Curtis Residence

ChevyChase, MD

The clients, a couple in their sixties, acquired this small, turn-of-the century home in Chevy Chase, MD, after living in northern Italy for fifteen years. Their farmhouse also included a lap pool and tennis court. Their intent was to recreate the same amenities on a quarter acre lot. The also wanted to include a wine cellar and painting studio.

Curtis Before - The existing house was more of a cottage, with rooms off a small central hall and minimal foyer. The clients had collected large and unusual pieces of furniture and we suggested that larger rooms would have to be created to incorporate these pieces.
Curtis Remodel - The design solution required opening up the very compartmentalized floor plan. This involved moving the front door from the center of the house to the side, creating a more generous entry foyer and sweeping hallway. A larger living room was created, a new dining inserted at the rear of the house between the two existing wings, and the main stair was opened up and became a major design element. A pool house and small lap pool were also introduced into the rear yard.
The enlarged living room accommodates comfortable furnishings, with a new fireplace and integral wood storage with slate fins.
The new foyer opens to a curving wall and generous center gallery. The previously enclosed stair has been enlarged and spills out into the hall with custom wrought iron railings designed and fabricated by the clients’ son.