This project is a historic renovation and a modest addition to a 1910 four-square, in the Chevy Chase Heights section of Chevy Chase DC. The house retained its original exterior shingles and generous front porch. The interior, however, had fallen into disrepair, and required major structural and finish work. The challenge was to substantially expand the original house, while preserving the character and integrity of the original historic home.
The Owner's program included an entry foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen with adjoining breakfast room on the first floor, three bedrooms and two baths on the second floor, and an office/guest room on the third floor. The Owner wanted to explore the possibility of underpinning the house to provide a finished lower level.The renovated plan maintains the characteristic order of a traditional four-square, with an entry foyer opening to the existing main stair. All the exterior windows were restored and detailing on the interior was developed that was characteristic of the period in which the house was originally built.
A modest Breakfast room addition and new roof dormers are the only visible exterior additions to the house, but two more living levels were achieved by finishing the unfinished attic and excavating the crawl space for a new lower level living space, containing a fifth bedroom, bathroom, mudroom, and recreation room.
The exterior trim and shingles were restored. Period interior natural oak trim and interior details were custom milled and new millwork was added that was inspired by the original elements of the house which were retained. New French doors and characteristic asymmetrical front porch connect the home to the east facing terrace and side yard.
The result is a seamless addition that is respectful of the original architecture and an extensive renovation of the interior characteristic of early twentieth century homes with all the amenities of the twenty first century.
Project team includes
- Contractor: McNamara Brothers, Inc.
- Photography: © Hoachlander Davis Photography LLC