Audubon Terrace NW

is a modernist masterpiece by legendary architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen. Nestled in the very epicenter of sought after Forest Hills, the residence, like all great examples of fine architectural design, is one with its context, complementing its verdant surroundings in form and orientation. Prominently sited, the home is approached by a long, rising driveway culminating in a dramatic circular motor court. One of the architect’s earlier works after opening his Georgetown-based firm, the Newmyer house showcases his signature style while drawing inspiration from mid-Victorian elements. An L-shaped dwelling perched high on a raised brick podium, this serves as an elevated entry terrace, and wraparound garden to give a park-like impression, bringing the lush surroundings closer in. Subtle nods to more historical architectural styles can be reflected in the standing-seam mansard roofs atop Jacobsen’s classic pale-brown brick cladding and black anodized aluminum bay windows as an explicit byproduct of Victorian inspiration. Although modernist and utterly unique, the residence adheres to the classic principles of symmetry, apparent in the double-doored grand entryway flanked by twin wings. Within, a linear transverse gallery connects major spaces. At one end is the formal living room, a voluminous space whose ethereal ethos is augmented by raised ceilings and generous yet controlled amounts of natural light flooding in from walls of the aforementioned bay windows. Central is a roaring linear fireplace – an ingenious, forward-thinking feature for the time – embedded in a dramatic feature wall framed by thin panes of glass. Central to the main entrance is the formal library, able to be closed off via a set of hidden doors to form a true retreat. Twin bookcases frame a deeply recessed floor-to-ceiling bay window, another Jacobsen hallmark, while a wet bar is discreetly tucked away to one side. On the opposite end of the main gallery, overlooking the rear terrace, is the formal dining room. Embassy-sized, it also features built-in bookcases framing floor-to-ceiling glass. Fully modernized, the chef’s kitchen and breakfast area continues the nautical theme found in the dining room, with a deep blue ceiling and glossy, single slab backsplash. Minimalist white stacked cabinetry provides an almost hidden backdrop and conceals a suite of commercial grade equipment, including double Bosch ovens. In another futuristic twist, only a peninsula separates the kitchen from the adjacent step-up family room, creating a true open space not commonly seen at the time. The latter showcases extensive wraparound built-ins and opens directly onto the pool deck. Geometric in shape to mirror the rest of the home, the irregular swimming pool is substantially proportioned and a center piece to the outdoor space. The adjacent pool house features a wet bar, full bath, and changing room. An adjacent outdoor terrace offers generous seating and al fresco dining space. Jacobsen’s most distinguishing trademark was a ‘pavillion’ layout where particular rooms are arranged into separate pavilions. As such, public and private quarters are distinguished, with the bedroom wing tucked away for ultimate privacy. Within this space is a sumptuous primary suite and three additional bedrooms. A comprehensive, self-sufficient guest suite is found on the lower level, containing a full bath, kitchen, and separate exterior entrance. Also discreetly hidden away is the attached garage, accessed via a side drive off the main motor court and unseen from the facade to minimize unsightliness. The property also owns a third of a tennis court, communal with two neighbors. A once-in-a-lifetime offering, one-of-a-kind in every way and situated in one of Washington’s most desirable neighborhoods, the James Newmyer house has and will continue to be immortalized as one of the finest icons of visionary modernist architecture in history.