Finding a large single-family rental in Bethesda is harder than it looks. The 20817 rental market leans heavily toward condos, townhomes and three-bedroom houses, so when a renovated five-bedroom with a finished lower level and a fenced yard comes available, it doesn't stay quiet for long.
6614 Melody Lane is that kind of home. Here's an honest look at what it offers, what renting in this part of Bethesda is actually like, and who tends to find it a good fit.
The house itself
The home offers 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and 2,437 square feet on a 0.23-acre lot in the Burning Tree area of Bethesda. Built in 1961 with a contemporary layout, it has been thoroughly updated:
- Updated flooring and fresh paint throughout
- New windows, which make a real difference in both light and winter heating bills
- Updated kitchen and bathrooms with modern finishes
- A newly finished enclosed sunroom and a separate screened porch
- A fully finished lower level that works as a family room, home office, gym or guest suite
- A fully fenced backyard with mature landscaping and a covered carport
The finished lower level deserves a mention on its own. With so many households needing dedicated work-from-home space, a flexible lower level often decides between two otherwise similar homes.
What renting in Bethesda 20817 actually looks like
The Burning Tree area sits in the western part of Bethesda, between River Road and Bradley Boulevard. A few things define daily life here:
Commuting. You're minutes from I-270 and the I-495 Beltway, which puts the NIH campus, Walter Reed, downtown Bethesda and the Rockville and Gaithersburg corridors within a straightforward drive. For anyone commuting into DC, the Red Line at Bethesda station connects you downtown without dealing with parking.
Everyday errands. Westfield Montgomery Mall, the River Road shopping corridor and downtown Bethesda's restaurant scene at Bethesda Row all sit within a short drive. Grocery stores, pharmacies and services are close enough that you're not planning your week around them.
Green space. Cabin John Regional Park and the trail network along the Potomac are nearby, and the neighborhood's mature tree canopy makes the streets themselves pleasant to walk.
What it costs, and the current offer
The home is listed at $6,000 per month, and the owners are currently offering one month free with an approved application on a 12-month lease. On a year lease, that works out to an effective cost closer to $5,500 per month, which is competitive for a renovated five-bedroom single-family home in this part of Bethesda.
Pets are considered case by case. Cats and dogs are both welcome subject to breed restrictions, a number limit, and a pet addendum and deposit. Given how few Bethesda rentals of this size accept pets at all, this is worth knowing.
Is this home a good fit for you?
Based on the households touring homes like this one, it tends to work well if you:
- Need genuine bedroom count, not bedrooms carved out of a basement afterthought
- Work from home and want a dedicated space away from the main living area
- Have pets and are tired of listings that rule you out on the first line
- Are relocating to the DC area and want a year in Bethesda before committing to a purchase
- Want outdoor space that's private and fully fenced
How to see it
The home is available now. Private tours can be scheduled at your convenience, and we're happy to do a live video walkthrough if you're relocating from out of the area and can't get here in person.
Questions about the home, the lease terms or the neighborhood? Reach out directly:
Rakesh Easwaran, Realtor®
Licensed in DC, MD & VA
c. 202.460.0806 | [email protected]
