On the Market: Barnaby Woods Colonial with a modernist vibe

Barnaby Woods is a close-knit community living in harmony with its surroundings. Bordered by Rock Creek Park and developed to make the most of its natural contours and topography, it is a green and tranquil refuge that has long appealed to high-pressured Washingtonians and their families.

While Cape Cods and Colonials are the predominant architectural style, there is more to these homes than meets the eye. Many have been updated to suit today’s lifestyles and use of space while still keeping some of the unique exterior details that make each one unique.

Like its neighbors, the brick Colonial at 6425 31st St. NW has been “reverse engineered” by architects Hamilton Snober and builders Mauk Zantzinger & Associates to maximize interior functionality and access to the outdoors. Built in 1937 and smartly renovated in 2009 (interiors and rear deck) and 2013 (front porch), it now offers 3,400 square feet of abundantly lit, open living space on three levels and includes four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, landscaped front and back yards, and priceless parkland views. It is on the market for $1.35 million.

A flagstone walkway leads to a double-columned portico/porch, which, like the shutters and window trim, is painted in Prussian blue – a color that nicely complements the red brick façade and appears again on the rear Hardie plank siding that is embellished with Chinese Chippendale molding. A black 1930s-era 12-light front door with transom opens into the foyer and fills the entry hall with natural light. To the right are the living room and dining room, and to the left a passageway leading to a half-bath, sitting area with upholstered window seat and butler’s pantry. Straight ahead is a stairway leading to the second level. Beyond the stairs are the kitchen and family room.

Anchoring the living room is a feature wall with original beadboard paneling and a wood-burning fireplace with custom “transitional” mantel and honed slate surround. Twin passages – a design element often found in traditional Colonial double parlors – take you into the dining room where French doors open onto an IPE wood deck, which is spacious enough for comfortable al fresco dining. Pocket doors, flanked by built-in cabinetry, reveal the open plan kitchen and family room.

The sleek and ergonomic kitchen is defined by rift-cut oak cabinetry with stainless hardware, Caesarstone countertop and a festive multi-colored glass mosaic tile backsplash. Chef’s grade appliances include a Dacor five-burner gas range and oven with a Miele hood and a KitchenAid French door refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. A large island offers extra prep/serving space while adding some separation between the kitchen and family room.

A wall of oversized south- and west-facing windows and a coffered ceiling in the family room draw your attention up and out to the grand view of the rear garden, Pinehurst tributary and woods beyond. Off the family room, a pergola-covered walkway connects the deck and a staircase leading to a brick-covered patio below.

Upstairs on the second level are the owner’s suite and two guest rooms; one with en-suite bath and one with access to the hall bath. Like the family room, the master bedroom enjoys a sunny south-west exposure and overlooks the garden. It also features a tray ceiling and two spacious walk-in closets. The en-suite bath picks up the natural, organic look and feel with marble tile flooring, floor-to-ceiling grey glass wall tile, a floating maple double sink vanity with fossil-bearing limestone counters. A Duravit soaking tub, frameless glass shower with Hansgrohe fixtures and Toto commode complete the spa-like accommodations.

The bright, above-grade lower level includes a large office with garden views, second mudroom, rec room/living room, contemporary full bath, under-the-stairs storage and large laundry room complete with customized dog tub, Whirlpool washer and dryer, glossy metallic blue cabinets and slate tile floors.

Modern, clean and intelligently designed, the home also features oak hardwood and maple flooring, recessed and dimmable lighting throughout, Sonos-based audio system, two-zone, programmable HVAC and whole house surge protectors.

Located just south of the Montgomery County line at Western Avenue, this quiet suburb-in-a-city neighborhood is an easy car ride to Chevy Chase Circle, Friendship Heights and Connecticut Avenue. While this home does not have a garage, there is plenty of on-street parking.