A dream home born of one woman’s passion to build the ultimate green house is for sale in Kensington for $1.65 million.
It’s the brainchild of Judy Whalley, a retired antitrust lawyer who had always wanted an environmentally friendly arts and crafts home.
The 4,710-square-foot home built by Bethesda Bungalows has five bedrooms and four full baths on three finished levels and sits on a corner lot in tree-rich Chevy Chase View. Although new, the house looks like an authentic 1950s bungalow. “That was the goal, to make it look like it has been in the neighborhood forever,” Whalley said.
She became interested in developing homes after she and her husband built their own, also in Chevy Chase View. Later they renovated a beach house. But this is the first residence Whalley built for the sole purpose of selling.
“I’m not artistic. I don’t paint. I don’t play musical instruments. But I feel like the one thing I can create is a beautiful living space,” Whalley said.
Whalley chose every item in the house and has a story behind each selection. She can tell you about the Hubbardtron Forge lighting, the handmade tiles surrounding the fireplace, the pottery powder room basin and where she found those charming wooden door chimes.
“Some people hate all the details involved in building a house. But I’ve always loved it,” she said.
The kitchen cabinetry is made from bamboo and gives the space a warm, organic feel. All the appliances, including a beverage refrigerator, are energy efficient. The large furniture-style island has Zodiaq recycled glass counters.
The floors are naturally stained oak and walls and ceilings are appointed with crown molding. There are wide-cased openings between rooms and beams and built-in bookshelves, most constructed by New Hampshire craftsman Andrew Daum of Victory Woodworking.
The home received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification, which means it meets construction standards that minimize energy and water consumption. The home uses geothermal heating and cooling.
“The electrical bill last month was only $138,” Whalley said. “My home bill was nearly $500.”
Natural elements within the lot enhance the energy efficiency. “Many times green building is limited to materials and technical equipment. But some of the most overlooked elements are the wind, trees and sun and the structure’s orientation to them, as well as the ability to utilize passive solar concepts,” said Jim Rill, the architect on the project.
Chevy Chase View is a unique community of 309 houses. Yet the neighborhood has its own elected board that oversees everything from snow and trash removal to the town picnic.
“We have a database of every tree in the neighborhood,” said Long & Foster’s Martie Mitchell, the listing Realtor for the house, who is also a resident of Chevy Chase View. “It’s a wonderful community and has some of the best streets in the Kensington area.”
Whalley said she will miss the home when it’s sold. “We are empty nesters now, both of our children are off to school. This house is my baby, my first. I hope it won’t be my last.”
At a glance
4234 Everett St., Kensington
List price: $1,650,000
Rooms: 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths
Square feet: 4,710
Listing agent: Martie Mitchell, Long & Foster Realtors, 301-873-2425, MartieMitchell.com
Virtual tour: theEverettGreenHome.com
