The Ridgeview House: International Style Sparkler Designed by Donald Lethbridge

The Ridgeview House, by Donald Lethbridge (originator of modernism in DC) – 

Arlington, Virginia

The Ridgeview House (1952) is an International Style house designed by Donald Lethbridge of Keyes, Lethbridge & Condon . Every aspect of the architectural and landscape design of the Ridgeview House has a specific function, an ideal promulgated by the International Style. The project was the first of several collaborations between developer Luria and architect Donald Lethbridge, who designed the setting for the House on its wooded ridge lot. The steel-framed structure is constructed of open web joist on concrete floor slabs with long span steel openings. Stretcher coursed brick (painted white) and horizontal siding with infills of large plate- glass windows and sliding-glass doors set within steel frames form the facades. The foundation is a native fieldstone, and is used in the construction of the walls and patios that project from the structure on the first level and create a datum for which the second level sits.

Commissioned by Developer John Luria in 1952, this 5500sf six-bedroom, five- and one-half-bathroom residence was one of many collaborations, including the first modern suburban communities of Pine Spring and Holmes Run Acres in Virginia and  Potomac Overlook in Maryland. The house was specifically sited by Lethbridge, with as little alteration to the landscape as possible, to overlook the skyline of DC.  The house is placed with an orientation of exactly east / west longitudinally witch fills the house with exacting light through expansive openings on both facades. Overhangs are precisely placed to take advantage of seasonal sun angles and heat gain or elimination.

Commencing in 2013 and wrapping up in 2022, comprehensive renovations have enhanced both the inside and outside of the property. Virtually every surface both interior and exterior has been redone. All new wood surfaces exterior with new glass storefront throughout. All new exterior patios and decks, along with a new accessory building nestled in the terrain. The new work includes all new bathroom renovations and new kitchen digitally fabricated out of solid surface materials. New stairs and custom millwork walls fill more of the interior and add detail to original 10 x 12 sliding glass doors. The house features an exercise room and adjacent bath and shower, as well as a custom bar area and laundry.

The house has four fireplaces and a Rais wood stove. The south facing master bedroom has an all glass bathroom that fills the rest of the room with diffused light, and provides a jewel like quality.

Set on a .75-acre wooded lot, 2533 N. Ridgeview offers a coveted Arlington location, with one traffic light between it and  Downtown DC.

$3,199,000 For more details, please contact Owner at 703.816.7811 or [email protected]

Details

Property ID
550406

6
Bedrooms

6
Bathrooms

Square Footage
5500

Lot Size
0.62

Year Built
1952

Style
Mid-Century Modern

Property Website