🏛🚏DC
Much like the rest of the world, I’ve been thinking a lot about Washington DC lately.
For me, DC is more than a political center. It’s where I lived for part of 2010, where I met some of my closest friends, where I made some of my core memories, and where I became who I am today. I went to DC to intern for a Congressman at the Capitol, and somewhere between the policy memos and solo trips to the National Building Museum, I left convinced that I wanted to do something more creative with my life. Sometimes I forget that I was ever that person.
I’ve been trying to figure out how to be more like DC: rooted in history and still finding ways to grow and change while holding onto it. We’re still learning how to hold onto the incongruous parts and the parts that would be more convenient to forget.
Here are my favorite homes in DC that represent the old and the new.
The Logan Circle Carriage House
Location: 1314 Vermont Ave NW #CH6, Washington, DC 20005
List Price: $749,995
Listing: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1314-Vermont-Ave-NW-CH6-Washington-DC-20005/2078573725_zpid/
This newly renovated carriage house just steps away from Logan Circle is a beautiful blend of old and new tucked into just under 1,000sq ft.
The main draw is the open floor plan living space on the second floor, which has tons of natural light and character.
Although the space is open, there is still movement and personality to it because of the sloped wood beamed ceiling and large windows set at a dramatic angle.
Downstairs you’ll find a generously sized bedroom and bathroom with ample storage and little decor details that nod to the traditional character of the house while keeping things sleek and contemporary.
To me, this is the perfect home for someone who wants something with ✨loft vibes✨ without having to compromise on privacy or storage space.
The French Norman
Location: 3001 Foxhall Rd NW, Washington, DC 20016
List Price: $2,295,000
Listing: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3001-Foxhall-Rd-NW-Washington-DC-20016/442296_zpid/
This Normandy-inspired home sits on a beautifully landscaped third of an acre on the Northwest side of town. Inside the home, you’ll find loads of elegant details including curved staircases, ceiling ornaments, and wooden beams.
What draws me to this home in particular though is how the secondary spaces are treated. You’ll still find charming details and layouts in the bedroom spaces that give them a sense of both coziness and elegance.
My favorite spot in the whole house has to be this room on the lower level with a sculptural curved wall clad in wood paneling. It would make a beautiful backdrop to a home office or a stylish lounge area.
The Adams Morgan Carriage House
Location: 2007 Wyoming Ave NW #17, Washington, DC 20009
List Price: $609,900
Listing: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2007-Wyoming-Ave-NW-17-Washington-DC-20009/311111598_zpid/
At just 600 sq ft, this renovated carriage house in Adams Morgan is the smallest property I’ve featured in this newsletter. While small on space, this unit is big on style and uses its small footprint well.
The most defining feature of the space is the Gambrel roof. The unit occupies the top floor of the building and uses makes the most out of the angles of the roofline.
Every nook in the space is utilized to the fullest, creating stylish storage spaces or inviting more light in through dormer windows.
In addition to adding style to the space, the moldings on the walls and the herringbone pattern flooring help the space to feel larger and give a nod to the history of the home.
The Contemporary Cabin
Location: 5198 27th St NW, Washington, DC 20008
List Price: $1,995,000
Listing: https://www.zillow.com/homes/5198-27th-St-NW-Washington,-DC,-20008_rb/458363_zpid/
When you think Washington DC, you probably don’t think contemporary or cabin, but this wood-clad home overlooking Rock Creek Park in Northwest DC feels like it would be at home in The Sea Ranch.
Inside the home, you’ll find clean lines and an abundance of windows and skylights that keep the attention on the outdoors instead of the inside.
The house plays with volume and sightlines in ways that keep the floorplan open but gives each space its own personality and helps to break up the massive mutli-level 5,200 sq ft into human-sized vignettes.
The biggest draw for this property though has to be the outdoor space with many patios and a direct view of the park across the street. The only thing missing from this property might be a hot tub, which would fully flesh out its nature retreat feel. But it does already have a sauna, so that’s a great start.
Bonus
DC is full of my least favorite phenomenons: unremarkable apartments in delectable buildings. At least they’re fun to look at from the outside.
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1701-16th-St-NW-APT-806-Washington-DC-20009/2126736014_zpid/
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1346-4th-St-SW-Washington-DC-20024/2076867429_zpid/
i used to own the French Norman house and was the proud owner of it. Who knows what the new owner will do to it. It was a pleasure to live in.
I have no idea at how am I subscribed to this but this was a beautiful write up. I miss DC as well.