DC Modern Sanctuary

A modern garden sanctuary in the heart of Washington, DC, designed for beauty, family connection, and year-round enjoyment.

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A Resort-Inspired Pool at the Center

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At the heart of this narrow city lot lies a sleek, modern pool designed to bring a sense of openness and calm to the entire property. Shallow entry steps and a subtle bench run the length of the pool, offering both elegance and functionality for kids and adults alike. Set level with the surrounding hardscape, the pool’s clean geometry draws the eye outward, extending views from the home’s expansive windows and creating a visual continuity between indoors and out.

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Anchoring the far end of the pool is a striking architectural water feature – custom designed with powder-coated steel and textured tile to add movement, reflection, and sound. At night, integrated lighting transforms the space into a glowing focal point, visible from nearly every room in the house. Surrounded by layered plantings and softly textured paving, this central feature delivers a quiet sense of luxury with minimal maintenance.

The Kitchen and Entertaining Terrace

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Just steps from the spa, a custom outdoor kitchen provides the perfect setup for everyday meals and weekend entertaining. A built-in gas grill, undercounter storage, and bar seating for six are framed by a lush Vistafolia green wall – offering year-round texture without the need for irrigation. This space was designed for both elegance and efficiency, blending contemporary materials with Rossen’s signature hospitality-focused layout.

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Nearby, a raised Ipe terrace floats beneath the preserved canopy of a heritage Oak. The deck’s thoughtful construction protects the tree’s root zone while establishing a shaded retreat that evolves throughout the day – from casual lounging to cocktail gatherings. The seamless connection between kitchen, terrace, and pool allows for easy circulation and natural gathering, whether for quiet family evenings or large-scale entertaining.

Play, Privacy, and Purposeful Planting

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On the garden’s far edge, a synthetic turf putting green adds a touch of play and whimsy. Moveable planters and Corten steel detailing frame the space, while dwarf ornamental grasses soften transitions and provide visual rhythm. The green itself is more than a recreational feature – it’s a design gesture that mirrors the property’s contemporary lines while offering all-season functionality for adults and children alike.

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Along the side of the home, vertical Liquidambar trees create a living screen that adds privacy without bulk. And in the front, what could have been a purely functional stormwater zone was reimagined as a sculptural garden: layered Corten planters step down a natural slope, filled with Panicum, structural bamboo, and a standout Japanese maple. A permeable paver driveway and sliding entry gate complete the composition, blending infrastructure with artistry.

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This is a city garden built for modern life – where every square foot serves a purpose, and every detail reflects intentional luxury.