Interior designer Theo Thompson used vibrant whites and mixed in wood tones and black vessels for contrast
When the CIA is your neighbor, chances are the level of visual privacy and quiet will never disappear—especially if the property sits on 1 acre with a nice, gentle slope. That was the scenario for Jeffrey M. Griffin, principal at Griffin Moran Fines Homes (griffin-moran.com), when his firm recently bought a McLean property and built a spec home. The award-winning homebuilder isn’t defined by a particular style, says Griffin, but focuses on details, proportion and scale to create masterpieces in Northern Virginia. “Having been trained as an architect and having operated a project management consulting practice for years prior to forming Griffin Moran, I think we’re uniquely well-suited to be able to execute on whatever vision a client has for their home,” he says.
An office and reading room are given drama with ebony-toned paint.
When breaking down the elements of the new McLean property, Griffin is quick to point out the appeal of the outdoor space, accented with a curved front drive with granite pavers and flanking entry columns. “A large 20-year old crepe myrtle was transplanted to the edge of the drive court, visually anchoring the landscaping on the side of the house,” he says. “The backyard is large enough to accommodate both a lap pool and large recreational pool. A large flagstone terrace is immediately accessible off the breakfast room and kitchen and then has stairs down to the rear yard and pool deck.”
Black and white materials contrast beautifully in a cozy dining space
Inside, everything begins and ends with the home’s knockout kitchen. Griffin’s pragmatism takes over when assessing his favorite parts of the space. For him, it’s all about storage and the pantry located directly behind the range. “The perimeter cabinets continue along the back [wall] through the pantry, which is open to the kitchen,” he says. “Beautiful walnut cabinets provide a contrast to the bookmatched porcelain wall and countertop panels.” The kitchen also features a 48-inch range with a custom hood, a separate 30-inch refrigerator, a freezer and wine refrigerator towers. A large island and separate beverage island also offer plenty of room for entertaining and, for families with kids, homework or game nights.
The living room is graced by wall-to-wall built-ins and dramatic stained wood beams.
The great room, which is adjacent to the kitchen and offers views onto an outdoor elevated flagstone terrace, features wall-to-wall built-ins flanking the fireplace. Architectural gravitas is added with massive stained wood ceiling beams—turning what could have been an unwieldy space into a cozy sanctuary. The adjacent dining room features a hidden door—tucked away within a paneled wall—to a butler’s pantry. Custom touches continue into the master bedroom, with his-and-her master baths with bespoke built-in cabinetry. “The master-bath floors are heated, and the large shower doubles as a steam sauna,” says Griffin, who notes the dressing area also boasts custom cabinetry, a hidden beverage refrigerator and a dressing vanity.
While the home’s 9,500 square feet could be overwhelming, the design offers plenty of tucked-away, private spaces, and the rooms flow together seamlessly.
Enthusiasm for the home certainly wasn’t hidden. The buyers love the house, and Griffin says it established a new market high for the street and sold for 10% more than recently completed projects nearby—a testament to craftsmanship and perhaps a certain plot of land resting in the shadows of secrecy.
French doors open to a bright master bathroom.
The great room, complete with soaring ceilings, features plenty of intimate spaces for entertaining.
The kitchen has a 48-inch range with a custom hood, a large island, and a 30-inch refrigerator, freezer and wine refrigerator towers.
Photography by: Robert Radifera
