George Washington Town House in Old Town Alexandria - Walk to Everything!

Exterior
Interior
Interior
Exterior detail
Property grounds
9.5
Outstanding(149 Reviews)

House in Alexandria, VA

6 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Includes essentialsGarden, Pets allowed, Kitchen or Kitchenette and more

About this house rental

In the heart of Old Town Alexandria sits the George Washington Town House. The house is a reproduction of the original town house, and sits on the original site. GW used the house, primarily before the Revolution, as an office and to spend the night when he was in Alexandria for business or social reasons (for more historical information, see below or search "George Washington townhouse Alexandria").

It is conveniently located in Old Town. It is a one block walk to King St. and a short walk to the waterfront, the museums, restaurants, shops (including Trader Joe’s and a CVS), public library, farmer’s market and City Hall. It is also walking distance to the King St. metro (there are also free shuttles running to the metro along King St. from the waterfront to the Metro station). Rates vary by season, and whether stay is weeknight or weekend. Stays of a week or longer are discounted, as are "last minute" bookings.

The town house is three levels (about 600 sq. ft. per level) with the 2 bedrooms on the top level, the living room and dining room (one large room) on the second (main) level, and the kitchen and family room with queen sleep sofa on the English basement level. There are two bathrooms, one with a bath and shower on the top level, and one with a shower only on the English basement level. The house features a large rear courtyard. At the rear of the lot is a large storage shed where the stable was. There are two parking spaces on the far side of the storage shed and off of “Washington Way” where GW would approach the property by horse.

When Alexandria was founded in 1749, the town ran up (west) from the river only as far as Royal Street. However, the town was doing so well by 1763 that several more blocks were added then. GW purchased this quarter-block lot (Lot 118) on May 9, 1763, for ten pounds, ten shillings. From 1769 to 1771, he had a plain dwelling, a stable, and other necessary buildings constructed here as sort of a town annex to Mount Vernon. The town house was the only house built by Washington for his own use. Prior to the Revolutionary War, he used it often when he was in Alexandria. During the war and his Presidency, the place was often rented or lent to friends and members of the family. Dr. William Brown rented the house for about ten years; Martha Washington’s favorite niece, Fanny Bassett Washington, lived here with her two boys for a little over a year in 1794-95; and Colonel Philip Marsteller, close friend of GW since Revolution, former Mayor of Alexandria and one of Washington’s pall bearers, lived here in 1797. A number of Washington’s letters refer to spending the night “at my own house.” Other letters order fencing for the property and give detailed directions for such things as repairing the fireplaces, laying a brick floor in the basement, papering the bedroom wall, and painting the exterior.

It is the first piece of property listed in Washington’s will, and it was the only piece of property that he left outright to his wife Martha when he died. At her death, Mrs. Washington left the property to her nephew, Bartholomew Dandridge. Unfortunately, the dwelling which had significantly deteriorated, was demolished in 1855. In 1960, Gov. and Mrs. Richard Lowe had the house reconstructed based on existing accounts - particularly a drawing done by a neighbor about the time of the demolition (copy at the house).
During the 1990s, the GW town house was rented to Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac while he operated "Fleetwood's" a blues club and restaurant in north Old Town.

(Adapted from Walking with Washington)

Amenities

Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly

Map of Alexandria, VA

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Reviews

9.5
Outstanding(149 Reviews)
Summary of reviews
Perfect location, comfortable rooms, great communication with the host, historical charm, and dedicated parking.
From real guest reviews summarized by AI
10.0
Sep 2024
This home has a tremendous history coupled with a great location. The home has ample space and parking. Wonderful learning about the home and the surrounding area.
10.0
Jul 2024
This property was everything and more than expected. It was a pleasure to be immersed in the history of the area. The location is perfect for walking the neighborhood which was very fun. The parking was great and the host was very prompt and gracious regarding a question I had.
10.0
Jun 2024
Great location close to shopping, dining and waterfront! We parked our vehicle and enjoyed walking to everything. Enjoyed sitting outside in the private garden. Owner was very responsive.
10.0
Jun 2024
Wonderful location, great communication with owner, clear directions and charming house.
8.0
May 2024
Great history and location. Starbucks and CVS nearby. Gracious property manager.
10.0
May 2024
This beautiful, historic gem is perfect for a short or long term visit to the area. Whether its proximity to metro transport to DC or the walk-about ease in Old Town, this home is perfectly located for your next stay. The added bonus of private parking on site for 2 vehicles adds to its functionality particularly if you are traveling from outside the area. This home combines historic charm with modern amenities. The owner is fully accessible if you have questions during or before your stay. The back private patio area is lovely for morning coffee or al fresco dining. Inside the home, there is a lovely dining area on the main level or a small table in the kitchen area to meet your needs. The lovely antiques are complimented by a well stocked kitchen and bath so you don't feel like you are trading off charm for convenience. We have enjoyed returning time and again to this home for nearly a decade - but don't wait - it is very popular and books quickly! You will enjoy every second of your stay!
4.0
Apr 2024
several attempts to reach someone for more than 2 bath towels for 4 people.. and also the back door, we were never able to Lock .. it stayed wide open the entire time and with the wind blowing slamming back and forth and wide open..many attempts to get someone to come and fix with no answer
10.0
Feb 2024
If you enjoy history then this is the place for you. Me, my mom, and stepdad came for my mom’s birthday. She is a big fan of history and wanted to tour Mt Vernon. The main level of the house is filled with so much history. We got to see people stop by out front during a tour or just strolling down the sidewalk and see it’s a historical sight. When we arrived we ran into only one issue and it was taken care of quickly and above & beyond what was expected. The weather was chilly so we didn’t get yo enjoy the courtyard but it was very peaceful. There are alot of stairs, my parents are 67 & 71 and was able to use them but they are something to keep in mind when booking with other adults. The house was an awesome experience and Thomas was easy to get in contact with.

FAQs

How much does this house cost compared to others in Alexandria?

The average price for a rental in Alexandria is $357 per night. This rental is $248 above the average.

Is parking included with this house?

Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at George Washington Town House in Old Town Alexandria - Walk to Everything!. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this house?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is George Washington Town House in Old Town Alexandria - Walk to Everything! pet friendly?

Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.

What amenities are available at George Washington Town House in Old Town Alexandria - Walk to Everything!?

We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and parking.

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