Norton Manor in Potomac, Maryland, is a neoclassical estate that embodies the journey and values of its owners, blending design with memory and power.
Norton Manor stands as more than just an architectural marvel; it reflects the personal journey, values, and worldview of its owners. This neoclassical estate, which marries classical European influences with distinctly American symbolism, comes to life through a guided tour led by Skip Sroka, a renowned interior designer based in Washington, D.C. Sroka is celebrated for his work on many notable homes in the region.
“We would refer to this as an American cottage, much like the way we refer to Newport and all of those gorgeous mansions there as cottages,” Sroka explains. “So you know this is very much a Gilded-Age home.” Despite its historic roots, Norton Manor is designed to feel contemporary and vibrant. Featured in the inaugural episode of The American Bazaar’s documentary series, The Great Mansions, the estate is presented as a living space that carries its owners’ story forward rather than merely preserving it in the past.
Located in Potomac, Maryland, one of the nation’s wealthiest neighborhoods, Norton Manor serves as a gathering place for prominent Democratic fundraisers Frank F. Islam and Debbie Driesman. Over the years, the estate has hosted numerous political and civic events, drawing a guest list that includes notable figures such as former President Bill Clinton, then-Vice President Joe Biden, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
However, Sroka emphasizes that the narrative surrounding Norton Manor transcends politics. It is about intention—how a home can be meticulously designed to evoke meaning, room by room, guiding visitors through a sequence of beauty, scale, and atmosphere. “Everywhere there is the hand of the artist,” he notes, as he leads viewers past towering figures in the entryway. “Those keratids, which are the human figures in robes, are 5 and a half feet tall.”
From the moment one steps inside, Norton Manor reveals its ambition: a neoclassical residence that operates like a living museum while functioning as a modern venue for hosting. Sroka describes the spatial experience, explaining how the architecture directs attention, fosters conversation, and unfolds in chapters. “You walk through the grand staircase, with the drawing room to one side and a dining room to the other,” he shares. “That was actually one of Frank’s directives. He wanted every room to be a memory.”
The estate’s identity begins with its name, which Sroka explains is derived from the road it sits on. “It’s a fabulous way of just making it the manor on the road,” he says. Sroka dedicated “three and a half years” to collaborating with Islam and Driesman on the project, which took a total of “6 and a half years” to complete.
This lengthy timeline was essential, as Norton Manor was never intended to be a generic luxury build. “It’s pretty hard to build something this magnificent in less time than that,” Sroka remarks. The process began with practical considerations such as demolition, siting, and drainage, before transitioning to the more intricate work of artisanship and detail. This final phase is what transforms an expensive house into a fully realized world. “This house is very, very neoclassical, and I think people feel that spirit every time they come,” Sroka adds.
As the documentary unfolds, Norton Manor emerges not just as a residence but as a curated statement about American institutions. Some spaces within the estate feel almost cinematic in their symbolism, beginning with the library. Sroka points to a replica of one of the most iconic pieces of American political furniture: “This room, which is the library, has a copy of the Resolute Desk.” He recounts its history, noting, “Most people remember it as the desk that John F. Kennedy used when he was president.”
In a home known for political fundraisers, the desk serves as more than mere décor; it symbolizes the intersection of politics, philanthropy, public service, and private influence. This theme continues in the property’s entertainment and event spaces, where design is scaled up for larger gatherings. “So, this is where the party starts,” Sroka says, introducing another chandelier by Barry Antner. “As we walk back into here, this is where the major events occur.”
The room is designed to accommodate both dinners and speeches simultaneously. “This room is set up for a dinner,” he explains, noting that staff were “cleaning up from the last dinner that was here.” Murals depicting American civic imagery are integrated into the architecture, showcasing landmarks such as the Jefferson Monument, the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the U.S. Institute for Peace.
Another unique feature of Norton Manor is a private screening space that doubles as a lecture hall. “We can show you any movie you’d like to see, but the sound quality in here is excellent,” Sroka states. “Also, sometimes Frank is giving lectures, or we have various speakers that come in here, and it is a wonderful art deco.”
As the tour progresses, it becomes clear that the home is not just a backdrop for events; it also serves as an archive of its owners’ lives. Sroka leads viewers into a more private corridor. “This is very special. Very few people get to see what we’re going to see next,” he says, revealing a collection of Frank’s awards and memorabilia from his favorite political figures and causes. “This is Frank’s private conference room,” Sroka notes, sharing a personal detail that reflects Islam’s ideological compass: “He greatly admires Lincoln and greatly admires Kennedy.”
The estate’s grandeur extends beyond its interior, encompassing the meticulously designed grounds. Sroka credits the gardens to a specific team: “All of the gardens were designed by Lewis Aquatech and Don Gwiz.” He highlights the owners’ commitment to planting large from the outset. “Frank and Debbie wanted everything planted as large as it could be planted,” he explains, ensuring that the estate would not require years to mature.
The result is an immediate sense of permanence, making it feel as though the house has been there for decades. “From day one, when you came here, you felt like the house was much older,” Sroka reflects. He speaks with the confidence of someone who envisions the estate lasting for generations: “This house will age beautifully, and this house will be here for another century.”
Even the property’s privacy, strategically concealed from the road, was part of the landscape plan. “There were trees on the property, and a lot of effort was made to retain all of the old trees,” he notes, particularly in the woodland gardens, where “the large trees… were all existing.”
For those interested in exploring Norton Manor further, the full documentary is available on The American Bazaar’s YouTube channel, offering an in-depth look at this remarkable estate.
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