On the Market: Forest Hills mid-century modern rises above it all

The Forest Hills neighborhood is unique, even by Washington standards.

Bordered on one side by the wild beauty of Rock Creek Park and on the other by Connecticut Avenue’s more civilized pleasures, it is also home to a stunning array of mostly contemporary homes, many of which are tucked within forested steep-angled cliffs.

Among them is the property at 2801 Davenport St. NW, a concrete and glass mid-century modern sitting high in the hills and overlooking the park. Designed by architect Charles Egbert and built in 1970, it offers 3,750 square feet of living space on three levels and includes four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, one wood-burning fireplace, walls of oversized and geometrically shaped windows, skylights and multiple patios and decks for taking in the priceless views. It is on the market for $1.125 million.

Brick steps along with a brick pathway lead to the main door, which opens into a dramatic entry hall with ceramic tile floors, high ceilings and a tall skylit niche – a semi-circular alcove that rises up throughout the interior and also lends added visual interest to the façade.

Flanking the hallway are three bedrooms – two guest rooms and a full bath to the right and the master suite with dressing room and bath to the left. This unusual placement of bedrooms on the ground floor inspired the owners to call it the “upside down” house. Mirrored closet doors expand the space and bring the outside in.

A staircase takes you to the main level of the house – an open, flowing space with floor-to-ceiling windows and generously proportioned rooms, all with access to the wraparound deck and gazebo. To the immediate right of the stairs is the living room accented with a vaulted white pickled redwood ceiling and an oversized fireplace framed by built-in bookcases and fronted by a long slate hearth.

To the left of the stairs is the dining area with ceramic tile floors and sliding glass doors. Next door is the family room furnished with walls of custom-built bookcases and cabinetry. Both the dining and family rooms pick up the same pickled ceiling feature that appears in the living room.

Off the living room is a step-up conservatory/breakfast room that opens into a bright and airy kitchen with custom built-ins, white plain front cabinets, dark granite counters and a breakfast bar and slate tile backsplash. Appliances include a Kenmore refrigerator, a KitchenAid dishwasher and a double wall oven and electric Jenn Air glass cooktop. A pocket door reveals a pantry and laundry area with a Maytag washer and dryer.

The lowest level of the home contains a large bedroom with full-sized windows, en-suite bath and several spacious closets for additional storage.

Ideal for entertaining and outdoor-loving family life, the house at 2801 Davenport offers easy access to downtown, the White House, Georgetown and points east and west. It is also minutes away from the retail and restaurant attractions of Cleveland Park, Friendship Heights and Tenleytown.