Set on more than half an acre in Washington's sought-after Spring Valley neighborhood, 3949 52nd Street NW is a richly layered residence where traditional architecture, accomplished design, and exceptional gardens come together with remarkable ease. Built in 2017 by Richard Zantzinger with architecture by Barnes Vanze Architects, interiors by Celerie Kemble of Kemble Interiors, additional design by Carolyn Wilson of Wilson Boland, and landscape architecture by Marion Oxford Dearth, the home encompasses approximately 8,600 finished square feet with seven bedrooms, five full baths, one half bath, and three-car garaging.
Reclaimed brick, a cedar roof, and mature landscaping give the exterior a sense of permanence, while the interiors balance classical detail with a more expressive point of view. Ten-foot ceilings define the main level, where a stone-floored foyer opens to a central gallery distinguished by hand-painted diamond flooring and a curved staircase framed by a Palladian window. The formal dining room pairs a wood-burning fireplace with custom orange Gracie wallcovering and a geometric plaster ceiling, while the adjoining living room opens through French doors to the stone terrace. A lacquered navy library with grasscloth detailing and a gas fireplace creates a more intimate counterpoint.
The kitchen and family room form the everyday heart of the house. An oversized marble-topped island, bespoke cabinetry, antique-brass pendant lighting, and a coffered ceiling anchor the kitchen, complemented by a scullery, walk-in pantry, and dedicated bar with marble counters and antique-brass bistro shelving. The family room, centered on another fireplace, opens directly to the terrace and lawn, creating an effortless progression from indoors to the gardens.
Upstairs, the primary suite opens to a private rooftop terrace and includes dual walk-in closets and a bath with heated floors, dual vanities, a glass-enclosed shower, and built-in tub. Three additional bedrooms occupy this level, while two more bedrooms and generous storage are positioned beneath vaulted ceilings above. The lower level adds a guest suite, recreation room, wine cellar, gym, laundry, and direct garage access.
The grounds are as carefully considered as the residence itself. Manicured lawns, clipped boxwoods, mature trees, hydrangea gardens, stone retaining walls, and layered privacy plantings surround expansive terraces, covered and screened porches, and an intimate English courtyard. At the center of the landscape, a 33-foot heated saltwater pool creates a serene focal point framed by lawn and established greenery.
Distinctive yet deeply livable, 3949 52nd Street NW is a sophisticated expression of architecture, interiors, and landscape working in complete harmony.
