This spectacular waterfront estate ($15,000,000) offers a rare 3.22 gated acres along the “Gold Coast” on the Potomac River in McLean, Virginia. With almost 200 feet along the waterfront, the house offers stunning views of the river and its rapids. Recently constructed in 2011, the house was inspired by the Renaissance palaces of northern Spain. The home was designed by prominent Maryland architect Richard Foster and constructed by The Galileo Group. The home’s exterior is a hand-chiseled limestone with a random-thickness slate roof, installed in a staggered old-world pattern. The cast stone entrance with water table and band maintain the classical design, accented by a custom mahogany cornice inspired by the Aragon architecture of Spain. Inside the entrance, a dramatic curved staircase with wrought-iron details creates an exquisite two-story foyer flooded with light from a custom oval skylight. The formal dining room to the left of the foyer features built-in china cabinets and a custom-designed, honed French limestone mantel. A butler’s pantry with wine storage and refrigeration serves the dining room. A large family room with coffered ceiling and custom marble fireplace as well as a study offer plenty of living space on the main level. The mahogany-paneled library, seemingly cantilevered in the trees above the river, feels much like a tree house and sits between the terrace on the front and another terrace running along the back of the house. The eat-in kitchen comes with commercial-grade appliances from Wolf, Sub-Zero and Miele. The custom-designed mosaic tiles create a dramatic backdrop. A massive, two-tiered pearl wood quartzite island counter offers ample room for in-kitchen dining. The kitchen leads to an octagonal breakfast room with panoramic views. Both kitchen and breakfast room connect to a terrace dining room with mahogany accents and remote-controlled screens. All outdoor terraces have Turkish travertine limestone floors. On the upper level, the master suite features a vaulted ceiling and a living area with fireplace plus a vast dressing room. Expansive windows and a private riverfront terrace offer sweeping views from the Chain Bridge to Little Falls Dam. The master bathroom offers an oversized rain shower, double vanity, jetted soaking tub with views of the river and his-and-hers toilettes. The bathroom has a custom marble and onyx mosaic floor. On the same level are four additional en suite bedrooms, each with a private sitting room and full bathroom, giving family and guests their own mini-apartments. Two of the bedroom suites have lofts accessible by built-in ladders – a favorite of children and guests of all ages. The lower level features a 15-seat home theater with stadium seating, a 161-inch screen and a Sony 3D theater system. A tapas bar with a refrigerator, ice machine, microwave and sink with mosaic tile backsplash, along with the well-lighted game room and recreation room, are perfect for casual entertaining or family living. A fitness center includes glass walls, bamboo floors and a half bathroom. A sixth bedroom, with full bathroom and walk-in closet, leads out to a large private terrace. A circular stairway leads to a subterranean room designed to accommodate a future wine cellar.
