Wood-burning fireplaces sometimes generate heated conversations. For those who love them, moving to a home with a gas fireplace — or no fireplace at all — is unthinkable. The idea of spending a winter without the sound of crackling logs and the scent of woodsmoke would just be chilling.
On the other hand, there are plenty of people who prefer the simplicity of a gas fireplace, particularly if you can take the easy route of lifting a remote control to warm up a room or click it off. This side of the fireplace argument will lean on the mess of managing firewood and ashes.
If you are a bit romantic, though, an old-fashioned wood-burning fireplace is likely to warm your heart. We found options in D.C., Maryland and Virginia for homes priced under $1 million to meet that desire, including a townhouse, a condo and a single-family home.
Which one would you choose? Or, have a comparison you’d like to see in an upcoming column? Let us know at metro@washingtonsun.com.
Trending
D.C.
The listing: 524 4th St. SE
The price: $949,900
The specifics: This 1,220-square-foot Federal style townhouse, built in 1890, includes two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The bedroom level includes a laundry room. There’s no HOA fee required.
The vibe: Traditional Capitol Hill
What makes it special: The main level includes an open living and dining area with a wood-burning fireplace as the focal point. The fireplace includes a black slate hearth and is surrounded with a carved wooden mantel, which is painted white. The main level also has a modern kitchen that opens to a fenced backyard with a patio, garden and grilling area. The home also has hardwood floors and high ceilings. It’s within walking distance of Barracks Row, Eastern Market, the Metro, the Capitol grounds, restaurants, parks and entertainment.
Agent: Topher Cushman, Coldwell Banker Realty
Maryland
4960 Sentinel Dr. Unit #10-406, Bethesda, MD
Photos courtesy of F. Hill Slowinski and Long & Foster
4960 Sentinel Dr. Unit #10-406, Bethesda, MD
Photos courtesy of F. Hill Slowinski and Long & Foster
4960 Sentinel Dr. Unit #10-406, Bethesda, MD
Photos courtesy of F. Hill Slowinski and Long & Foster
4960 Sentinel Dr. Unit #10-406, Bethesda, MD
Photos courtesy of F. Hill Slowinski and Long & Foster
4960 Sentinel Dr. Unit #10-406, Bethesda, MD
Photos courtesy of F. Hill Slowinski and Long & Foster
4960 Sentinel Dr. Unit #10-406, Bethesda, MD
Photos courtesy of F. Hill Slowinski and Long & Foster
4960 Sentinel Dr. Unit #10-406, Bethesda, MD
Photos courtesy of F. Hill Slowinski and Long & Foster
The listing: 4960 Sentinel Dr. Unit #10-406, Bethesda
The price: $975,000
The specifics: This three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 2,170-square-foot condo, is located in Sumner Village, a 27-acre gated community within walking distance of a shopping center. Monthly condo fees are $1,691.
The vibe: Classic Condo Living
What makes it special: This large one-level home includes a wood-burning fireplace in the expansive living room, which opens to a long balcony with an awning for shade. A small step-up opens to a dining room and a kitchen with a breakfast area. The home has been upgraded with new carpet, a new HVAC system and a new electrical panel, and includes a washer and dryer. The community has walking paths, a pool, tennis and pickleball courts, a clubhouse and direct access to the Capital Crescent Trail.
Agent: Hill Slowinski, Long & Foster Real Estate
Virginia
2412 Brentwood Pl., Alexandria, VA
Corcoran McEnearney
2412 Brentwood Pl., Alexandria, VA
Corcoran McEnearney
2412 Brentwood Pl., Alexandria, VA
Corcoran McEnearney
2412 Brentwood Pl., Alexandria
Corcoran McEnearney
2412 Brentwood Pl., Alexandria, VA
Corcoran McEnearney
2412 Brentwood Pl., Alexandria, VA
Corcoran McEnearney
The listing: 2412 Brentwood Pl., Alexandria
The price: $965,000
The specifics: Built in 1958, this 1,817-square-foot single-family home is located in the historic Hollin Hills neighborhood of Alexandria on a quarter-acre lot. There’s no HOA fee required.
The vibe: Mid-century Modern
What makes it special: Floor-to-ceiling windows bring nature into every room of this house, blending with its Brazilian cherry floors. The wood-burning fireplace is in the open living room and surrounded by white-painted brick with windows above and on either side. Residents looking for warmth will appreciate the hot tub in the adjacent sunroom, which has skylights and heated slate-tile flooring. The two bathrooms also have skylights, and the grounds include professionally landscaped gardens with LED lighting, patios and a new IPE deck.
Agent: Christine Robinson, Corcoran McEnearney
Sign up for The Washington Sun Metro newsletter for essential coverage of the D.C. region.