Welcome

DAVID BURROUGHS

Boxwood hedges and Japanese cedar envelop a Spring Valley garden designed by Campion Hruby Landscape Architects. See “Joyful Mix” on page 106. Not to dwell on the microscopic elephant in the room, but the past year has put a damper on many pastimes we took entirely for granted pre-covid. When the pandemic struck, our homes became virtual citadels where most of us have sheltered in near isolation instead of hosting parties, play dates, book clubs and game nights.

Now that vaccinations are underway, I hope and dream that we’ll soon be able to share our houses safely with a wider circle of friends and family. After all, it’s high time that we turn up the volume and invite some joie de vivre into spaces that have served us well in solitude.

The properties in this issue were all conceived with joy and entertaining in mind. Case in point: a McLean residence reimagined by architect Sarah Armstrong and designer Betsy Delisi, who carved out a gorgeous kitchen and the dining room that graces our cover, not to mention a party-ready lower level where the owners, both amateur musicians, host jam sessions in style.

Three glorious landscapes we spotlight take a unique approach to outdoor living. Miles Barnard conjured an eco-friendly Chestertown habitat centered on a pond-like, chlorine-free pool. Scott Brinitzer transformed a quarteracre Arlington lot into a series of winsome gardens screened by lush foliage. And a forest oasis in McLean by Joseph Richardson imparted clean lines and order to a slope that culminates in a stream below.

A stream also anchors a Spring Valley landscape covered in the issue. Kevin Campion revived the gardens, where the owners hosted their daughter’s 2019 wedding. Architect Chris Snowber designed a new Tudor-style home on the property with an emphasis on bright, welcoming interiors . Meanwhile, Skip Sroka furnished this “happy house” in sophisticatednot-stuffy fashion—even painting the library bright teal green.

As we dip our toes into what will hopefully be a more convivial season ahead, Skip’s approach feels like a breath of fresh air. As the designer opines, “Balancing what you need to have for comfort with what you want to have for delight is very important.”

Here’s to summer—and its many delights!

SHARON JAFFE DAN Editor in Chief