HISTORIC RENOVATION

Mount Vernon

This project included the renovation of and an addition to a 1930’s house built on the foundation of an 1860’s house that had burned down. The original house was owned by descendants of George Washington and was situated on six acres along the Potomac River on what was once part of the Mount Vernon estate, the home of our first president. 

The project itself involved careful attention to the historic character of the house and site, and yet brought to the house all of the modern conveniences and luxuries that modern living has to offer. 

The former ballroom was opened to the views of the river and was serves as a dining room for large dinner parties and special events that the owner planned to have in the house. The large and unused attic was turned into a spectacular bedroom suite with views both to the river and to the Mount Vernon mansion in the distance. 

The original kitchen and dining room were converted into a large farm kitchen with French doors to the new garden and pool area.  And finally, two upstairs bedrooms were combined to form a comfortable guest suite with bath and small reading room facing the river.

 Overall, the house, gardens, stables, and other outbuildings retained much of their original character with architectural details accurately replicated by local craftsmen, some of which had previously worked at Mt. Vernon itself.  The house and gardens serve as a pleasant respite from the hassles of modern life, while at the same time also allowing the family the all of the conveniences of modern life.