4640 Blagden Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011

Description

The genius of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) manifested itself not only in his work but also in his theories of residential architecture. He believed that the house was as organic as its occupants and should therefore function as a living entity. Large and open living spaces where the residents could enjoy light and views were paramount, as well as fully operable windows that allow for ventilation without the use of mechanical systems. Here, a two-story tower of windows punctuates one corner of the front, accompanied by a series of clerestory-like windows. These details plus a stone-clad chimney all pay homage to Fallingwater. The main block of the house is long and horizontal. The south-facing façade is reached by a series of terraced staircases, reminiscent of Wright’s work at Taliesin West and the c. 1902 Arthur B. Heurtley House in Oak Park, Illinois.

This house was designed by the African American-owned architectural firm of Byrd & Bryant which was a prominent and successful local business. It had several residential commissions in Crestwood, this one being its most distinguished. Wright’s profound effect on the spirit of homebuilding is immediately discernible. Constructed in 1958, the house blends the Prairie Style with elements that began to appear in the modernist design vocabulary of the late 1950s. This is an exceedingly rare opportunity to purchase a house that has sold only twice in the last 70 years.

The current owners were exemplary custodians of this fine composition: spacious enough for entertaining and intimate enough to be a private urban retreat. The kitchen and bathrooms were renovated with the objective of maintaining the original feeling of the house with high-quality materials and fixtures. The main living space is framed by a vaulted ceiling, and the experience of the interiors is one of tranquility. Original woodwork was preserved, and details such as the custom cast-iron gate which mirrors the detail of the front door are indicative of the level of craftsmanship that comprises the overall esthetic.

Approximately 4,200 square feet are disposed over two floors, and all four bedrooms, two living spaces, office, and service rooms have been carefully addressed in the owners’ restoration. The outdoor spaces are as engaging as the interior where one moves through a series of rooms discretely set off by different textures and dimensions of plantings. A two-car garage is accessed on the side of the house, obviating any visual distractions from the entrance.