Colony Hill

For a neighborhood with only 50 houses, Colony Hill knows how to make an entrance. As legend tells, the neighborhood's auspicious start resulted from a turf war between rival builders. No sooner had the renowned real estate firm of Boss & Phelps completed a Tudor-inspired development at Foxhall Village than the competing firm, Waverly Taylor, Inc., swooped in with a new spate of homes blocking the view of Boss & Phelps' homes. In righteous indignation, Boss quickly began a second development on the high ground of Colony Hill, overlooking his rival's activities.

Regardless of the motives, Colony Hill, built between 1931 and 1941, was far from a slipshod undertaking, and today, three dozen pristinely preserved homes with architecture borrowed from New England, Georgian and Grecian styles grace the neighborhood's five curved, tree-canopied streets. Since the 1940's, a dozen or so newer homes have been built, but they blend in seamlessly thanks to the builders' careful attention to the neighborhood's historic aesthetic.

Nancy Taylor Bubes is a Realtor with Washington Fine Properties specializing in Colony Hill and the surrounding areas. "Compared to other neighborhoods, Colony Hill tells its own narrative," she says, "It has a romantic feel about it. Every house is one-of-a-kind, but they all fit the postcard fantasy that people have of their dream house."

Appearing in palettes of soft pastels and elegant whites, these homes showcase broad porches and stately columns. Others feature muted brick or stone with sloping green lawns and meticulous landscaping. In the spring, dogwoods paint the streets with clouds of pink and white, adding to the neighborhood's fairy tale appeal.

Of course, as you can imagine, fairy tales don't come cheap, and since most homes have been carefully updated to merge modern convenience with historic architecture, you won't find a fixer-upper here. You can expect to pay between $2 and $3 million for four or five bedrooms and up to 3,500 square feet. Larger homes with five or six bedrooms and upwards of 6,000 square feet may be closer to $5 million.

While Colony Hills has always drawn the Capitol Hill crowd, government employees and other affluent professionals, Taylor Bubes notes that in recent years, older homeowners are leaving to downsize, allowing an influx of young families. "We're seeing couples who have maybe had their first child or are planning to start a family come in from urban areas looking for their forever home. They want to stay close to the city, but they also want a yard and a community." And Colony Hill certainly ticks every box.

When the itch for urban excitement hits, the colorful hum of Georgetown is only two miles to the east. Make it a date night at one of the area's trendy restaurants like Blues Alley, America's oldest jazz supper club or join the after-work crowd at a swanky bar. Retail therapy abounds at the eclectic boutiques and upscale retailers lining M Street and Wisconsin Avenue—or you can find new-to-you treasures at the Georgetown Flea Market. And when you need groceries, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Safeway await.

Outdoor activities are equally popular and you'll find neighbors stopping their jogs to chat, parent pals pushing strollers in unison and families heading off to explore the vast wooded wonderland of Glover Archbold Park, the 183-acre park forming the neighborhood's eastern border. The Potomac River winds to the east and south, offering another walkable scenic destination. And for park playdates, you only need to stroll 10 minutes south to find a splash pad, climbing structures and athletic courts at Hardy Playground and Recreation Center.

Families needing school options will find that private schools are plentiful, including the Washington International School, St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School or Holy Trinity School. If public schools are preferred, Northwest Washington boasts some of the district's best, including Key Elementary and Hardy Middle, both with an A-minus rating from Niche. Teens can attend the all-new Mac Arthur High School or, if they have a flair for the arts, apply to receive pre-professional training and college prep at the Duke Ellington School of Art.

If you're a commuter, know that DC traffic can be hectic. The good news is that you'll find buses to get you to nearby Metro stations, plus significant city thoroughfares and Interstates 66 and 495 are just a few miles away.

Ideally placed for suburban privacy and urban activity, Colony Hill might just be the fairy tale ending you've been waiting for.

Written By

Anna Strock

Video By

Pasha Chichagov