Washington Life Magazine
Washington Life Magazine

 

 

THE DISTRICT · MARYLAND · VIRGINIA

BY MARY K. MEWBORN

 

THE DISTRICT

The word on the street is that the Government of Iraq has purchased 3421 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W, from the Diplomatic Restoration Corporation and its general partner Moustafa Soliman for $5.8 million. Iraqi offi cials apparently intend to use the three-story, 1920 Tudor-style mansion as their new embassy. Located in Observatory Circle across from Vice President Richard Cheney's offi cial residence, the 7,000 square-foot building has previously been leased to various countries. During the Kennedy administration it served as the Sudanese embassy. In 1971, it became the embassy of Bangladesh. In the mid-1980's, South Africa moved part of its embassy staff there. In the early 1990's, Kazakhstan's fi rst U.S. diplomatic mission toiled within. Most recently the mansion was home to the Embassy of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire. After an electrical fi re caused signifi cant damage in 2004, the building was painstakingly repaired and refurbished by Skynear and Co. Original plaster moldings were recast, chandeliers imported from France and new hardwood fl oors laid. Other amenities include skylights, recessed lighting, a kitchenette with a built-in espresso machine and spacious bathrooms (including one reputed to have a Jacuzzi). As a practical matter, there is also a building-wide "fi refi ghting system."

Thanks to Washington Fine Properties agent Jim Bell, Mathew Appelget has received almost $3.2 million for his Beaux Arts townhouse at 2126 Bancroft Place, N.W, in Kalorama. Built in 1908, the residence has undergone meticulous renovation and features grand entertaining spaces including formal living and dining room and a library, each adorned with original plaster moldings. Additional highlights include a chef 's kitchen, terrace and roof top deck with a hot tub and views of the monuments. There is also an in-law suite and a two-car garage. The new owner of this stunning abode has asked to remain anonymous.

The home of the late Gladys P. Bendetsen now belongs to German Klein, who for a mere $1.64 million took possession of the sevenbedroom manse at 2918 Garfield Terrace, N,W. Mrs. Bendetsen, who died in December 2005 at the age of 91, helped found the Washington Ballet and was a fi xture in both the social register known as The Green Book and on Washington Life's Social List. Married to Panamanian diplomat Julio E. Heurtematte, she arrived in D.C. in 1945 where according to press reports, her "crystal-clear blond beauty" enthralled the diplomatic corps. In 1951 the Sulgrave Club named her one of the most attractive women in the District. Her marriage to Heurtematte ended in divorce in 1959 and in 1961 she married James M. Johnston, one of the owners of the old Washington Senators basketball team. Widowed in 1967, her last marriage was to Karl R. Bendetsen, a former assistant secretary of the Army and a member of Ronald Reagan's "kitchen cabinet" who died in 1989.

Newly arrived from Italy, Simone and Angela Maraini now live at 2821 N Street, N,W. Mr. Maraini is the CFO of Alenia North America which was established in 2004 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Alenia Aeronautica, a European leader in the fi eld. The couple's new residence has three bedrooms, a den and three full baths. Nancy Taylor Bubes, who had been with Coldwell Banker, represented the buyers. Mrs. Bubes is now with Washington Fine Properties and while she would not disclose the price the Marainis paid for the property, WL has learned that the sellers, Virgine and Ragnar Gudmunsson, were asking $1,185,000.

Washington Fine Properties realtor Jim Bell has sold penthouse 1D at the Ritz-Carlton Residences at 1111 23rd Street, N.W. for John Cavalier for approximately $1.3 million. The 1,785 square-foot condominium boasts two bedrooms, two and a half baths and two expansive balconies offering dramatic vistas. Of course the real selling point at the Ritz is the luxurious lifestyle and exceptional service afforded residents.

World Bank employees Daniele Calabrese and Francesca Lamanna have purchased a quaint 1908 Victorian nestled in Mt. Pleasant's historic district at 1805 Newton Street, N,W. Mount Pleasant harkens back to Colonial times when Lord Baltimore granted James Holmead a large parcel of land east of Rock Creek. In 1836, Holmead's heirs attempted to sell portions of the land by advertising the property in the Washington Globe as "well suited for the residence of a gentleman of fortune, having a commanding view of the city and surrounding country, and every advantage for the display of taste in improvement." When former World Bank employee Saida BenKouiten-Gray wanted to sell the property, a call to Long & Foster agent Richard Oder did the trick. She now resides in France.

 

The Government of Iraq has purchased 3421 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., from the Diplomatic Restoration Corporation and its general partner Moustafa Soliman for $5.8 million ohn Cavalier has sold penthouse 1D at the Ritz-Carlton Residences at 1111 23rd Street, N.W., for approximately $1.3 million
The Government of Iraq has purchased 3421 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., from the Diplomatic Restoration Corporation and its general partner Moustafa Soliman for $5.8 million John Cavalier has sold penthouse 1D at the Ritz-Carlton Residences at 1111 23rd Street, N.W., for approximately $1.3 million

 

MARYLAND

Long & Foster realtor Charlie Hein has 3914 Blackthorn Street in the town of Chevy Chase under contract with a list price of $999,000. By the end of the month, the classic center hall Colonial is expected to belong to Steve and Stephanie Kelly. Mr. Kelly is VP of origination and business development for Competitive Power Ventures, which manages large power generation projects across the U.S. His wife is senior vice president, controller and treasurer of Harbor Asset Management. The sellers are Milton and Francis Stickles. Built in 1922, the three-story house sits on a quiet block within walking distance of the Bethesda metro station. It has four bedrooms plus a home offi ce, three and a half baths, an expanded eatin country kitchen/recreation room/workshop, screened porch, a nicely landscaped lot and a two-car garage. Extras include: crown moldings, a cedar closet/laundry chute, double pane windows, wood fl oors and a fi replace.

VIRGINIA

For $2.4 million, Darshan and Kultar Kang have parted with the four-bedroom house they owned at 717 Gouldman Lane in Great Falls. The new owners are Mary M. Klote and James D. Klote of James D. Klote & Associates, Inc., which provides fundraising services for churches and other non-profi t organizations. Mary Klote is a career Army medical offi cer and an immunologist at Walter Reed.

 

3914 Blackthorn Street in Chevy Chase is under contract with a list price of $999,000. Prospective owners Steve and Stephanie Kelly are buying the property from Milton and Francis Stickles
3914 Blackthorn Street in Chevy Chase is under contract with a list price of $999,000. Prospective owners Steve and Stephanie Kelly are buying the property from Milton and Francis Stickles



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