414 DUKE ST
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314

Description

Circa 1855, this stately brick home and its adjoining garden lot with pool, was originally built by Benoni Wheat Jr., a prominent Alexandria merchant.  Wheat built the house for his bride, Matilda Taliaferro Fitzhugh of Upperville, VA.  The couple had seven children but only two survived to adulthood.  Wheat and his older brothers operated a grain mill and wharf on Union Street between Queen and Princess streets.  The company, which had been started by his father, loaded grain from the mill directly onto waiting ships.   The Wheat family continued to live in the house at 414 until it was sold in 1912 to the Rosemont Development company which converted it to an apartment building.  It remained apartments until 1988 when it was sold to William H. Shaw for renovation and returned to the handsome single family home we see today.

Deep detailed moldings are evident on the front facade of the building. Fretwork accents the front doorway opening to the vestibule with its rich moldings. A Victorian bay window with intricate carvings on the garden side of the house is in excellent condition.   The breathtaking double parlor with two fireplaces and twelve foot ceilings offers tall windows with wavering panes of old glass.  There is a grand and gracious ambience in this room and the front hall with its beautiful staircase.  A long inviting side porch opens to the garden lot featuring a swimming pool. Parking for two cars adds convenience in the heart of Old Town.  

A lovely dining room with French doors and cove lighting, opening to the side porch and pool is the perfect setting for family gatherings or entertaining. Recently remodeled by Alexandria Kitchen and Baths, the state of the art kitchen features handsome cabinets and Lava Rock counter tops.  The adjoining sunny family room with fireplace is a gathering spot for everyone.

The second floor sitting room with fireplace, custom bookshelves and half bath adjoins the master bedroom suite.  Down an arched hallway you'll find the luxurious master bath and two spacious walk-in closets.  An inviting guest room down the hall near the back staircase features five windows, warm wood floors and its own en suite bath.  Two more bedrooms with en suite baths are found on the home's second upper level.  The fifth bedroom is found on the finished lower level which also features a wonderful recreation room and second laundry room.