On the Market: Row house à la française full of charm in Kalorama

For many of us, French style is the epitome of chic. Whether on the runway or in the home, there is a seemingly effortless elegance that lends even the humblest element a certainjenesaisquoi. The four-level red brick row house at 1854 Kalorama Road NW artfully combines an old-world French country aesthetic with vintage Victorian detailing that is just right for family living or entertaining on a grand scale.

Built in 1911, the house offers 5,300 square feet of living space and includes four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and five fireplaces – all extensively embellished with original period fixtures and fittings, decorative millwork and trim, extensive built-ins, inlaid and patterned oak flooring, and a magnificent rose window skylight at the top of the stairs. There are a three-level patio/garden space at the back of the house and a two-car garage. On the lower level, there is a legal two-bedroom, two-bath apartment (not reviewed) with front and rear access. The property is on the market for $2.595 million.

Fronted by brick steps and hardscape planted with evergreen shrubbery and a blooming ornamental cherry tree, the façade is anchored by a hunter green door with a swag-decorated stone surround and a heavy decorative knocker. It opens into a bright white vestibule with a tile-and-Greek-key-bordered floor and a massive oak double door that takes you into the entry hall.

To the left through wood pocket doors is a comfortable study lit by three tall bay windows overlooking the street. Wood-trimmed bookcases flank an imposing gas fireplace with ornate wood mantle and marble surround. Another set of pocket doors open into a spacious foyer comprising a separate sitting area and main staircase.

Off the foyer is the formal dining room with coffered ceiling, original paneled wainscoting and a fireplace. To its right, a French door opens onto a Juliet balcony with a view of the rear gardens. To its left is a passage way where dark green and white harlequin-tiled floors lead into the butler’s pantry with custom built-in breakfront, a powder room and a charming eat-in kitchen straight out of Peter Mayle’s Year in Provence with open shelves, tile backplash and chef’s grade appliances (all KitchenAid). A back staircase leads to a bedroom on the second floor.

French doors lead from the kitchen to a sizeable terrace with planters and a wood deck that sits above the garage. One level down is a landscaped patio with concrete pavers, ivy and statuary.

Up on the second level is a space just right for large gatherings and celebrations – a triple living room with two fireplaces, elaborate crown molding, ceiling medallions, pilasters, a bay window and a second set of French doors leading to another Juliet balcony.

A hallway off the living room features a wet bar and leads to a full bath with an antique chest vanity and bedroom/office with a covered balcony.

Up on the third floor is another bedroom with en-suite bath with a clawfoot tub. There is also a sitting room with a wood-burning fireplace, a skylight and richly patterned wallpaper. It adjoins the master bath with white penny tile floor, original subway tile wall and backsplash, pedestal sink, a glass door shower and a luxurious soaking tub with green marble surround and brass fixtures.

On the way to the master bedroom are a second wet bar and additional built-in storage cabinets. At the far end of the bedroom a 14-foot ceiling accommodates a loft space library with porthole window and stepped walls.  Three large windows and built-in storage complete the space.

Kalorama (Greek for “beautiful view”) is home to embassies, historic homes, families and green space. It is also beautifully situated near Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle and the U-Street corridor.