Real Estate

Ari Post • June 18, 2013

The Georgetowner selected a handful of renowned, world class travel experts, who shared with us their favorite international, domestic and local travel destinations of the last year, offering a wealth of insider travel information that even the most traveled readers are sure to appreciate. From resorts tucked away in the canyon valleys of Southern Utah, to romantic Italian villas and hidden local gems, here you will find plenty of reasons to start booking your tickets and packing your bags.

Andrew Harper
—
One of the most distinct voices in luxury travel, the alias Andrew Harper has long been known for his insightful reviews of small and unique hotels, resorts and travel destinations. Traveling incognito, he searches the globe for distinctive new properties while candidly reassessing classic hotels and luxury resorts. His renowned newsletter of review, The Hideaway Report, has an abiding passion for classic hospitality and refined service amid peaceful surroundings. Mr. Harper shared with us his 2011 Grand Award Winners for international and domestic resort destinations.

Domestic: Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid, New York

In 1882, a German family built themselves a rustic camp from which they could enjoy the dramatic view of Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks. This remained a private residence until 1946, when the property was sold and reopened as a hotel. However, in late 2005, the main building suffered a catastrophic fire.

The lodge reopened in 2008. Today, the front hall is once again a classic Adirondack interior, its wood floors covered with area rugs, a welcoming fire in a stone fireplace, cleverly crafted furniture made in the distinctive regional “twig” style, and a stairwell filled by a towering birch tree.

There are 13 rooms and suites in the main lodge and an adjoining building, plus 17 cabins beside the lake. Our cabin proved to be a haven of comfort, with…a stone fireplace and picture windows. The furniture was a mix of antiques and handcrafted pieces by local artisans.

The main lodge is full of spaces that are just as cozy and appealing. Artisans, the formal dining room, offers a seasonal New American menu. Wood-paneled Maggie’s Pub, with its fireplace and tables set by the windows, is just the place for a first-rate burger and a pint of the locally brewed Ubu Ale. Lake Placid Lodge is an iconic American resort, and its restoration has been a remarkable success. For more information, visit LakePlacidLodge.com

International: Il Salviatino, Florence, Italy

Just four miles from the center of Florence and set amid 12 acres of formal gardens on a lane leading up to the exquisite hill town of Fiesole, Il Salviatino occupies an historic cream-colored villa that enjoyed a heyday during the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was home to the powerful Salviati family. In September 2009, it opened as a 45-room hotel, having been subject to a $60 million restoration.

The terrace…has one of the most extraordinary views of Florence we have ever seen. Today, it stands as a small masterpiece of Old World style and hospitality. See more at Salviatino.com

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Anne Morgan Scully
—
President of McCabe World Travel, Anne Morgan Scully has been in the industry for over three decades and currently serves on boards for Ritz Carlton, several cruise lines, and a number of travel, hotel and resort companies. In 2010, she was named one of the top 10 leaders in travel by Travel and Leisure magazine. Anne shared with us some of her favorite resorts in the country.

Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah

Amangiri is one of the most stunning new resorts in the American West. God is the chief architect of this resort. Amangiri is set on a 600-acre expanse of wilderness in Southern Utah, tucked into a protected valley with sweeping views over colorful, stratified rock towards the Grand Staircase. Architecturally, the resort has been designed to blend into the landscape with natural hues, materials and textures a feature of the design. The structures are commanding and in proportion with the scale of the natural surroundings, yet provide an intimate setting from which to view and appreciate the landscape. And you can drive out and explore the area in the resort’s BMW Z3!

The resort offers 34 suites in total: 13 Desert View Suites, 14 Mesa View Suites, one Terrace Suite, two Pool Suites, two Terrace Pool Suites, the Girijaala Suite and the Amangiri Suite.

The swimming pool is set within a sunken courtyard framed by the Pavilion and rock escarpment. It wraps around the rock to finish with a hot tub that sits at the base of a rock wall. The pool’s lounging terrace features king-sized day beds and pairs of sun-loungers. Their 2,322-square 25,000-square foot Aman Spa is a vast complex of stone, water features and streams of light, offering a number of unique treatment venues. The Spa offers single and double treatment rooms in addition to two outdoor treatment terraces with spectacular views of the mesas.

Activities include treks, guided hikes, biking, rock climbing, boating trips, archaeological tours, hot air ballooning, scenic helicopter or fixed wing flights, equestrian adventures, and more. For more information visit Amangiri.com.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina

This is an easy weekend getaway from Washington…only an hour and a half flight to Charleston South Carolina. Truly one of America’s most luxurious resorts, it is located along the pristine shores of Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

This exquisitely designed hotel is also only thirty minutes from downtown Charleston, which captures the spirit, history, and charm of southern hospitality and some of the best southern comfort food there is—barbeques shrimp and grits are among most guests favorites. And their ice cream parlor is not to be missed.

With its 255 gracious guestrooms and suites, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the finest oceanfront hotel built on the East Coast in the past 20 years. Each spacious room features luxurious five fixture baths, large marble showers, dual vanities, private water closets, shuttered bathroom windows and ocean view balconies. A private concierge level offers the most exclusive, personalized services and private elevator access, while the concierge club features exquisite food presentations throughout the day. In addition, families and adults can enjoy two oceanfront pools, with music and poolside & beachside service.

Kiawah Island is a golfer’s paradise with five competitively designed master golf courses. In fact, three of Kiawah Island’s golf courses ranked on Golf Digest’s list of “America’s Top 75 Resort Courses,” and Conde Nast Traveler recently listed the Resort among the top “50 Golf Resorts Worldwide.” See for yourself at KiawahResort.com.

The W South Beach, Miami, Florida

I just returned from this hotel and was in awe of the design and energy of the hotel! This is the playground of celebrities and on the boardwalk of the fashion jet set! This oasis has been created by international tastemakers, framed by famed art deco and in the heart of Miami’s hottest nightlife.

As palm trees sway to a salsa beat, nosh at the chic Mr Chow and Soleá, mingle your way across six cool bars, linger in the Living Room, pamper at Bliss Spa, or cool off in lushly landscaped pools. For more information visit WHotels.com/SouthBeach.

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Carlyle Fairfax Smith
—

Carlyle Fairfax Smith is the consulting publicist of Carlyle International, a boutique communications agency that focuses on luxury hotels, spas and destinations. Her insight into the world of upscale and luxury lifestyles is distinctive, with deep knowledge of the luxury traveler and hospitality industry. Discussing some of her favorite travel destinations, Carlyle proved her value as a consultant and offered a dazzling breadth of options for all types of travelers.

International: Ireland & Bali

“Irish Hospitality” lives up to the hype and Ireland is as close to East Coast as it is to California. Beauty, History and easy access. Shannon International Airport is a mere five hour flight from the U.S. and a six mile drive from Dromoland Castle (if worlds away in every other regard).

In particular I like The Dromoland Collection, which comprises of Dromoland Castle and Castlemartyr Resort, two of Ireland’s finest and most celebrated hotels. The hotels in this collection embody the legendary Dromoland tradition of incomparable hospitality complemented by exquisite surroundings, yet each possesses a distinctive style, character and charm all its own.

Castlemartyr Resort: nestled in the unspoiled rolling countryside of East Cork near the ruins of an 800-year-old castle, Castlemartyr Resort’s crowning jewel is a classic 18th century manor house. The Manor has been magnificently restored and elegantly enhanced to offer 109 deluxe guest rooms, gourmet dining, an expansive world-class spa and welcoming, impeccably styled interiors. Opportunities for outdoor pursuits abound both on the estate, which includes an inland-links-style golf course designed by the renowned Ron Kirby, and in the surrounding region. For more information visit CastlemartyrResort.ie.

Dromoland Castle, located in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, was built in the 16th century. Majestically set on the shores of Lough Dromoland, it is surrounded by over 410 acres of breathtaking scenery, including a championship parkland golf course. Lavish interiors, fine food and superb wines complement the deluxe accommodations of the Castle’s 99 guest rooms, while Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club, an intimate spa and traditional outdoor recreational opportunities ensure a unique guest experience. See for yourself at Dromoland.ie.

In Bali, Viceroy Bali has a real WOW factor, with gravity defying, thatched villas set on the edge of a steep ravine, overlooking the Petanu River gorge in Bali’s mountain foothills. With amazing hillside views, the most tranquil and scenic spa, some of the best food in Bali and immaculate service, this is a truly romantic retreat close to the artist’s village of Ubud. Some new villas are opening later this year. ViceroyBali.com.

Local: Talbot County, Maryland

Talbot County invites visitors to experience the perfect balance of rural simplicity and urban refinement. With the timeless beauty of the Chesapeake Bay as their backdrop, the county’s sophisticated small towns, charming country byways, and wide array of activities offer something for everyone who appreciates the opportunity to relax, reflect, and renew.

Easton, celebrating its three-hundredth year in 2010, sits at the center of Talbot County. It is a remarkable hybrid of historical and hip, humming with energy, pedestrian friendly, and ranked as one of the best places to live in the nation. Museums and other cultural centers, festivals of all sorts, historic sites, shopping, convenient access to outdoor leisure activities, and a welcoming, sophisticated populace make Easton a uniquely appealing visitor experience even for groups with diverse interests.

Oxford, located south of Easton on the Tred Avon River, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The first incorporated town in the county, it was officially founded in 1683. Until the American Revolution, Oxford was an international shipping center, surrounded by tobacco plantations and home to a number of prominent national figures. Later it thrived on oyster harvesting and packing and other watermen’s trades, even as tourism and leisure activities increased. It guards its peaceful personality, architectural integrity, and small-town virtues to this day.

St. Michaels, situated on the elbow of a peninsula reaching deep into the Chesapeake Bay, is cradled between the historic Miles River and Michener’s Broad Creek. St. Michaels is a gathering spot for lovers of laid-back leisure. Its maritime museum, marina, tree-lined streets, and architectural treasures are the perfect backdrop for the town’s many fine shops, galleries, and boutiques.

Tilghman Island is a water lover’s wonderland, home to the last commercial fleet of lightning-fast oyster-harvesting skipjacks. Surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and the Choptank River, the island offers a full range of water sport rentals, unique sail and motorboat excursions, and ten mapped water trails. For those who prefer to keep their feet dry, Tilghman Island has no lack of benches, porches, decks, and docks from which to appreciate the entrancing beauty of the bay, river, and marshes.

I would also highly recommend Talbot County as a budget travel destination, with a great selection of rental houses, luxury hotels, country inns and bed & breakfasts. There are accommodations and activities to suit any budget. And yet people feel as if they’ve been away and have an opportunity to relax and enjoy. The Talbot County Office of Tourism offers comprehensive information and trip planning services. Visit them at TourTalbot.org to find out more.
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Nico Dodd •

Buying a home can be a daunting prospect. For newlyweds, it can be a challenging, new experience for couples making a serious financial commitment together. We asked three real estate brokers to share with us their advice.

What advice do you have for first-time homebuyers?

KMK: The most important step is to choose an agent and broker that you can trust and one that has a track record in your target areas and price range. The number of homes and condos on the market is about 40% less than last year, so it is critical to work with someone who is “ahead of the market” and who can tell you about properties before they go into the MRIS.

You should determine your ideal price range and comfort zone by meeting with a reputable, local lender. Working with Internet lenders can be extremely challenging. It often causes great frustration and can put your escrow deposit at risk. Getting a sense of what interest rate you qualify for will give you a concrete sense of you monthly mortgage payment amount. Also think through, once you buy, what sort of cash reserves would you have on hand.? Can you afford to buy something that needs cosmetic work? Or would you be better off mortgaging a bit more for something more renovated? That will bring additional focus to your house hunt.

Good friends that have been happy with a recent real estate transaction can also be a good source of agent and lender referrals.

RH: First time homebuyers should find an agent whom they are comfortable working with. Asking a friend who has recently purchased property for a recommendation is a good way to start. If they’re moving to a new market, it may be a good time to begin their search online. All good real estate agents post their biographies on their company’s website. Always interview an agent, and try to meet them in person before you make a commitment. Also, every first time homebuyer should meet with a mortgage lender before they begin their search. They are often surprised by how much house they can easily afford with today’s historically low interest rates.

RV: Work with an experienced buyer’s agent, one that understands a competitive market. I would recommend this to all homebuyers, not only first-timers.

How should a newlywed couple begin their search?

KMK: Keep your lines of communication open. Don’t get frustrated by differences of opinion when it comes to home-buying. The important thing is to work with an agent that you both trust and have faith in. Often, I have my clients devise a priority list and weight the items of most and least importance. Then, I suggest that they honor the priorities that the two of them most heavily weigh and always be ready to compromise on the less important items. It is a great feeling when I find the “right” place for them – they know instantly – “this is the one” when they first see the property.

RH: Newlyweds should begin their search by talking with each other. It’s often surprising that new couples have very different ideas of the house of their dreams. They should sit down together and formulate a list of their wants, including style, neighborhood, layout, etc.

RV: Get qualified for a loan. Being prepared and educated about making an offer in this market is imperative, and should always be the first step in searching for a home. Buyers sometimes miss out on a property because they are not prepared to make an offer. You sometimes have to put an offer together within hours of viewing a property. Waiting to get your finances together adds unneeded stress. Getting financially prepared for the process will make it easier when it comes time to decide about financial decisions like price escalations, property inspections and the like.

How should first-time homebuyers figure out their priorities in their search?

KMK: It is a great idea to talk through your list of “must have” and “nice-to-have” attributes of property, and what you are willing to compromise on. It is important to realize that no property is “perfect,” no matter the price. Real estate is an exercise in trade-offs. For instance, to get more space within your budget, you may have to rethink location. Or, if you are set on a premium location, you may have to give up on square footage preferences to stay within the prescribed budget. So, try to keep an open mind, and be realistic.

RH: Figure out your priorities by looking at the way you live in your current house or apartment. Do you ever use the yard or terrace? Is it necessary? What type of kitchen is important, or do you regularly eat out? Prioritize the features of your future home.

RV: If not familiar with the market, their realtor should take them on a tour of target neighborhoods. The buyers should also make a list of features for their ideal property – like distance to the Metro, parking, washer and dryer, then compare. Share the combined lists with their realtor. The buyers should try to be realistic about their buying power in the market.

Do you have any advice for couples moving in together for the first time?

KMK: Be prepared to take a lot of deep breaths and exercise you best patience skills. Also, be prepared to compromise and not have things always be the way you may be used to. It is important to maintain your outside friends and interests, as it will keep your relationship fresh and interesting.

RH: Yikes, I think I should stay away from this one, but it’s probably a good idea to take a good look at your partner, figure out their daily habits and realize that you have to choose your battles carefully. It’s more fun to live with someone than to live alone. Remember this when you’re thinking of starting an argument….by the way I live alone and my dog doesn’t argue.

RV: Patience and consideration. Most cohabiting difficulties are pretty minor but tend to get blown out of proportion. I recommend that people consider shelving their first disappointments, like a wet towel on the bed. Ask yourself, “Is this really worth arguing?” Plan a time to discuss once a week and write down agenda items. The discussion should take place calmly over a coffee. If these items of consideration are handled in a calm manner hopefully the resolution will be swift.

How should couples best take advantage of this real estate market?

KMK: With inventory being so low and demand relatively high, be prepared. Have your finances organized, lender pre-approval in hand, and work with an agent and broker that has a strong footing in the market and can give you advance notice of listings before they actually go onto the public market.

RH: Prices remain at the lowest levels seen since 2002 across most of the country and inter- est rates currently remain at the lowest levels in our lifetimes. This is a great opportunity to enter the market. However, in Washington, inventory is extremely low and a well-priced property will sell within days and often with multiple offers. Be prepared to make an attractive offer if the property you want surfaces. Have your financing in order, your down payment funds available, and be prepared to act quickly. It sometimes takes a new homebuyer losing a deal before they realize the urgency our current market dictates.

RV: Lock in a great interest rate. If not planning to have children in the short term, live somewhere fun. Take advantage of the time you have together before expanding your family and enjoy your free time the way you want. If you run, live somewhere good to run. If you go out, live fairly close to bars and restaurants.

What was your experience buying your first home?

KMK: I was very fortunate to have my real estate agent also be my sister, Eileen McGrath. It was a great experience and she guided me through a successful transaction.

RH: I bought my first home when I was 22. It was a great experience. I renovated a little row house with a lot of blood sweat and tears…liter- ally. But, that little house helped put me through law school when I sold it.

RV: I have bought and sold several properties in competitive markets and my first home was no exception. It was the third house I made an offer on and I got a good deal on an estate sale. My second home had multiple offers, but was still a good deal, and I ended up having to escalate 10% over list price to win. [gallery ids="101163,141677,141674" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • June 6, 2013

As summer rears its fiery head, many auction houses close their doors for the season.
Through July and August, they devote their resources to selecting, organizing and curating
their fall and winter schedules. June presents the last opportunity to explore their unique
troves of art, historic furniture, antiques and collectibles before the leaves begin to signal
the arrival of autumn. Here is what?s coming up this month. So, be sure to get there quickly?
there is likely to be some friendly competition.

**Doyle New York

Woven Gold Fringe Necklace and Pair of Ear Clips
18 karat with French assay marks & French export marks, ca.1950.

Auction Date: June 20

Estimate: $3,500 ? $4,500**

Doyle New York?s Fine Jewelry auction on Thursday, June 20,
at 10 a.m. will feature a glittering array of jewelry bearing more
moderate estimates than in the Important Jewelry sales. Showcased
are exquisite designs?many of them signed pieces?set
with diamonds, colored stones and pearls, as well as gold jewelry,
fine watches and gentlemen?s accessories. The woven gold
fringe necklace is a classically beautiful accessory that feels
right in place among the recently growing popularity of fringe
necklaces. Certain designs never goes out of style.[www.Doyle-
NewYork.com](http://www.doylenewyork.com)

**Sotheby?s**
*William Faulkner Nobel Prize Acceptance
Speech

Manuscript and typescript with the Nobel
medal, citation and 4 press photographs.*

**Auction Date: June 11**

**Estimate: + $500,000**

On June 11, Sotheby?s will offer the largest
and most important archive of William
Faulkner?s work ever to appear at
auction. Featuring a recently discovered
unpublished short story and a handwritten
draft of his acclaimed Nobel Prize acceptance
speech, the lot contains a highly
personal selection of letters, manuscript
drafts and drawings, providing a remarkable
window into key moments of the celebrated author?s life. Further glimpses into the private life
of this public figure are offered by intimate gifts the author prepared by for his wife and daughter.
A portion of the collection, estimated to fetch over $2 million, was only recently discovered on his
family?s property in Virginia, including a number of items previously feared lost. Highlights will be
on view in New York in advance of the June sale. [www.Sothebys.com](http://www.sothebys.com/en.html)

**Bonhams**

*Anton Chekhov (1860-1904, Russian)
Povesti i razskazy (Stories and Tales), 1984
Presentation copy with inscription*

**Estimate: $25,000 – $35,000**

**Auction Date: June 26**

Bonhams will present its second-ever dedicated U.S. auction of Russian
Literature & Works on Paper on June 26. Building on the success of
the inaugural Russian Literature auction in December 2012, Bonhams
will offer Russian books, manuscripts, periodicals, posters, artwork
and photography ranging from the early 19th to the mid 20th century.
Movements from the intellectualism of Silver Age literature to the
groundbreaking aesthetics of Constructivism will be represented. The
auction?s top lot is the first authorized edition, signed by the author, of the complete works of prerevolutionary
master Gavrila Romanovich Derzhavin, published in St. Petersburg between 1808
and 1816. Another important edition on offer is Anton Chekhov?s ?Povesti i razskazy? (?Stories
and Tales?) from 1894. This presentation copy is warmly inscribed to a waiter and good friend at
the Grand Hotel in Moscow where Chekhov stayed, Semen Ilich Bychkov.

**Sloan and Kenyon**

*Edward Hopper (American, 1882-1967).
Portrait of Alta Hillsdale, ca. 1904-14.
Oil on canvas.*

**Auction Date: June 14 ? 16**

From Friday, June 14, through Sunday, June 16, Sloans and Kenyon
will hold its June Estate Catalogue Auction, following an exhibition of
the auction beginning June 8. An important portrait by Edward Hopper,
depicting Alta Hillsdale, his romantic interest from 1904 to 1914,
is a highlight of the event. The portrait?s discovery and authentication
coincides with the exhibition of 58 recently discovered letters from
Alta Hillsdale (1884-1948) to Hopper, which revealed their previously
unknown romantic relationship. The letters are exhibit for the first time in ?Dear Mr. Hopper?
at the Edward Hopper House Art Center in Nyack, N.Y., through Oct. 20. Hopper?s interest in
representation by photographic means and, in particular, the intersections between photography,
the creation of ?atmosphere,? and the artist?s masterworks of the 1920s and ?30s, will also be the
subject of a forthcoming scholarly article, coauthored by Sloans & Kenyon?s president,
Stephanie A. Kenyon. [www.SloansAndKenyon.com](http://www.sloansandkenyon.com)

**Weschler?s**

*M.C. Escher (Dutch 1898-1972); Stars (Bool 359); Wood engraving.
Auction Date: June 12*

**Estimate: $10,000 ? $20,000**

Weschler?s upcoming auction on June 12, at 10 a.m., will consist
mostly of prints?including serigraphs, lithographs, etchings, and
gelatin silver photographs. M.C. Escher?s ?Stars? (Bool 359) is a
signature example of the renowned graphic artist?s work, exhibiting
his style that blends symbolism and playful optical illusions of perspective
and geometry with humor and worldly beauty. Other featured
artists include Ansel Adams, Sam Gilliam, Gene Davis, Andy
Warhol and Willem de Looper. [www.Weschlers.com](http://www.weschlers.com)

Nico Dodd • May 9, 2013

Is it spring yet? We’ve finally gotten to the point where it might be warm enough to call it that. On the way to work, I see kids are wearing shorts to school despite 50-degree morning temperatures. When it’s warm enough, the biggest luxury for me is taking the time to read the newspaper in the backyard. As my brain takes about an hour to rev up, I like to enjoy a quiet time in the backyard reading the news and pretending not to be scared about the Nats’ mediocre April record.

In keeping with the early light of the orning, simpler design with natural materials are tranquil. These side chairs by Janus et Cie remind me of Bryant Park in New York. Cityscape Planters by West Elm would look great filled succulents, and Jonathan Adler mugs are a cute vessel for a.m. fuel. [gallery ids="149568,149532,149561,149538,149556,149545,149551" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • April 24, 2013

The Georgetown House Tour Patrons’ Party will be held at the home of Tom Anderson and Marc Schappell April 24. Tickets can be purchased online at www.GeorgetownHouseTour.com. There is a tea at St. John’s Church parish hall (O and Potomac Streets), 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 27, the day of the tour.

In addition to the tour, the Georgetown House Tour and the Georgetown Office of Doyle New York are hosting a presentation and book signing by New York-based architect Gil Schafer in Blake Hall at St. John’s Church on Thursday, May 9, at 6 p.m. Schafer’s presentation is titled “The Ingredients of a Great House.” Tickets for this event can be purchased on the Georgetown House Tour’s website as well.

Houses Featured on the Georgetown House Tour
This year’s varied selection includes nine places but 10 addresses, nearly evenly divided on the west and east sides. In a matter of hours, visitors will take in breath-taking designs and surprises of place and history. (Descriptions provided by the Georgetown House Tour.)

1671 34TH STREET
This elegant and spacious multi-level home is featured on the cover of the April issue of Veranda with a 12-page spread inside. The distinguished interior is by the owner, a nationally known designer who has a passion for classic architecture, tempered by a serene, neutral palette. Shots of brightly-colored upholstery, painted furniture and strategically placed canvases of contemporary art contribute to a relaxed, well-lived-in atmosphere that makes the grandeur of the rooms more inviting.

3245 N STREET
Bathed in light emanating from strategically placed skylights over the floating staircase and the central glass elevator shaft, the house at 3245 N Street now has a sleek contemporary appearance since its just finished total renovation by Rixey-Rixey Architects of Georgetown. The home’s modern and clean lines have been compared to that of a high-performance race car and the design and furnishings reflect the varied interests of its owners.

1316 AND 1318 33RD STREET
“The Stables,” as they are known, began life as a carriage house and stables. In the 1850s, Richard Perry, founder of Georgetown Gas Works and chairman of a local bank, built himself a suitable mansion (the large home at the corner of 33rd and O Streets) plus carriage house, stables and other temporary buildings. In 1923, Perry’s carriage house and stables were converted to residential use. The two houses (each about 1,700 square feet) contain puzzling clues to past residents: religious terra cotta tiles in the walls, stained glass windows and the ghosts of windows and doors on the exterior walls.

1687 34TH STREET
The site of 1687 34th Street was once part of the estate of heiress and socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean, famous, amongst other things, for being the last private owner of the Hope Diamond. Mrs. McLean’s primary estate was on the site of what is now McLean Gardens. After she died in 1947, the property was sold to a developer who, in 1950 – 51, constructed custom townhouses on the site that reflected the look of the 19th century “period” homes of Georgetown. Mrs. Lockland Phillips (“Betty”) purchased the house, where she resided for 40 years, during which time the house held an immense collection of 19th and 20th century art, considered to be the finest in Washington.

1601 31ST STREET
This baronial-style baroque Victorian mansion on the corner of 31st and Q Streets was built in 1889 for lawyer and developer W. Taylor Birch. In 1885, Birch purchased and subdivided three lots, on which he constructed this home and 1607 31st Street. The architect for 1601 and possibly 1607 was Thomas F. Schneider, who designed many houses in Washington, but is chiefly known for designing the Cairo Hotel near Dupont Circle. The hotel’s height of 12 stories caused a furor among Washington residents and was the impetus of the Height of Buildings Act of 1899 and subsequent acts that limit the height of buildings in Washington to this day.

1552 34TH STREET
Built in the early 1930s as part of a WPA project to give work to unemployed architects, 1552 34th Street is one of a row of eight houses that share a common alley at the back. The entry door is recessed from the sidewalk through a walkway. The kitchen and dining room in the front of the house afford a view of Volta Park. Most of the furnishings are family pieces from the South. The owners have a knack for finding things many would overlook and turning them into something practical and intriguing.

2817 N STREET
This home was constructed in 1796, but has seen multiple additions throughout its history. It is semi-detached with a guest house adjacent to the main building. Six original wood-burning fireplaces remain in the house. One of the most notable additions was a kitchen and an enlarged dining room, completed in 2000. Both rooms contain banks of windows and doors that offer garden views. The addition was commissioned by then-owner Michael Sullivan and designed by Outerbridge Horsey Associates.

1300 30TH STREET
Originally built in 1807 as part of a freestanding house, this three-story Georgian-style brick home is one the earliest substantial houses in Georgetown. It originally included what is now 1302 30th Street, but the property was divided in 1887, when the mansard roofs were added. Both properties are designated as contributing properties to the Georgetown Historic District and are National Landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

3138 P STREET
The federal row house at 3138 P Street, with a classic brick front, was originally designed in 1911 by local architect J.W. McIntyre for then owner and builder Elie Fabrie, who moved to Washington after his property was substantially damaged in the San Francisco earthquake of 1906.? [gallery ids="101259,147692,147687,147655,147682,147677,147661,147666,147671" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • April 10, 2013

**Sloans and Kenyon**
*Auction Date: April 20 and 21*
?More than 1,000 lots of American & European furniture, decorative arts, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, rugs, Asian ceramics, ethnographica and antiques will be offered in Sloans and Kenyon?s April Estate Catalogue Auction, which includes property from the estates of Jane Cramer Nairn and John and Mary Anne Kirlin. The auction features over 30 works by Gustav Trois, the prolific Washington- based painter from the early 20th century, directly from the artist?s estate. Born in France, Trois captured the District through a uniquely filtered lens, and through his eyes and brush the streets of Georgetown and the C&O Canal look more like street scenes of 19th-century France than the United States? capital city. The Estate Catalogue Auction will proceed a weeklong exhibition from April 13 to 19 at Sloans & Kenyon?s gallery, located at 7034 Wisconsin Avenue, in Chevy Chase, Md. [www. SloansAndKenyon.com](http://www.sloansandkenyon.com)

**Sotheby?s New York**
*Auction Date: May 7
Estimate: $25 Million to $35 Million*
Sotheby?s will offer the Collection of Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt in a series of auctions in New York and Paris in 2013, including seminal paintings by Paul C?zanne and Amedeo Modigliani, that will lead the Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale in New York on May 7. ?Les Pommes,? a soft and pulsing still life by C?zanne, reveals why the artist?s work in the still- life genre is considered among his greatest achievements. The painting explores so eloquently and so clearly the paradoxes of
forms in space to which he devoted himself, and the principals of which inspired the Cubism of Picasso that signaled the very birth of modern art. ?Les Pommes? is a perfect still life, let alone a rare master- work of the past two centuries.?[www.Sothebys.com](http://www.sothebys.com)

**Bonhams**
?*Auction Date: April 29
?Estimate $600 to $800?*
Bonhams highly anticipated annual Whiskey auction will feature remarkable spirits, cognacs, scotches, bourbons and ryes. Sure to please seasoned collectors and emerging enthusiasts alike, the sale offers a wide selection of exceptional vintages spanning two centuries and ranging from the curious to the opulent. Many of the whiskies on offer are especially notable for their age, giving collectors the opportunity to savor the vintages of their favorite distilleries from previous decades. An Old Quarter Century, 25-year-old bourbon whiskey distilled in 1890 by W.L.Weller & Sons, is encased in a woven wicker cage. This bottle in such an unusual presentation is impressive for its shear survival, while W.L.Weller aficionados will appreciate the chance to taste the acclaimed company?s 19th-century product. [www.Bonhams.com](http://bonhams.com)

**Doyle New York**
*Auction Date: April 23
Estimate:$5,000 to $8,000?*
Doyle?s auction of Rare Books & Autographs include a wealth of rare treasures, from the ledger page of the 1912 insurance policy for the Titanic issued by the Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company, to original pen and ink drawings from the first book by 18-year-old Maurice Sendak. Another exciting item is a rare book from 1883, profiling American football?s earliest years. This is the first published work by the ?father of American football,? Walter Camp (1859-1925), the head football coach at Yale University from 1888 to 1892. Camp introduced several major rules that define the game to this day, including the line of scrimmage that established firm possession of the ball by one team, the snap of the ball from the center to the quarterback, the system of downs and scoring, and the positions and numbers of players. A remarkable record detailing football?s first years, this pamphlet is exceptionally rare, the only other known copy residing in the Library of Congress. [www.DoyleNewYork.com](http://www.doylenewyork.com)

Georgetowner • March 12, 2013

**Sloans and Kenyon**
*Gustav Trois (1917-2000)*
*Right: Old C&O Canal, Georgetown*
*Auction Date: April 20 – 21*
More than 1,000 lots of American and European furniture, decorative arts, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, rugs, Asian ceramics, ethnographica and antiques will be offered in Sloans and Kenyon?s April Estate Catalogue Auction, which includes property from the estates of Jane Cramer Nairn and John and Mary Anne Kirlin. The auction features over 30 works by Gustav Trois, the prolific Washington-based painter from the early 20th century, directly from the artist?s estate. Born in France, Trois captured D.C. through a uniquely filtered lens, and through his eyes and brush the streets of Georgetown and the C&O Canal look more like street scenes of 19th century France than the United States? capital city. The Estate Catalogue Auction will proceed a week long exhibition from April 13 ? 19 at Sloans & Kenyon?s gallery, located at 7034 Wisconsin Avenue, in Chevy Chase.
[www.SloansAndKenyon.com](http://www.sloansandkenyon.com)

**Sotheby?s New York**
*Special: March 2013 Asia Week*
*Auction Date: March 19 – 21*
Sotheby?s Asia Week sales include wide and diverse collections of art and artifacts from beyond the Western canon, including a sale of Indian and Southeast Asian art (March 20), fine Chinese ceramics and works of art (March 19 ? 20), fine classical Chinese paintings (March 21), and an estate sale of modern and contemporary Indian Art from the Amaya Collection (March 19). The Amaya Collection is the first single-owner sale of contemporary Indian art to be held at Sotheby?s in over a decade. Consigned by esteemed collector and author, Amrita Jhaveri, the collection comprises important Indian art produced in the second half of the 20th century through to the early 21st, and offers some of the finest examples from the oeuvres of key artists, including important works by Modernist masters S.H. Raza and Tyeb Mehta, whose untitled figure painting leads the auction and is estimated at $800,000 to $1.2 million.
[www.Sothebys.com](http://www.sothebys.com)

**Weschler?s**
*Sam Gilliam (American, b. 1933)*
*Upper Right: Oil on canvas*
*Auction Date: March 22*
***Estimate $15,000-20,000***
Weschler?s Capital Collection Estate Auction will feature a wide selection of furnishings, decorations, jewelry and fine art from various local estates and private collections, with a collection exhibition beginning Saturday, March 16, at Weschler?s downtown D.C. gallery. The auction boasts a selection of over 100 paintings, drawings and prints, including an ethereal nude drawing by Russian artist Vasily Sitnikov, Nude of Martha Wayman, a double-sided work expected to fetch between $30,000 and $50,000. Washington, D.C. artist Sam Gilliam?s ?Upper Red? is another auction gem, a seminal work from the artist?s oeuvre. A sizable collection of 19th and 20th century bronzes are also in the sale, presenting a cast of both historical and mythical figures, and include works by Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercie (French 1845 ? 1942) and Emmanuel Fr?miet (French 1824 ? 1910).
[www.Weschlers.com](http://www.weschlers.com)

**Doyle New York**
*Below: 18-karat Gold tray and Set of 18-karat Gold Cordial Cups*
*From the Estate of Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl*
*Auction Date: April 15*
***Estimate (combined): $165,000 ? $235,000***
Doyle New York will auction important jewelry, timepieces and objets de vertu from the estate of Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl (1903-2011), niece of Consuelo Vanderbilt, Duchess of Marlborough. One of the highlights of the auction is a rare artifact from the Alva, the 1931 yacht commissioned by her father, William K. Vanderbilt, Jr., one of the five largest yachts in the world at the time of its construction: an 18-karat gold cocktail tray, with twelve accompanying 18-karat gold cordial glasses by Tiffany & Co., each engraved ?Alva 1931.? The glasses are additionally engraved ?Ara 1924,? for the year Vanderbilt?s previous yacht, the Ara, was launched. Designed by Cox & Stevens and launched in 1931, the 265-foot yacht Alva set a new standard for luxury. Its maiden voyage circumnavigating the globe was documented in the film, ?Over the Seven Seas,? narrated by William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. Other property from the estate of Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl comprises important timepieces and jewelry dating primarily to the 1920s and 30s. Highlighting the collection is a rare Cartier rock crystal and diamond ?Mystery? clock, circa 1928.
[www.DoyleNewYork.com]http://www.doylenewyork.com)

Nico Dodd • February 25, 2013

Tucked into Grace Street around the corner from Wisconsin Avenue at the C&O Canal sits an iconic Georgetown storefront: G. Morris Steinbraker & Son, experts in historic renovation and construction, soon to depart its old town. It is just past the clothing store Patagonia’s building, which was also built by business founder G. Morris Steinbraker.

Both David Steinbraker’s grandfather, G. Morris Steinbraker, and his father, the “Son,” were born at 3321 block of Q Street, NW. When he was in third grade at Holy Trinity School, David Steinbraker’s family moved to a new home, built by his father, in Kensington, Md. He began working for the family business during summers at St. John’s College High School in Chevy Chase, D.C., and began working fulltime after he returned to the United States from serving in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War. He did not go to trade school. He got his skills “all from doing it,” he said. “Working for your father, you start from the bottom.”

Steinbraker credits a lot of his business style to his father and grandfather. “I learned a lot from my father’s father.” He also cites craftsmanship and customer relations as important things stressed by his grandfather. “My grandfather kept telling me the customer’s always right,” he said. “It’s an old statement, but we sort of live by it.”

Steinbraker & Son does a lot of restoration and renovation work. No surprise, being in Georgetown. “Since we’ve been in Georgetown for so long, a lot of our customers live in Georgetown,” said Steinbraker, whose projects have included jobs at Dumbarton Oaks, Blair House, the City Tavern Club and the home of the late Sen. Charles Percy, R-Ill.

“One of my best clients is Jay Rockefeller, the senator from West Virginia. I remodeled his house. I also designed three bridges on his property,” Steinbraker said. “We actually did some work at his West Virginia house, too.”

At the Percys’ home, Steinbraker had to use creativity to get a project past the Old Georgetown Board, which has the power to approve construction projects in the historic district. “Senator Percy lived up here on 34th Street,” he said. “As he was getting older, they wanted to put an elevator in, and it had to serve all these different floors. I knew how the board was. They were very particular. So, I designed an elevator shaft that looked like a chimney.”

With old-school manners, Steinbraker & Son has made a name for itself by its high-quality craftsmanship. customer service through word of mouth — and its reputation. The company does not advertise or have its own website. It can be found on sites like the Georgetown BID’s website or Yelp.com.

Although he mostly has done large projects, Steinbraker will do any small projects to meet the needs of clients. “I will also hang a picture for a customer or hang a screen door,” he said.

Sixty-nine years after his grandfather built the Grace Street structure in 1944, David Steinbraker is moving his business out of Georgetown. The original building is being offering for lease. “I’m going to scale down a little bit,” he said. “I’m not going to retire fully.”

Georgetown is filled with such stories and such small businesses. While decamping to Maryland, Steinbraker & Son remains a third-generation Georgetown business with deep roots: once a Georgetowner, always a Georgetowner.

Casey O'Brien • December 7, 2012

Sotheby?s (London)
James Bond?s Walther gun used by Sean Connery
Auction Date: December 12
Estimate: $160,370-240,555

Sotheby?s of London will be auctioning off the famous pistol Sean Connery used in promotion pictures for his James Bond films. The Walther air pistol, LP Model 53 comes with the manufacturer?s case, as well as letter of provenance from the original owner, and photograph of Connery with the pistol. The shots with the gun were used in promotion for From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, and You Only Live Twice. www.Sothebys.com

Weschler?s
Louis XV Style Ormolu Mantel Clock, late 19th century
Auction Date: December 7
Estimate: $300-500

This mantel clock will be auctioned off by Weschler?s on December 6 at 10:00 a.m. The Ormolu mantel clock has a two-train movement, striking a bell on the hour and half-hour. The movement is stamped ?C Detouche F?seur de L?Empereur? and is 16 inches in height. www.Weschlers.com

The Potomack Company
Winston Churchill Handwritten Letter, 1945
Auction Date: December 8
Estimate: $600-800

Up for auction is a handwritten letter from Britain?s legendary former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, dated shortly after the end of WWII in 1945. Writing to Dale Taylor, General Manager of one of the first U.S. radio stations. The letter, written on House of Commons stationary, reads ?I thank you sincerely for your?kind message to me?I have received and read with great pleasure. Winston Churchill.? The letter comes with its original envelope. www.PotomackCompany.com

Doyle New York
Triple Strand Cultured Pearl Necklace with clasp, Schlumberger, France
Auction Date: December 12
Estimate: $10,000-15,000

Doyle New York?s Important Estate Jewelry auction will auction off hundreds of stunning jewels, including this cultured pearl necklace. The three-strand necklace is platinum with 18-karat gold, and finished by an oval platinum class containing an oval emerald, surrounded by 72 single-cut diamonds. www.DoyleNewYork.com

Quinn?s Auction Galleries
Bone netsuke depicting a sennin grasping a mokugyo
Kyoto, mid-18th century.
Auction Date: December 7
Estimate: $12,000-$18,000

Quinn?s Auction Galleries will be auctioning off the Netsuke collection of the late D.C. Diplomat Jack A. Mang and his wife, Helen Randall Mang on Dec.7. Netsukes are the miniature carvings used in Japan as ornamental fasteners on boxes and silk robes, often made of bone, ivory and wood. The Mang?s had an extensive collection of netsukes, and founded the D.C. chapter of the International Netsuke Society. The auction of the 1,100 piece collection will take place at 360 South Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, and online through www.LiveAuctioneers.com. www.QuinnsAuction.com