5417 MOHICAN RD Bethesda, MD 20816

With panoramic views of the Potomac River and over 4,000 square feet of living space, this stately 5 bedroom, 4 and 1/2 bath, solid-stone home is known throughout Bethesda as the R.A. Charles Castle. The "castle" features a large open-plan main floor flooded with natural light. There is French door access to a large stone terrace for outdoor dining. Also on the main level is a 1/2 bath, large walk-in pantry, kitchen bar seating and a beautiful wood burning fireplace. On the main floor you will appreciate the multiple seating areas and the large dining room with butler's bar. Don't miss the breakfast area on the enclosed former porch which is a perfect spot for morning coffee as the sun rises over the river. On the second floor are three bedrooms and two full baths including a primary bedroom with en suite that features a large walk-in steam shower, separate tub and notable solid marble double sink. The third floor consists of a large bedroom/loft, also with en suite bath. The lower level is currently a capacious family room with additional storage, wine cellar, 5th bedroom and full bath. There is a fully roughed in kitchen on this level if any future plans include an in-law or au pair suite. Only the highest quality materials were used throughout the home including solid Mahogany interior doors throughout.

The provenance of the R.A. Charles Castle can be traced back to 19th century industrialists Edward and Edwin Baltzley. Born into an Ohio family of industrialists and inventors, the twin brothers dreamed of developing a Rhineland on the Potomac. To finance their bold endeavor, Edwin used the fortune hed amassed from his invention of the spatter-less eggbeater, to purchase 500 acres of land on the bluffs above the river on Conduit Road (today known as MacArthur Boulevard).

The Baltzley brothers envisioned a community for the wealthy and upper class that would be the hub of culture and education in suburban Washington. They helped establish the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo, part of a movement that offered education and entertainment to the middle class, and founded the companies that built trolley lines to Glen Echo from Chevy Chase and downtown Washington, D.C.

In February 1890, R. A. Charles, an employee of the Treasury Department, purchased land from Edward Baltzley and began construction of his home. Theophilus Parsons Chandler, who designed the "Baltzley Castle" next door, is believed to have been the architect for both properties. Hired for the cache of his name, Chandler was best known for designing palatial country homes, ornate churches and grand enclosures at the Philadelphia Zoo.

In addition to being placed in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties, the R.A. Charles Castle was fully renovated in 2013. The home boasts a picturesque view of the Potomac River and tastefully combines the design elements of stone, brick, steel, glass and wood. It is easily one of the most distinctive properties in Bethesda. With its documented province and stately design, this offering presents a rare and wonderful opportunity to own a piece of Bethesda history.