The 10 Most Gorgeous Private Libraries in the D.C. Area

The peaceful silence, the smell of an old book, the comfort of being alone—a library can be the perfect escape from the noise and high energy of the city. In the D.C. area, there is a wide array of public libraries to choose from, but sometimes browsing through one's own bookshelves at home can be more exciting. For those bibliophiles who collect so many books they verge on being hoarders, Curbed collected the 10 most gorgeous homes on the DMV market with libraries of their own. These wood-paneled beauties feature built-in bookshelves, plenty of plush seating space, and even spiral staircases. From a $12.5 million Mclean McMansion to a $6.9 million West End condo, here are the most beautiful private libraries on the D.C. area market.

↑ Behold, one of the D.C. area's biggest and boldest McMansions. This single-family home, otherwise known as "The Estate at the Reserve," is on the McLean market for $12.5 million with amenities that include an indoor pool, ballroom, elevator, wine cellar, and of course a library. This library is one of the most opulent on this list with wood-paneling, a ceiling medallion, and built-ins throughout.

↑ In West End, you can find this decadent $6.9 million condo with a mahogany-walled library, fully equipped with a coffered ceiling, plush seating, and artwork throughout. Located in the Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, the abode also offers a wine cellar and an expansive rooftop deck.

↑ For $6 million, you can own this 14,844-square-foot single-family home in McLean. Throughout the listing, there are luxurious details that include lit up tray ceilings, marble flooring, and decorative columns. In the library, you can find four leather couches, high ceilings, and enough space for any sizable library.

↑ This McLean listing was recently given a thorough tour on Curbed DC after it was featured in the 2015 D.C. Design House showcase. 24 design firms took up the challenge to transform the mansion with textured wallpapers, embroidered silk wall coverings, and a variety of artworks. Michael Hampton designed the library with a Chinoiserie panel, screen-printed fabrics, and a nail-head trim on the ceiling. To own the most made up abode on the block, the asking price is $4,895,000.

↑ Finally, a library with some seriously audacious oomph. This two-story library is decorated with coffered ceilings, an ornate steel railing, and a fireplace. Located in Potomac, Maryland, you can find this wood-paneled library in a 33,000-square-foot mansion, asking $18 million.

↑ This 28,000-square-foot listing is located in McLean, Virginia and comes with roughly two acres of land. With an asking price of $28.8 million, you can have it all: an indoor pool, a wine cellar, and a two-story library with a fireplace and a chandelier.

↑ With six wood-burning fireplaces, a nanny apartment, and a custom-made bar, this decked out single-family home is on the market for $6.5 million. The library comes with 18-foot-high ceilings, a vibrant red color scheme, and a fireplace. The listing is located in Great Falls and features a facade that is rather similar to the Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia.

↑ Originally listed for $2.95 million, this Capitol Hill townhouse experienced a price chop in January and March of 2015, lowering the asking price down to $2.725 million. The library inside is rather modest, but it's comfortable with a fireplace and built-in bookshelves. The listing also features a wine cellar and a rear garden.

↑ The fifth and final McLean abode offers a fairly toned down library in comparison to the more opulent ones on this list. It offers hardwood flooring throughout, recessed lighting, and a fireplace. The single-family home also features a spacious stone patio with a gazebo. The listing recently experienced a price chop this year from $3.75 million and is now on the market for $3,295,000.

↑ For $3.395 million, you can own this Bethesda, Maryland single-family home with a brick driveway, an outdoor pool, and a wood-paneled library with built-ins and plenty of natural light.
· The 10 Hottest Washington, D.C. Homes With Private Pools [Curbed DC]