This classic shingle-style house with green trim and a wraparound porch looks it could have been standing there for generations.
I was surprised to learn it’s actually a newly built home in Washington’s Palisades neighborhood overlooking the Potomac River.
Take a look!
A New House Designed to Look Older Than It Is
It was designed by Barnes Vanze Architects, who told me about the project:
“The original plan was to restore and add on to an old farmhouse overlooking the Potomac River and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. But once demolition started, the structure nearly fell apart, having been badly maintained over time. Thus, we decided to replace the entire house, reusing and recycling as much of the old one as possible.”
“We deconstructed the old house by hand, setting aside the materials for later uses in the new house, which was designed to emulate the feel of the original. This time, we added a sweeping, wrap-around porch with dark trim and sinuous shingle detailing that visually ground the house to the site.”
The diamond-paned windows are another classic detail:
Bedroom with fireplace:
The top floor is a “huge, one-room aerie:”
Rounded French doors lead to a sweet third-story balcony:
A classic black and white kitchen:
A brick terrace and side garden:
“Curved porches extend from each of the three stories, bringing river views into the principal rooms.”
“By now, several neighbors have forgotten the house is new—they think it was merely an alteration of the original. And our client is quite content not to correct them.”
Thanks to Jennifer of Barnes Vanze Architects for telling me about the project.
For more information, visit Barnes Vanze Architects.
Photography credit: Anice Hoachlander of HD Photo.
Love it. Love everything about it, although I’d decorate it differently. To each her own, amIright? Oh, + if I would have won that last $$billion$$ lottery, this is what I’d do with my windfall — build + redo houses!
Gorgeous house! Shingle Style is one of my favorites, and they did a fabulous job of keeping the details correct. As Kay said, I would decorate it a bit differently – more antiques, more color in the kitchen, etc. – but I wouldn’t turn this beauty down.
How cute is this house?
Really Like the shingles on the outside and how they did the very top differently than the rest. Makes the brick chimney look fabulous. and the metal Roof above the porch..LOVE IT!
Guess my only question is why did they paint one side green?? Maybe to balance the bushes on the right? It doesn’t look bad but if it were my house the front (with the exception of the door) would all have to be the same because the way it is now, would bug my need for symmetry just enough. but it’s not my house so..
LOVE the Dinning room! That Chandelier is beautiful.. very elegant.
I’m in love with this house. Is it possible to be in love with a house? Who cares?! I’m in love anyway! 🙂
So much beautiful details in this house! I love the bedroom with fireplace! And the top floor! and the French rounded doors! And the garden! 🙂 Gorgeous!
It’s so interesting to me how bright and airy the inside seems next to the darker exterior. An absolutely gorgeous house! Loved this one!
Wonderful historical recreation, and is this not the definition of location, location, location!!!
Love it! And everyone needs an aerie!
I can’t deside where the Christmas tree should go….In My Dreams. Hi Julia, by my comment you will realise that I did not win any Lotto this time, never give is the motto here. What a beautiful home, love the kitchen, the entrance, the French doors and all of the above. Thank you for sharing beauty. Till next time, regards Esther from Sydney.
It looks like a very solidly built home with a lot of attention to detail. I love the exterior and the interior. Only minor decorating changes to make it just right.
Love the Potomac Palisades home- the PORCH did it for me!
I’d also decorate differently. But I love the front porch — so roomy. And the floor tile in the entry and the kitchen are great evocations of vintage tile.
I want my breath back! The exteriors, the porches, and the gardens have stolen it away!
This home gives the best of both worlds, the charm and beauty of yesteryear and the convenience and amenities we want today.
The photograph taken in the evening with all the lights blazing just makes me melt in the warmth and coziness it evokes.
Very nice rebuild. I love that they used so much original material. The only thing I’m not keen on is the dining room. Reminds me of the Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz. 😉
Absolutely beautiful house!