There's a very special house that sits on the north-west corner of Duke Street and St. Asaph Street. It occupies a large lot and maintains much of the character and original detail that adorned the home at the time of it's construction in 1784.
Richard Pratt in A Treasury of Early American Homes (New York: Whittlesley House, 1949) referred to the house as "one of the choice examples of early American elegance in the United States." Beyond the large and impressive masonry residence the home also retains its original brick coach house.
This home has quite a bit of historical significance and is recognized in the National Register Historic Places. It is documented in writing by George Washington that he and Martha dined at this residence and were close acquaintances with the home's builder, Benjamin Dulany.
Though we've personally never been inside the house, the Library of Congress has several photos from the 1930s-1960s that highlight the original and intact interior.
When Marquis de Lafayette visited Alexandria in 1824, he stayed in a home across the street. But the steps of the Dulany house offered a better platform, so he ventured atop these steps and addressed the town of Alexandria that has convened to welcome him.
What do you think about this beautiful home?
Are you shocked this home is a private residence rather than a museum?
If you had the opportunity, would you like to live in something with so much historical significance, or do you feel that would limit your ability to make the home a place where you want to live? As you can see from the exterior photos, it's remained largely unaltered in the last 80 or so years.
I know I'd love to live in a house like this, that's for sure. And if you know the people that own this house, or you own it and would like to allow us to photograph the interior, just let us know and we'll be over in a few minutes.
Do you have a favorite home in your neighborhood that you always pause to admire? Perhaps the home itself, a beautiful garden, interesting portico, or some other architectural feature that captivates you? If so, we'd love to hear all about it in the comment section, or snap a photo and send it to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in an upcoming "Around Town" segment.
