The D.C. area’s 10 oddest homes of 2017

There’s a ton of real estate eye candy available in the D.C. area, but what’s the fun in that? Instead, why not check out the peculiarities that landed on the market this year, from a roofless, nearly half a million dollar single-family home to a castle in Maryland.

Below, see what oddities listed or sold this year. For more peculiar real estate, check out last year’s weirdest finds on Curbed DC here.

---

Photo via Real Living at Home

This D.C. home doesn't have a roof, lists for $499K

This certainly is a head scratcher. In August 2017, this gutted Brightwood single-family home landed on the market, described as “a rare opportunity.” What made this listing so rare was probably the fact that it didn’t have a roof. Really, sellers? You couldn’t have shaved off a little more from the price? Talk about strange.

---

Photo courtesy of Wydler Brothers

A glassy box juts out from this $2.8M Forest Hills home

This somewhat awkward, out of place single-family home offers a glassy box that juts out from its original structure. Designed by architect Travis Price, the floor-to-ceiling windows in the addition offer exposures into Soapstone Valley Park.

---

Photo via RE/MAX Allegiance

With a ‘secret’ bomb shelter, this former PEPCO substation-turned-home wants $349K

In College Park, Maryland, this former PEPCO substation landed on the market with a fresh paint job, new carpeting and appliances, and a rather out-of-the-ordinary amenity: a “secret” bomb shelter room underground. Unfortunately, no photos are available of the shelter.

---

Photo via TTR Sotheby's International Realty

A legit castle in Bethesda could be yours for $3.8M

For the person who has always wanted to feel like a queen or king, this Maryland castle offered the opportunity to live like one, though with no moats or dragons included.

---

Photo via McEnearney Associates, Inc.

Is this the ‘50s diner of your dreams?

On the outside, this Falls Church, Virginia single-family home looks pretty typical for the neighborhood. On the inside, though, it’s a different story. Step back in time by checking out this ‘50s-themed diner with checkerboard flooring, bright red seating, and a bar. Stepping out from the diner, there is a Pepsi mural as well as beamed ceilings painted the same bright red as the seating.

---

Photo via RE/MAX Leading Edge

Finally, a Maryland castle worth living in

Yes, another castle. This one, located in Silver Spring, Maryland, landed on the market in March 2017 with the option to be turned into a bed and breakfast, a church, assisted living, or as one’s exclusive residence. Amenities that were offered with this listing included an underground vault, theater, wine cellar, and gym.

---

Photo via TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

This $2.7M Georgetown home was once a chimney factory

This property was originally three buildings, constructed between 1804 and 1808 and later combined in circa 1920. At one point, it served as a chimney factory, but now it’s a private residence with four bedrooms, an updated kitchen, and a private courtyard.

Many politicians have been housed in this Georgetown single-family home, including Morris R. Clark, who served as special assistant to the attorney general, Jean Delattre-Seguy, who was a patent attorney who headed the France Forever movement in WWII, and also John P. McCloy, who worked in the administrations of seven presidents. According to the Washington Post, plans for D-Day were also allegedly hashed out in the home’s wood-paneled library.

Other big names attached to this property include James P. Hendrick, who was deputy assistant secretary of the Treasury Department, and Senator Charles P. Percy, whose daughter heads WETA.

---

Photo via Compass

Barrel roof townhome in Southwest Waterfront lists for $585K

This Charles Goodman-designed property is as curvy as it is charming with a barrel roof, most seen in one of the upper level bedrooms. Other highlights include a rear patio and a garden.

---

Photo via TTR Sotheby's International Realty

For $1.5M, nab a waterfront Falls Church home with a hand-carved statue

When this residence landed on the market in May 2017, the listing described the statue, known as “Lady of the Wood,” as “majestically watch[ing] over the home.” Sounds pretty creepy. Inside, it’s pretty normal, though.

---

Rendering via Prefab.Partners and Washington Fine Properties

Aerospace robotics are building these two luxurious Palisades single-family homes

This residential development isn’t so much “odd” as it is kind of cool. Developed by Prefab Partners, these properties are being created by robots with mostly recycled materials and then shipped and built on the respective lots in a matter of one to three days.