5 Luxe New Builds, Riverfront Escapes, and a DC Penthouse

A study in contemporary design in the heart of McLean, this new construction home balances thoughtful planning with everyday ease. The main level is tailored for both entertaining and daily life, anchored by an open floor plan with 7-inch engineered hardwood floors, custom trim work, and abundant natural light. At the center, the gourmet kitchen reads as both showpiece and workhorse: custom two-tone cabinetry, glass-front cabinets, and a massive 12-foot quartz island with seating for six. A full suite of premium stainless steel appliances supports serious cooking, including a 60-inch refrigerator, a professional 8-burner range with double ovens, and a powerful 1200 CFM hood. Tucked away, a hidden butler’s pantry and separate prep/spice kitchen—with its own stove and sink—keep the main space calm, clean, and ready for whatever the day brings.

Along the water’s edge in Stevenson, this one-of-a-kind retreat unfolds across lush, forested acreage in the Columbia River Gorge, bordered to the south by the Columbia River and spanning 750+ feet of private waterfront. An expansive beach, multiple inlets, and a bluff frame the setting, while year-round Carson Creek threads through the property, drawing abundant wildlife. Just steps from the shoreline, a custom-built home pairs stone siding quarried on-site with a covered wrap-around porch made for unhurried mornings and long, glowing evenings. Inside, beamed ceilings and Australian Cypress floors anchor an open-concept living area with a custom fireplace, alongside a primary suite and laundry nook. Upstairs, large picture windows brighten a family room, spacious office/bonus room, and a second bedroom with private balcony, plus a bath with walk-in shower and soaking tub. A detached guest studio adds a walk-in closet, bath, loft, and fireplace for quiet hosting. Days here invite beach walks, creek exploration, and river access as a watersports launch site within the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.

Set on a spacious ½-acre corner lot in Great Falls, this new construction unfolds across three finished levels with 10-foot ceilings and herringbone hardwood floors. A stone stairway and 9-foot front door lead to an entry that sets a clean, contemporary tone. The main level balances everyday ease and entertaining: a dining room with designer sconces shares a double-sided fireplace with the family room, while glass pocket doors reveal a private office or formal living room beneath a chandelier. In the gourmet kitchen, an oversized quartz island seats six, joined by ceiling-height cabinetry, a hidden prep kitchen and butler’s pantry, and a professional 8-burner range with griddle, double ovens, and a convection microwave. Sliding glass doors open to a covered outdoor living space with a two-way fireplace, tile flooring, and an oversized fan—made for long, unhurried evenings.

On Rhode Island Avenue NW above Logan Circle, this two-level penthouse at Elysium Logan Condominium pairs skyline perspective with an easy, light-filled layout. A private elevator opens directly into an open living and dining level wrapped by a wall of windows, with two private balconies extending the day outdoors. The kitchen is finished with custom Poggenpohl cabinetry, Thermador and Bosch appliances, a reverse osmosis water infusion system, and a Calcutta quartz waterfall island. A separate office area adds custom cabinetry and a coffee bar. The primary suite offers dual oversized walk-in closets with organizers, blackout shades, and a spa-like bath with Waterworks fixtures and Porcelanosa tile. Upstairs, a great room leads to a private rooftop terrace and outdoor kitchen with gas grill, sink, and cooking area. Lutron lighting, electronic shades, a full-size laundry room, deeded garage parking, concierge service, BUTTERFLY security, and a pet-friendly setting round out the experience.

Along the water’s edge in Front Royal, 55 acres unfold into open pasture, mature woodland, and more than 1,000 feet of direct North Fork Shenandoah River frontage. Built in 2017, the custom residence was crafted with 2×6 framing, stone and HardiePlank siding, custom exterior doors, and locally milled hardwoods harvested from the land, with antique doors integrated throughout. Primary living areas sit on the main level, where a gourmet kitchen with a wood-topped island and tumbled stone tile flooring opens to a sitting area warmed by a wood-burning stove. A deep, full-width covered porch faces northeast, taking in elevated river and mountain views. Below, a tiered terrace adds a concrete patio, integrated stone seating, landscaped beds, and a wood-burning masonry fireplace. A renovated circa-1830 bank barn guest house, tractor barn, and multiple garages round out the compound for a richly layered rural life.