Property Description

Introducing an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of history in Alexandria, this magnificent estate known as Clarens spans four acres of meticulously renovated and landscaped grounds. Named for the clear streams that ran through the property, this stately center hall Colonial sits majestically atop a scenic hill with spanning views of the Potomac. Once serving as George Washington’s Hunting Lodge (chosen for its commanding views), every corner of this historic residence has been thoughtfully restored and modernized, blending timeless elegance with contemporary luxury. The manor house or parts of it date from 1803. It served as one of the Civil War forts protecting DC. This grand estate offers a rare blend of historic significance and modern luxury, making it a truly exceptional property in the heart of Alexandria.

**The Grounds**

On about four acres, the estate’s grounds are a masterpiece of design and serenity. Charming historic brick walls, stone paths, and gardens surround the property. The estate is adorned with a loggia and palazzo, enhancing its grandeur. There are four outbuildings on the property (3 of which are historic), and a pond with a brick bridge. A circular driveway (wide enough for catering trucks) leads to the back of the house, ensuring convenience and accessibility, and the front iron gate can be closed for privacy to the property. Details such as iron gates and matching handrails from a renowned Charlottesville foundry perfectly blend modern and historic appeal. Tulip Poplar, American Elm, and Maple trees adorn the property and have been recognized by the City of Alexandria for their size and age.

**The Gardens**

Esteemed by garden clubs and a favored venue for charitable events, the gardens boast a rich array of flora, including peonies transplanted from Dumbarton Oaks, hydrangeas, hybrid tea roses, boxwoods, and mature trees. A walled orchard flourishes with apple, and cherry trees. The vegetable garden yields a bounty of fresh produce. The front circle, back beds by the back entrance, and pool grass area all have built-in irrigation systems.

**The “Outbuildings”**

The property features four charming outbuildings, as well as a pool equipment shed built to match the historical outbuilding aesthetic, and garage stables, each thoughtfully renovated. One outbuilding was seamlessly integrated into the main home as a winged addition, offering a bedroom, office, full bath, and a walk-in closet. The “guest house,” adjacent to the pool, includes a loft bedroom, full bath, and a cozy fireplace. Additional outbuildings serve as a potting shed, a garden water house which used to house the ice box, and an old well house by the pond. The pool house was designed to incorporate and imitate all of the outbuildings with the use of made-to-match brick and surrounding brick walls, and it offers luxurious amenities.

**The Pool House**

Built on the site of an old tennis court, the pool house is a haven of relaxation and entertainment. The house seamlessly incorporates the existing architecture of the outbuildings with the use of matching brick walls and wrought iron fencing. The pool area features a large 24′ by 44′ heated pool with a retractable cover, Jacuzzi, brick fire pit, 3 distinct built-in brick wall lighting to illuminate the pool, and perfect for entertaining. The patio is made from stone decking that is soft on the feet. There is also a watering system in the pool area to keep the grass green. Companion sun and moon iron gates link the pool area to the pond on the left and the gardens/barbeque area on the right.

Flanking the pool above the gardens is a trellised barbeque area with a flagstone patio perfect for shaded seating. The patio area includes a built-in Wolf grill with a fridge, granite top, and stone base. The patio overlooks a walled orchard and vegetable garden,

The pool house itself was built with special features, including a stone wall with a wood-burning fireplace, reclaimed wooden beams, and wormy wood flooring (when the upstairs lights are on and the downstairs not, little specks of light shine through like stars). Inside, you’ll find spacious living featuring a kitchen and living room, laundry room with washer/dryer, a full bath, and French doors. The second floor features a large bedroom with a full bath, and a walk-in closet plus 2 additional closets, as well as panoramic views of the pool and property.

**The Main House**

Throughout the home, you’ll find historic details blended seamlessly with modern comfort and flair. Touches such as crown molding, keystone arches, high ceilings, chandeliers, original hardwood floors, and nine fireplaces (seven gas fireplaces, 1 wood burning, and one decorative) with elegant mantles make this home exquisite yet cozy and liveable. The main house features seven bedrooms and five and a half baths (along with two full bedrooms and three full baths in the surrounding outbuildings/pool house).

Enter the main house from the impressive black and white marble-tiled front porch with Haints blue ceiling into the grand entrance hall, which also links to the back entrance and features keystone archways and two elegant crystal chandeliers. To the right, you’ll find a cozy home office/library with built-in shelving and a wood-burning fireplace. Adjoining the library is a custom wet bar and a powder room with marble flooring with inlaid brass. To the left is the formal living room with an antique mantle, an early 1800s gas fireplace, and French doors that open onto the palazzo and lovely grounds.

Continuing to the back of the house on the right, you’ll find the formal dining room with Crystal Finials chandelier, hand painted bird mural wallpaper, faux marble dentil crown molding, wainscotting, and a gas fireplace. To the left the cheerful French country-style kitchen is a culinary masterpiece equipped with a hand-painted La Cornue oven specially made for the home and imported from France. In the kitchen, you’ll also find blue fleck granite countertops, two farmhouse sinks, a gas-burning fireplace, a KitchenAid ice maker, a Subzero refrigerator/freezer, and two Miele dishwashers. Next is a mud room with marble flooring abutting the kitchen and family room with egress to a second back door.

French doors were added to the family room to give ready access to the grounds and provide tons of natural light, while ​​the front of the family room has a view of the front palazzo. The family room also features a gas fireplace. Behind the family room is an office with built-ins and a huge colonial original fireplace (which once served as a kitchen for the residence). This is also where the elevator is conveniently located next to the main level bedroom suite. Attached to the study is the main level bedroom suite which is great for guests or in-laws. This suite offers functional luxury with an office, hardwoods, french doors, a large walk-in closet, and a full bath.

Heading upstairs front and rear staircases lead up. At the top of the main staircase is the primary suite sanctuary with high ceilings, an 1806 antique Irish mantle with a gas fireplace, his and her closets (with a large walk-in closet for her!), and a spa-like bath with heated floors, double sinks, a soaking tub, and a steam shower with mosaic tile design.

Two additional bedrooms and two full baths on the second floor provide ample accommodation in addition to the second primary suite which features a third full bed and bath along with a potential fourth full bedroom or an office and two gas fireplaces. This suite abuts the laundry room and an additional seating room/living area and is where the elevator discharges. The top floor hosts a spacious bedroom with a sitting area or an awesome playroom.

**Location**

Nestled in the heart of Alexandria, this exquisite property offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility. Just a quick 5-minute drive to the charming streets of Old Town and a mere 15 minutes to the bustling heart of Washington, D.C., this location epitomizes accessibility. Despite its proximity to urban amenities, the estate provides a private oasis, offering serene surroundings and unparalleled privacy. Experience the best of both worlds with this remarkable residence.