'Rustic and refined' wins prize
By Jackie Friedlander
"Rustic refinement" was the owner's objective for this Great Falls custom home. The Vienna architectural firm of Sutton Yantis Associates joined with Great Falls Construction to reach that goal, leading to this year's Monument Award for the best custom home costing between $3 million and $5 million.
Fir timbers, cedar siding, stone accents and a slanted slate roof combine to create a dramatically contemporary version of a classical single-story ranch house, while echoing the natural surroundings on the five-acre lot.
The facade cleverly conceals the three finished levels of luxurious living space.
The main foyer carries out the western theme, with its exposed fir timbers. A conservatory separates the main living area from the master suite and leads to its private sitting area, library, office, master bath and dressing rooms.
On the opposite side of the house, the entrance hall leads to a great room with a central stone fireplace, a gourmet kitchen, a dining room with an adjoining wine closet, a family foyer leading to a rear powder room, and a mud room adjoining the three-car garage.
The upper level features a study, three bedroom suites and a studio above the garage. Beneath the garage, a lower-level sports court is connected by a passage to the recreation center in the lower level of the home. It includes a billiards room, an exercise area, a home theater, a bar adjoining an open stone terrace and a rec room with a central stone fireplace, once again echoing the rustic theme.
Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association and the Maryland-National Capital Building Association, the 50th annual Monument Awards were presented this year to honor homes and communities in Northern Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland.