The 51st annual Potomac Country House Tour will be on Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1, from noon-5 p.m. Four homes will be featured this year, each with its own unusual special feature providing visitors with an extraordinary opportunity to experience some of the most unique living spaces in the area.
When the doors open on this tour, visitors will experience four spectacular homes with arguable the most unique collection of features on any house tour. A Civil War style tavern, an Artist studio, a barn refitted as a full gym, an Arts & Crafts style guesthouse (architect Charles Goodman), a wine cellar, one of the original Bethesda gold mines and spectacular outdoor pool and patio living spaces.
The Potomac Country House Tour (PCHT) is sponsored by St. Francis Episcopal Church, Potomac. The proceeds from the PCHT have been central to the outreach ministry efforts for the church since 1955. The tour features houses and gardens of Potomac in a two-day event. Tickets will be sold for $20 in advance or $25 on tour days. The entire proceeds are used to benefit more than 30 charitable organizations that assist the elderly, needy, hungry, ill and homeless; or that aid women, children and the disabled.
For additional information call 301-365-2055 or visit www.stfrancispotomac.org.
*Greenbriar House
This is a grand, newer Potomac home built for entertaining. The interior is filled with bright colors and art collected from the family's travels. The wine cellar in the basement is a showstopper. The outside walls are built of stone with an extensive wine collection featured in the main room and a surprising second room. The living space extends to a beautiful outside area pool, pavilion and pool house which rivals many homes. The pavilion has a kitchen, bar and outdoor living room with a stone fireplace and plasma television. The pool house is two-story with enchanting boy/girl changing rooms and sea colors. It is worthy of a tour by itself.
*Nevis House
This traditional center hall colonial in Bannockburn Estates was the first house built in the neighborhood in 1940. The grounds are filled with mature flowers and trees, which highlight the lush garden and pool area. The interior has a Southwestern influence with each room featuring terrific works of art and pieces of furniture (many antiques from India, Afghanistan, and Asia). In addition, they have a guest home on the property built by Charles Goodman, one of the few homes built by Goodman in this area. The architecture is quite interesting and reflective of a Frank Lloyd Wright design. The owners have also built a first-class art studio. Beyond the Goodman house is one of the original gold mines found in Bethesda.
*Beall Mountain House
This home is a deceptive jewel as you drive up to it. The owner is a design consultant and has collected wonderful art and pieces of furniture. There have been several renovations by the current and previous owners so the house has expanded very tastefully and comfortably. The previous owners had an artisan stay with them for 18 months while he built a Civil War tavern in the basement; the stonework is impressive. Another spectacular feature of this home is the back great lawn, featuring a beautiful pool with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace, landscaped to perfection. The final feature of this property is a completely renovated barn housing a full court gym with a batting cage.
*Stanmore House
Set back on an expansive front lawn, the exterior is grand and gracious with long windows and columns sweeping across the front in the best Southern tradition. Having just finished an extensive renovation, the interior of this house is sumptuous with every detail a treat to the eye. This home also features a guesthouse above the garage and pool and grounds that is inviting and an entertainment dream.