Situated in the heart of Washington's coveted Cathedral Heights/Observatory neighborhood, 3838 Cathedral Avenue NW is a beautiful residence that flawlessly combines historic charm and modern elegance with captivating Cathedral views. Originally built in 1927, this brick grand dame boasts approximately 6,000 square feet of finished living space, thoughtfully redesigned by famed designer Kelly Perry. The renovation involved extensive electrical, plumbing, and custom cabinetry upgrades while preserving original features such as millwork, oak hardwood floors, a Vermont slate roof, and true-divider-light windows. Further renovations were completed in 2021, including updated bathrooms, laundry room, elevated solarium ceiling, new basement windows, and new stone walls and steps.
Upon entering the expansive interior, an inviting foyer leads to a grand floor plan adorned with warm oak floors and lofty ceilings. At the center of the home, a formal living room showcases exquisite moldings and an impressive fireplace, evoking the bygone era of superior craftsmanship. This area seamlessly extends into a stunning solarium, where sunlight pours in through arched windows and French doors, dancing on the new gleaming marble floors below. The doors open to a brick-laid patio, stone patios, a deck, and gardens, perfect for entertaining on a grand scale.
An embassy-sized formal dining room boasts elegant proportions and finishes, complemented by a chef's kitchen featuring tiled floors, off-white shaker cabinetry, a contrasting center island with exotic countertops, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. An adjacent cozy breakfast nook is tucked away behind custom cabinetry.
On the second level, there are two large primary suites — a rare find in DC — each with distinct luxurious features. One primary suite has separate his and her bathrooms, as well as separate his and her walk-in closets and dressing rooms, and a hidden wet bar. The other primary suite, with a large deck and Cathedral views, includes heated floors, a large walk-in shower, a soaking tub, and plumbing fixtures imported from France. This floor also houses an additional bedroom with Cathedral views. Also on this level is a laundry room.
The top level presents two identical light-filled spacious bedrooms, a full bath, and a massive light-filled open space, providing versatility for a play area or conversion to additional bedrooms. The walkout lower level with garden views is fully finished, showcasing charming ceiling beams, an au pair suite, tile flooring, an extra full bathroom, and a second laundry room featuring a cast iron double sink original to the house. There is direct access through two separate doors to both the gardens and the attached double garage.
The expansive 0.15-acre lot features multiple decks and patios, accentuated by meticulous hardscaping, providing endless opportunities for outdoor entertaining. The property also includes a fully fenced grass yard, perfect for dogs or kids to play in. The attached two-car garage is a rare luxury in the city, with off-street driveway parking for an additional four cars.
Located just steps from the National Cathedral, top-rated schools, popular restaurants and shops, Rock Creek Park trails, and mere minutes from Embassy Row and Georgetown, 3838 Cathedral Avenue NW offers a truly unparalleled blend of historic allure and contemporary comforts in an unrivaled location.
