A picket fence marks the entrance to this grand, Colonial-style home in Takoma Park that mixes the architecture of a bygone era with all of the features found in newer construction.
features found in newer construction.
Although the house at 8107 Flower Ave. was built in 2001, the exterior has the look of a much older home. It blends in well with the city’s many charming and historic houses.
Wide stairs lead to an inviting front porch that stretches across the width of the house. Sidelights and a transom surround the front door, graciously blending in with the nine front windows.
The price recently has been reduced. The home is now on the market for $775,000.
Its current owners have enjoyed the home’s exterior, open design and easy flow from room to room so much that when a job transfer took them to Texas, the family searched for the same style home. Unsatisfied, the owners found a builder to replicate this house, with slight modifications, in Texas.
As an added bonus, the family can always enjoy watching a video of their house. It was selected for a show on Home and Garden Television that aired in April. The design caught the eye of a producer who was filming in the area.
The light-filled home has dual-columned rooms flanking the foyer.
The lofty two-story foyer has a small overlook from the second floor. Instead of being interrupted by the staircase, the front of the house is open and the foyer flows easily into the dining room and adjacent living room.
Dramatic Tuscan light fixtures are found throughout most of the rooms on the main level. Some of these fixtures are chandelier-style with decorative shades.
The living room comes with a sophisticated ceiling fan-light fixture and also features recessed lights and crown molding.
Across the hall, the dining room is elegant and welcoming. With crown and chair-rail molding and a ceiling medallion to highlight the chandelier, it conveys an aura of formality.
A butler’s pantry with glass-door cabinets comes in handy when entertaining and offers a convenient connection to the kitchen from the dining room.
Gleaming hardwood floors start in the foyer and continue into the formal rooms and throughout the kitchen and family room area. This kitchen shines with light maple cabinetry contrasting with black granite counters.
There is plenty of cabinet and counter space, including a center cooking island that has a rounded end for a breakfast bar with room for two stools.
A generously sized pantry provides additional storage.
The kitchen comes with a large stainless steel refrigerator and black Jenn-Air appliances, including the dishwasher, double oven and center-island gas cooktop.
Washing dishes may be less of a chore thanks to an extra-deep double sink set below a corner window with backyard views.
Everyday meals are served in the morning room off the kitchen. This separate yet open space is near tall windows and a glass-paneled door that opens to the outside.
The family room is centrally located. A gas fireplace accented with marble is the room’s focal point. Crown molding and recessed lights highlight the tall ceiling.
The main level also has a nicely designed half bath and a laundry room in the back of the home with a separate entrance.
A wood staircase between the foyer and the family room is part of the home’s easy flow. A window lights the landing where the staircase continues to the second floor.
Four bedrooms can be found upstairs. A fifth bedroom is on the partially finished lower level.
The master bedroom is light and airy with a vaulted ceiling and plush carpeting. Double doors open to reveal a walk-in closet complete with custom organizers.
The bathroom has a large tub with ceramic tile, white raised his-and-hers vanities and a skylight.
The master bedroom is in the rear of the home, as is one of the remaining three upstairs bedrooms. Two other upper-level bedrooms face the front of the house and are separated by the overlook in the hall that provides a view of the foyer.
All three of these bedrooms share a hall bath with a tub. They have abundant closet space.
The lower level has been partly finished and is used as an au pair suite. Berber carpet covers the stairs and floor. A hall at the bottom of the steps lined with bookcases leads to a private bedroom and full bathroom with a shower.
An expansive yard can be hard to come by in Takoma Park, but this house features a nicely sized fenced-in level yard with plenty of room to entertain or for children to play. The original owners had planned to add a swimming pool in the back yard.
A multilevel backyard deck is accessed by either a door off the kitchen or from the laundry room. Stairs on the deck lead down into the yard near a curved brick walkway and manicured landscaping.
Takoma Park is a close-knit community whose residents look forward to annual holiday parades, street festivals, gardening clubs, civic groups and volunteer projects.
Address: 8107 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912
Community: Takoma Park
Homeowner association fees: None
Age: Built in 2001
Price: $775,000
Size: Approximately 3,800 square feet of living space on lot of approximately 10,500 square feet.
Taxes: $5,405 in 2006
Exterior features: Front porch, fenced rear yard, multilevel deck, stone walkways, landscaped yard, parking for four cars, including two covered spaces
Interior features: Five bedrooms, 3 baths, two-story foyer, morning room, au pair or in-law suite on lower level, main-level laundry room, hardwood floors, columns, skylights, ceiling medallions, recessed lights, kitchen with cooking island, Jenn-Air appliances
Amenities: Gas fireplace with marble surround, Tuscan light fixtures, recessed lights, dual zoned heating and air conditioning
Schools: Rolling Terrace Elementary, Silver Spring International Middle, Blair High
Close by: Takoma Park historic district, shops, parks, library and restaurants
Open house: By appointment
Contact: Leisa Hart of Long & Foster Real Estate at 301/503-4278.
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