516 Philadelphia Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912

Extraordinary jewel with the best of the old and the new in architecture and home design. This bungalow, c.1927, an Outstanding Resource in Historic North Takoma, sits on over a quarter acre landscaped lot and is less than a mile to both Old Town Takoma and Downtown Silver Spring. Fabulous Mark McInturff designed modern family room/kitchen and owner's suite addition overlooks the beautiful rear garden through floor to ceiling windows which flood most of the house with natural light. Charming junior one-bedroom apartment below, with separate entrance and patio, could be opened to connect to basement studio at built-in unit. Enter the house from the generous front porch, into the original living room with refinished natural moldings. Original bedroom and hall bath at the front of the house. The dining room links the original house to the modern addition. The family room features 18'ceilings, floor to ceiling windows with Azec louvres, and a linear natural gas fireplace with dark porcelain surround and a folding accent wall of veneered cherry, designed to echo the natural moldings in the original house. A sleek modern kitchen features ample cabinetry with streamlined white slab style doors and minimalist chrome pulls, matte metallic faux stainless backsplash, and dramatic black porcelain floor. Oversized glass French doors lead to a landing and steps down to the large European style gravel patio and garden. The owner's suite also features 18'ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. There is a built in desk, a walk in closet and an en suite modern bath with soaking tub and Terrazzo tile floor. The beautiful and plant-rich multi-level shade garden is tucked into a suburban forest of tall oaks. It includes many plants native to our region combined with plants from around the world. The large patio of Delaware River gravel edged in recycled Chinese granite road slabs is the perfect backdrop for entertaining, play or simply relaxing. The owner is an internationally known garden designer, writer and travel tour leader. Be sure to walk down the terraced steps of the three level rear yard to the meadow and grassy area below. This house is modest in size but has a garden befitting a mansion! The outdoor space is almost like three separate "rooms". Back inside, the lower level features a flex room currently used as a design studio. It could be a playroom or guest room/bedroom. Acces to the separate apratment could be opened up from this room. The large unfinished attic has great potential for finished space. Long driveway for multiple vehicles leads to detached one-car garage. Altogether a wonderful and unique property.