1523 31ST St NW

This fully detached Georgetown residence with commanding street presence is a rare example of a Queen Anne Victorian. The house was built by Kenderline & Parrett and designed by notable Architect Harvey L. Page for Navy Lieutenant Harrie Webster and his wife in 1885. The impressive residence has been thoughtfully updated, while maintaining its original historic details and character. The house features an abundance of natural sunlight, which is magnified by large windows, high ceilings, and skylights. It is featured in many books and articles including the Historic American Buildings Survey of the 24 Architectural Masterpieces of Georgetown.

The main level is a wonder. Somehow its original beauty and grace has been preserved even as modern updates and additions have been added to make it a functioning 21st century house and a comfortable and immensely livable home. The lovely front vestibule with transom windows leads to the gracious entry hall, which seamlessly transitions to the rest of the main floor rooms. The nearby dining room is large and elegant with a fireplace and an adjoining butler’s pantry. The well-appointed gourmet kitchen has high-end stainless-steel appliances, soapstone countertops, a breakfast bar, and a semi-circular bay, perfect for a sitting area or table. The neighboring sun-filled family room has been combined with the living room creating an immense open and light-filled space. Here French doors lead to the rear deck and exceptional garden. The original library is a marvel with built-in bookshelves, a wood-burning fireplace and abundance of original details. There is the added convenience of a powder room on this floor. The open-well stair to the second floor is also filled with original details including the balustrade and a double-hung lead stained glass window.

The second level has three light-filled bedrooms and two updated full bathrooms, including the wonderful primary suite. The generous primary bedroom has a fireplace, three oversized windows, and three closets. It adjoins the primary bathroom, which can also be accessed from the hall. Both of the additional bedrooms on this floor overlook the rear garden and terrace and utilize the hall bathroom.

The third floor has the most charming perch which makes an exceptional office space plus, and an additional den with original floors. The views and light are terrific here too.

The lower level of the residence provides a fully separate in-law/staff suite with front and rear entrances. There is a living room, kitchen, bedroom with a full bathroom, and a separate laundry room. This suite on the lower level can be completely closed off and separated from the main house. On the other side of the lower level is the primary laundry room with storage and a workshop.

The exceptionally large garden was part of the 2023 Georgetown garden tour. It is huge, both deep and wide, and best of all, level. It has mature plantings and trees which provide the grounds with privacy. A garden of this size is rarely available in Georgetown and offers beautifully layered landscaping with numerous entertaining spaces.