Old Town Alexandria’s Finest: A Historic Duke Street Residence and a Waterfront Queen Street Home

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.

521 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22314

$2,495,000

4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 4,001 Sq Ft

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!

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Just steps from the Potomac River, Founders Park, walking trails and the charm of King Street, this beautifully renovated four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-baths residence offers the best of Old Town living -without the restrictions of an HOA or condo fees. Easy parking with both garage and driveway parking for two cars, a private outdoor flagstone patio, and a potential for an expansive rooftop terrace with breathtaking panoramic views of the river, the Capitol and the Washington skyline.

103 Queen St. Alexandria, VA 22314

$2,500,000

4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 3,060 Sq Ft | Panoramic Views of the River

This home was designed for both comfort, entertaining and lock and leave. Inside, soaring 12-foot ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace with an antique mantel create a dramatic yet inviting living room. The marble foyer with graceful wide entry set a tone of refinement, leading to spacious, light-filled rooms.

The dining room with bay window flows to a thoughtfully updated kitchen with center island, while the family room offers versatility for entertaining or relaxing. The expansive primary suite provides a serene retreat with a walk-in closet and a spa-like bath. Two additional bedrooms share a well-appointed full bath, while the top floor suite boasts another full bath, generous closet space, and direct access to the show-stopping rooftop terrace space.

A flagstone patio with mature trees and a charming fountain extends the living space outdoors, perfect for dining al fresco or unwinding in privacy. As one of the largest homes in its established, upscale community, this residence pairs timeless architecture with a premier location—offering the rare opportunity to live a walkable, waterfront lifestyle in the heart of historic Old Town Alexandria right across from the city dock.

Thinking about buying or selling in Alexandria? Let’s talk! The Patterson Group offers a strategic approach and expert guidance in today’s market.

SEE ALSO:  Elegant Villamay Retreat Just Minutes from Old Town

Britt Patterson

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Born, raised, and bred in Alexandria, VA, Britt Patterson is a true product of the great state of Virginia. Britt attended Waynewood Elementary (Class of ’96), Carl Sandburg Middle School (Class of ’98) , and West Potomac High School (Class of ’02), she then went on to attend Virginia Tech (go Hokies!) where she majored in Business Marketing and Minored in Real Estate. Britt “officially” joined the family business as a licensed Realtor in 2008 after two years of working the political fundraising field and prides herself on her Alexandria real estate knowledge, alongside her integrity, loyalty, and professionalism as an agent and Vice President for the family business.

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