521 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314
Listing Courtesy of: BRIGHT IDX / Ttr Sotheby's International Realty / TTR Sotheby's International Realty / Phyllis Patterson

  521 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Active (26 Days)
$2,495,000 (USD)
4
BED
4
BATH
4,001
SQFT

Description

Built in 1789 by Lawrence Hooff Sr., this distinguished brick rowhome blends historic prestige with modern comfort. Once home to Bushrod Washington, nephew of George Washington and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, the property has welcomed presidents from George Washington to Bill Clinton.Throughout the home, historic details have been preserved to include original heart-of-pine wood floors, built-in china cabinets and bookshelves, original fireplaces and mantels, glass fanlight windows above the doors, and intricate trim, archways and molding in historic-era colors. A rare “bell pull,” still present in only a handful of Old Town homes, adds to the property’s unique character. While much of the charm is preserved, the kitchen and baths have been thoughtfully updated for modern living. The main level offers a stately entrance hall with 10-ft ceilings, a sprawling living room with oversized 12-over-12 windows, a wood-burning fireplace, and custom library bookshelves. The formal dining room, full of historic charm, opens through French doors to a serene private brick courtyard. The beautifully renovated kitchen features exposed brick walls and beamed ceilings and flows seamlessly into the den, accented with antique 1800s paneling reclaimed from a barn in southern Virginia and its own fireplace. The second level grand parlor spans the full width of the home, once a formal entertaining space, now used as a family retreat with original millwork, oversized 12-over-12 windows, fireplace, and a wet bar hidden behind original built-in cabinetry. Two additional bedrooms, one with 10-ft ceilings and an original fireplace, along with two renovated baths complete this level. The third floor includes two sun-drenched bedrooms, a laundry closet with full sized washer/dryer and folding counter, and newly renovated full bathroom with tub shower. The unfinished basement allows for tons of storage space and features a second washer/dryer. A private back courtyard wrapped in a brick privacy wall offers the perfect space for al fresco dining and entertaining. One off-street parking space located just beyond the back gate completes this rare Old Town residence. Unmatched location in the sought after SE quadrant. Stroll 5 blocks to the Potomac River or just 1.5 blocks to King Street and many beloved Old Town restaurants and shops. Incredible opportunity to own a piece of history!

MLS #:
VAAX2049632
Taxes
$26,477(2025)
Lot Size
2,400 SQFT
Type
Townhouse
Year Built
1789
Style
Federal
School District
Alexandria City Public Schools

Listed By

Maria Bowman, Ttr Sotheby's International Realty
Phyllis Patterson, TTR Sotheby's International Realty
Source
BRIGHT IDX
Last checked Oct 14 2025 at 11:40 PM GMT+0000
Bathroom Details
  • Full Bathrooms: 3
  • Half Bathroom: 1
Interior Features
  • Built-Ins
  • Crown Moldings
  • Window Treatments
  • Wood Floors
  • Central Vacuum
  • Cooktop
  • Dishwasher
  • Disposal
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Refrigerator
  • Walls/Ceilings: High
  • Chair Railings
  • Oven - Double
  • Walls/Ceilings: Plaster Walls
  • Family Room Off Kitchen
  • Kitchen - Galley
  • Exposed Beams
  • Built-In Microwave
  • Formal/Separate Dining Room
  • Cedar Closet(s)
  • Walls/Ceilings: 9'+ Ceilings
Subdivision
  • Old Town Alexandria
Property Features
  • Above Grade
  • Below Grade
  • Fireplace: Wood
  • Foundation: Block
  • Foundation: Brick/Mortar
Heating and Cooling
  • Zoned
  • Baseboard - Hot Water
  • Central A/C
Basement Information
  • Connecting Stairway
  • Partial
  • Unfinished
Flooring
  • Hardwood
Exterior Features
  • Brick
  • Stone
  • Roof: Metal
  • Roof: Slate
Utility Information
  • Sewer: Public Sewer
  • Fuel: Natural Gas
School Information
  • Elementary School: Lyles-Crouch
  • Middle School: George Washington
  • High School: Alexandria City
Parking
  • Surface
  • Private
  • Paved Parking
Stories
  • 4
Living Area
  • 4,001 sqft
Location
   
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Disclaimer: Copyright 2025 Bright MLS IDX. All rights reserved. This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. The information being provided is for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated 10/14/25 16:40