All Blog Entries by Mark Washburn

You’ll find a full range of architectural styles in the DC area, from pre-World War II to contemporary, new construction designs. If you’re in the market for mid-century modern, though, you’ll still find plenty of options if you know where to look.

Often these homes are distinguished by large windows and sliding glass doors, sleek lines and an open design. A great place to begin your search is in Southwest Waterfront neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are also, of course, several neighborhoods in the greater DC area that provide even more options for buyers.

In particular, some buyers find just the right homes exist in such locations as Forest Hills, Bethesda and McLean. The wooded lots often work nicely for mid-century designs, which use

You’ve probably heard of them, but have you ever wondered how some of DC’s neighborhoods got their names? From tropical islands to smog, it seems DC neighborhoods all have a story of their own.

Pleasant Plains

Sure, it brings to mind a “pleasant” place to live, and that may be exactly what led to the name Pleasant Plains in the first place. Back in the 1700s it’s said that a farmer bought up a large amount of undeveloped land where the neighborhood now sits. His family named part of their estate Pleasant Plains, which it remains to this day.

Kalorama

Kalorama may sound unusual to some, but that’s because it’s Greek. Kalorama actually means beautiful view in Greek. A poet in the early 1800s coined the name for the house he lived in because

Photo: Rich Renomeron

While courtyards and nearby parks may first come to mind when you think of DC’s green space, some of its condo buildings are trending “green” in an entirely new way. A number of buildings are going green literally from the top down.

Last year, in fact, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities announced that DC had more green roofs installed the previous year, at least in terms of square footage, than anywhere else. In 2017 the District counted more than one-million square feet of green rooftops.

In total, other figures suggest DC already counts more than three-million square feet of green roofs. To gain “green roof status” a building would have to have a permanent green area on either the building’s roof or on a mid-building ledge or

If you’re hoping to find a luxury unit in DC with the added bonus of easy access to vibrant nightlife, you cannot go wrong with any one of these top U Street Corridor addresses.

The Beauregard

The elegant condos of The Beauregard bring loft-like features to the area. New buyers can expect to find such attractive features with the condos of The Beauregard as sweeping floor-to-ceiling glass, European-inspired kitchens, marble baths and some private terraces. As well, the property also includes the convenience of a parking garage and fitness rooms, while at the same time a location that’s simply a stroll away from the many clubs, restaurants and shops of the U Street Corridor. This makes it easy to reach what you need and want in the desirable

It may be home to upscale townhomes today, but Beekman Place traces its history to an even more prestigious setting. In fact, a look inside this gated property will lead you to the origins of an actual castle.

The old stone wall is still evident on the property, but instead of townhomes a castle once rose up from the hill. Commonly referred to as Boundary Castle, Henderson Castle, or even Prospect Castle, the property once belonged to a politician and his socialite wife. It’s said the imposing three-story castle had a total of 30 rooms and two towers. It also had a servant’s wing and a stable.

The couple built it there in hopes of making the location into DC’s center of society. With incredible views overlooking the entire area, the couple

New luxury condos are headed to Columbia Heights, with the introduction of The Valencia. This new boutique property makes way for just 10 exclusive residences constructed in a contemporary design.

Buyers at The Valencia are treated to an impressive five different floor plans in the building, including a one-bedroom plus a den with two-baths and a two-bedroom, one-bath floor plan. Other options for new buyers include a two-bedroom, two-bath condo with a private balcony off the master bedroom.

There is also a large two-level floor plan with two-bedrooms and a balcony on its lower level, topped off by a private master bedroom and roof deck on its upper level. The smallest condo in The Valencia offers around 730 square feet of living space.

The

Photo: Craig Fildes

It may sit a long way from the fictional Downton Abbey, but the historic Lee-Fendall House in Old Town Alexandria has real ties to the popular TV show’s set. Downton Abbey is filmed at Highclere Castle, and its current owner is said to be a direct descendant of the original owner of the Lee-Fendall House.

In response to the upcoming Downton Abbey movie release, the Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden is hosting a movie release party. It’s planned for September 28, which activities including a scavenger hunt and a trivia contest.

Guests will also get to learn more about all of the connections between the Old Town site and the movie site, including some characters who were actually based on Fendall family members. For those unable

Photo: DC Gardens

Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown is getting a new greenhouse. The new project is part of an effort to further improve energy savings and sustainability of the campus and its gardens.

A New York-based architectural firm is spearheading construction of the new greenhouse. Crews plan to use energy efficient climate control and solar panels in its construction. They also aim to improve irrigation. It’s all reportedly part of a three-year plan to help benefit the estate and increase its offerings.

In phase two of the project, architects are additionally planning to renovate the property’s existing greenhouse. Constructed in the mid 1920s, it’s said the old greenhouse will retain its original design but be updated to help support the

As DC’s new hot neighborhood, Rosedale continues to attract interest from new buyers eager to find property in the community. Home to a mix of old rowhomes and sleek new condos, home prices are only going up in Rosedale.

New buyers are particularly attracted to the single-family homes of Rosedale, many of which are being renovated. It’s no secret that many of Rosedale’s newest residents have been drawn in by its affordability and value. Of course, that’s also brought developers to Rosedale, and in some cases home prices have increased substantially over what they were just a few years back.

While mostly residential development, some developers are eyeing property near the edge of the neighborhood with great interest. In particular, developers

Once primarily residential, the Hill East neighborhood is finally coming of age. This community of 20th-century rowhomes and low-rise apartments is beginning to see the first signs of new growth, as developers make plans to add in more restaurants, apartments and retail space to the neighborhood.

It’s something some longtime residents have been waiting for, as the neighborhood grows and expands to provide even more options for neighbors. While new restaurants are set to open, the future also includes new plans for Reservation 13. The DC General Health Campus land is being developed into thousands of square feet of new retail space and hundreds of new apartments.

Plans call for using redeveloped land on the waterfront to connect up Hill East