Introducing 1231 Girard Street NW in the Columbia Heights section of Washington DC. This 7-bedroom 3.5 bath circa 1910 residence has approximately 3400 sf living space and a rental unit situated in the geographic center of the District of Columbia. An outdoor river rock patio retreat surrounded by 5-foot ornamental shrubs greets you. Wrought iron plumbers pipe hand rails steady your path to the front porch illuminated with a natural gas lantern. The front porch has a 3-foot stone capped masonry wall that facilitates concealment of packages. The façade is quintessentially Victorian featuring roman cut buff brick, a decorative carved stone panel above the front vestibule double doors. The 3-story trapezoidal bay windows draw the eye upward to the original copper finial at the peak of the turret. The walnut double doors welcome you through an impressive vestibule entryway that incorporates bottle green, emerald green, burgundy and cream colored subway tiles anchored by original geometric patterned hexagonal tile flooring with a Greek key border all illuminated by a classical revival pendant lighting. The main residence features period details to include 3 original mantles located: in the dining room a 9-foot mantle with bronze and cream subway tiled hearth and (with natural gas fueled fireplace) and 2 two-tiered decorative mantels; one in the front parlor and the 3rd floor mantle has fluted composite columns (front bedroom). The main level has 11-foot ceilings throughout, an archway transition from the entry-hall to the center stair hall, unique lattice work / gingerbread at the entry hall with an 8 foot quarter sewn oak Victorian columned mirror with built-in storage. The center hall staircase incorporates a raised paneled wall with a built-in storage bench that conceals a main level half bath. A pair of 8-foot 5-panel pocket doors provide a grand transition to a generous sized dining-room with an 11-foot walnut framed Victorian sky-light with opaque glass divided light panels bordered by amber glass panels providing an ethereal softly illuminated formal dining space that compliments a partitioning stained glass window that illuminates the center stair hall from the dining room. Two northern exposure double hung dining room windows provide additional natural light in addition to new LED lighting. A 5-paneled door with a stained glass transom leads to the eat-in kitchen complete with solid surface soap stone counters with butcher block inset, 60-inch natural gas cast iron AGA Stove with custom hood and pot-filler, stainless steel appliances, 42-inch solid wood cabinetry with upper display cabinets, pendant and LED lighting, iron pot rack, large working center island with seating area, pantry with opaque glass door and a rear staircase. A half light rear kitchen door provides access to the deck and stairs to the lower patio and back yard area. Classical revival lighting fixtures are location through-out the main historic residence all maintained with a preservationist spirit. This homes separately metered rental unit is freshly painted with new carpet, some lighting upgrades, new dishwasher, a galley kitchen, electric cooking with recirculating hood, a double bowl stainless steel sink, a combined kitchen, dining and living area, bedroom #7, den/guest room, full bath with tub-shower, stacked W/D laundry closet, and separate Water Heater and HVAC systems. This home is equipped with programmable thermostats, upgraded electrical (2006-2007 install) and upgraded plumbing (2006-2007) and 2 zones of HVAC with room for reimagination on a beautiful tree-lined block. Convenient to restaurants (11th Street, 14th St & U Street corridors), grocery stores (Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, Giant, Safeway & Trader Joes) coffee shops (Coffee Roasters, Starbucks), gyms (Washington Sports Clubs & YMCA) and entertainment with a 91-walk score 94 bike score.
