Mount Vernon Estate Blends Historic Elegance with Modern Family Living

“We incorporated a wider palette than we’d traditionally use on a residential home,” with many colors and textures, he adds. The custom front lower fountain is a living space for guests to see and hear upon arrival. “We designed the landscape for the lifespan of the property, not just for now, but also thinking about the future,” Richardson says.

With entertaining in mind and to honor the land’s history, the interiors reflect the family of four’s lifestyle. Nestled in the foyer, an inglenook fireplace establishes a cozy and friendly entryway. “It’s a fun, playful foyer and not just a big expanse of space,” Rill says. The adjoining center hallway extends to the library on the right, which doubles as the husband’s home office and club-style retreat with fireplace and lounge seating, and the formal dining room on the left.

The owners worked with Rill Architects for many interior elements to complement the architecture, such as the design of the custom trim and cabinetry and the selection of tiles, fixtures, and furniture. They also hired local Alexandria, Virginia, designer Courtney Cox for some finishing touches.

“We joined the project after construction was complete, when the owners felt they were ready to dig deeper into the furnishings and interior layers of the home,” adds Cox.

In the family room, Cox incorporated more substantial, upholstered seating to accommodate the whole family, reinforcing the room’s role as a true gathering space. Swivel barstools in a performance fabric at the kitchen island separate the family room from the adjacent breakfast room, where Cox added a large marble table with built-in lazy Susan, a larger-scale chandelier, and motorized shades.

“The clients were very specific about what they wanted in the kitchen,” says Rill, including large expanses of glass to take in the water views, places to dine together, along with connections to interior and exterior spaces. On the second floor, the primary suite offers a private wing with a luxurious bedroom and a sitting area with access to the waterfront terraces. The primary bathroom is multifaceted with layers of calm and comfort in a separate tub room, followed by dual vanities and finished with a marble-encased shower.

The architect created a stone cellar feel on the lower level, reminiscent of old Mount Vernon estates. With its walkout condition and the slope of the property, the basement supports the pool and pool house as well as provides its own entertainment hub with game areas, wine room, bar, and golf simulator. “Among the many goals of this project was to honor the history and significance of the land,” says Rill. “As a collective design team, we collaborated closely with the owners to create structures, gardens, and gathering spaces that not only honor the property, but also the family’s way of life.”