One of Washington’s most iconic homes—featured twice by Architectural Digest—this fully restored modernist gem was the personal residence of renowned architect Pierre Paul Childs, meticulously brought back to life with care and vision. Originally designed in 1975, the “Round House” in Chevy Chase, DC is a singular architectural work—cylindrical in form and timeless in presence. First featured in the April 1978 issue of Architectural Digest, and again in Architectural Digest Pro in April 2022 after its restoration, this 3,300-square-foot residence reflects the soul of its original design while seamlessly embracing modern living. Just three blocks from Lafayette Elementary, this home is conveniently situated between Rock Creek Park and the amenities of Chevy Chase’s Connecticut Avenue corridor. "Childs, in one imaginative leap, has overcome the tradition by surrounding the 'basic box' with a cylinder. He has created a graceful tower poised among tall trees…" - Architectural Digest, 1978. Every inch of this home has been restored - honoring the architect’s intent while updating the materials and livability to today’s standards. The result is a retreat that feels at once playful, precise, and private. Inside, you’ll find restored vintage elements—curved walls and ceilings, chrome fixtures, teak cabinetry, ceramic penny tile, and custom brise-soleil windows—paired with thoughtful upgrades like wide white oak floors laid on the diagonal, Calacatta Gold marble flooring, repurposed mid-century built-ins, GE Café Modern Glass appliances, and smart lighting throughout. The soaring two-story living room, framed by nearly 20-foot stacked windows, creates a luminous central space ideal for entertaining. With concert-ready acoustics and room for 30 seated guests or larger receptions, it’s a showpiece designed for modern life. The circular form of the home continues to the rooftop, where views of the Washington Monument and National Cathedral frame an extraordinary outdoor living space of 1,100 sq. ft. Built-in cocktail tables, a circular hot tub, outdoor wet bar, dining for 16, and native planters make it a true urban oasis. Outside at ground level, the professionally landscaped backyard echoes the home’s architectural language, with custom fencing that mirrors its curves and clean lines. Stacked stone beds filled with native plantings create a layered, sculptural feel, while a fire pit adds a warm and welcoming focal point—perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Not just a showstopper, this residence has been restored as a place to call home. Three bedrooms with additional room for guests, two en-suites, a fenced-in and naturally landscaped backyard, 360 degree corten steel fireplace for warmth from the main floor, home-office, interior and exterior storage, eat-in kitchen plus formal dining invite you to live, love, and play. Other highlights include hidden roll-out bar with uplit blue onyx stone for entertaining, three patio spaces, an insulated and temperature-controlled garage with EV charging, two laundry areas, a spacious play room that easily transforms into another bedroom, a gym or guest suite, owner’s suite with attached office encompassing the entire third level, multiple reading and resting nooks, and radiant natural light in every room—offering openness and privacy thanks to the home’s natural elevation. Constructed with commercial-grade structural standards including three steel columns and fully refinished stucco over curved wood formwork, and restored with artisanal precision, this home combines the simplicity of mid-century design with high-performance modern materials. Every space in this home was crafted for connection, creativity and comfort - an extraordinary place to grow, gather, and thrive.
Single-familyProperty Type
1975Year Built
5,515 sq ftLot Size
$579Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
1 car garageParking
Listed by Judy Cranford• Cranford & Associates
•202-471-4100 (broker)
•judy@cranfordassociates.com (broker)
Bought with Gabrielle Witkin• TTR Sotheby's International Realty
Architectural manor home on corner lot. spiral stairwell leads to front door entering onto third level. Half bath in hallway, two bedroom that accommodates king bedding. Step down to lower entertainment space with bar area shelving, half bath,...
walk.out to single car garage or courtyard that surrounds entire home, partially fenced and gravelled walkway. Upper level includes dual-sided fire pit sharing space with entertainment space and den area that leads to kitchen. Original kitchen includes trash compactor dual oven standard microwave refrigerator walks out to deck, no railing. Next level includes master bedroom with dual vanity extended in line closets run along entire length of bath area, w/d in closet. Master accommodates king bedding accident by skylights and overlooks into living space. top level provides rooftop access with gravel walkway with views of neighborhood.
6 years ago• May not reflect the current state of the home
Latasha Burrell
Redfin Associate agent
Sale history for 5500 Broad Branch Rd NW
Date
Event
Price
BRIGHT MLS #DCDC2210264
Aug 15, 2025
Sold
$2,000,000
$586/sq ft
Jul 15, 2025
Contingent
—
Jul 11, 2025
Listed
$2,000,000
$586/sq ft
BRIGHT MLS #DCDC462506
Sep 4, 2020
Sold
$1,240,000
$363/sq ft
Aug 4, 2020
Pending
—
Jul 22, 2020
Contingent
—
Mar 20, 2020
Listed
$1,450,000
$425/sq ft
+37
NEW LISTING - We take pride in presenting for the first time since its construction, a home that is the essence of Modern. Designed and built in 1975 by the owner architect Pierre Paul Childs , Architectural Digest proclaimed, He has created a graceful tower, poised among tall trees on the narrow corner site. The Washington Star called the house, a fine example of the melding of form and function. Childs himself stated, I combined strong discipline with a bit of whimsy. Photos of furnished rooms are examples of virtual staging. Public record indicates house square footage over over 7000 square feet which is incorrect and explains the very high tax assessment. Actual square footage is roughly 3300 which is all above grade. Don't miss the rooftop terrace with fantastic views including the Washington Cathedral and the top of the Washington Monument.
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$11,496 (+6.1%)
$660,420 + $841,550
$1,501,970
2024
$10,830 (+3.2%)
$650,270 + $792,050
$1,442,320
2023
$10,498 (+3.0%)
$647,020 + $714,200
$1,361,220
2022
$10,193 (+2.1%)
$610,290 + $708,800
$1,319,090
2021
$9,979 (−41.0%)
$561,810 + $716,090
$1,277,900
2020
$16,909 (+0.2%)
$559,000 + $691,390
$1,250,390
2019
$16,883 (+5.7%)
$523,760 + $1,537,340
$2,061,100
2018
$15,967 (+9.9%)
$505,780 + $1,512,710
$2,018,490
2017
$14,522 (+10.0%)
$505,780 + $1,512,710
$2,018,490
2016
$13,207 (+10.0%)
$492,770 + $1,494,680
$1,987,450
2015
$12,009 (+9.9%)
$414,670 + $1,481,060
$1,895,730
2014
$10,926 (+9.9%)
$338,950 + $1,550,260
$1,889,210
2013
$9,942 (+9.8%)
$338,950 + $1,550,260
$1,889,210
2012
$9,051 (+10.0%)
$358,970 + $1,564,800
$1,923,770
2011
$8,228 (+10.0%)
$343,810 + $1,498,260
$1,842,070
2010
$7,480 (+10.0%)
$357,810 + $1,415,960
$1,773,770
2009
$6,800
$374,580 + $1,491,940
$1,866,520
Tax history for 5500 Broad Branch Rd NW
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$11,496 (+6.1%)
$660,420 + $841,550
$1,501,970
2024
$10,830 (+3.2%)
$650,270 + $792,050
$1,442,320
2023
$10,498 (+3.0%)
$647,020 + $714,200
$1,361,220
2022
$10,193 (+2.1%)
$610,290 + $708,800
$1,319,090
2021
$9,979 (−41.0%)
$561,810 + $716,090
$1,277,900
2020
$16,909 (+0.2%)
$559,000 + $691,390
$1,250,390
2019
$16,883 (+5.7%)
$523,760 + $1,537,340
$2,061,100
2018
$15,967 (+9.9%)
$505,780 + $1,512,710
$2,018,490
2017
$14,522 (+10.0%)
$505,780 + $1,512,710
$2,018,490
2016
$13,207 (+10.0%)
$492,770 + $1,494,680
$1,987,450
2015
$12,009 (+9.9%)
$414,670 + $1,481,060
$1,895,730
2014
$10,926 (+9.9%)
$338,950 + $1,550,260
$1,889,210
2013
$9,942 (+9.8%)
$338,950 + $1,550,260
$1,889,210
2012
$9,051 (+10.0%)
$358,970 + $1,564,800
$1,923,770
2011
$8,228 (+10.0%)
$343,810 + $1,498,260
$1,842,070
2010
$7,480 (+10.0%)
$357,810 + $1,415,960
$1,773,770
2009
$6,800
$374,580 + $1,491,940
$1,866,520
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Beds
4
Baths
3.5
Stories
3
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
5,515 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
—
Sq. Ft.
3,414
Year built
1975
Style
Single Family Residential
County
District of Columbia
APN
1995 0032
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jun 29, 2026.
R-1B
Residential House Zone 1B
The purposes of the R-1A and R-1B zones are to: Protect quiet residential areas now developed with detached houses and adjoining vacant areas likely to be developed for those purposes; and Stabilize the residential areas and promote a suitable environment for family life.; The R-1B zone is intended to provide for areas predominantly developed with detached houses on moderately sized lots.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Agriculture
Religious facility
Hospital / medical center
Housing-Group
Housing-Senior
Public service
Educational/school
Recreation
Property details
Parking
Parking Information
# of Attached Garage Spaces: 1
Garage Features: Garage - Side Entry, Garage Door Opener, Inside Access
# of Total Garage and Parking Spaces: 1
Has Garage
# of Garage Spaces: 1
Electric Vehicle Charging Station(s)
Attached Garage
Interior
Bedroom Information
# of Bedrooms On 2nd Upper Level: 1
# of Bedrooms On Main Level: 3
Bathroom Information
# of Bathrooms (Half) On 1st Upper Level: 1
# of Bathrooms (Full) On 2nd Upper Level: 1
# of Bathrooms (Full) On Main Level: 2
# of Bathrooms (Half) On All Upper Levels: 1
# of Bathrooms (Full) On All Upper Levels: 1
# of Bathrooms (Half): 1
# of Bathrooms (Full): 3
Interior Information
Appliances: Built-In Microwave, Stainless Steel Appliances, Cooktop, Oven - Double, Range Hood, Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Refrigerator, Icemaker, Washer, Central Vacuum
Outdoor Living Structures: Balconies- Multiple, Deck(s), Patio(s), Roof
Structure Type: Detached
Architect Name: Pierre Paul Childs
Exterior Information
Roof Deck, Stone Retaining Walls, Exterior Lighting
Fencing: Fully
Lot Information
Tidal Water: No
Land Information
Land Assessed Value: $650,270
Soil Types: Urban Land-Sassafras-Chillum
Above Grade Information
Finished Sq.Ft.: 3,414
Finished Sq.Ft. Source: Assessor
Below Grade Information
Unfinished Sq.Ft. Source: Assessor
Finished Sq.Ft. Source: Assessor
Financial
Tax Information
City/Town Tax: $10,830
Tax Assessed Value: $1,442,320
Tax Year: 2024
Tax Annual Amount: $10,830
Assessments Information
Year Assessed: 2024
Lease Information
Lease Considered: No
Utilities
Utilities Information
Central Air
Cooling Type: Central A/C
Cooling Fuel: Electric
Forced Air, Heat Pump(s)
Heating Fuel: Electric
Hot Water: Electric
Sewer Septic: Public Sewer
Water Source: Public
Location
School Information
Elementary School: LAFAYETTE
Middle Or Junior School: DEAL
High School: JACKSON-REED
School District Name: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Elementary School Source: Listing Agent
Middle School Source: Listing Agent
High School Source: Listing Agent
School District Source: Listing Agent
Location Information
In City Limits
Directions: From Military, north on Broad Branch
Transportation: Metro/Subway Station less than 1 mile, Bus Stop less than 1 mile
Public facts
Beds: 4
Baths: 3.5
Sq. Ft.: 3,414
Stories: 3.0
Lot Size: 5,515 square feet
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1975
Year Renovated: —
County: District of Columbia
APN: 1995 0032
Home facts updated by county records on Jun 29, 2026
Around this home
Schools
Lafayette Elementary School
Public PreK-5 • Assigned • 0.2mi
10/10
Deal Middle School
Public 6-8 • Assigned • 0.8mi
10/10
Jackson-Reed High School
Public 9-12 • Assigned • 1.1mi
7/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Lifestyle
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Local insights from Redfin agents
Washington, DC is known for being the nation’s capital, home to iconic landmarks like the White House, U.S. Capitol, and Smithsonian museums. It’s also recognized for its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class dining, culture, and...