Perched above the quiet, tree-lined streets of Kenwood, 6413 Garnett Dr is a stately residence providing equal parts privacy and presence. Designed and built by its current owner, the home is a personal vision realized. Where old-world European craftsmanship inspires a home designed for family life and unforgettable gatherings.
Every detail has been chosen with care. The spiral balustrade was hand-sketched and then forged by a local artisan. The ceiling beams were imported from Tuscany, specifically chosen for their warmth and heft.
Beyond its architectural pedigree, the home has provided a beautiful backdrop - where children grew surrounded by friends, where the community fundraised, where holiday gatherings were hosted, and where the breakfast table was a place for life lessons shared. This is not just a home. It is a lifestyle, a statement, and a legacy.
The Vision Behind the Build 
The family was interested in moving from Virginia to be closer to city independent schools. They looked throughout the neighborhoods of upper NW DC, as well as the close in Maryland suburbs. Frustrated in their search, they decided to purchase a lot and build. Good lots were hard to find and 6413 Garnett offered a singular opportunity. Its position immediately set it apart. Located among Kenwood’s curving, tree-lined streets and set above its neighbors, it offered scale and privacy. The family persuaded the owner, the late builder Jim Gibson, to sell.
Their design vision was clear. The home should be well-suited for raising a family and hosting friends. After interviewing several prominent architects, they chose Glenn Fong who understood and embraced their vision of old world European warmth. The family had a commercial building background, so quality craftsmanship was a priority. Only the finest materials were to be used. The home’s exterior was formed in Borcule brick, Midwestern stone, and a slate roof. Inside, floors of Jerusalem limestone and reclaimed Italian oak, custom trim detail and imported mantels underscore its enduring quality.
The build itself was an impressive feat. With two young children, the family was eager to occupy their forever home. The project spanned more than two years and employed crews for both day and night shifts. Every detail was intentional, creating a home of permanence, elegance, and soul.
Spaces Made for Living
6413 Garnett Drive was designed to be lived in, not simply admired. The family wanted open, flowing spaces that encouraged connection and celebration. Dinner parties were hosted every other weekend. Fundraisers for the kids’ schools were hosted with ease. Holidays unfolded against the backdrop of soaring ceilings and warm stonework. Regular Halloween parties became iconic.
Shaping the home’s history, the conservatory was filled with live music during evenings with friends. The breakfast table became the heart of the household, where milestones were shared and life lessons were shared. Downstairs, the media room (now a state of the art gym) was a beloved hangout for teenagers, where laughter lingered late into the night. Later, the renovation of the third floor into a “West Village chic” penthouse suite provided their college graduate son with an independent space under the same roof.
Life in Kenwood
Beyond the home’s walls, life in Kenwood offered the best of both worlds. The family could walk to Westbard or downtown Bethesda for ice cream or coffee, enjoy three grocery options within minutes, and retreat to the privacy of their personal haven.
Just beyond the neighborhood, the cultural and professional heart of Washington, DC was easily accessible. Whether attending board dinners, events at the Kennedy Center, high school proms, or professional obligations downtown, the location balanced convenience with tranquility.
What Sets It Apart
Kenwood is known for its charm and prestige, but nothing in the neighborhood compares to 6413 Garnett Drive. This is a custom-built home on a generous lot, its singular vision brought to life by a family. The long list of custom details - imported beams and floor boards, bespoke trim details, imported stone, and elegant custom fixtures - are testament to its unparalleled quality.
It is, in every way, a legacy residence designed for privacy and sophistication.
A Home for Its Next Chapter
Today, 6413 Garnett Drive awaits its next chapter. For the buyer who values privacy with the ability to entertain in grand style, who appreciates design beyond the ordinary, and values outstanding craftsmanship, this home presents a unique opportunity.
To experience it for yourself, visit the full property listing or contact Lee Arrowood to arrange a private showing.