This 1784 residence located on Gentry Row in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria, is a TREASURE! Exquisite details, custom built-ins, sought-after updates and overwhelming charm characterize every level of this all-brick home. Classic federal architectural details, a recessed entrance, custom window planters and handsome shutters greet you on one of the sought-after and most famous streets of this historic seaport.
A lovely entrance hallway, approximately 6 feet wide and 20 feet long, is graced by a keystone window above the front door. Its 10' ceilings are capped by period dentil molding, chair rail and custom faux paintine wallpaper both above and below the chair rail. A period fixture is just one of many throughout this home. Original floors throughout most of the residence, wide pine planks, are both warm and welcoming.
The stately living room is the first room to the left of the entrance hall and offers 2 deep windows sills with tailor-made covers for active radiators, swag and jabot draperies and custom shutters. The built-in bookcases, intricate moldings, a fireplace with attractive paneled insets and mantle make evey wall of this room unique and complementary and create a decor that is not just beautiful but reflective of one of the finest examples of early American residential architecture in the historic area.
The family room, approached from either an arched entry way from the living room, or from the gracious hallway, is filled with natural light by a large window with southern exposure and defined by elaborate custom drapery. This end townhouse is filled with north, south and eastern exposures on each level creating the feeling of a detached residnece with well-designed space and interaction with lush natural scenery. The family room has an impressive trey ceiling, chair rail, moldings within the wainscotting and a custom-designed built-in cabinet which showcases dozens of prized teacups and saucers. Like the living room, the radiator cover is both stately and practical.
As one transitions to the middle of the home, there is a transom above a 9 pane, 35" wide door opening onto the patio (1 of 3 entrances) to an elegant outdoor retreat space and entertaining area. There is also a well-designed and lovely 1/2 bath on this level.
Entertaining in this home often occurs in a beautiful dining room whose complementary wallpaper and draperies are further accented by a 5' double door, two 18" side windows and 4' wide side bay wndows which were designed for capturing natural light and reflecting the beauty of the garden. Bright and elegant, this dining room also has a large fireplace, period hardware and attractive fixtures which create both elegance and ease of movement both within and beyond this space. Both built-in china cabinets which flank the doorway passage to the large and renovated kitchen can be pulled out.
A pocket door allows the owner to close off the kitchen to the dining room if one desired a more elegant and intimate space. The kitchen boasts of many recent improvements: a cathedral ceiling, a transom with six window panes and a keystone arch; granite counters with a custom drain board in the countertop, downdraft Thermador 5 burner stove and fan, Pentair water filter, double windows above the sink, beautiful cabinetry, a Cafe refrigerator, a large pot rack which conveys, double wall oven, customized cabinetry lighting, a large microwave and a well designed desk or coffee bar area with customized cabinetry and shelves with glass doors that are both elegant and efficient.
The outdoor entertaining space hosts a built-in gas grill, a custom designed sink & stone counter working area. An irrigation system preserves this award-winning garden designed by the owner who is a long-time honored member of the Garden Club of Alexandria. (see Complete Description in Documents)