Unquestionably one of Washington’s finest estates, 3030 Chain Bridge Road NW represents a faithful reinterpretation of 18th-century English precedents encased in a modern package. A collaboration between Jones Boer Architects, The Banks Development Company, and Arentz Landscape Architects united three of the city’s most significant long-standing industry names in meticulously handcrafting a home whose proportions, materials, and workmanship harken back to a bygone era.
Prominently perched on the site of the renowned Cafritz Mansion, the rare, nearly 39,000 square-foot lot enables a gracious crescent drive and separate motor court, affording a resplendent approach to the grand estate. Unobstructed forward vistas overlook verdant parkland and soaring mature trees. Painstaking studies of distinguished local mansions and the works of John Russell Pope were scrutinized for their scale, proportions, and details. For the facade, clad in Indiana limestone with solid copper downspouts and topped by a Spanish Del Carmen slate roof, Palladio’s Doric Order was chosen as the proportioning system, ensuring golden ratios, perfect symmetry, and complete harmony.
A handcrafted solid mahogany door beneath the triple-arched portico opens to a splendid grand foyer. The sweeping staircase, with its delicate bronze balusters is a functional work of art. Engineered Rift white oak flooring, thick moldings, baseboards, and trim, as well as strategically placed accent lighting, converge to create an ethereal ambiance that is contemporary yet indulgent in every regard.
The main level’s floor plan effortlessly accommodates both large-scale entertaining and casual living. The grand salon, anchored by a hand-carved wood-burning fireplace, serves as a central gathering point, seamlessly connecting to the adjacent paneled library, offering a cozy retreat. The home’s informal wing is anchored by the chef’s kitchen, fully clad in Carrara marble. Twin waterfall islands, a bronze hood, double concealed Sub-Zero refrigerators, and a stunning custom Lacanche range, all nestled within oversized, furniture-grade inset cabinetry, perfectly befit a home of such caliber.
The adjoining family room, grand in scale yet intimate in ambiance, opens directly to the rear lawn through French doors. Accessed through double doors at one end of the upper-level mezzanine, the primary wing unfolds into a private living area, a gracious bedroom, and two dressing rooms—one spanning two stories. Twin marble-lined baths with heated floors and custom vanities elevate the experience, while a large elevated terrace extends the retreat outdoors. Four additional ensuite bedrooms on the upper level provide ample accommodation.
Situated above ground, the lower level’s recreation room opens through two sets of French doors, bringing the outdoors in. A stunning marble wet bar and wine cellar with reclaimed wood beam ceilings set the tone for elaborate festivities. A private, paneled billiards room evokes the elegance of a gentlemen’s lounge, while the private media room is complete with a surround sound system.
In the rear, a wide loggia bridges the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. A harmonious blend of minimalist landscaping and extensive limestone hardscaping creates a natural oasis, completely removed from the urban environment beyond. Tucked below the upper dining terrace lies a lap pool, pool pavilion, lounging area, and secluded lawn. After the sun sets, a comprehensive outdoor lighting system further elevates the ambiance.
A four-car garage, industrial-grade support systems, including geothermal HVAC, 800-amp electrical service, a full house generator, Savant automation with audio-visual capabilities, and a comprehensive Lutron lighting suite, add layers of modern livability.
As one of the finest estates in the Capital Region, 3030 Chain Bridge Road NW will undoubtedly be immortalized among Washington’s most distinguished homes.
