Thursday, July 30, 2009

Favorite houses

Do you have a favorite house in your neighborhood? Maybe it's one you've never even been in but you always look at it longingly? This townhouse up the street has always intrigued me. I think I can honestly say it's my favorite house in Dupont Circle in this case. A bit quirky, the style doesn't really fit in with the stereotypical red brick Victorian rowhouses nor with the grand beaux arts mansions in this area. Instead -it combines the best features of both!The plaque near the door says that it was built in the early 20th century for a local architect -HIS dream house: No wonder I have such a connection with it! Grand but not large with a beautiful garden to welcome you, I can only imagine how beautiful the insides is! Sometimes the mystery is the best part -I can conjur up my dream interiors to match the exterior!

17 comments:

Renée Finberg said...

there is a favorite in my neighborhood too.
it's no show stopper, there is just something about it. it may be the landscaping. it just looks like someone happy, sweet and cozy lives in it.

xx

stagingworks2009 said...

I often get curious of those good looking houses next doors. Some of them, i could still visit. But, the rest I haven't. They may look great at the front. but, i don't know how the interior is. Thanks. From Home Stager Toronto

Things That Inspire said...

Beautiful home. I know what you mean about wondering about the interior of a home...sometimes a home I have long admired comes on the market, and the interiors are a crushing disappointment. It devalues the house for me in a small way!

Blue said...

I love the tri-part "Palladian" window with what seems to be a clock in the bow. Am I reading the picture right? You're right about the quirkiness and I fully understand why its your favourite. I'm going to look in my neighbourhood and see which is my favourite. There are many beautiful houses in Buckhead but so far none have been standouts for me.

Terry said...

I have many favorites and I particularly like the smaller ones. It's easy to impress with big money; it's not a fair fight. There are a handful of small ones in Blue's neighborhood that I get emotional about. I do fantasize about living in those places but going inside would probably spoil it. Of course many houses don't show their best on the outside.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

We should all do posts of our favorite local houses next week -you never know who may see them and invite you in!
TTI, I know what you mean -sometimes it's best to be left in the dark!
Terry, I agree with you about size -bigger is not always better! I often find it's the small houses that are the most charming and well-designed!

home before dark said...

Love the facade. Elegant with just the perfect touch of ornamentation. Small but jewel like has always been a goal. Indulge our fantasy and decorate this home the way you would and tell us all about it!

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

GOOD MORNING AD-

Love this concept--and an insight into walking around DC.

Have you done a post on the Bliss Pavilion at Dumbarton Oaks, designed by Philip Johnson. It's very beautiful--and has fantastic Andean jewelry and feathered cloaks.
It's not a house--but would love to see your take on this.
Would love also to go on a walk around Georgetown with you on the blog.
Happy weekend, www.thestylesaloniste.com

down pillow said...

It does look very very lovely. Thanks for sharing with us

ArchitectDesign™ said...

HBD - intriguing idea for a new post!!!

Diane -I have been - it's really a great space! It actually is connected to a house, which I have not seen, but I have been in the musum portion with the Johnson addition. One of these days! I blogged about dumbarton oaks a few times in the past including the museum with the johnson addition.

DP -thanks for dropping by!

Blue said...

The Bliss Pavilion is both beautiful and unexpected in that setting. I was thrilled by it and its contents.

Terry said...

AD, hold that thought "We should all do posts of our favorite local houses next week..." It would be good to be a little more organized and focused from time to time. For example, the movie review bloggers do a combined post on one movie each week.

Anyway, hold that thought. I don't think it's quite a blog party. Maybe an invitational group blog that focuses on one thing a week. I don't know...

Alejandro said...

Lovely draws, furnitures and architecture with proportion and scale!

do you like Andreas Palladio architecture?

I love order in space, colours and textures to create The Site.

P.Gaye Tapp at Little Augury said...

this is lovely-it is always something about the quirky?what is it? Do you think the balcony was original? I don't have far to go really- a small little town, my brother's house (he is here part of the time) is actually my fav. When I moved back it wasn't available, nor my grandmothers old house- SO since I couldn't buy it, I talked him in to buying it, a Greek Revival-in fact this is a style that abounds down this way, was recently in one in Va for a new project (identical) to his. I might just share it. soon la

★ Crazy Drile™ said...

Nice house and nice style too... I can smell fresh cookies and milk...
looks like some houses in traditional places in Barcelona

Cheers, greetings from Australia

Crazy Drile

pve design said...

Handsome home. Perhaps you could set up a virtual tour to show us how the interiors would be. There is a small town-home that I love with similar lines and I always wonder what the inside must look like.
pve

Irina said...

Yes, it is a beautiful house. wished there was no need for those window bars (or maybe they could design them so they match the house better).