9101 River Road, Potomac, MD

Casa de Amor, translated as “house of love,” is a Potomac institution. A landmark of the Millionaire’s Mile stretch of River Road with its prominent towers and turrets rising above the red-tiled Spanish roof, its bubbling center fountain illuminated at night, captivating all who pass by. As the double entry gates swing open, one is greeted by a paved motor court which appears to have been lifted straight from the Mediterranean, leading up to one of the most distinctive facades in the Capital Region. Through custom arched glass and wrought iron doors, a dramatic, flowing floor plan is introduced. Bold onyx flooring, uplit columns, and a fireplace with stunning oversized hand-carved marble mantle sets the tone for over 13,000 square feet of the most ethereal living space expertly honed from rare materials. Light pours in from windows overhead, while the double-height formal dining room is fully open. Straight ahead, the formal living room’s window wall reveals the residence’s centerpiece: a jaw-dropping 50 foot long indoor swimming pool enclosed under a glass roof reminiscent of that found in the Versace Mansion on Miami’s South Beach. Nearly all rooms open onto the pool area, whose palm trees, vibrant colors, and intricate tile work create a feeling of indoor-outdoor living with year-round usability. This sensation is further heightened with amenities such as a fully enclosed two-story entertaining area flooded with natural light featuring its own commercial-grade kitchen. The dedicated pool bath features a steam shower encased in the most elaborate blend of intricate mosaic work and leaded glass. Accessed directly off of the pool deck, the primary suite boasts a private outdoor terrace, a massive dressing room with multiple islands, as well as an incredible high-ceilinged spa bath terrace entirely clad in onyx. The library’s extensive dark millwork, gold-leaf, and double sided fireplace juxtapose the vibrant tropical ambiance of the pool area which it opens onto, as does the traditional-meets-contemporary glass and stone wine cellar on the main level. Informal areas consist of the breakfast room, two-story great room, and chef’s kitchen, the latter of which showcases furniture grade cabinetry as well as gorgeous Moroccan-inspired tiling. Upstairs, a large gathering area leads to spacious secondary bedrooms boasting sumptuous amenities such as onyx baths with soaking tubs. Accessed by private glass elevator or spiral staircase, the 53-foot observation tower offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the property and beyond. Outdoors, a putting green, winding pathways, ornate lanterns, and a private gazebo create a sensation of being ensconced in a fanciful oasis. Turnkey in nature but unique in every single detail, Casa de Amor is without a doubt one of the most unique properties anywhere.

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Renovations a must.