Real Estate: The Old Lancaster School Is on the Market

3126 O St. NW, the former Lancaster School, is on the market for a cool $5.2 million, listed by Jamie Peva of Washington Fine Properties. If you’re interested in a truly historic gem, the building still has a marble block above the front door with an inscription reading: “Amor Signatur in Hac Domo.” The phrase means “love lives in this house” (finally, high school Latin came in handy!). A large original corner stone that reads “The Lancaster School 1811” remains.

The entry hall is 13 feet wide and includes original, wide-plank flooring and flows through to a majestic south garden. The home’s layout is classic Federal design and includes gems like a cozy fireplace in a library. A part of the home dates back to 1790 and has an original mural from U.S. Army artist Olin Dows.

There’s a spacious dining room and eat-in kitchen with granite. A bay window in the kitchen is a comfy spot for a table for four and overlooks the garden. There’s even a back stairway to the second floor. A shady arbor off the library includes a 30 foot by 10-foot pool.

A bit about the history of The Lancaster School: it was the very first public school open to girls and African-Americans in D.C. Francis Scott Key helped raise funds to support the school’s efforts to enable free education to poor children (others paid $10 per year, per student).

The school’s first cornerstone was laid in June of 1811 and opened November 18, 1811. Its first teacher was Robert Ould, who was originally from the Borough School of London. After its first year, the school had almost 300 students. Ould was at one point was teaching a class of over 200 students himself.

You can see more about the listing here. A photo gallery of the home can be found below.

tagsFeatured propertyreal estateWashington Fine Properties