Warmth, love and laughter have filled the rooms and grounds of 4701 Linnean Avenue for over 80 years. A tribute to the unsurpassed quality of stone and concrete construction of the 1930's, this residence has rarely become available for sale and has been home to just 3 previous families fortunate enough to have become its owner. The architect's mission in designing the home was to include unique features in each room, including stunning inlaid wood flooring and various custom moldings and finishes, so that each room boasts its own "surprise" details. This resplendent Tudor style stone mansion in Forest Hills could easily have been the backdrop for many famous movies from Citizen Kane to Sunset Boulevard. The residence was built in 1938 by legendary real estate developer A. Joseph Howar as a tribute to the love of his life, his wife Bader. 4701 Linnean Avenue became the go to Washington residence hosting elegant receptions and dinners for multiple US Presidents, Kings and Queens and heads of state from every corner of the globe. Prominent dignitaries, businessmen and women, movie stars and celebrities graced its halls, including well known newscaster Helen Thomas who was a personal family friend of the original owners. In 1989 Georgetown University commissioned an autobiography of the owner with the story of his life that includes incredible photography of the many elegant receptions and family events held at 4701 Linnean Avenue.
Welcome into the gallery sized marble foyer with a grand sweeping staircase constructed of one piece of marble, custom wrought iron balustrades and high ceilings all of which overlook the ballroom size living room with fireplace. The living room with three seating areas, has on multiple occasions been transformed into a large dining area that can seat 60. Opening off the Living Room, one is greeted by a formal library and separate sunroom/solarium making entertaining spaces as intimate or as expansive as needed. Opposite the foyer one enters the spacious dining room which includes double French doors that open to a similarly sized Southern style covered porch with wood ceiling. Resplendent views of the formal landscaped gardens and lawn designed by James Van Sweden can be seen from inside the dining room and continue on from the covered porch. The hallway from the dining room leads to the cook's kitchen with granite countertops on four sides and adjacent breakfast room. The breakfast room with windows on three sides overlooks the lush green back lawn and pool. The current owners have added a Japanese garden and outside sitting area with specimen plantings designed for the far right corner of the grounds--the perfect hideaway for a serene and peaceful retreat at home. Double staircases were designed to allow access to the upper levels and lower levels of the home, from either the front foyer and library, or directly from the kitchen area of the home. Glide up the circular foyer staircase to the second level of the residence to the primary suite with fireplace, spacious primary bath and ample wardrobe and closet space. Four additional bedrooms and three baths continue on this second level of the home. Completing this level of the residence you will find a beautiful second level balcony which sits atop of the main level covered porch. The third level of the home, originally designed for household staff has been beautifully renovated by the current owner to provide a large home office and gallery space with light filled windows and skylights, two additional large bedrooms and a fifth full bath. The lower level of the home continues with an added bonus, a home theater the size of the living room above it, with ample space for twenty whether formally entertaining or spending an evening at home with family and friends. An additional 8th bedroom and 2 full baths along with storage and utilities are found on this level of the residence.