5500 Broad Branch Rd NW

One of Washington’s most iconic homes—featured twice by Architectural Digest—this fully restored modernist gem was the personal residence of renowned architect Pierre Paul Childs, meticulously brought back to life with care and vision. Originally designed in 1975, the “Round House” in Chevy Chase, DC is a singular architectural work—cylindrical in form and timeless in presence. First featured in the April 1978 issue of Architectural Digest, and again in Architectural Digest Pro in April 2022 after its restoration, this 3,300-square-foot residence reflects the soul of its original design while seamlessly embracing modern living. Just three blocks from Lafayette Elementary, this home is conveniently situated between Rock Creek Park and the amenities of Chevy Chase’s Connecticut Avenue corridor. "Childs, in one imaginative leap, has overcome the tradition by surrounding the 'basic box' with a cylinder. He has created a graceful tower poised among tall trees…" - Architectural Digest, 1978. Every inch of this home has been restored - honoring the architect’s intent while updating the materials and livability to today’s standards. The result is a retreat that feels at once playful, precise, and private. Inside, you’ll find restored vintage elements—curved walls and ceilings, chrome fixtures, teak cabinetry, ceramic penny tile, and custom brise-soleil windows—paired with thoughtful upgrades like wide white oak floors laid on the diagonal, Calacatta Gold marble flooring, repurposed mid-century built-ins, GE Café Modern Glass appliances, and smart lighting throughout. The soaring two-story living room, framed by nearly 20-foot stacked windows, creates a luminous central space ideal for entertaining. With concert-ready acoustics and room for 30 seated guests or larger receptions, it’s a showpiece designed for modern life. The circular form of the home continues to the rooftop, where views of the Washington Monument and National Cathedral frame an extraordinary outdoor living space of 1,100 sq. ft. Built-in cocktail tables, a circular hot tub, outdoor wet bar, dining for 16, and native planters make it a true urban oasis. Outside at ground level, the professionally landscaped backyard echoes the home’s architectural language, with custom fencing that mirrors its curves and clean lines. Stacked stone beds filled with native plantings create a layered, sculptural feel, while a fire pit adds a warm and welcoming focal point—perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Not just a showstopper, this residence has been restored as a place to call home. Three bedrooms with additional room for guests, two en-suites, a fenced-in and naturally landscaped backyard, 360 degree corten steel fireplace for warmth from the main floor, home-office, interior and exterior storage, eat-in kitchen plus formal dining invite you to live, love, and play. Other highlights include hidden roll-out bar with uplit blue onyx stone for entertaining, three patio spaces, an insulated and temperature-controlled garage with EV charging, two laundry areas, a spacious play room that easily transforms into another bedroom, a gym or guest suite, owner’s suite with attached office encompassing the entire third level, multiple reading and resting nooks, and radiant natural light in every room—offering openness and privacy thanks to the home’s natural elevation. Constructed with commercial-grade structural standards including three steel columns and fully refinished stucco over curved wood formwork, and restored with artisanal precision, this home combines the simplicity of mid-century design with high-performance modern materials. Every space in this home was crafted for connection, creativity and comfort - an extraordinary place to grow, gather, and thrive.