THE GEORGE JOHNSTON HOUSE  

This historically significant brick free-standing house on three lots with private side and rear gardens enjoys river views and southern exposure. Its formal gardens are contained by period brick walls and include fountains as well as an in-ground swimming pool and patio garden with awning. A 1752 smokehouse commands respect in the midst of the gardens which include a southern garden with fishpond fountain and access to the street and private alley, a four square garden with perennials and antique boxwood, and a kitchen patio with pink granite cobbles and gated access to the driveway. The original carriage house has been incorporated into the main house by a breakfast room addition and hallway.

The house which has been professionally renovated is endowed with two historic plaques, heart of pine floors, high ceilings and custom mouldings, seven fireplaces with antique mantels and an antique side porch with period hand carved decorative dentil moulding. Four zones of heating and cooling contribute to comfortable living while recent copper standing-seam roofs on the carriage house, smokehouse and flounder are supplemented by copper gutters and downspouts.

The house is representative of the typical historic Alexandria “townhouse” having a rectangular or square form with entrance hall at the side and two chambers opening from it. This entrance foyer with keystone arch and granite floor enjoys illumination from a fanlight above the front door and does indeed open to double parlors with matching fireplaces, period mantels and custom bookshelves. Beyond is a dining room with hand carved chair rail, a Jeffersonian curved wall and door to the side garden. An inviting kitchen with original cooking fireplace and antique wall oven is brought into the twenty-first century with hand rubbed cherry cabinets, granite counters and up-to-date appliances. Adjacent is a breakfast room with French doors to the garden and a hallway that reaches to incorporate the carriage house in the main structure. Within this structure is a family room with full bath and French doors to the pool and gardens while the second level, which is ideal for au pair quarters, a guest room, media room or additional living space, offers views of the pool, Potomac River and Maryland shore. Completing this main level is a half bath as well as front and rear stairs.

The second level offers private retreat in a handsome library with fireplace adorned with a mantel purported to be a gift from George Washington to George Johnston and antique paneling on the fireplace wall. A master bedroom with fireplace is supplemented by a master study with custom bookshelves and fireplace as well as winter views of the river. This bedroom enjoys the luxury of a marble bathroom with deep Jacuzzi bathtub and granite surround, separate steam shower and granite counter. A subsequent bedroom with pool and river views, an additional marble bath located in the hall and laundry facilities add to the pleasures of this elevation.

Two additional bedrooms with river and Maryland shore views are complemented by yet another marble bath in the hall and numerous storage areas.

The lower level with interior and exterior access offers a large workshop area and several additional storage areas.

Rich in colonial history of our nation and Alexandria, this exquisite home stands in the middle of a special block where early facades, picket fences, later rowhouses and wonderful mature trees exude the mystery and ease of early life yet offers the delights of twenty-first century conveniences and amenities.

Amenities include: an in-ground pool.

Built in 1752.

4 stories, 5,304 approximate square feet. Brick exterior.

.19 acre lot. 8,088 sq.ft. lot dim.

16x16 - Master Bedroom, Upper Level, Hardwood Floor.

14x13 - Bedroom 2, Upper Level, Hardwood Floor.

17x14 - Bedroom 3, Upper Level, Hardwood Floor.

17x12 - Bedroom 4, Upper Level, Hardwood Floor.

17x13 - Bedroom 5, Upper Level, Hardwood Floor.

34x17 - Living Room, Main Level, Hardwood Floor.

21x13 - Dining Room, Main Level, Hardwood Floor.

18x13 - Kitchen, Main Level, Hardwood Floor.

17x14 - Family Room, Main Level, Ceramic.

34x7 - Foyer, Main Level, Other.

20x13 - Library, Upper Level, Hardwood Floor.

12x10 - Breakfast Room, Main Level, Hardwood Floor.

17x16 - Sitting Room, Upper Level, Hardwood Floor.