Property Description

This extraordinary residence has been offered for sale only a few times within the last 100 years. This classic Washington style home is situated at the top of a rise on Red Hill, as it was called back in the 1800s. The house was designed by Washington architect Waddy Wood, known for his elegant city houses in the Kalorama area of Washington, D.C. It was built in 1918 with all the grace and comfort for which the designer is known. Three large sets of French doors dominate the first floor and provide not only access to the public rooms but also light and a stunning view of the terraced gardens.

According to the publication, “North Ridge Lore,” 1512 Stonewall Road is an architecturally interesting house with wide eaves set on three and one-half lots and was once known as “Town’s End” due to its proximity to the original DC/Virginia border.  Previous owners of the home, Harry and Mildred Councilor, well-known preservationists and civic activists in Alexandria, owned the home for 39 years. It was through their efforts that the 250-year-old evergreen tree on the property was declared a Bicentennial tree by the Alexandria City Council in 1976. One of the Councilor’s goals was to make sure there was always something blooming on the grounds, year-round. They were avid master gardeners and contributed much of the mature landscaping to the home’s .55 acres.

The house is surrounded by incredible plant specimens including a bicentennial tree. Be sure to look for the plaque on the tree! Some of the other plants found on the property include Merrill magnolias, hollies, mountain laurel, rhododendron, camellias, crepe myrtles, lace-top hydrangeas, azaleas – both evergreen and deciduous, boxwood, ilex varieties, acuba, spruce, osmanthus, dogwoods, and cherry trees similar to those at the Tidal Basin. The paths are lined with liriope, ivy, daylilies, and many varieties of hostas, vinca, ferns, and seasonal bulbs. An unusual tree, called Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, sits at the edge of the flagstone terrace. The yard is a haven whether cloaked in snow or cloaked in blossoms.

Features ten-foot ceilings; French doors offer an open feeling of spacious grandeur. The central focus of the Living Room is a federal-style fireplace. To the left is the library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, cabinets, and a built-in desk. The library is also highlighted by continuous windows on three sides. The family room has an entertainment area and abundant storage. The kitchen is bright with direct access to the stone patio and lawn ideal for outdoor entertaining.

The dining room features over-sized eight-foot French doors and a large marble fireplace framed by a period hand-crafted mantel with harvest and acorn relief. Acorns and pineapples were commonly used as symbols of hospitality. The mantel belonged to Dolley Madison and was added to the home when it was initially designed by Waddy B. Wood, a prominent 20th-century American architect. Wood also designed the Women’s Museum in Washington, D.C. as well as many of the embassies that line Embassy Row.

Wood’s design included tall ceilings, three large French doors to maximize light and cross breezes, enhancing the gracious comfortable enjoyment of the home. Waddy Wood also designed many private residences for prominent families in the Washington, D.C. area. Most notable is the Woodrow Wilson house on the National Historic Register. Since 1918, the home has been graciously enhanced and renovated. The crown jewel of the home is the Juliet balcony off the Master Suite.

This home is enhanced by architectural lighting, winding walkways, and sculpted terraced gardens. Off the kitchen is 2-car parking, plus a large detached 2-car garage with storage. Stone patios extend across the home and join garden walkways lined with plants that bloom with fragrances that excite the senses. The property’s close proximity to 2 metro stations, nestled in a secluded tree canopy combined with the home’s rich iconic architectural designs appeals to those seeking an extraordinary lifestyle.