A fascinating pre-war row house was meticulously transformed by Thorsen Construction showcasing traditional interiors, located in Capital Hill, Washington D.C. The residence is situated just a couple of blocks from the capitol and was in need of a major update to preserve its splendid historical presence.

The construction team brought in architect Fredrick Taylor to work on the project. A new roof top terrace was added to the third level of the home, clad in IPE. The flooring was refreshed with heart pine wood and custom-crafted windows and doors were installed to update and stylize the home. A tastefully designed traditional style kitchen dressed in white was designed by kitchen design studio Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath.

Above: This view shows the kitchen extension and roof deck above from the rear. Another roof deck and pergola were also added above the existing two-story portion of the structure.

Above: View of kitchen with garden beyond. The owners are avid cooks and entertain frequently while preparing gourmet meals. Because the island is used for serving meals as well as food preparation, neither the stove nor the kitchen sink was located there.

Our Thoughts: We love when a homeowner updates their home to improve both the interior and exterior aesthetics in a way that is very visually appealing throughout. This is the case in this stunning Capital Hill Residence. Our favorite and most notable feature of this renovation project would be the three floor-to-ceiling doors that extend the back of the property. Flanked by columns, the windows seem to really pop, and the lanterns help to illuminate this historic property. What are your thoughts on this renovation project?

Note: We have featured some fantastic pre-war row houses here on One Kindesign. If you are seeking more inspiration, take a look: Sprawling rustic and chic pre-war loft in SoHo and Remarkable transformation of pre-war apartment in Manhattan.

Above: The roof deck outside the third-floor owner’s bedroom affords magnificent views of both the Capitol and Library of Congress domes.

Above: View of the garden through new windows. Views of the south-facing rear garden were of critical importance to the project. The steel windows by Hope’s Windows & Doors maintain the traditional ambiance of the existing house while also providing wide unobstructed views of the intimate garden space beyond.

Above: One of the program requirements was a new rear stair to connect the kitchen addition to an existing library. The stair continues the classical language of the addition to the spaces below. 

Above: The rear addition overlooks a walled garden and can be glimpsed through the open garden gate.

PHOTOGRAPHER Jarrett Christian, photographer