The changing real estate market is not a surprise to John Eric, Realtor with Long & Foster Realtors’ North Arlington office. Eric has seen the surge of high-end homes and condominiums, including Turnberry Tower, as well as new retail shops, entertainment venues, and four-star hotels influence the community. This resurgence brings an influx of young professionals and empty nesters moving into the convenient area not only to live, but also to work.
Over the last three years, Eric has also noted the “new consumer,” someone who commutes to DC from Los Angeles, New York, or other parts of the country during the week and then returns home on weekends. These consumers aren’t leaving their other residences and moving their belongings; they’re living out of a suitcase for a week and then returning home. This is where Eric saw the opportunity to introduce the new concept of luxury turnkey living, which is selling a home furnished, to the DC area.
Eric started with one of his listings – a Highgate townhome in Arlington that he renovated – and then partnered with David Zein, vice president of Roche Bobois Washington, DC, to furnish. By purchasing a furnished space, the buyer can have all the comforts of home while on business during the week.
The Concept
First, Eric emptied the townhome of furnishings, refinished the hardwood floors, replaced the lighting, and painted it with Duron’s Antique White and Bright White colors. Then he turned to Zein to furnish the first floor with pieces that complement the traditional style of the townhome while also adding some modern components.
“What struck me when I first saw the townhouse was the traditional detailing in a contemporary setting,” Zein says. “It’s not a traditional colonial place, but it has colonial elements.” Zein found the turnkey concept a great way to promote upscale living as well as to showcase how the mix of traditional and contemporary can work together, which is something he has seen in Europe for some time.
Zein furnished the living room with Saint-Andrew leather sofas accented with red pillows and a red and beige area rug. In the dining room, Roche Bobois’ Sorgues furniture adds French styling to the space that transitions into the casual family room off the kitchen. In this area, white leather chairs, glass tables, and a bistro set contrast with the kitchen’s rich wood cabinets and dark granite counters. Art by Glenn Fry adds an extra dimension to the spaces.
Rosslyn is changing, Eric says, both with the availability of luxury residences in general and now with the idea of selling high-end homes furnished. “The concept of turnkey living may take a while to catch on, but it will be a fluid concept and one that buyers will want.”
This townhome with furniture is priced at more than $1.2 million. Eric is also working on a second turnkey living home in Palisades Park in North Arlington.
