Compass Curated: Best Properties from across the United States in October 2026!

FEATURED PROPERTY
5216 Westwood Dr, Bethesda, MD 20816

There is close-in Bethesda convenience, and then there is this Westmoreland Hills sanctuary where art, architecture, and nature seamlessly converge.

Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on an expansive 18,000+ square foot wooded lot, this expanded 1936 masterwork is engineered to embrace natural light, exceptional scale, and absolute privacy. This isn’t just a house; it is a serene 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom retreat designed for both grand entertaining and quiet everyday moments—offering a dramatic two-story glass atrium, an artisan workshop, and an enchanted garden complete with a private labyrinth and pond.

The Highlights

• Irreplaceable Westmoreland Hills Setting: Situated on a prime 18,000+ sq. ft. wooded cul-de-sac parcel with seasonal reservoir views, mature foliage, stone pathways, and an enchanting private garden with a custom labyrinth and pond.
• Soaring Glass Atrium & Dramatic Volume: Anchored by a central two-story atrium with a soaring glass roof that floods the home with changing natural light, framed by living and dining rooms that each stretch over 24 feet long.
• The Entertaining & Family Kitchen: An epicurean hub featuring double refrigerators, dual dishwashers, double wall ovens, a gas cooktop, polished granite countertops, a mosaic backsplash, and a dedicated stone service bar with a hammered copper sink.
• Secluded Primary Retreat: A serene upper-level sanctuary lit by overhead skylights, featuring a generous walk-in closet, a luxurious en-suite bathroom, and an adjacent private office space framed by treetop views.
• Versatile 5-Bedroom Floor Plan: Thoughtfully layered layout offering flexible room configurations across multiple levels, connected by easy transitions to external decks and stone patios embedded in the canopy.
• Dedicated Creative Workshop: A specialized, multi-use workspace designed for hands-on projects, building, collecting, and artistic pursuits—adding a rare functional layer to the estate.
• Indoor-Outdoor Living: Multiple outdoor decks, stone patios, and garden pathways extend the interior living areas directly into the surrounding natural landscape.
• Coveted Close-In Bethesda Location: Set in one of Bethesda Magazine’s “Great Neighborhoods”—just steps from Spring Valley (DC), the Capital Crescent Trail, Westmoreland Hills Park, and top-rated schools (Westbrook / Westland / B-CC).

From its historic 1936 roots to its thoughtful modern expansions, this residence represents a singular opportunity to acquire a home of extraordinary scale, character, and real soul in one of the region’s most desirable enclaves.

The Relocation Rundown

Finding an affordable, walkable, and vibrant East Coast city can feel like a rare commodity—unless you turn your eyes to Baltimore. On this week’s episode of The Relocation Rundown, Compass realtor Molly Reed pulls back the curtain on Charm City to reveal why it’s one of the most misunderstood and value-packed markets in the region. From its 275 distinct neighborhoods and historic row houses to waterfront luxury at a fraction of DC or Philly prices, Molly breaks down everything you need to know about buying, renting, and building a life in Baltimore.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Unbeatable East Coast Accessibility: Located just a 45-minute train ride from Washington, D.C., and three hours from New York, Baltimore offers strategic East Coast connectivity with a far lower price tag and a high quality of life.
• A City of 275 Distinct Neighborhoods: From historic 1850s fishing row houses in Federal Hill to grand center-hall colonials in Roland Park and high-rise waterfront luxury, Baltimore provides an incredibly diverse mix of residential housing stock for every price point.
• The “Eds & Meds” Growth Engine: Powered by major universities and healthcare institutions like Johns Hopkins and Mercy, the local economy continues to draw young professionals, medical workers, and remote transplants seeking vibrant urban living.
• Major Downtown Investments: With massive capital projects underway—including a half-billion-dollar redevelopment of the Inner Harbor pavilions—Baltimore is leaning into new luxury housing, expanded waterfront promenades, and a thriving local culinary scene.

Catch the complete conversation with Molly Reed on The Relocation Rundown for her full neighborhood roadmap and expert Baltimore relocation tips!

October’s Finest: Across the Nation

This historic city sanctuary is just the beginning. Our latest blog post scours the country to bring you the most exceptional properties on the market this October—from striking historic city estates steeped in character to lavish, sun-drenched seaside retreats.

Discover what defines luxury living in 2026.

ARIZONA

Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Greater Arizona

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

CONNECTICUT

DELAWARE