Room to Spread Out

With its big lots and sprawling houses, Potomac is rarely associated with condos. But Park Potomac—a development of condos, townhouses, office buildings, and restaurants along tree-lined sidewalks—might change that perception.

At the corner of Seven Locks and Montrose roads, just off Interstate-270, the first phase of condos is complete and includes two ten-story towers with 150 units—about 30 of which are still on the market. Outside, there’s a circular pool surrounded by lounge chairs and a landscaped courtyard with an area for grilling. Machines in the fitness center are fitted with flat-screen TVs, and the clubroom has a fireplace, catering kitchen, and conference room.

The condos are large; the smallest floor plan has two bedrooms and 2½ baths. Inside each, you’ll find hardwood floors; high-end kitchen appliances by Viking, Sub-Zero, and Bosch; and double sinks in the master bathroom. Prices, which include parking, start in the high $600,000s and top out around $1.7 million.

Park Potomac Place, 12500 Park Potomac Ave., Potomac; 301-251-7723.

Luxury in Georgetown

Originally built in 1885, Wormley Row is a former schoolhouse in the heart of Geogetown that’s been transformed into condos with a collection of six Victorian townhouses.

Named after entrepreneur James Wormley, the historic red-brick building has only seven units, giving it a more private feel. Each floor plan is different, and even the smallest option—a 1,400-square-foot one-bedroom condo—is larger than some two-bedrooms in other buildings.

Because of its small size, Wormley Row doesn’t offer many of the amenities that have become typical in larger condos, meaning that buyers don’t have access to perks such as a gym. But features inside each unit may make up for that shortcoming.

Condos come with underground parking, a wood-burning fireplace, heated floors, steam showers with a heated seat, soundproof floors, and a camera monitoring system. Prices range from around $1.2 million for a one-bedroom to $4.2 million for a two-story four-bedroom with river views.

Wormley Row, 3325 Prospect St., NW; 202-274-4666.

Can’t Beat the Views

At the foot of Key Bridge in Rosslyn, a glimmering glass tower rises from the banks of the Potomac River. The 31-story building houses the Hotel Palomar Arlington and, above it, 133 condos.

Called Waterview Residences, the condos have a concierge who can arrange housekeeping, make dinner reservations, or charter a yacht. Owners can use the hotel’s fitness center for free.

Prices in the building—which still has about 12 units for sale—start in the $400,000s for a 500-square-foot studio and top $4.5 million for a 3,838-square-foot penthouse. All of the units have floor-to-ceiling windows, and all come with high-end fixtures and appliances by brands such as Sub-Zero, Wood-Mode, and Waterworks.

But perhaps the biggest perks are the dramatic views of the Potomac River, Georgetown, and the monuments. Residents whose units don’t face the river can take in the view on the rooftop deck, which has a fire pit, a grill, and sunbeds.

Waterview Residences, 1111 N. 19th St., Arlington; 703-879-6138.

This article first appeared in the August 2009 issue of Washingtonian. For more articles from that issue, click here.