,000
• 4956 Sentinel Drive, unit 9-105, Bethesda

When unit 9-105 was put on sale in the Sumner Village condominium complex, just off Sangamore Road in Bethesda last November, real estate agent Tony Calkins, with The Calkins Group at Compass, knew it was special.

“Sumner Village is really sort of a hidden gem—it’s 27 wooded acres in the middle of Bethesda, which is hard to find,” Calkins says.

The buyers work in Washington, D.C., so the home’s proximity to their jobs was a motivating factor in their purchase. Offered at $569,000, the dated 1,491-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath unit built in 1975 came with an added incentive—a lovely patio overlooking a lush, wooded area that Calkins’ clients loved. The $1,053 monthly HOA fee disclosed on the Redfin listing fit the buyers’ budget.

“The key here was the spaciousness, the view and access to the outside,” Calkins says. “I think that’s what got them.”

Real estate agents: Trish Sweeney, Compass; Tony Calkins, The Calkins Group at Compass

• $575,000
• 9913 Tenbrook Drive, Silver Spring

When Daniel and Ndidi Alvarez moved from Chicago to the DMV for work, they had their eyes on Silver Spring for its schools and proximity to D.C.

The couple rented to start and looked for about six months before purchasing the three-bedroom, two-bath single-family house on Tenbrook Drive in the Argyle Club Estates neighborhood last November. To their relief, there were not multiple bids on the home—something they had experienced several times in their homebuying journey. Plus, the circa 1948, 1,700-square-foot Colonial with an updated interior was in the same school district as their rental, so their two sons were not displaced. And commute-wise, Ndidi could easily travel to her job in D.C.

“The neighbors came out and were greeting us, inviting us over for dinner. There were kids playing outside—I really did not expect that,” she says. “It was a pleasant surprise.”

Real estate agents: Jaime Willis, Compass; Hillary Balogh, The Schiff Home Team of eXp Realty

What can you get for $1M?

• $1,010,000
• 11827 Emerald Green Drive, Clarksburg
• 5,319 square ft.
• 6 bedrooms
• 5 ½ bathrooms

Samantha He worked as the selling agent for a couple who purchased this million-dollar property in Clarksburg. She says the new homeowners, formerly of Gaithersburg, looked in Bethesda and Potomac but were enticed by the Clarksburg Village neighborhood as well as the brick-front, Georgian-style house, built in 2013. Such features as a custom wine wall and outdoor fireplace sealed the deal.

Multiple buyers bid on the home, pushing the price tag from its $939,990 list price to the winning bid: $1,010,000. He says seven other potential buyers competed for the home, with two bids exceeding $1 million. Her clients, who offered a cash deal, won out, and soon settled into their six-bedroom, 5 ½-bath home.

Real estate agents: Donna Pfeiffer, RE/MAX; Samantha He, DMV Landmark Realty

• $1,002,000
• 10910 Old Coach Road, Potomac

Patricia St. Clair and her husband raised two sons in their 3,197-square-foot Potomac Colonial home, built in 1966. After 36 years and the death of her husband, St. Clair decided it was time to downsize and move closer to a son and his family in the Atlanta area.

Though the house had been meticulously cared for, the family had not updated the original kitchen or bathrooms. Displaying wallpaper, vinyl flooring and laminate countertops, the home was priced conservatively, comparable to other nonrenovated homes in the area. 

Real estate agent Jared Russell’s low pricing gamble paid off. He listed the four-bedroom,
2 ½-bath home at $800,000, received 30 offers, and sold it in a matter of hours for $1,002,000. 

 “I still can’t believe the price I got for that beautiful home,” St. Clair says. 

Real estate agents: Jared Russell, DMV Living; Zhang Tian, Signature Home Realty

• $1,005,000
• 4110 Denfeld Ave., Kensington

Joshua and Michelle Boyd purchased their 2,972-square-foot Craftsman home in Kensington last year for just over $1 million. Moving from a half-mile away, the couple needed more space now that they have a child, but they wanted to live in the same general area.

“There were probably easily 50 to 100 houses that we looked at over the last year and a half,” Joshua says. “When we both toured the house…it was pretty damn near perfect. There were a few things that we wanted to change, but it’s move-in ready.”

The Boyds gained a one-car garage, two additional bedrooms (four total), two more bathrooms
(3 ½ total), a walk-in shower and a family-friendly neighborhood. The home’s location was important since Joshua’s parents and aunt live nearby. Joshua works from home in cybersecurity, and Michelle is a nurse in Rockville Town Center.

The Boyds offered $30,000 over the asking price of $975,000 to purchase the 2-year-old home, but have no regrets. 

“It just felt meant to be,” Joshua says.

Real estate agents: Suzanne Parmet, Compass; Wendy Gowdey, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

What can you get for $2.5M?

• $2.495 million
• 5504 Mohican Road, Bethesda
• 5,330 sq. ft.
• 5 bedrooms
• 4 ½ baths

Andy and Saira Spicknall were living in Bethesda but needed more space for their three elementary school-age children. 

“We love the community here. We love the school district. So we wanted to stay in the area,” Saira says. 

An open house was held over the Easter weekend at the 12-year-old 5,330-square-foot, five-bedroom, 4 ½-bath Craftsman on a quiet cul-de-sac in the Mohican Hills neighborhood. The Spicknalls were out of town and missed it but made a beeline to take a look the day after. 

“The proximity to where we were already living was a plus, but also this neighborhood feels quieter,” Saira says. “It feels a bit secluded…like a little bit of your own personal getaway compared to where we were living before.”

The fact that the home was listed over a holiday weekend may have worked to the Spicknalls’ advantage, Saira says. “Had it been on the market for longer, I think that it would have been more competitive to get than it was—we jumped on it very early.”

Real estate agents: Jim Begg, Compass; Abby Schulten, Washington Fine Properties

• $2.6 million
• 4819 Wellington Drive, Chevy Chase

The Hidaka family had lived abroad with their two children, calling Tokyo, Singapore and London home. But when it came time to move back to the States, Masaki Hidaka, a part-time professor at American University, told her husband she “really wanted to be able to walk,” after living in such pedestrian-friendly cities.

The family started with a townhouse, and last year purchased a 4,464-square-foot Colonial home, built in 2015. 

The five-bedroom, 5 ½-bath home touted a landscaped backyard with a gas fireplace and spacious patio. The 9-year-old house is steps from shops and restaurants, and a short commute to the Hidakas’ jobs and to their children’s high school. 

Real estate agents: Hans Wydler & Dina Miller, Compass; Lauren Davis, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

• $2.495 million
• 8603 Long Acre Court, Bethesda

With two kids and a need for two home offices, Eric and Lindsey Aberg had outgrown their three-bedroom condo in Northwest D.C. The District-based attorneys were tired of urban living, desiring less traffic, more quiet and a bigger home.

“The curb appeal is unmatched,” Lindsey says of the 4,731-square-foot traditional Georgian brick home that was built in 1926 and caught her eye when she did a drive-by through the Hillmead neighborhood. And with its six bedrooms and 5 ½ baths, there was more than enough room. 

Since an open house was set for two days after the day she did her drive-by, the couple sprang into action. They did a walk-through a day later and offered the list price. Lindsey even wrote a letter to the homeowners, sharing their story. The sellers could have gone through with the open house to see if they received any additional interest, but instead chose to cancel it and accept the Abergs’ offer. 

Real estate agents: Lauren Davis, Hans Wydler and Dina Miller, Compass

What can you get for $4M?

• $4.025 million
• 5306 Kenwood Ave., Chevy Chase

Jennifer and Rob Keller moved back to Montgomery County from the San Francisco Bay Area, where Rob’s in-house legal position at Cisco is based. The couple, parents of two school-age daughters, transplanted the family to the Kenwood section of Chevy Chase, within walking distance of Washington Episcopal School, which one of the girls attends. 

“We feel very, very fortunate because it was kind of a tight market here last summer,” Jennifer says. “There weren’t that many houses available, and also we really wanted a swimming pool.” 

The Kellers’ 6,636-square-foot brick Colonial, built in 1941, has six bedrooms, 6 ½ baths, a library, exercise room, and in-ground pool and spa combo. The home underwent a renovation in 2002 and offers custom shelving, an updated kitchen and custom cabinetry. The Kellers were so convinced that the Kenwood Avenue home should be theirs that they made an offer within 24 hours of viewing photos of the house—without ever walking through it, not even via video. 

“We like a traditional house,” Jennifer says. “It was the style, the size we needed—as soon as I saw pictures and the pool, I was like, That’s it.” 

Real estate agents: Ralph Nichols, Fairfax Realty Premier; Dana Rice, Compass

• $3,850,000
• 10809 Red Barn Lane, Potomac

Christopher and Lena Bryant fell in love with an 11,840-square-foot, six-bedroom, 7 ½-bath English country manor in the heart of Potomac. 

“We really loved the layout,” Lena says. “When we walked through, we were like, This feels like home to us.”

The couple, their 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son, along with their two black Labrador retrievers moved from Seattle last summer to be closer to aging parents and Lena’s work headquarters. Finding a place nearby for their equestrian daughter to ride and board her horse was a factor.

“We were drawn to this street, oddly enough, through another house in our initial search,” Christopher says. “This house came up for sale and we quickly jumped on it.”

As the price tag indicates, the massive home offers many amenities. The Bryants can go for a dip in the saltwater pool, enjoy a meal in the gourmet farmhouse kitchen and gaze at the 100-year-old reclaimed beams from a Pennsylvania farmhouse in the great room. At this 2.79-acre estate, guests can also grab a bottle of vino from the wine cellar or get a sweat on in one of multiple workout rooms.

“There’s something for everyone in the house,” Christopher says. “The kids have their pool and the trampoline. We’re really happy with the choice we made.”

Real estate agents: Gary & Lisa Rudden, Rudden Bobruska team, RE/MAX Realty; Joshua Baumgardner, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

• $4,000,000
• 5120 Wessling Lane, Bethesda

Compass realtor Margie Halem’s out-of-state client wanted to live on Bethesda’s Wessling Lane because he had lived on it years earlier—and loved it. So when this home at 5120 Wessling Lane went on sale last year, Halem brokered the deal. Originally listed for $3,850,000, the 6,710-square-foot Craftsman in the Bradley Hills neighborhood garnered multiple offers and sold for $4 million.

“They loved the space, the warmth and the location—the location was huge,” Halem says about why the new owners chose the six-bedroom, six-bath home. “It is a really nice house—it was perfect for his family.”

Located within walking distance of downtown Bethesda, the home was built in 2015 with every bell and whistle, including a chef’s kitchen, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, a home theater with built-in projector, a bathroom with heated floors and a freestanding soaking tub. The modern, open floor plan seamlessly integrates with the landscaped backyard and built-in firepit.

 “It doesn’t feel like you’re in an urban setting,” Halem says. “It’s just a peaceful, quiet street but literally you’re a stone’s throw from everything—that’s the appeal.” 

Real estate agents: Emily Sower & Robert Crawford, Washington Fine Properties; Margie Halem, Compass 

This story appears in the March/April issue of Bethesda Magazine.

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