WELCOME TO A MINI-TOUR

OF

“VILLA BEHRENS”

(The Home and Private and Studio of Howard Behrens)

 

                                                         Villa Behrens

Welcome to Villa Behrens, situated on four wooded acres in Potomac, MD – located on the outskirts of the Nation’s Capital. Villa Behrens is a reflection of the mood and romance of most of Behrens’ paintings. A Mediterranean-style villa, it is surrounded by water -- from the koi breeding ponds in the front entry gardens; to the Zen Garden, koi reflecting pond, and lagoon pool facing the sunset along the back of the villa.

A commercial fog system creates a magical mist that enshrouds the water features day and night. The lagoon pool looks completely natural, like a lagoon discovered in a forest glen. Floating copper torches light the water gardens after sunset. A replica of an ancient Buddhist temple bell and bronze torches grace the Zen garden and hover above the sunken Jacuzzi spa. Candles and flowers grace the gazebo and entertainment deck which rises above the pools and waterfall to next to them.

ß- Alfresco Dining

ß- The Gazebo/Deck

One of the most remarkable features about Villa Behrens is the 26-foot Banyan tree sculpture that is the focal point of the interior. The Banyan tree sculpture “grows” out of the center of the Italian travertine floor in the Great Room, but its braches reach out to three separate entertainment areas, unifying the entire space.

The Behrens Banyan (by Naturemaker.com)

A huge, spectacular Behrens’ sunset – a scene from the Amalfi Coast of Italy, covers almost an entire wall of the huge Villa Behrens dining room Behrens’ created this masterpiece as a gift for his wife Judi’s birthday in August 2004. Coral and shells from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines highlight the 24-foot “Toledo” stone table with oversized side chairs.

The Dining Room

Red creates an impact in the Master Bedroom, where Villa Behrens’ builder/designer Judi Behrens lowered the ceiling to create a more intimate setting. One of four fireplaces in the villa, a “see through” version, sits between the Master Bedroom and the Master Bath, which looks out across a veranda (with a tropical shower) to a park-like setting leading towards a natural steam, which meanders through the property – making its way towards the Potomac River nearby.

                                                        
Master Bedroom 1                                                              Master Bedroom 2

Tucked away in a little private wing on the second floor of the villa is the guest “VIP” suite. The walls vibrate with a deep “magenta” color while ivory trim and accessories complete the “New York cosmopolitan” look for the suite.

                                                   
                                                   VIP Guest Suite

A travertine circular staircase surrounded by Venetian-plaster finished walls and a “weeping” water wall lead to the Behrens’ gallery, where guests may relax with a glass of champagne under flickering gas lights while enjoying the display of Behrens’ latest works in a setting reminiscent of a castle in Tuscany.

  

The Gallery

Near the lower-level Home Theater is Behrens’ studio, where he is generally at work on his latest creation while his reference materials, painting supplies, and a collection of vintage model trains and ships surround him. The Villa Behrens’ pets: Tootsie (yellow Lab), Chica (Siamese cat), and Millie (African grey parrot) are always nearby.

BEHRENS in the studio

ß BEHRENS with Tootsie, Millie, and Chica