Located in the heart of the Gold Coast in McLean, Virginia and just minutes from downtown Washington, Stratford House captures a place in Virginia’s history coupled with inspiring views across the majestic Potomac River. Constructed in 1973 by illustrious descendants of both the Lee and Bowman families, this French Provincial masterpiece is positioned on approximately 4 acres and is considered one of the most important estates on prestigious Crest Lane and a renowned destination for fine entertaining for over 50 years.
A Squirrel and Acorn statue, emblems from the Robert E. Lee family crest, introduce the parking court to the estate. The large pea gravel court accommodates up to 30 cars with additional parking available outside the courtyard.
Guests arrive in a large reception a hall with a grand staircase leading to the upper level. Immediately, one is drawn to the grand two-story living room centered on antique marble fireplace with intricate details. Here, one recognizes why this site was selected. Stepping though French doors onto the terrace, the unobstructed views of the gardens and river unfold. Since it was completed, Stratford House has been recognized for some of the most expansive river views on Crest Lane.
The living room flows seamlessly into a rich, mahogany-paneled library with built in bookcases and an antique marble fireplace.
Glass paneled doors lead into an octagonal shaped solarium that catches both the morning light and evening sunsets over the Potomac River. This wing also has two spacious first floor guest rooms, each with en-suite baths. The location of the guest rooms affords privacy for both the homeowner and guests.
The east wing of the house reveals the gracious dining room with its exquisite hand painted wallpaper from Gracie Studio which captures a stunning, hand painted botanical design on a silver leaf background. With French doors to the patio, this spacious room can easily accommodate both forty guests for a large seated dinner or four guests for an intimate dinner party.
The east wing also contains a second octagonal sitting room with a fireplace off the kitchen. Designed to capture the morning sun, this room is the perfect destination for a morning cup of coffee to watch the sun rise over the Potomac. Nearby, a spacious kitchen, butler’s pantry, laundry room and staff dining room accommodate day to day living. A separate, two-bedroom staff quarters with its own kitchen and living room is easily accessible from an outside entrance.
Upstairs, the spacious master suite includes two sitting room, each with fireplaces as well as separate full baths, dressing rooms and extra storage. A large terrace off the master suite provides sweeping views to the gardens below and the river beyond. An additional guest room is also located on this level.
Outside, the terraced garden leads to a bluff overlooking the Potomac River affording 360-degree views of the river. Adjacent to the garden, a large pool and terrace provide a private retreat.
This extraordinary estate property is now available for the first time in over fifty years. Located just minutes from downtown Washington and with privacy rarely found adjacent to the city, Stratford House is a rare opportunity to embrace the next generation of gracious living and elegant entertaining.
This house has not been certified yet, check in with an agent for more info!
Listing provided by Mark Lowham
TTR Sothebys International Realty
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