Hampden Lane

Custom built in 2019 by a collaboration between visionary architect Mark Kaufman from award-winning GTM, the exacting attention to detail of widely-lauded Sandy Spring Builders, and the original owner’s meticulous eye, the result is a residence of unparalleled quality honed from the very finest in materials and workmanship. Prominently perched on a highly sought-after, deep 0.31 acre lot, the land has been fully enveloped by privacy plantings to evoke cues of a Pacific Northwest oasis while embracing abundant natural light. The sweeping crescent driveway is bifurcated by a subtle paving stone path, opening into a broad central walkway which proceeds to ascend a dramatic set of steps to arrive beneath the central portico. The facade itself is a masterful blend of stacked stone, large Loewen glass surfaces, and dark cladding, straddling the sometimes challenging line of maintaining visual interest and architectural harmony at once. The front door opens to showcase elaborate mortised hardware throughout, and reveals a deceptively capacious interior spanning a generous 7,779 finished square feet on three elevator-accessible levels. Wide plank white oak floors with integrated vents, outlets tucked into baseboards, trimless walls, and square recessed lighting are all architectural enhancements standing as a testament to the quality of construction. Adjacent to the reception area, beneath a drop ceiling, with nearly an unbroken corner of glass, is the formal living room, an inviting initial gathering space. The remainder of the main level sits a half flight of stairs up. Tucked away at the front of the home is the formal dining room, an embassy-sized space for more elaborate gatherings, showcasing floor-to-ceiling windows and a sweeping balcony overlooking the motor court to enable formal al fresco dining. A custom steel barn door running along an integrated steel plate slides open to reveal the butler’s pantry, set against a large pane of glass and bridging the gap to the chef’s kitchen. Completed custom-designed and the true heart of the home, perhaps most striking is the rift walnut cabinetry, grain matched from top to bottom with data lines meticulously aligned horizontally. Juxtaposing this exquisite millwork is the oversized marble island connecting to a semicircular bar with cast-in-place concrete, introducing a slight industrial flair. A ubiquitous suite of state-of-the-art appliances comprises Wolf induction cooking, full-size SubZero refrigeration including 75-bottle wine storage, a custom BlueStar floating hood, and a Miele duo of dishwasher as well as the much revered built-in espresso machine. The adjacent breakfast area flows into the screened-in porch via Nanawall. The expansive family room, spanning 32’ in length, is anchored by a roaring linear fireplace nestled within a wall of built-ins, including a cleverly concealed bar cabinet. A floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall expanse of glass overlooks and opens onto the rear terrace. The central staircase is a functional work of art with its open treads and contemporary railings. It approaches the upper level with a well of natural light. Spanning the entire width of the level is the lavish primary suite. In the bedroom, the nook for the bed is framed by custom built-ins, opposite a roaring fireplace and opening onto a private west-facing covered terrace with radiant sunset views. The spa-like primary bathroom is expectedly lavish, with a double leathered Taj Mahal quartzite vanity, sauna-esque walk-in steam shower, freestanding tub, separate water closet, and a second private terrace, this one with a sweeping overlook of the rear lawn. Two walk-in closets with extensive built-ins bridged by a morning kitchen complete the suite. Three additional bedroom suites, each with a stylistically unique, luxurious tiled bathroom, as well as a convenient laundry room complete the upper level. Two additional bedrooms and two full bathrooms are found on the lower level, with flexibility in usage as a fitness center, telecommuting solution, or hobby space. A large, multipurpose and soundproof media room with wet bar is the main living area on the lower level. The mudroom connects directly to the two-car garage and features both custom millwork as well as a built-in dog bath. Mechanical and electronic systems include sound wells throughout the walls for sound attenuation, as well as a whole house Lutron suite controlling lighting and shades, with a full Sonos suite controlling audio. The home’s outdoor space equals the lofty caliber established by its interiors. A resort-like sanctuary, it features a sparkling pool with an integrated vanishing-edge hot tub and flagstone surround. The custom outdoor kitchen with Lynx grill is the centerpiece of the porcelain paver patio and a hub for entertaining on warm summer evenings. The adjacent screened-in porch has stunning Western Red Cedar Clear Vertical Grain wood ceilings, as well as retractable screens, sharing a double-sided fireplace with the pergola above the hot tub, itself featuring motorized roof slats to maximize enjoyment protected from the elements. Rich in amenities, quality, and unparalleled in its location walkable to urban downtown Bethesda, Hampden Lane is an irreplaceable offering in one of the Capital Region’s most prestigious enclaves.