When Frank Islam and his wife Debbie Driesman came upon a prime piece of land perched on a slope overlooking River Road in 2007, the couple immediately knew they were standing on the grounds of their new property. In order to achieve extra privacy and grander scale, they gave owners of an adjacent four-acre lot an offer they couldn't refuse and construction commenced. Fast forward six and a half years and a 47,000 square-foot palace called Norton Manor was born.
Islam, who sold his tech company QSS in 2007, and his wife of 41 years have spent their latest act serving on boards of foundations, spearheading philanthropic initiatives and engaging with Democratic organizations they staunchly support. As the couple is heavily involved in the world of fundraising, space for entertaining guests and dignitaries was their number one non-negotiable when it came to the home's layout.
What goes into erecting such a behemoth structure? Teamwork is the short answer. GTM Architects, Gibson Builders, Skip Sroka of Sroka Design, Lewis Aquatech, Mike O’Connor of Ferris Property Management and a number of other artisans and craftsmen worked in tandem to make Islam and Driesman’s vision come to fruition. The White House, the U.S. Capitol and Versailles were all sources of inspiration for the well-heeled couple who is proud to live so close to the nation's seat of power. Additionally, they sourced ideas from their world travels to English country homes and gilded mansions from centuries past.
Three French Neo-Classical buildings comprise the property: a tea house, a guest house and the main family home, which is divided into East and West wings. Other features include stately his and hers offices, a plush home theater, a conference room, VIP hallway and Art Deco- themed entertaining rooms that can fit upwards of 100 guests seated and 400 standing.
Skip Sroka took on the monumental task of designing interior, fashioning furniture and custom rugs grand enough to fill the home, as needed. Hand-painted landscape murals, many by Virginia-based Warnock Studios, dazzle on walls throughout the home. For her part, Driesman handed over stacks of tear sheets from design magazines encapsulating her vision. “Formal, somewhat eclectic and baroque,” is how Driesman, who signed off on every design and architectural detail, describes their style.
While Driesman can speak specifically to design elements pertaining to upholstery and art commissions, Islam is most eager to show off his political memorabilia. “It is not hard to guess our political views,” he jokes, as we walk down halls filled with framed photos of the couple smiling alongside President Joe Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Islam laughs as he points to a personal note from Bill Clinton that reads: “Your house makes the White House look like public housing!”
Every room offers a new mini-adventure of discoveries, each accompanied with a story and some form of creative artistry. From the blue-laden French drawing room featuring an oil painting of Monet's gardens to the bright and airy conservatory ensconced in a trellis mural painted by Lenore Winters, every space is uniquely decorated. One thread that carries throughout is custom artwork from New York glass artist Barry Entner. The couple fell in love with his pieces at a gallery years ago and since that first meeting, they have commissioned 88 pieces for the Manor, including colorful, complex and oversized chandeliers anchoring several rooms.
Spread across nine acres, the property's vast grounds were given equal thought and attention as its interiors. The sprawling lot features woodland gardens, hundreds of thousands blooming plants, more than 10,000 trees, a koi pond with more than 100 koi fish, and formal knot gardens modeled after Henry VIII's Hampton Court Palace. A 450-foot man-made stream runs through the property for an added boost of natural serenity.
In addition to its lush greenery, Islam and Driesman have always loved Potomac for its proximity to Washington, DC. Although it is easy to get wrapped up in the home’s grandeur Islam is quick to remind vistors. “It’s a warm and welcoming home,” he says.