209 Spring Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912

Designed by Wak Tok Architects - Originally built as a bungalow in 1921, the house was transformed in 2012 into something quite extraordinary. A large addition was added, designed by Wakako Tokunaga, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA, a renowned architect and a local resident of Takoma Park. The new design embodied the architect’s values of simplicity, functionality, and integration with nature. It is an inspiring home in an idyllic and natural setting. The large trees that surround the house cast engaging shadows across the south and eastern-facing windows. This bold reimagining of the traditional Takoma Park bungalow is an unexpected surprise. When you enter the front door, a wide-open living and music room greet you. Refinished original floors run through the entire living area. With six windows and three sun tubes, natural light is always plentiful. To the left are two well-spaced bedrooms. In the hall, there’s a convenient bathroom with a floating vanity, a heated large-format ceramic floor, Toto Washlet toilet, and efficient access via a pocket door. Steps above is the primary suite with new oak floors. The en suite bath has a full-size shower clad in subtle gray marble and features a frameless glass door. The bathroom also features a heated floor, an elevated vanity, and a Toto Washlet. Organize your clothes effortlessly in the walk-in closet. The primary bedroom features windows with minimal trim that are situated to catch the morning sun filtered through the surrounding trees. The upper-level living room overlooks the addition and the dining room below. The steel I-beam stair cascades between levels with solid wood treads and open risers. It is a spectacular detail that is very distinctive. Smooth and radiant heated, the floors are polished concrete. Southeast-facing glass window walls rise from floor to ceiling and bring in abundant natural light. To the side, the open kitchen features ample cabinet space and wide quartz counters. The stainless steel oversized under-mount sink is centered on a window, and another sink is set into the central island. There is a gas range that has a hood, and the white ceramic tile extends to the ceiling. A large pantry is conveniently located behind the refrigerator. Breakfast is easy sitting around the reclaimed wood built-in bench in the eat-in kitchen. Next to that is a wood-burning stove in the corner rimmed in steel plates. This whole part of the house is an entertainer’s dream. The indoor space seamlessly transitions to the outdoors through a large sliding door that opens onto the rear deck. Down the hall on the lower level is a convenient and charming wallpapered half bath. The den is currently a media room but could serve as an office or sleeping quarters. The studio is large, has heat/AC, and would work well as a workshop or hobby room. A large laundry and storage room are accessed by a side door. Three cars will fit in the driveway and it is set up for electric car charging. The rear deck is the full width of the house and extends out from the glass doors. Down 2 steps is a level grass yard. A garage sits at the back near the fence line and includes a home gym, climbing wall, and storage room. This location is highly desirable with its proximity to Spring Park and nearby commercial heart of Takoma Park. Plus there is limited through traffic on this single block. The cherry tree just bloomed out front and the home is surrounded by nature.