AWAITING AN AWAKENING 

Built in 1850.

3 stories. Brick and siding.

Architectural style: Victorian

0.14 acre lot. 6,125 sq.ft. lot dim.

A member of the 1777 Continental Congress and father of L’Enfant’s chief assistant completed his home at 418 South Lee Street in 1787 and it is thought that part of the structure at 420 South Lee was an outbuilding of that residence. Over the years, this dwelling was expanded to create a sun-drenched home surveying the enchanting gardens that surround it.

Set back from the sidewalk and behind an iron picket fence, this genuine nineteenth century home is adorned with Colonial green shutters framing each window topped by a central keyblock with ionic pilasters ornamenting a gracious entry. Deep cornice with bracketed eaves edges the roofline while raised beds of plantings soften the brick facade. A glorious grande flora magnolia rules the entry garden with perimeter beds of evergreens, flowering shrubs, heather, camellia, hosta, azalea and boxwood creating the deep gloss found in gardens that have bloomed here for centuries.

Stepping through the entry door unveils a gracious living room whose tall ceilings are enhanced by crown moulding and wood floors by shoe moulding. A graceful arch with central keyblock opens to a second parlor or library where arched bookcases line the interior wall and views of the garden are prominent. A second arch leads to the dining room which has similar appointments as the initial two rooms but chair rail is added for further adornment. A crystal chandelier dangles from the ceiling center with a built-in corner china cupboard offering delightful storage. Two more windows bring in the southern light and a door opens to reveal the alluring garden. Beautiful, unique woodwork detail surrounds this door and the door to the kitchen while a rear stair ascends to the upper reaches. Beyond are a powder room and a large eat-in kitchen. A picture window coaxes the morning light to embrace this hub while a Dutch door allows additional egress to the garden.

Every window on the second level gives a glimpse of the heavenly gardens that complement this residence and a second floor hall unites each chamber. Facing Lee Street with its own ceramic tile bath is a large bedroom with five windows, nicely trimmed with bull’s eye decoration, and a double closet. Two additional bedrooms and a fourth small bedroom or office face the gardens and receive southern warmth. A second full bath services these bedrooms and is located where the rear stair enters the hall.

Beneath the dining room is a dry cellar, excellent for additional storage, and the systems of the house are housed here. 

But it is time in the garden that produces even more elation. A brick terrace provides ample space for tables, chairs, lounges and portable pots. An exquisite crab apple tree provides a remarkable canopy for the major terrace while grass plots and intimate side gardens add variety. Boxwood, mahonia, yews, camellias, forsythia, holly and crape myrtle contribute to the blooming paradise which is dotted with roses and perennials. A large coach lantern lights the Eden at night and two storage sheds hide the gardening necessities.