308 Summers Dr Alexandria, VA 22301

It is immediately clear that this house is something very special. The front garden is a certified wildlife habitat and an oasis for monarch butterflies, birds, bees and important critters of all kinds. More than 100 native perennials thrive in various shades of green throughout the front and back yards, enveloping patios and paths along the way. Craftsman columns frame the front door under the handsome custom-built portico, with the original sidelight windows adding daylight to the foyer. In fact, there are exquisite finishes and accoutrements throughout this unique house. From vintage doorknobs to contemporary fixtures, this home is a magnificent creation of spirit, beauty, heart, and soul. Once inside, custom glass doors by Fontrick slide open to the large living room, where a television hides behind a sliding panel above the gas fireplace. Daylight pours through the energy-efficient Hurd double-pane casement windows. A new screened-in porch lies off the living room, facing east for the sunrise each day, with easy access to the fenced back yard. Open and welcoming, an incredible kitchen draws you in with plenty of room for friends and family to gather with space for a large table and chairs. High-performance stainless appliances include a commercial eight-burner Proline gas range and hood, 42 "Subzero refrigerator, and a Bosch dishwasher. The counters and sink are molded from Alberene soapstone from the mountains of southwest Virginia. In addition to the kitchen, the butler's and walk-in pantries feature top-of-the-line custom cabinetry. That Alberene soapstone continues into the convenient prep kitchen and mudroom, with additional counter space, a custom molded apron sink, and radiant flooring. One of the many gems includes a rescued 1930s vintage maple butcher block. One level up, two bedrooms and a full bath lie just off a charming alcove and reading nook. Built-in shelving turns this versatile space into a handy office or homework space, perfect for hobbies and crafting or simply a quiet spot to escape with a good book. The master bedroom, with a large full bathroom, includes two closets with sliding barn doors revealing convenient double-rung hanging systems. The second bedroom on this level looks out over the neighborhood, and the large walk-in closet features daylight from an east-facing window. Of all the smart, thoughtful upgrades in this lovely home, perhaps the most impactful is the stairway leading to the third floor. Bathed in natural light, it is an easy walk up to the attic that has been transformed into a full-fledged suite with a large bedroom, built-in shelving, skylights and a full bathroom with a lightwell and glass blocks. There is plenty of storage in the eaves and closets. Downstairs in the cavernous basement, you will find a laundry room with a new washer and dryer, an industrial sink, granite counter, and cabinets for storage. A workout space includes a full bathroom with an oversized shower and there are two more rooms outfitted with handy workbench panels, plus an additional raised storage space. Back on the main level and through the kitchen's back door, the fully fenced backyard includes a living room-sized porch with ceiling fan and recessed lighting, two flagstone patios, built-in 20,000 BTU gas grill, a lovely koi pond and soothing fountain, spacious garden shed with potter's bench and rafter storage; all surrounded by beautiful flower beds, trailing flowering vines, multiple raised planters all in the midst of mature trees and foliage. This home has been cherished and graciously updated. No detail has been overlooked at the hands of the current owners for the last 20+ years. Numerous energy- saving features include a high-performance Navien gas boiler, spray foam insulation, efficient appliances, PerennialWood and TruExterior wood on exterior porches. An easy walk to Metro delivers a quick trip to Reagan National Airport or to all the amenities of Washington, DC.