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Power Couple:
Chris and Kathleen Matthews
THE 10TH ANNUAL
POWER
WASHINGTON’S MOST INFLUENTIAL
MY WASHINGTON: THIEVERY CORPORATION’S ERIC HILTON | SPORTS: D.C. UNITED’S CHRIS PONTIUS AND STEVE BIRNBAUM FASHION: PLAYFUL GINGHAM AND GROOVY ’70s PRINTS | HOME LIFE: QUARRY SPRINGS AND SOTHEBY’S REAL ESTATE
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PA RT I PA ES! RT PA IE RT S! IE S!
POWER DINING SPOTS: RUTH’S CHRIS TURNS 50
HOME LIFE | QUARRY SPRINGS
Luxury Without the Hassle Quarry Springs offers a haven for empty nesters or anyone looking for quality, space and convenience. BY ERICA MOODY
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ou can’t have it both ways, people say. If you want a luxury estate, you must be willing to maintain it, and that takes work. It’s a burden that many empty nesters tire of carrying — hence, the tendency to downsize once the kids have left home. In one luxury Bethesda community, this mainstay is being challenged. Quarry Springs, a 13-acre gated community set apart from the bustling city of Washington but close enough to get there in ten minutes, offers homes equipped with concierge services, valet parking for both residents and guests, 24-hour access monitoring, five-star amenities and a full-time security guard. TTR Sotheby’s International Realty’s David DeSantis, who is presenting the residences along with Christine Basso, let us in on the appeal.
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“What really makes Quarry Springs special is that it’s a product that is pretty rare in the D.C. marketplace,” DeSantis says. “These condos were meant to appeal to people who most likely have lived in large custom homes their whole lives — the empty nester crowd.” However, he explains, the problem with the Washington market is that most condominiums are relatively small. Master bedrooms larger than 170 square feet are a relative rarity. Quarry Springs condos, conversely, “have been designed to feel like a custom home.” Floor plans range from 2,200 square feet to nearly 5,000 square feet, nearly twice the size of other condos in the market, according to DeSantis. “The real niche is for people who are used to living in a spacious home. They don’t want to give up that feel but also don’t want the
obligation of taking care of a home anymore either,” DeSantis says. “You can go away for three weeks and the staff takes care of it. It’s a very carefree lifestyle.” Located at 8101 River Road with easy access to I-495, Washington and Tyson’s Corner, Quarry Springs offers 50 residences in two boutique buildings. It’s close to downtown Bethesda, Potomac Village, the Collection at Chevy Chase and other shops, and also near the Congressional, Bethesda and Burning Tree country clubs, but still feels like a sanctuary. Units offer 10-foot ceilings, sprawling wraparound outdoor living spaces, front-to-back views and modern, classic interior design. Homes range from $1.499 to $4.6 million and sales are run out of the clubhouse, now
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
I M AG E S CO U RT E SY O F Q UA R RY S P R I N G S
Quarry Springs condominiums offer expansive outdoor living spaces overlooking the pool and a clubhouse, which features a grand salon, library, lounge and more on the main floor with a fitness center with yoga studio and spa on the lower level.
This Quarry Springs floor plan is one of many to choose from offering top-of-the-line kitchens with Wolfe six-burner cooktops, convection ovens, Sub-Zero refrigerators, solid wood cabinetry in select styles and colors, and stone counters.
open daily from noon to 4 p.m. In addition to convenience of location, Quarry Springs offers high-end indoor and outdoor amenities including climate-controlled storage areas, multi-port multimedia taps for audio and video, contemporary base moldings, and recessed and accent lighting. In select units, there are new options to add wet bars and exterior fireplaces. Community amenities include a catering kitchen, game room, elegant clubhouse with a library, a grand salon for formal gatherings and a full bar/lounge area. The 6,000-squarefoot fitness center has a yoga studio and spa on site offering a steam room, sauna and shower facilities. On the grounds you’ll find winding walking trails; a 50-foot, three-tiered waterfall with a stream; and a centrally-located resortstyle pool. Quarry Springs has a strong local history. It’s situated on the land of the former Stoneyhurst Quarry that was first opened in 1924 by farmer Lilly Stone. At the Quarry, stones were sourced for close to a century and used for Washington area homes, bridges, churches and major landmarks, including Washington National Cathedral. Residents will begin moving into their Quarry Springs homes in the fall of 2015. Go to quarrysprings.com to schedule your visit.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
Quarry Springs’ spa bathrooms include Waterworks fixtures, separate marble-surround tubs and showers, rich wood vanities, and dual sinks.
Additional interior amenities at Quarry Springs include premium wide-plank hardwood flooring, vented gas fireplaces with stone hearths, recessed and accent lighting, and multi-port multimedia taps for audio and video.
Serenity surrounds the exclusive Quarry Springs community, which offers outdoor living areas overlooking sculpted grounds, winding walking trails, clubhouse amenities, and the convenient close-to-everything location.
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