Where History Lives Large: A Romanesque Revival Masterpiece in D.C.’s Most Storied Neighborhood

Wander the streets of our nation’s capital and you’re bound to encounter a vibrant patchwork of architectural styles—Beaux Arts, Georgian Revival, Mediterranean, Arts and Crafts, and Federal among them. Yet few neighborhoods capture Washington’s storied past and present prestige quite like Kalorama.

Derived from the Greek word for “fine view,” Kalorama’s name dates back to 1807, when poet Joel Barlow christened his hilltop estate with the moniker. But it wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that the area began to transform into the distinguished residential enclave it is today. Home to presidents, ambassadors, and diplomats for more than a century, Kalorama’s tree-lined streets and grand residences now form part of the Kalorama Triangle Historic District—an architectural showcase of the city’s finest homes.

Among its crown jewels: a Romanesque Revival masterpiece on Phelps Place NW, built in 1905 for the president of the Lincoln National Bank and recently listed on the market for $8,750,000. Restored and thoughtfully expanded over time, this nearly 9,000-square-foot estate blends old-world gravitas with contemporary luxury.

Designed in the style of Henry Hobson Richardson—the American architect who popularized Romanesque architecture—the home is a study in permanence and presence. Thick stone façades, a commanding turret, carved corbels, and arched windows give the exterior a fortress-like beauty, while the entry vestibule hints at the grandeur within.

Step inside, and the craftsmanship of a bygone era reveals itself in every detail: coffered ceilings, paneled millwork, and restored pocket doors—all bathed in natural light from oversized windows and 11-foot ceilings. Three gas fireplaces anchor the main level, which flows from a formal living room to a marble-clad sitting room and a banquet-sized dining room made for entertaining. At the rear, the chef’s kitchen features top-tier appliances by Sub-Zero, Viking, and Bosch, plus a sunny breakfast room that opens onto a gracious terrace.

“The home offers an exceptional setting for both elegant entertaining and comfortable living,” describe mother-and-daughter duo Marin Hagen and Sylvia Bergstrom, the property’s listing agents.

An elevator services all four levels, including an expansive second-floor primary suite that rivals any five-star hotel. Anchored by a fireplace, the owner’s retreat includes a Waterworks marble spa bath, two large walk-in closets (one with a custom beverage station), and luminous proportions throughout. Two additional en-suite bedrooms and a laundry room complete the floor.

Upstairs, the third level offers two more bedrooms, two full baths, a sunlit sitting room, and a versatile bonus space perfect for a playroom, studio, or private office. Overhead, a central skylight draws sunlight down to the core of the home, brightening every level below.

The fully finished lower level delivers on every lifestyle indulgence: a state-of-the-art gym, a media lounge, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, and a private in-law or guest suite with its own entrance. A spacious two-car garage with ample storage completes the offering.

Outdoors, the home’s private garden unfolds like a hidden retreat—complete with a pergola-covered dining area, fire pit, built-in grill station, fountain, and lush, mature landscaping.

Surrounded by Rock Creek Park, The Phillips Collection, and a constellation of embassies and cultural landmarks, this Kalorama residence stands as a rare offering in one of Washington’s most storied and sought-after enclaves.

View the complete listing by Marin Hagen and Sylvia Bergstrom.