816 COLBY AVENUE

816 Colby Avenue isn't just a house--it's a story, a sanctuary, and a forever home in the truest sense. Thoughtfully renovated and expanded, this one-of-a-kind five-bedroom, three-bath home was designed for connection--between spaces, between indoors and out, and between past and present. Set on a double lot in a close-knit enclave of Takoma Park, this home embodies warmth, artistry, and a deep sense of place. The heart of this home is the breathtaking living area which includes the kitchen, great room, and dining room. The chef-worthy kitchen offers ample prep space, wood floors, and an effortless flow into the sun-drenched dining room, where vaulted ceilings and skylights create the perfect backdrop for slow weekend breakfasts or lively dinner parties. Step into the living room, where terracotta tiles, soaring ceilings, a Spanish Revival-style fireplace, and stone and wood columns set the tone for the home's artisanal charm. The design of the space draws inspiration from the warmth and texture of a Guatemalan hacienda and is informed by the ideas of Sarah Susanka and other thought leaders who value flow of space over size. Working with renowned local architects Maria Wright and Dana Haden, the owners were able to source and install unique original works of art throughout the home itself. These include a carved wooden door that was sourced in Panajachel in the shadow of three volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlan in the western highlands of Guatemala. The great room features a stone carving sourced in Bali in the style of the Mayans. And of course, the exquisite, custom-crafted Guatemalan stone and wood columns and pediments make a statement. Each of these pieces is stunning on its own, but it's how they were carefully and tastefully integrated into the home that is truly remarkable. A German-made NanaWall system seamlessly connects the living area to the screened-in porch. It can accordion fully open, dissolving the boundary between indoors and out, or act as a striking wall of windows that frames the mature landscaping beyond. With the doors pulled back, the living area is almost doubled, and the home fills with fresh air and birdsong. From the porch, head outside to the deck and then the flat, fenced-in yard beyond. The oasis of a yard is complete with hot tub, fire pit, grill, and two potential water features (ready to be revived). Back inside, on the other side of the grand staircase from the great room, is a cozy communal area with two main-floor bedrooms and a full bath providing flexibility for guests, work-from-home needs, or multigenerational living. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite is a serene retreat, featuring a walk-in closet illuminated by sun tubes and an ensuite bath adorned with a custom painting, a luxurious rain shower, and a large vanity. Down the hall, two generously sized bedrooms offer ample closet space and natural light. They share a well-appointed hall bath, designed with both style and functionality in mind. Below, two unfinished basements provide incredible potential--one with exterior access under the home's original footprint, and another, built with the addition and accessible from the living room, is ready to be finished. The modern basement features insulation and a bathroom rough-in that's ready for your vision. Beyond its beauty, this home holds history. According to the current owners, Colby Avenue's lots were originally land grants to freed enslaved people, and in a later era, Nelly Church operated a restaurant in the home that served Black residents. The result is a street unlike any other--a hidden gem where planned roads were never built, fostering a close-knit community where neighbors truly know and appreciate each other. Tucked beside Sligo Creek's scenic trails and just moments from Takoma Park's vibrant local scene, this home offers easy access to nearby cafes, restaurants, and the year-round farmers market, as well as Metro, major roadways, and downtown DC.

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April 30, 2025