Surrounded by cherry trees on a landscaped .8-acre lot in Rock Creek Hills, this exceptional, one-of-a-kind home underwent a renovation and expansion in 2004, investing the home with a New Orleans flair. Luxury and quality abound in the arched and pillared entries, gracious covered porches, soaring two-story spaces, stunning woodwork, and elaborate gardens which create an elegant estate. The main level is laid out for sophisticated entertaining. Off the foyer, architectural columns lead to a formal living room with gas fireplace and French doors that open to a covered porch. From the porch are views of the pool and patio all enclosed by a wrought-iron fence. Also off the foyer is a formal dining room with built-in china cabinet and large windows overlooking a garden. The adjacent two-story family room has a cathedral ceiling, twin skylights with power shades, a wood-burning fireplace and bay window which overlooks the front yard. In the center of the living space, the chefs kitchen is open to the family and dining rooms. Outfitted with Wood Mode cabinetry and fully integrated appliances, Double-level Costa Verde granite countertops surround a central work island, featuring a separate brass sink for easy food preparation. A built-in sound system as well as tv cable connection ensure that the chefs experience is complete. A light-filled jewel box breakfast room overlooks the pool and features more built-in cabinets with granite countertop as well as a pantry closet. Two sets of French doors lead from the jewel box onto separate covered porches overlooking the pool. Its a perfect perch for a morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine. There is a powder room with an antique vanity, as well as an enormous laundry room with built-in storage and access to the 2-car garage with an additional bay for bikes and tools. The left wing of the home houses four spacious bedrooms- two with full baths, and an additional hall bathroom serves the remaining bedrooms. An open stairway in the family room, leads upstairs to a library loft with bookshelves and two large cedar closets. From the library, enter the expansive, owners bedroom with vaulted ceilings, twin skylights, wood-burning fireplace, and French doors that lead to a private, upper-level porch. The luxury ensuite bath features skylights, recessed lights, a whirlpool tub with a bay-window view and separate frameless glass shower. There is also a double vanity and heated towel rack. Off the bathroom is an expansive walk-in closet with built-ins. The renovated walk-out lower level, has French doors that open to the pool and provides versatile space perfect for pool parties, work/study and in-law/guest accommodations. There is a large family room with gas fireplace, full bath with roll-in shower and a bonus room currently used as an artists studio. A second kitchen allows for easy preparation and serving at parties. Without compromising curb-appeal, this home boasts a substantial investment in energy efficiency, due to 59 solar panels installed discretely on the south- and west- facing roofs. Energy conservation is also supported by three separate HVAC zones as well as under-floor radiant heat in the kitchen and family room spaces. A high-capacity natural gas generator ensures that the home remains operational in the event of a power outage. The tiered corner lot offers a parklike setting with an abundance of flowering shrubs and mature trees, a side patio even a labyrinth garden for meditation. The pool area, features a Hot Springs Prodigy hot tub, Weber natural gas grill, and spacious pool deck for fire pit area, provides a spectacular oasis for relaxing. A driveway with turnaround allows parking for several cars. This rarely available home boasts a close-in location to the shopping districts of downtown Kensington, Bethesda and Friendship Heights, and is just one block to Beach Drive and the trails of Rock Creek Park.