In 1966, when Levitt purchased the property, Montgomery County was already heavily developed. It is somewhat unusual for Levitt to have selected a site that was essentially within the fringe of a developed area, rather than just beyond it. As such, with higher land prices, higher priced homes were offered when the community opened in 1968 with more amenities such as a private Swim and Tennis Club,
larger wooded lots with generous setbacks and rolling terrain, curving streets rather than a warped grid pattern, many culs-de-sac with a landscaped center island at the end. Although they were the larger of the same basic homes that were being offered in other Levitt communities, additional standard features were included in the sale price, such as fireplace, slate entry, and hardwood floors. In addition, the luxury versions of the standard models were renamed to distinguish them from the standard version of the models. Levitt and Sons sold the last 250+ lots to a local builder the early 80’s so there are newer homes that were built in the mid 1980’s and later. PRESENT DAY:
Strathmore Bel Pre is located in the northern part of Silver Spring, sometimes called “Aspen Hill” in the Silver Spring Md zip code area 20906. The neighborhood is bisected by a beautiful wooded preserve. The Matthew Henson Park and Trail runs through it. Strathmore Bel Pre has a very active civic association, which produces a Bugle newsletter, holds an annual yard sale, and hosts 4th of July activities. The neighborhood has plenty of open park, picnic and play areas. There is a Swim and Tennis Club for the use of residents. The Bel Pre Recreation Association (BPRA) is the governing body for the Strathmore Home Owners Association and HOA annual fee is a low $225 per year. The borders of Strathmore at Bel Pre are roughly: Bel Pre Road to the East, Layhill Road to the South, Georgia Ave on the west and Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Hewitt Ave to the North. The closest Metro Station is the Glenmont Station on Metro’s Red Line.
