Greater Washington is not among the top U.S. markets for new single-family home construction — that list is dominated by the Southern and Western states. But when we do build here, especially homes on the higher end, you can bet they’ll have some snazzy luxury features included.
Topping that list, according to Stephan Lamb, a vice president for Van Metre Design+Build, a subsidiary of the Van Metre Cos.: a pool cabana, an outdoor terrace with fireplace and grill area, and an executive wet bar with liquor lockers.
The D.C. area might be Type A personality central, but its residents do know how to kick back, which appears to be the trend in luxury home amenities.
Lamb said it typically takes about three months to build a pool pavilion and cabana, with a cost starting at $195,000. Of course, design and material selections can add to that price tag — but the good news is Lamb said he’s not seeing any major supply chain issues at this time to hold up construction.
Here’s how some of those other amenities break down:
But a builder can dream too, right? One feature that Lamb has yet to build, but aspires to, he said, is “a home music recording studio with isolation booths, mixing board, wood paneling and acoustical insulation.” Another on his wish list someday for a prospective luxury homeowner: “an indoor cascading waterfall with mood lighting and a koi pond, perfect for meditating and getting back to nature.”
He can’t yet say exactly how long such projects might take or cost.
Tip off
We don’t know how much this specific amenity costs, but, if you’re willing to meet the $39 million asking price, you can have your very own indoor basketball court — plus indoor and outdoor pools, a collector’s garage with space for 22 cars, terrace for entertaining and so on. That’s what you’ll get at McLean’s The Cliffs, the never-lived-in home of Monumental Sports & Entertainment co-owner Roger Mody and his wife, Kyle. The home, at 700 Bulls Neck Road and listed by Mark Lowham of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, is one of many ultraluxury single-family homes dotting the region.
Can do in the condo
You need not buy the traditional single-family detached home to score luxury amenities.
As part of the second phase of The Wharf on D.C.’s Southwest waterfront, Hoffman & Associates and Madison Marquette are co-developing the Amaris condominiums, targeting those seeking upscale living arrangements with both traditional and unusual perks.
Construction began in 2019 and is wrapping up this fall. The 96 units range in size from 680 to 5,800 square feet, and in price from $750,000 to $8 million-plus. Rafael Viñoly Architects designed the 12-story building, while its 1.5-acre ground-level park, The Green, was designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates — a landscaped area to wander, relax or contemplate a centerpiece marble fountain.
Other luxury features include:
Home watch
© 2022 American City Business Journals. All rights reserved. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated January 1, 2021) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated July 1, 2022). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of American City Business Journals.
About Author
