About This Property
An irreplaceable piece of architectural history, 3003 Audubon
Terrace NW, better known as the James Newmyer house, is a modernist
masterpiece by legendary architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen. Nestled in
the very epicenter of sought after Forest Hills, the residence,
like all great examples of fine architectural design, is one with
its context, complementing its verdant surroundings in form and
orientation. One of the architect's earlier works after opening his
Georgetown-based firm, the Newmyer house showcases his signature
style while drawing inspiration from mid-Victorian elements. An
L-shaped dwelling perched high on a raised brick podium, this
serves as an elevated entry terrace, and wraparound garden to give
a park-like impression, bringing the lush surroundings closer in.
Subtle nods to more historical architectural styles can be
reflected in the standing-seam mansard roofs atop Jacobsen's
classic pale-brown brick cladding and black anodized aluminum bay
windows as an explicit byproduct of Victorian inspiration. Although
modernist and utterly unique, the residence adheres to the classic
principles of symmetry, apparent in the double-doored grand
entryway flanked by twin wings. Within, a linear transverse gallery
connects major spaces. At one end is the formal living room, a
voluminous space whose ethereal ethos is augmented by raised
ceilings and generous yet controlled amounts of natural light
flooding in from walls of the aforementioned bay windows. Central
is a roaring linear fireplace – an ingenious, forward-thinking
feature for the time – embedded in a dramatic feature wall framed
by thin panes of glass. Central to the main entrance is the formal
library, able to be closed off via a set of hidden doors to form a
true retreat. Twin bookcases frame a deeply recessed
floor-to-ceiling bay window, another Jacobsen hallmark, while a wet
bar is discreetly tucked away to one side. On the opposite end of
the main gallery, overlooking the rear terrace, is the formal
dining room. Embassy-sized, it also features built-in bookcases
framing floor-to-ceiling glass. Fully modernized, the chef's
kitchen and breakfast area continues the nautical theme found in
the dining room, with a deep blue ceiling and glossy, single slab
backsplash. Minimalist white stacked cabinetry provides an almost
hidden backdrop and conceals a suite of commercial grade equipment,
including double Bosch ovens. In another futuristic twist, only a
peninsula separates the kitchen from the adjacent step-up family
room, creating a true open space not commonly seen at the time. The
latter showcases extensive wraparound built-ins and opens directly
onto the pool deck. Geometric in shape to mirror the rest of the
home, the irregular swimming pool is substantially proportioned and
a center piece to the outdoor space. The adjacent pool house
features a wet bar, full bath, and changing room. An adjacent
outdoor terrace offers generous seating and al fresco dining space.
Jacobsen's most distinguishing trademark was a 'pavillion' layout
where particular rooms are arranged into separate pavilions. As
such, public and private quarters are distinguished, with the
bedroom wing tucked away for ultimate privacy. Within this space is
a sumptuous primary suite and three additional bedrooms. A
comprehensive, self-sufficient guest suite is found on the lower
level, containing a full bath, kitchen, and separate exterior
entrance. Also discreetly hidden away is the attached garage,
accessed via a side drive off the main motor court and unseen from
the facade to minimize unsightliness. The property also owns a
third of a tennis court, communal with two neighbors. A
once-in-a-lifetime offering, one-of-a-kind in every way and
situated in one of Washington's most desirable neighborhoods, the
James Newmyer house has and will continue to be immortalized as one
of the finest icons of visionary modernist architecture in history.
Phone: 425-283-2930
Address: 335 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017