The Cow House: Bethesda's 1930s Art Deco Home of the Future

This distinctive Bethesda home was once a showcase for electric living, but today it's better known for its iconic lawn sculpture.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:48pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph showing the warm, glowing outline of a 1930s Art Deco house with a faint cow sculpture in the foreground, capturing the nostalgic and inviting atmosphere of this historic Bethesda landmark.The iconic 'Cow House' in Bethesda, Maryland has become a beloved local landmark, its distinctive 1930s Art Deco architecture and whimsical lawn sculpture drawing visitors from near and far.Bethesda Today

In 1938, NBC partnered with a builder to construct a fully electric 'house of the future' in Bethesda, Maryland. Ninety years later, the distinctive Art Deco home is still standing, though it's now better known in the neighborhood as 'The Cow House' due to the large lawn sculpture that adorns the property.

Why it matters

The Bethesda home represents an important piece of local history, showcasing the architectural innovation and technological advancements of the 1930s. While the home's original purpose as a model for electric living has faded, it remains a beloved landmark in the community, drawing visitors to admire its unique design and the whimsical cow sculpture that has become its signature feature.

The details

The home's white-painted brick and geometric outline make it a standout on Massachusetts Avenue, just steps from the D.C. line. When current owners Rado Ivanov and his wife bought the house 14 years ago, they were unaware of its history until neighbors informed them that it was once the 'house of the future,' built by NBC to demonstrate the possibilities of fully electric homes. The home's concrete structure, open staircase, and use of glass bricks were all innovative features at the time of its construction in the late 1930s.

  • The house was built in 1938 and opened to the public on October 1 of that year.
  • Thirty thousand people lined up to tour the 'house of the future' when it first opened.

The players

NBC

The television network that partnered with a builder to construct the 'house of the future' in Bethesda in 1938.

Rado Ivanov

The current owner of the Bethesda home, who was unaware of its history until informed by his neighbors.

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What they’re saying

“They said, well, 'did you guys know about the history of the house?' And we were like 'no, but we love it.'”

— Rado Ivanov, Homeowner

“It's like, 'no, this was the house of the future. It was built by the electric company to show that fully electric houses were possible.' And that's how we started digging around.”

— Rado Ivanov, Homeowner

The takeaway

The Bethesda 'Cow House' stands as a testament to the architectural and technological innovations of the 1930s, while also serving as a beloved community landmark that has endured for nearly a century. Its unique design and whimsical lawn sculpture continue to draw visitors and capture the imagination of those who encounter this one-of-a-kind home.