Polished post and beam in Crestwood Hills asking $3.4M

This article showcases a luxurious seven-bedroom estate located at 22369 Pasture Rose Pl. in Broadlands, available for $3.5 million. The property, previously owned by former NFL player DeAngelo Hall, spans 15 acres and features over 10,000 square feet of interior living space. The residence offers extensive privacy and a wide array of high-end amenities designed for comfort, entertainment, and a sophisticated lifestyle. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a grand two-story foyer, accented with leaded glass double doors and intricate wood and wrought-iron staircases. To the left of the foyer, a formal living room is present, which includes French doors leading to a private office space designed for quiet concentration. To the right, a formal dining room is detailed with crown molding, a designer tray ceiling, and dual chandeliers, creating an ideal setting for elegant meals and special occasions. The gourmet kitchen is equipped for culinary enthusiasts, featuring custom cabinetry, Level 4 granite counters, and commercial-grade appliances, including two dishwashers, a pot-filler, and a six-burner cooktop with a grill. A center island with a prep sink, a menu planning station, and a floor-to-ceiling wine fridge further enhance the kitchen's functionality and luxury. This culinary area seamlessly connects to a separate breakfast nook and a sitting area that offers views of the expansive backyard. Adjacent to the kitchen is a family room, measuring approximately 20 feet by 29 feet. This spacious area features a floor-to-ceiling flagstone fireplace, a 700-gallon freshwater aquarium, and a drop-down TV for entertainment. The primary suite serves as a private retreat, offering abundant natural light, ample space, and a sitting area with views of the pool. It includes two walk-in closets, a wet bar with a beverage fridge, and an en suite bathroom. The primary bathroom is designed as a spa oasis with a large walk-in shower, dual vanities, and heated floors. The lower level of the estate is dedicated to entertainment and recreation. It comprises a recreation room, a game room, a gym, a home theater, an additional bedroom, and storage facilities, providing diverse options for leisure activities. The game room offers space for interactive experiences, while the home theater enhances movie nights. The exterior of the property is equally impressive, featuring an extensive in-ground pool, recognized as one of the largest residential pools in Loudoun County, constructed by Lewis Aquatech. Two open-air pavilions with travertine decking frame the path to the house, and an outdoor kitchen is available for hosting gatherings. An enclosed and lighted sports court with basketball hoops provides additional recreational opportunities. The property also includes an attached four-car garage. This estate combines luxury living with comprehensive amenities, making it suitable for those seeking a private and engaging lifestyle. #LuxuryRealEstate #BroadlandsEstate #VirginiaHomes #GourmetKitchen #HomeEntertainment #PrivateProperty #EstateLiving #LuxuryAmenities #HomeDesign

The FHB House project, designed for the affordable market in Wilder, Vermont, aims to achieve a net-zero energy designation while focusing on cost-effectiveness and universal design principles. This involves a strategic balance between investing in photovoltaic (PV) arrays and optimizing the building envelope. For this production-built, easily duplicable house, the team prioritized reducing construction costs and duration by opting for a slab foundation, a decision that also caters to its target demographic of older, downsizing homeowners seeking single-level living without subterranean spaces. The foundation system for the FHB House utilizes traditional footing and stem-wall construction, extending below the frost line. The interior of these stem walls is insulated with 2 inches of Amvic Envirosheet. A critical component of the slab's thermal performance is the Amvic SilveRboard subslab insulation, providing an R-value of 5 per inch and a compressive strength of 35 psi. This expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam is laminated on both faces with polypropylene film, enhancing its strength and durability to minimize breakage and cracking during construction. The EPS insulation is free of CFCs and HCFCs and is available in various compressive strengths to suit different structural requirements. Historically, the Biebels, the builders involved, have explored the use of ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) for stem walls. However, they returned to formed stem walls after considering the additional costs associated with protecting the exterior foam of ICFs. For the slab insulation itself, they specified 4 inches of Amvic SilveRboard, achieving an R-20 insulation value. Prior to the concrete pour, a 15-mil vapor barrier was installed over the insulation. All seams of the vapor barrier were overlapped and meticulously sealed with tape, as were any penetrations through the slab. At the edges of the slab, the vapor barrier was extended up the side and over the top of the stem wall, then draped long. Following the erection of the walls, this vapor barrier was taped securely to the exterior face of the wall sheathing, ensuring a continuous moisture barrier. This approach to the slab foundation demonstrates a concerted effort to balance energy efficiency, construction costs, and market appeal. The choice of a slab-on-grade not only streamlines the construction process and reduces material usage but also aligns with the accessibility needs of potential buyers. The robust insulation and vapor barrier detailing are crucial for achieving the net-zero-ready goal and maintaining a comfortable, energy-efficient interior environment. The selection of specific insulation products like Amvic SilveRboard highlights a commitment to high-performance, durable materials in the pursuit of affordable and sustainable housing. #SlabFoundation #NetZeroReady #AffordableHousing #BuildingEnvelope #Insulation #VaporBarrier #ConstructionCosts #UniversalDesign #HomeBuilding

The former estate of the late Buffalo Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. in Grosse Pointe Shores is currently listed for $9.5 million, a price justified by its expansive property, unique architecture, and historical significance. Wilson acquired 4½ acres on Lake St. Clair by purchasing three adjacent lakeside estates, creating a private peninsula with 450 feet of shoreline. The property features a main house, a vintage farmhouse and barn repurposed as a guest house and carriage house, and a grandfathered two-bedroom guest cottage near the water's edge. The main residence, initially a 1948 mid-century modern ranch, was significantly expanded and rebuilt in the 1970s by architects who also designed the Bills Stadium, transforming it into a modern, Craftsman-influenced showplace. The design incorporates wide, horizontal lines, natural wood finishes, and extensive use of glass walls facing the lake. The interior of the main house is characterized by open spaces, with a long great room featuring a raised, natural wood-lined ceiling and brick fireplaces at each end. Skylights and atriums were added to maximize natural light. The owners' suite is a substantial area comprising five indoor rooms, including a sleeping room with a fireplace, a large dressing room, Wilson’s home office, and two bathrooms, plus a brick and glass atrium. Interestingly, two bathrooms retain their original mid-century pink and black tiles, a nod to the home's history. The kitchen is large and open, flowing into a breakfast and hearth room, and a glass-walled dining room. It features floor-to-ceiling cupboards and sliding glass doors leading to a brick patio. Recently, Wilson's widow, Mary McLean Wilson, made updates to the kitchen, adding a new tiled fireplace and creating a hearth-side sitting area, while preserving the main structures. Mary McLean Wilson, a former U.S. ranked tennis player, met Ralph Wilson around 1990 and married him in 1999. Upon moving into the home, she made several modifications, including opening up the family/TV room by removing most of its ceiling to create a catwalk/balcony above, which allows light to flood the space. She also commissioned 12 elegant etched glass screens set in wood frames to separate the entry foyer from the great room, maintaining views and light, though she plans to keep these screens. Ralph Wilson Jr. passed away in 2014 at 95. Beyond his role in founding the Buffalo Bills and being a founding member of the American Football League, he was a significant philanthropist. A substantial portion of the $1.4 billion sale of the Bills was allocated to the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, dedicated to community improvements in western New York state and southeast Michigan. In recognition of his 100th birthday, the foundation granted $100 million to the park systems of Buffalo and Detroit. The property, located at 824 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, includes four bedrooms in the main house, plus two bedrooms in the farm house and two in the guest cottage. The main house has four full baths and one half bath, totaling 5,490 square feet, with additional living spaces in the farm house, guest cottage, and a carriage house apartment. Key features include its association with Ralph C. Wilson Jr., the extensive 4½-acre combined estates, 450 feet of shoreline, and the unique additional structures like the farmhouse, carriage house apartment, and the grandfathered shoreline cottage. The listing is managed by Kay Agney of Higbie Maxon Agney Inc. #GrossePointeShores #LuxuryRealEstate #RalphCWilsonJr #BuffaloBills #LakeStClair #MidCenturyModern #CraftsmanStyle #EstateSale #Philanthropy

This blog post highlights a Georgian manor located at 1295 Ballantrae Farm Dr. in McLean, Virginia, on the market for $3.85 million. The property, built 21 years ago, emphasizes classic architectural designs that are intended to withstand changing trends. It features six bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, three half bathrooms, and spans 12,300 square feet. The residence offers a range of luxurious amenities designed to enhance comfort and elegance. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a grand foyer that includes a sweeping staircase and an intricately designed marble floor. The dining room is notable for its classic crown molding, a fireplace that contributes to the ambiance, and custom-lighted cabinets for display. The family room provides a cozy atmosphere, featuring extensive pine millwork that provides warm tones throughout the halls, trim, and flooring, complemented by a fireplace. A hidden wet bar is also integrated into this space for convenience. The kitchen is presented as a bright and spacious area, distinguished by detailed tile painting above the countertop and an exquisite ceiling accent. It is equipped with Quaker Maid cabinetry and high-end stainless steel appliances from brands such as Viking, SubZero, and Bosch, catering to culinary needs. The owner's suite is described as exceptionally well-appointed, offering more than just an expansive layout and a pristine bathroom. The primary bedroom includes a separate sitting room with its own fireplace, two walk-in closets, and two marble bathrooms, one of which features a sauna and a soaking tub. Additionally, the suite provides direct access to a private sunroom. The exterior of the manor features a large terra cotta tile terrace, suitable for outdoor activities such as grilling and relaxation. This outdoor area also includes a fire pit for cooler evenings and is surrounded by meticulously maintained landscaping, providing a serene environment for residents and guests. Chris Pritchard at McEnearney Associates is listed as the contact for further information regarding the property. #McLeanRealEstate #GeorgianManor #LuxuryHome #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeAmenities #VirginiaRealEstate #ClassicArchitecture #HighEndKitchen #OutdoorLiving

This article highlights the transformation of a high-rise galley kitchen in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, owned by Ivee and Sam Fromkin. Perched on the 18th floor, the apartment offers panoramic views of the Shrewsbury River, the Atlantic Ocean, and the New York skyline. After 25 years, the existing kitchen, which had become worn from daily use and frequent entertaining, underwent a significant renovation to maximize space and modernize its aesthetic and functionality. Ivee Fromkin, an interior designer herself, spearheaded the renovation. The initial galley kitchen was constrained, prompting her to raise the ceiling to create a more open feel. A wall separating the kitchen from the dining room was removed, allowing for a more fluid connection between the spaces. To further enhance the kitchen's footprint and functionality, 4 feet were incorporated from the adjacent dining room. This reclaimed space allowed for the installation of a counter with seating for four, strategically angled to provide diners with optimal views. Despite retaining a galley layout, the redesigned kitchen feels considerably more spacious. Ivee emphasized the importance of accessibility and efficiency in her design, noting that during cooking, everything is within easy reach. The renovation also included significant appliance upgrades, such as replacing a single wall oven with a double oven. A notable addition is a refrigerator featuring French-style glass doors, which Ivee describes as a "gem" for its aesthetic appeal. Material selection was a crucial aspect of the renovation, balancing beauty with practicality. The countertops were chosen in hammered black granite with a dull finish, contrasting with the shiny black granite floors that were original to the apartment. This choice was deliberate, as the dull finish helps conceal fingerprints and dust, making maintenance easier. The rough edges of the countertops also add a textural element and visual interest to the space. Glass-front cabinets were installed, offering both a decorative element and practical visibility, allowing the Fromkins to easily locate items. The backsplash features white Carerra marble, cut in two different sizes to add visual depth and interest. The walls were painted white, with a subtle touch of pale lilac used inside the tray ceilings, providing a "tiny pop of color." The reconfigured layout also created space for a dedicated bar area on the dining room side, where the Fromkins proudly display their collection of cocktail shakers. The article mentions that bar stools, purchased in 1990, were revitalized with crisp white slipcovers, chosen for their easy washability. This choice inspired Ivee to use the same pure-white cotton fabric for slipcovers on all the living room furniture, ensuring durability and ease of cleaning, especially with grandchildren actively using the space. Completed in 2008, the kitchen continues to maintain a chic and contemporary appearance. For the Fromkins, it has become the central hub of their home, where they enjoy dinner at the counter each night, savoring the sunset views. The breathtaking views from their apartment are cited by Sam Fromkin as a primary reason for their continued enjoyment of the residence. #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #HighRiseLiving #SpaceMaximization #LuxuryKitchen #MonmouthBeach #HomeDecor #ApplianceUpgrades