Description

Although Washington DC, generally, and Georgetown, specifically, are steeped in American architectural history, opportunities to own, occupy and steward historically significant homes in this neighborhood are rare., Today, many qualifying homes have been put in the hands of not-for-profit institutions, turned into ambassadorial residences or other such official properties, or have been tragically lost to history. 1537 28th St is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a grand and elegant residence in the “east village” of Georgetown. The home was built in 1867 by and for Thomas Hyde, whose family retained ownership until about 1930. After the Hyde’s tenure in the home, it was owned by the family of William Taylor. Taylor hired noted Washington, DC architect Rose Greely to expand and remodel the home and gardens – a design for which she was awarded a prize in 1940, just after which the home was sold to its most notable owner. Robert Woods Bliss and his wife Mildred acquired the residence in 1940 after donating their prior home, Dumbarton Oaks, to Harvard University. As Dumbarton Oaks is widely regarded as one of the finest homes in all of Washington, it was noteworthy for them to choose 1537 28th as their new and final home. On account of their ownership, which lasted through 1969, the home is colloquially known around Georgetown as the "Robert Woods Bliss House" or just “The Bliss House”. It is likely the unusually grand size and scale of the rooms – a notable feature of their prior property – that attracted Ambassador and Mrs. Bliss to the home. The main level features nearly 12’ ceilings that present an architectural harmony that is rarely seen in Washington’s homes. The scale is more typical of the “Gilded Age” homes of the Northeast or even Europe, but the intimacy that is lost in those homes is preserved on 28th St. To create a grand space that retains intimacy and elegance is a feat of architectural design that must be lauded. Upon entering, a well-proportioned entry foyer leads you to an enfilade with a central hall, off of which are the main level’s three principal rooms and grand stair hall. The office, formal DR with wood burning fireplace, and formal LR that also features a wood burning fireplace, reach the corners of the home and are each able to be closed behind grand mahogany doors. The millwork and moldings are elegant, fitting, and perfectly preserved. A kitchen with a very large and unusual-for-Georgetown family room with a third fireplace (gas) offers private family space in the northeast corner of the home, and its two sides of Palladian-style fenestration also offer access to the rear garden and swimming pool, and a private service entrance off of Q St. The second level, which is accessed by both the grand “public” stair hall boasting a tasteful brass lantern chandelier and a “private” rear stair hall, presents four BRs, all with en-suite bathrooms. The master BR is the largest of the four, with a sizable en-suite bath feature marble and high quality fixtures, as well as a walk-in closet. Two additional BRs w/en suite BAs flank the upper level landing. The fourth BR on the second level was envisioned as a maid’s suite, offering a BA, small living room, and kitchenette. The suite can be used cohesively with the whole house, but can also be cordoned off and used autonomously. Finally, off of the landing is an additional staircase that leads to a fifth BR, en-suite BA, and ample storage including a cedar closet for off-season clothing storage. Usually an area of Georgetown homes that sees little use, the lowest level of the home is different. Only partially below-grade and with high ceilings, a huge yet cozy recreation room with exposed brick walls features the homes fifth fireplace and a row of glass-paned French doors providing access to the rear garden and swimming pool. Additional features are a large wine cellar, massive storage and utility rooms & parking.