Monument Avenue Mansion
1890-1920's
Most still retain their lavish carriage Houses in the rear. Sized, by today's standards, for 2-4 cars, many of the larger ones now host small, upstairs apartments, suitable for rental. Most substantial renovations were under- taken in the to introduce modern heating and cooling systems. A steady stream of cosmetic and ammenity improvements over the insuing 20 years have returned these elegant mansion homes to a 21st century glory they so richly deserve.
Custom/architect-designed homes executed on a grand scale, across a wide variety of Revival styles. Typically executed in the finest materials, with high ceilings (from 9-12') , elaborate casework & mouldings. Art glass occurs in windows & light fixtures. Inlayed hardwood floors, pocket doors and columns, accent graciously scaled and richly appointed first-floor public rooms and spaces. During this era, homes were built to accom- modate both family & wait staff offering footprints of 2000 sq ft/per floor, on each of two and half, to three full floors.
Upstairs spaces afford 4-5 large bedrooms, often 2 or more baths, including lavish Master renovation that includes vast closet/changing areas. Third floors often provide casual living spaces, kitchenettes, offices, workout spaces or still some retain a rental space. Basements should be full, and deep, providing tremendous potential beyond mechanical systems, such as climaate controlled wine cellars, game rooms, home theatres, hobby rooms and, yes, the odd rental space still exists.
Grounds are usually designed, well maintained and retaining an urban quality. that results form their shallow depth relative to the home's footprint. High end renovations can include in-ground pools, elegant hardscaping, and ammenities consistent with the quality of the property .
Architect-designed in 2-4 story designs usually above large to full foot- print basements with tall ceilings. Some have been developed into rental spaces of a 1000 sq ft or more. Deep, colonaded front porches, executed in various Revival styles, using stone, masonry, or cast work of sandstone or iron. 3rd or rare 4th floors are usually a one-room deep bump-up' , that appears to be a full floor from the street Lavish doorway/entry features, include stained, cut-glass or leaded windows; side lights, fan lights and expensive woods, depending upon the constraints of their individual architectural styling.
In town, Historically designated, Fan District location. Running approximately 30 blocks from Stuart Circle to Malvern Ave. Premier addresses on largest Fan lots, are deep enough to still have multi-car garages, converted from theor original Carriage house purposes. Large enough footprint to also have a rentable apartment above, guest house or large office space, in addition to large rear garden spaces, many of which now offer lavish pool/patio enteratainment spaces. The avenue itself is unique in its two-lane each direction; early-20th century cobblestone road bed; broad sidewalks for strolling; 20' wide median strip of grass and mature tress, punctuated by massive civic monuments to famous 19th century figures. sides of the east-west boulevard
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