Photo courtesy of Bright MLS
510 Wolfe St. exterior
A historic home that once served as a Union hospital during the Civil War is for sale in Old Town Alexandria.
The Wolfe Street General Hospital occupied the large private residence of Francis L. Smith. Smith is known for acting as Robert E. Lee’s attorney in 1870, in his unsuccessful attempt to regain possession of Arlington House.
Smith’s house was first used as a residence or office by Gen. John Slough, Alexandria’s military governor, and then as a hospital with 100 beds. Read more about the history of home here.
The home sits about five blocks from the Potomac River waterfront and is within walking distance of restaurants and shopping.
Here's more about the property, from its listing:
Photo courtesy of Bright MLS
The home sits on a half-acre and features lots of outdoor living spaces.
Now available for the first time in 40 years is an iconic estate property, the largest, most distinguished home in coveted Old Town, Alexandria.
Spanning 14,000+ square feet and set on a generous half-acre lot, this expansive historic house presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the discerning buyer who appreciates incomparable elegance, prewar charm and modern amenities in a premier location.
Built in 1840, 510 Wolfe St. is brimming with architectural character and original details. From the stately brick façade and original ornate iron fencing to the gracious three-story interiors, grandeur is embodied at every turn.
Photo courtesy of Bright MLS
The dining room at 510 Wolfe St. in Old Town Alexandria
The magnificent residence further entices offering all the comforts one could desire, with its own two-car garage and ample driveway parking, lush private yard and sunken garden with irrigation, lovely porch with a wisteria-covered pergola, and large paver-stone patio with fans and lighting for the ultimate outdoor enjoyment.
Adorning the spectacular main home are exquisite elements throughout, among them soaring ceilings up to 12’6”, original plaster ceiling rosettes/medallions, oversized windows inviting in beautiful natural light, 13 fireplaces (12 with original mantels), antique chandeliers, original heart pine floors, solid 8’ Virginia heart pine doors, rare 1950’s English dolphin motif stained glass accents, original crown molding/base trim, and an original circular staircase with walnut handrails ascending to upper floors.
The stunning main level affords an ideal backdrop for entertaining. Off the gracious entry foyer sits an enormous double-parlor great room with dual fireplaces to gather around, each with marble mantles and gilded gold leaf period-matching mirrors above.
Serve gourmet meals in the regal formal dining room with a butler’s pantry, connected to an original eat-in country kitchen that can be updated to suit the contemporary chef. This level also features a handsome study for lounging with coffee or cocktails; a fabulous sky-lit conservatory-sunroom with original hand-molded brick floor, original sandstone window sills, and glass doors to the rear yard; a full laundry room; and guest powder room with a Chinese marble vanity gifted to President Nixon from China.
Occupying the two upper floors, each marked by airy 11’6” ceilings and open landings furnished as sitting areas, are 6 bedrooms, plus a secluded in-law suite with a living room, 7th bedroom, kitchenette and full bath.
The primary suite is a tranquil retreat complete with a dressing room and en-suite bath, and access to a library with built-in bookshelves in the hall. Other highlights include a 1,732 sq ft unfinished top level walk-up attic with extensive storage space, stairs to a widow’s walk for savoring extraordinary Potomac River and city views, and a domed beehive brick ice house/ice cellar adding a unique touch.
What’s more, there are two spacious 1,194 sq ft apartments privately located on the home’s ground level. Each comes with 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a full kitchen, a washer & dryer, and dedicated HVAC unit – perfect for rental income, guest quarters, or conversion to exercise or office space for your personal use.
Own a special piece of Alexandria history and enjoy an unparalleled standard of living, at a prime address close to the waterfront, shops, restaurants and transportation.
