If these walls could talk, the ones throughout 221 Gibbon Street would have rich tales to tell. Having stood the test of time and many iterations of living environments, this special residence awaits its newest steward to further the fertile heritage it has enjoyed for two centuries. Whether beginning its life as a typical early l9th century brick home with entrance hall to the side and double parlors abutting, being enlarged by a projecting ell at a later time, becoming a series of small apartments for a period of 30+ years and ultimately returning to a single family home, the gentility of the mellow brick structure adorned with bulls-eye trimmed openings and colonial green shutters remains. Its deep garden with perimeter beds, mature boxwood, magnolia, gracious yews and azalea shade and ornament the sheltered retreat while offering 2 off-street parking places through handsome gates. Warm heart pine floors flow throughout this light-filled residence on the northeast corner of Gibbon and Fairfax Streets while simple but traditional trim enlivens each and every room. Six rooms with fireplaces, several with surrounding hand-carved panels, are complemented by period woodwork and built-ins including several cupboards, bookshelves and window seats assuring early authenticity. A seventh decorative fireplace adds interest to one of the many bedrooms. The main floor includes gracious rooms for entertaining including a welcoming entrance hall, double parlor and dining room, augmented by a butler's pantry. Beyond is the large kitchen with beamed ceiling, wood cabinetry and stainless appliances. With ample room for a large table, hours of creating memorable times whether preparing festive meals, baking cookies and treats for the younger set or simply gathering friends for lively conversation while enjoying a refreshing beverage can be imagined. Doors from the dining room and kitchen open to the glorious garden making it easy to extend both casual and more formal entertaining. Completing this level is a unique powder room tucked beneath the stairs. The second and third floors mirror each other in configuration, reflect some of the divisions made to create the smaller studio apartments and eventually were adapted to accommodate the desires of the present owners' family with six bedrooms and two sitting rooms. Each floor includes a full tiled bath and the third floor houses a full laundry. One wonders about the ladder in the second floor rear bedroom with its owners offering the following explanation. Having experienced the threat of fire and without a rear staircase, the family installed a unique solution to allow those at the rear of the second floor to ascend a ladder through a trap door to the third level, climb through a window to a rope ladder to the balcony below, dropping into the garden for escape. One would also guess that as the children grew older, this method would become a surreptitious way of entering and exiting the house. It is fun facts such as these that weave through the fabric of Old Town homes and add to their singular status. The residence of over 4,000 finished square feet has a stone foundation basement where the boiler is housed and at the top there is an unfinished attic. Two-zoned jet pack air conditioning maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the warmer months. Radiator heat removes the chill in the colder ones. With close proximity to Lee Street park, the river, restaurants and shops, this location in the southeast quadrant of Old Town is enviable while this extraordinary home anticipates your distinctive touch.

At the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, a spectacular paradise awaits. Careful planning and execution of an extensive grounds and house renovation has created a beautifully sequestered oasis in the city of Alexandria. Almost three-quarters of an acre offers a stunning residence surrounded by lush landscaping and widespread hardscape. Set into a hillside, the tiered grounds are dotted with retaining walls, glorious lawns, a firepit patio with built-in seating, generous planting beds and a mature tree canopy. Flagstone terraces weave around the house revealing several patios, one with pergola creating desired shade, and stepping stones leading to a crystal clear, inviting pool with large, adjacent pool house (conveys as is).Original details of the house have been married with sleek contemporary design elements, seamlessly blending two worlds and filling these exceptionally private spaces with natural light. Extensive large windows offer vistas of the gardens further contributing to the serenity with skylights bringing moonlight as well as daylight to the upper floor. Whether entertaining formally or informally, the spacious rooms lend themselves to hours of pleasure and, with the temperate Northern Virginia clime, can allow the frivolity to extend to the terraces and gardens for most of the year. Every detail of the wide renovation has been carefully considered including new wood flooring throughout, lush bathrooms with elegant tile work, Porcelanosa vanities and Lacava sinks and a handsome kitchen offering charcoal lacquered cabinets, quartz counters and Viking stainless appliances. On opposite ends of the main level are two bedrooms with private baths creating excitement for potential one-level living. The primary bedroom with deck overlooking the Tupelo homes includes a dressing area and luxurious bath with heated floors. Ascending steps lead to an office with second deck overlooking the serene gardens. The additional main floor bedroom’s bath is wheel chair accessible. Formal living and dining rooms are augmented by an office/den with patio, family room opening to the central terrace, half bath and the “wow” kitchen. A large playroom with loft and three additional bedrooms as well as two full baths enjoy the upper level. The lower level with walkout stairs to the gardens offers a recreation room and full bath. Ah, the pool house. It remains “your oyster” for use. With a full bath and kitchenette as well as a large game room, it supplements the pool area nicely. However, it does convey “as is.” The property’s private brick lined driveway opens to a wide circle making guest parking a snap while residents avail themselves of two carport spaces as well as two garage spaces. It’s a blissful haven … awaiting YOU!

Beautiful fully DETACHED home in Old Town's desirable SE Quadrant. Gracious formal rooms and abundant natural light with windows on all 4 sides of the house. 5 wood burning fireplaces, sensational eat-in kitchen, delightful screened in porch leads to private, professionally landscaped garden. Large master bedroom suite. Ample storage in attic and basement with interior and exterior access.

NEW PRICE! Sitting atop Arlington Ridge overlooking the gateway to the District is an enchanting area of homes. Located at the confluence of Aurora Hills, Addison Heights and Virginia Highlands, an eclectic blend of new and old homes beckons one in search of a vibrant and diverse community. Among the abodes is 1790 S. Lynn Street, a unique three-level brick residence designed by Muse Architects of DC and built by Archway Builders in 1999. The “showstopping”, spacious and dramatic Great Room with vaulted ceiling, striking views, glorious light, remarkable built-ins, handsome fireplace and beautiful wood floors is the captivating heart of this dwelling. An arched divided light transom window tops large windows looking out to Lynn Street and shepherds western light into the room. Six sturdy A-beams reach for the sky with ceiling fans dropping from the heights for additional air flow. Cherry bookshelves line the walls and a sophisticated entertainment center is concealed behind matching cabinet doors. Hidden closets in each of the four corners adds additional storage while a richly stained mantel surrounds the wood fireplace with dual dampers to ensure elimination of any infringing elements. A pass through with finished sliding doors allows easy delivery of tasty morsels and meals to the Great Room from the up-to-date kitchen. Red birch, cherry and oak woodworking seen in the cabinetry throughout the house contribute further, particularly adding to the sleek epicurean area including stainless appliances and granite counter tops. Work from home in the abutting study where a wall panel allows easy access to the workings of the entertainment center in the Great Room. For convenience, there is an adjoining powder room. Three bedrooms, each with a full bath, add to the pleasures of this thoughtfully constructed domicile. Closets are numerous throughout, including one with a large LG stacking washer and dryer conveniently positioned near bedrooms. Park your vehicle in the double wide garage. Enjoy the “shop” room with utility wash tub. Be enthused by the Utility room where there are two 200 amp feeds, 2 circuit breakers, conduits for expanding wiring In the future, and surge protection for the entire house. A vestibule allows for secure storage for tools and outdoor needs. Additional delights of this distinctive home might be easily overlooked at first glance. They include: Premium dual High efficiency HVAC systems; hard-wired security system that protects not only doors and windows but awareness of smoke, heat, motion, gas or water leakage; 3 stage Rainsoft water conditioning system; Hi-efficiency 75-gallon water heater; Panasonic phone system allowing for interior intercom; top and bottom adjustable window shades; 4 hose bibs easily accessible for interior shut off and drainage; and three stacked closets pre-framed for elevator installation. 1790 S. Lynn Street truly reflects the careful consideration of how one lives. It provides glorious spaces to create cherished memories in gatherings or treasured moments of solitude. Yet its elegant and distinctive features provide something for everyone at all times. Come home to Arlington Ridge.This is an estate and property is being sold completely as is.