Woodland-Normanstone Terrace

In a peaceful wooded neighborhood in the heart of the Nation’s Capital, it seems fitting that a quote about peace is etched on the statue of Nelson Mandela, in front of the South African Embassy. While many of Mandela’s quotes are noteworthy, this one seems particularly apt in light of its location. “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Woodland-Normanstone Terrace is not only home to a reputedly high number of federal employees, but it also is home to several foreign Embassies. Both are dedicated to the preservation of freedom and to the expansion of peaceful existence on the planet. The surrounding park that occupies nearly half of the neighborhood offers peaceful drives along meandering roads, quiet contemplation in its woods, and rewarding views of gardens, trees and creeks that encourage reflection and regrouping after a long day.

Homes in the neighborhood were mostly built in the early 1900s and many boast more than 4,000 square feet and one-quarter to one-half an acre of land. As Realtor Robert Hryniewicki, with HRL Partners and Washington Fine Properties says, “Winding drives, meandering roads and large homes define this area. This is not a ‘cut-through’ neighborhood, so it is quite private and somewhat isolated.” Buyers will find a variety of mansions and stately homes from Georgian and Tudor-style homes, to Colonial Revival and Greek Revival houses flanked by 100-year-old trees, circular brick driveways, rows of mature boxwoods and flowering Crepe Myrtles. While the streets may often seem quiet, upon closer inspection, visitors will discover busy, active, engaged neighbors with shared interests. You’ll find neighbors walking or biking together, sharing produce from their gardens or getting together to plan events in the park. Whether it’s cleanup after a storm or helping each other hang holiday lights, you’ll find a welcoming community of people who respect each other as much as they do their historic neighborhood. Buyers should expect to pay around $8 million for a European-inspired brick and stone mansion from 1930. New custom homes with about 5,000 square feet and a rooftop pool will be listed for around $5 million.

Oyster-Adams Bilingual School offers pre-K through eighth grade and has an A-minus rating from Niche. It also offers a notable student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1. Jackson-Reed High School has an A-rating from Niche and is considered on the of the best public high schools in the District. It boasts high graduation rates, its student body is highly diverse and it strives to be the national model for urban high schools. St. Alban’s School, is an Episcopal, independent, college prep day and boarding school for boys. It is associated with The National Cathedral and offers fourth through twelfth grade. Niche gives St. Alban’s an overall grade of A-plus. National Cathedral School, the sister school to St. Alban’s, is a private Episcopal school for girls offering grades four through twelve. It is located on the grounds of The Washington National Cathedral and was founded in 1900. NCS’s student body is 46% young women of color and the school focuses on intellectual rigor, diversity and inclusion. Niche also gives NCS an A rating.

Washington is known for its award-winning park system. But residents of Woodland-Normanstone Terrace win the ultimate prize as homes here border the neighborhood’s eponymous park. Heavily wooded and serene, the park is notable for its stone bridges, winding roads and for being the starting point for the Dumbarton Oaks Walking Trail. Residents can be found walking, running and biking through its wooded acres. Bird watchers and nature photographers can be seen chasing their latest discovery. The southwest edge of the neighborhood is a one-and-a-half mile stretch of Massachusetts Avenue, also known in this area as “Embassy Row”. Neighbors include the all-glass windowed Brazilian Embassy and the Irish Embassy. Enjoy a drive or a bike ride along Mass Ave to take in the varied architecture of the more than 150 embassies fronting this unusual and eye-catching drive.

Shopping, dining and nightlife are close to home on Wisconsin Avenue and in Cleveland Park. Streets Market offers same-day delivery, organic food and a wide selection of international items. They have a loyal following that raves about them online. Yes! Organic Market is locally owned and well-established in the area. Lunch or weekends are a great time to visit Open City Café in Woodly Park. They offer specialty coffee, a bright and airy café, all day brunch and homemade pizzas. The Woodly Park metro stop is close to Adams Morgan which will introduce you to abundant African and Eastern European restaurants and nightclubs.

Residents of Woodland-Normanstone Terrace have nearby access to practically endless attractions that NW Washington is known for. From The Smithsonian Museums to The National Gallery to parks, rivers and arboretums, you can learn, explore and discover every day of the week. And when you return home you’ll be welcomed to not only a beautiful house that is distinct from others, but also to a community that welcomes peace and freedom.

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Jack Adams

Video By

Joan Wall