Bethesda's Biggest House

My "ok this is tacky" line is usually drawn around 10,000 square feet. I'm no environmentalist but it just seems absurd and wasteful to heat and cool that much living space for a normal sized family. Well, this house is 35,000 square feet, three and a half times my tacky limit. It's in a gorgeous part of Avenel and the foyer shot makes it kind of look like the Von Trapp family compound from the sound of music so I guess that makes up for the ridiculous size! Pictures and info here.

New Listing! 8008 Whittier $3500/month

Guest Blogger Restaurant Review- The Pines of Rome in Bethesda

The following review was written by my wonderful grandfather, Daniel Dyer, who also has a blog www.ddyersblog.blogspot.com. Grandpa Dan has a big appetite and after being spoiled by my grandmother's cooking for many years, is picky about his restaurants. If he recommends something, I know its good!

Inside the Beltway, in Bethesda, you can find any kind of restaurant you want in any price range. They come and go. But not the Pines of Rome, 4709 Hampden Lane, a chip shot from Wisconsin Avenue, two short blocks below the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue, East-West Highway, and Old Georgetown Road (i.e., the center of Bethesda). The Pines never changes. There are no frills. Specials are on a chalk board inside the entrance. Even the menu is always the same. Chianti comes in a full tumbler. From a small pizza, to antipasto, to veal marsala, to lobster diavolo, you would be challenged to find a better Italian restaurant with moderate prices anywhere in the country. Owner Marco may recognize you but won’t waste time schmoozing you because he’s too busy making sure everything is going smoothly as he has been for more than 30 years. Once a customer, always a customer at the Pines.

Civil War Era Home in Bethesda- $829,000

Bethesda, MD has such lovely older homes filled with character. This 3 BR/ 2BA home was once used as a Civil War Bunker. It is on a lovely corner lot, just over the DC/MD border and not far from the Friendship Heights metro. A new owner would probably want to redesign the kitchen to have some additional counter space but other than that its in great shape! I love the archways and the old hardwood floors throughout the home.

For more pictures: http://www.homevisit.com/mlsTour/select/?id=33628