Property Description

600 Princess Street

The stately brick Alexandrian at 600 Princess Street is sited proudly off Old Town’s historic cobblestone street. Ascend a gracefully curving front staircase with wrought iron handrail to enter through a double front door, illuminated above by an arched transom window. The foyer’s soaring ceiling draws the eye upward to the glossy hardwood staircase, as well as offers gracious entry to a well-appointed sitting room with a marble surround gas fireplace, sunny window exposure and handsome columns framing the room. Straight ahead, take a direct path to the main floor half bath or open the door discreetly closeting the elevator.

From the sitting room, enter the dining room surrounded by elegant wainscoting. It’s tucked neatly between the kitchen — accessible by French doors — and the two-level brick courtyard. The dining room looks into the top level, with a pergola that beckons for blooming flowers and trailing vines. On the second level, a romantic fountain promises a soothing backdrop for entertaining or a quiet morning spent with coffee and newspaper.

The kitchen is outfitted with every device and storage system a contemporary cook needs. While the gleaming copper range hood is the show-stopping focus of the room, utilitarian tools like a trash compactor, custom cabinets and drawers, wood-paneled Sub-Zero fridge and deep sink will serve daily needs from easy meal prep to sufficient stashing of fresh and perishable pantry goods. Access the garage through the kitchen, or step down a flight of stairs into the finished basement.

A bank of windows ensures this subterranean space never goes dark, and the gas fireplace ensconced within a rustic stone wall ensures extra glow on the darkest winter days. This space is idea for casual entertaining, with its fully equipped wet bar. It could also serve a family’s needs for guest quarters (a full bath is just around the corner from the bar) or even a quiet office or fitness space.

On the second floor, a master suite haven awaits behind two sets of French doors. One set opens into a well-sized sitting room with a wall of plantation shutter-dressed windows that stands opposite a wall with built-in bookcases. Between the two walls stands the home’s third fireplace, making this space a perfect reading room, office, sanctuary — or even nursery, given the proximity to the master bedroom.

Storage and luxury abound in this carefully planned space. Two custom shelving areas offer four seasons’ closet storage, and a sunken bathroom is a spa-like retreat with its deep whirlpool tub, glass-enclosed shower, expansive double vanity countertop, and private water closet complete with bidet. Vertical linen and toiletries storage completes the space — and a pastoral fresco above the tub elevates it.

On the top floor of the house, two additional bedrooms and a full bath accommodate the household’s growing needs. Windows dressed with plantation shutters filter sunlight, and generous closet space (as well as attic access) keep clothes, luggage and other items organized. The street-facing room features built-in shelf, cabinet and desk space to streamline work and storage space.

With Old Town’s bustling dining and shopping scene mere blocks away, 600 Princess is well-positioned for evenings out. And mornings out are a snap, too, with cafes in quick walking distance and easy access to major roads leading into Washington. Access the Metro system by Old Town’s cheerful trolley or bus system. Enjoy a view of the Potomac by strolling a short distance to the waterfront, where the Mt. Vernon trail joins downtown sidewalks and offers the perfect route for a run or to walk the family dog.