Yes, that’s Monticello — not Montecito — though this stunning Mediterranean villa could comfortably compete in style and grandeur with residences in the pricey California enclave.
Beautifully situated on a one-third acre lot near the park, the near prototypical Mediterranean exemplifies timeless design. The modern drive and garage might betray the 2005 date of construction, but the flawlessly articulated façade evokes the best revivalist residential architecture of the early 20th century.
The interior and exterior are rife with lovely arches. The curved consoles flanking the entrance bay are a ‘throw away chic’ detail which somehow appears essential to the composition.
Behind imposing bronze doors, one has an uninterrupted sight line through an arched enfilade from front to back. Depressingly, so much new construction that attempts the Mediterranean vernacular fails, generally by being bombastic and over-scaled. Here, the cold hotel lobby feel is eschewed in favor of rooms of human-friendly proportions and rational openings that leave useful wall space.
COVID-19 shut-ins may be accelerating a trend away from the default “open concept” mode and are renewing appreciation for distinct, purposed spaces. Here, the dining room is deceptively simple in its monotone scheme but there are subtle, sophisticated elements such as the LED chandelier and the Charles X dining chairs, an early 19th-century French style, which, with their white upholstery, look clean and modern.
A butler’s pantry with unusual bow-fronted, marble-topped cabinets leads to the large eat-in kitchen. The kitchen island is eight feet long. The 60-inch Wolf cooktop is capped by an impressive copper hood. Cabinets are painted a soothing celadon.
The beamed living area is at back with views of the back garden. Custom and consistent, high-quality details abound throughout the 5,000-square-foot house, like the bespoke, five-light French windows.
Two of the five bedrooms are on the ground floor. That includes the master bedroom and a bonus bedroom. All bedrooms have an ensuite bath. The master bath has a full repertoire of luxury stone and a four-piece ensemble, including separate sinks and a vanity area.
Being something of a chair fetishist, my eye is drawn to the Swedish chlysmos style chair at center.
My favorite bath, however, is this simple retro beauty upstairs with vintage tile work, including a Greek key bordered floor, which seems so style-appropriate.
Under an arched loggia with a groin-vaulted ceiling is an agreeable outdoor living area centered on a cozy fireplace. No design opportunities are wasted. Notice the noble chimney that resembles a tower in San Gimignano. All of this overlooks a tranquil pool/spa.
Ivey Ramsey of Williams Trew Real Estate is offering 3720 Potomac Avenue for $2.025 million.
