Step Inside a 1912 Cottage Retreat in Virginia Offering 8 Bedrooms, Expansive Gardens and a Charming Multi-Level Guest Home

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

This charming 1912 white clapboard century home in McLean, epitomizes historic elegance situated on 1.14 acres in Franklin Park. Featuring a main house with a gracious foyer, sunroom, and multiple fireplaces, it blends timeless architectural style with modern functionality. The property includes a unique four-level guest cottage overlooking a stream, ideal for extended family or rental income. Recent renovations preserve its classic character while providing contemporary comforts. With five bedrooms, spacious living areas, and stunning views, this residence is listed at $2,649,000. Its sought-after location offers both tranquility and proximity to Washington, D.C., Tysons Corner, and Chesterbrook Shopping Center, making it a rare historic retreat with future development potential.

Front Lawn and Entry Porch

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

A lush, expansive green lawn dominates the foreground, bordered by mature trees and dense shrubbery. Dappled sunlight creates soft shadows on the grass, enhancing the serene, natural feel. A set of wide wooden stairs with white railings leads up to a white exterior porch attached to the house, which has a classic yet simple design with large windows allowing natural light inside. A small blossoming tree with white flowers near the stairs adds seasonal charm. To the left, a secondary white structure with green shutters blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, contributing to a tranquil and inviting landscape.

Outdoor Deck Seating

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

This spacious outdoor deck features a natural, weathered wood seating arrangement with comfortable cushioned benches and armchairs clustered around low wooden tables. The deck itself is painted a muted grey, harmonizing subtly with the surrounding greenery. Large mature trees grow through the deck, creating a seamless integration of nature and structure. A stairway leads down to a lush garden area enclosed by native flowering shrubs and dense woodland. The railing is simple with thin white posts and wire mesh, preserving visibility of the vibrant foliage and bright blue sky beyond. A secondary table with metal chairs offers a dining option under dappled sunlight, emphasizing casual elegance and a relaxed atmosphere.

Backyard Stairway Entrance

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

A wide set of gray wooden stairs leads from a rustic stone pathway up to a white colonial-style home surrounded by lush greenery and flowering trees. The stairs have simple white railings, flanked by dense bushes and mature trees creating a natural, tranquil atmosphere. The home’s back exterior features multiple large windows and a glass door that open to the elevated deck area. The soft blue sky and the flowering tree with white blossoms provide a peaceful, inviting vibe, merging classic architectural design with vibrant garden landscaping for a serene outdoor approach.

Backyard Garden and Patio

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

A lush, spacious green lawn extends toward a charming white two-story house framed by mature trees and dense shrubs. A central set of broad stairs leads from a raised patio area down to the yard, flanked by a flowering tree and verdant bushes. The house’s exterior is classic and traditional, painted white with multi-pane windows, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. To the right, two Adirondack chairs sit quietly beside a white wooden fence, inviting relaxation in the peaceful, sun-dappled garden. The scene conveys tranquility and a strong connection to nature.

Backyard Patio & Cottage

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

A cozy cottage painted white with green shutters sits nestled among abundant greenery and mature trees, creating a peaceful, private backyard retreat. The slate-gray wooden deck extends from the cottage, providing a spacious patio area with wrought iron chairs and table set, complemented by a bright teal umbrella for shade. Natural stone steps lead down to the deck through a mulch-covered garden bed filled with various shrubs and plants. The mature tree branches arch over the seating area, allowing dappled sunlight to bathe the space, while the cheerful greenery and blue sky evoke a serene, inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

Back Deck Patio

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

The spacious back deck extends from a white clapboard exterior wall with dark green shutters framing multiple windows. The deck flooring is painted a muted gray, complementing the bright white siding and creating a clean, classic look. A round metal mesh table with matching chairs sits under a teal patio umbrella, providing a shaded seating spot. Potted flowering plants add a splash of color and life to the space. The surrounding mature trees and greenery offer privacy and a tranquil natural backdrop, enhanced by string lights overhead, suggesting cozy ambiance for evening use.

Front Porch Entrance

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

A wide wooden front porch with aged gray flooring extends toward a dark green front door accented by small glass panes on either side. The exterior walls are clad in white horizontal siding, creating a crisp and classic look. Two terra-cotta pots flank the entrance, each holding lush greenery. Above the door, a white-framed window with dark green shutters adds charm. Surrounded by leafy trees, the setting evokes a quiet, natural atmosphere, blending rural tranquility with simple historical American home architecture.

Garage Exterior and Driveway

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

A two-car detached garage painted white with dark gray garage doors contrasts softly against a natural setting of mature trees and greenery. The roof shows a slight patina, with moss or weathering effects, suggesting the building’s age and integration into the wooded environment. The driveway is covered in pea gravel, creating a rustic and casual feel underfoot that complements the surrounding natural elements. Trees and shrubs frame the garage, casting dappled shadows across the gravel path, enhancing the serene, quiet atmosphere of this private outdoor space. A single lantern-style wall light adds subtle charm near the left garage door.

Garden Bridge and Surroundings

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

A small wooden footbridge crosses a narrow creek, surrounded by a lush, verdant landscape. Dense green foliage and young trees frame the scene, suggesting early spring with fresh, bright leaves. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting natural shadows on the well-maintained grassy lawn that extends beyond the bridge. In the distance, a white house peeks through the trees, adding a subtle architectural element. The rustic wooden bridge, simple railings, and natural earth tones complement the overall tranquility and charm of this quiet garden or woodland area, blending nature with a touch of built structure.

Backyard Lawn and Garden

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

A spacious backyard lawn stretches out with meticulously mown grass, exhibiting clean and even stripes under the bright sunlight. The lawn is bordered by a variety of mature trees and lush shrubbery, including some tall bamboo-like plants to the right, which create a natural privacy screen. A modest stack of firewood rests near the center by a mulched area that gently slopes upward, leading to a small hill adorned with mixed greenery and colorful foliage in soft greens, yellows, and autumnal reds. To the left, a white-clad house with large windows peeks through the foliage, complementing the serene landscape. The overall atmosphere is tranquil, with nature playing a dominant role in the outdoor aesthetics.

Entry Hall with Staircase

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

A warm, inviting entry hall with honey-toned hardwood floors and a rich oriental-style area rug in deep reds, blues, and golds sets an elegant tone. The carpeted staircase has a natural fiber runner in a neutral tone, harmonizing with white walls and trim. To the right, a dark wood bow-front chest of drawers supports a warm lamp and a colorful framed painting above, adding charm and nostalgia. French doors open to a well-lit adjoining room, where classic furnishings and large windows with drapes create a comfortable yet refined atmosphere, blending traditional and subtle coastal accents.

Living Room Details

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

Bright and spacious living room with a traditional ambiance highlighted by a large, richly patterned oriental rug in red and blue tones covering most of the warm wooden floor. The white walls and ceiling create an airy atmosphere, accentuated by expansive multi-pane windows that flood the room with natural light and provide lush garden views. A brick fireplace with a wooden mantle holds a framed maritime painting, enhancing the room’s character. Comfortable leather seating includes an armchair with ottoman and a sofa adorned with cushions. A heavy wooden desk and round coffee table introduce practicality and charm, while potted plants add touches of greenery.

Open Kitchen and Dining

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

Bright natural light floods the kitchen and dining area through large windows revealing lush greenery outside. White cabinetry with classic panel detailing contrasts against warm honey-toned wooden plank floors, adding a rustic charm to the otherwise crisp and clean space. The kitchen incorporates a practical peninsula with additional storage and a small indoor plant providing fresh greenery. A vintage-style wood stove sits near a cozy armchair, adding a nostalgic touch. Beamed ceilings painted white enhance the airy atmosphere, while a sculptural bird installation suspended above lends an artistic, whimsical element to the room.

Kitchen with Skylights

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

An airy kitchen with white cabinetry and countertops blends traditional and modern elements. White painted beams intersect the ceiling, where skylights bring in abundant natural light. A large, multi-pane window overlooks lush greenery outside, enhancing the bright atmosphere. The wood flooring adds warmth, contrasting the predominantly white space. Black appliances, including a microwave and oven, provide a sleek modern touch. A distinctive wooden bird sculpture hangs suspended from the ceiling beams. A small, framed sign above the cabinets reads “Aim to Do Right,” contributing a subtle character detail to the room.

Living Room Seating Area

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

Soft, neutral-toned walls and white trim create a bright, inviting atmosphere in this cozy living room. A large, vintage leather sofa with patterned and solid throw pillows faces a detailed wooden coffee table with a polished marble top. A comfortable olive armchair with a neutral cushion sits near glass French doors that open to a verdant outdoor space, allowing ample natural light to flood the room. The light wood floor is partially covered by a warm, earth-toned rug with intricate geometric designs. A tall lamp stands beside the sofa, and a large, classic landscape painting with a heavy ornate frame hangs on the adjacent wall, supported by a white column adding architectural character.

Backyard Deck Seating

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

Wooden deck painted in soft gray offers an inviting outdoor seating area with cream-colored cushioned sofas and chairs arranged around a small rectangular coffee table. Potted plants add a touch of nature to the space while a quaint green bench blends naturally with the lush backdrop of dense greenery and flowering trees. The peaceful garden beyond features a manicured lawn surrounded by vibrant shrubs and tall trees under a clear blue sky, creating a tranquil setting. Light filtering through the foliage casts soft shadows, enhancing the serene ambiance of this cozy backyard retreat.

Living Room with Fireplace

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

Warm tones dominate the space with rich, tan leather seating including a sofa, armchair, and matching ottoman set against a large, ornate red-patterned rug anchoring the room. A traditional wooden desk in polished finish occupies one corner, paired with a classic wooden chair. The room centers on a brick fireplace with a simple mantel adorned by a framed seascape painting. Soft natural light streams through a wide wall of paned windows framed by creamy curtains, enhancing the calm ambiance. Greenery in a planter on the hearth and a tall potted plant add life, while table lamps with light shades give cozy, ambient lighting.

Sunroom Seating Area

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

A cozy sunroom bathed in natural light through large windows and glass doors opening to a lush garden. Light hardwood floors complement the warm, neutral walls and ceiling. The room centers on a vintage olive-green leather sofa and a matching armchair, arranged around an ornate wooden coffee table with a marble top. A large, patterned area rug in warm terracotta with borders adds texture and color. Tall, elegant floor lamps flank the sofa, while neutral drapes frame the windows. A vibrant green fern by the doorway enhances the fresh, inviting atmosphere of this elegant, timeless relaxation space.

Backyard Deck Seating

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

A spacious outdoor deck with weathered wooden flooring hosts a set of cushioned, light beige seating including sofas and armchairs arranged around two square wooden coffee tables. The white exterior of the historic home contrasts with the green shutters on the second-story windows, lending a charming colonial vibe. A built-in fountain with sculpted cherubs is positioned against the wall on the left, adding an artistic and calming element. Lush greenery fringes the deck area, while a covered barbecue grill sits to the right, making this space ideal for both relaxation and outdoor entertaining.

Entry Hall with Piano

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

Wooden staircase with beige carpet runner ascends on the left, contrasting with white railings and walls. A wooden chest of drawers with a table lamp and framed painting sits adjacent to the stairs. A large, vibrant red Persian rug with intricate floral patterns covers most of the wooden floor. To the right against the wall, an elegant mahogany upright piano adds warmth and character. White French doors with multiple glass panes open into a sunlit living room visible through the opening, featuring a brick fireplace and more patterned rugs, evoking a classic, cozy atmosphere.

Master Bedroom Seating Area

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

Soft green walls provide a calming backdrop contrasted by the vibrant blue and coral patterned area rug that covers the hardwood floor. A large cluster of windows floods the space with natural light, highlighting a crisp white chaise lounge accented with a bold red cushion. Cream-colored drapes frame the windows, adding warmth and classic elegance. A polished dark wood dresser beneath a matching framed mirror anchors one wall, while the iron bed frame with white textured bedding anchors the room’s sleeping area. The light fixtures blend traditional style with comfort, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Bathroom Vanity and Window

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

A long white double-sink vanity with paneled cabinet doors runs beneath a large mirror that spans the entire wall. The vanity top is smooth and clear except for a greenish ceramic vase holding two small leafy plants. Two classic chrome faucets with white handles add traditional touches. A window above the vanity reveals a view of tree trunks and foliage outside, bordered with an olive-green garland that frames the window and mirror. The walls are painted white, and the floor has a beige tile pattern with small square tiles. A fish-shaped wall hook and a framed artwork add subtle decorative accents.

Bedroom Corner and Closet

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

A cozy bedroom corner with soft, neutral walls painted in light cream. Two double-hung windows with white trim allow natural light to brighten the space. A vintage wooden dresser with a simple, elegant mirror and a turned-leg table lamp brings warmth and character. The white radiator beneath one window hints at historic heating methods. A classic white closet door with traditional paneling and brass knob aligns with the period style. The floor boasts rich hardwood planks partially covered by a striking red area rug adorned with floral and leaf patterns in muted tones, adding vibrant color and charm.

Cozy Bedroom Corner

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

Soft blue walls complement three white-framed windows that bring natural greenery views into the room. A subtly sloped ceiling adds character while a neutral, patterned rug softly anchors the space. The bed is covered with a cream-colored, textured bedspread featuring intricate lace-like details and a delicate fringe. An antique wooden chair with an upholstered seat in pale stripes and a small wooden desk add classic charm. The overall design blends simplicity and traditional elements, creating a light-filled, inviting retreat focused on comfort and understated elegance.

Child’s Bedroom Nook

Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties

Soft beige walls and carpeting create a warm and calming atmosphere in this cozy child’s bedroom nook. A twin bed with a patchwork quilt in blue tones and flower patterns takes center stage, complemented by two teddy bears resting on the pillows. Next to the bed, a wooden nightstand with a classic lamp adds subtle charm. The white-framed window offers a view of greenery outside, enhancing the room’s brightness. On one wall hangs framed artwork of three white geese, while built-in white shelves hold children’s books and toys, including a plush moose stuffed animal, adding playful character to the room.

Listing Agent: Peggy Richardson of Washington Fine Properties via Zillow