Open spaces with large expanses of glass for one to fully appreciate the outdoors, a large island kitchen, and an expansive lower level with a full wet bar make this contemporary home in Darnestown ideal for comfortable living and entertaining.

There is an art-deco feel throughout, from the picture windows and high ceilings in the main living areas to the black-and-white kitchen and the contemporary lighting.

Set on a large, lush lot in Darnestown Hills, the 1988 home has an inviting façade with its large portico, where double doors open to a ceramic-tile foyer flanked by the formal living and dining rooms.

Hardwood floors run in both these rooms. The living room, to the left, has box windows and recessed lights. The dining room has a large picture window looking out front.

In the back of the home, the two-story great room is impressive with a vaulted ceiling, skylights and a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace. Large sliding glass doors access the deck, which has stairs to the grounds and an inground pool.

Adjacent, the gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream with bright white cabinetry, black granite countertops, a double wall oven and a large center island with a cooktop and eat-in space. A contemporary three-pendant chandelier above the island and brushed stainless-steel backsplash also are featured, as are white ceramic tiles that line the floors here and the breakfast room. Glass sliders open to the deck.

The large mudroom that sits off the kitchen includes the laundry center, pantry closets, and exit doors to the backyard and garage. A powder room completes the main level.

The upper level has four large bedrooms, including the owners' suite, all with lighted ceiling fans.

The suite boasts a vaulted ceiling with a lighted fan, upgraded carpet, a sitting room and two walk-in closets. The master bathroom includes a dressing area with a sink, a soaking tub, a separate shower, a linen closet and a skylight.

A hall bathroom with a tub/shower and a double-door linen closet round out this level.

The walkout lower level is almost an entire "home" on its own, equipped with a large game room, conversational areas, an entertaining area with a built-in wet bar, a fifth bedroom connected to a dual-entry bathroom, an exercise/den, and ample storage.

The backyard offers a Gunite pool with new tiles and pump, and towering trees for privacy.

Other updates include a new garage door, a water heater and an upper-level air-conditioning unit – all installed this year.

Specialties of the house

-Address: 14500 Falling Leaf Court, Darnestown

-Style: Colonial

-Price: $750,000

-Estimated taxes: $9,998

-Lot size: 1.19 acres

-Bedrooms: 5

-Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 half

-Contact: Arlene Mersky, Weichert, Realtors, 301-518-5088

-Open: 1-4 p.m., Sunday