Cleveland Park Revival

Built in 1919, this house in the historic Cleveland Park neighborhood received the full R&A treatment to reconnect its stately presence to its surroundings. An all-encompassing outdoor scope — from the overall master plan to the details of railing, pergola, and trellis design; from paint and trim colors to the lighting elements and brickwork; to plant selection and groupings — comprised an absolute transformation from a neglected, disconnected front and side garden to an inviting, textured sequence of useful outdoor spaces. In addition to improved appearance and capacity for outdoor entertaining, security, and privacy were priorities for the new owners. Within view of the Washington National Cathedral, the house is situated on a tree-lined suburban street at a busy intersection. To create a buffer and visually elevate the house from the street, layers of classic box hedging, laurel, and hydrangea together with new fencing create a sense of enclosure. The formality of the front garden and its appearance of established growth lead up to the bricked front porch where the entrance is flanked by a pair of potted magnolias. 

Turning past a mature existing Japanese maple, a side terrace continues along an oval lawn edged by carpet roses and hydrangea. An accent dogwood, flagstone, and raised herb and vegetable bed create an intimate corner garden within the border. A few steps back up towards the house is a dining terrace covered with a painted pergola that sleekly complements the pre-war Georgian architecture. Midsize Arborvitae and fencing provide a screen along the property line while the newly painted brick wall references the brick patterns from the front porch, including the herringbone pattern inside the fireplace and the triple cap and banding. Back at the front, the cedar siding of the garage doors warms the painted white brick of the house while a painted metal trellis supports potted, semi-evergreen Clematis ‘snowdrift’ and Yellow Jessamine vines. As they grow, the vines will flower several seasons and keep most of their leaves in the winter. An original wrought-iron gate leads to an L-shaped dog run. Above the garage and accessible from an upper-floor family room is a heated, all-season lounging terrace rimmed with planters and mature, evergreen shrubs. The dramatic changes that enliven and anchor the property stem from an entirely virtual process managed during 2020.

  • Architect: GTM Architects
  • Interior: Matha Vicas Interiors
  • General Contractor: COBA
  • Landscape: Black Pearl
  • Photographer: Stacy Zarin Goldberg
A two-story white brick house with symmetrical windows and a central entrance. The front yard features a manicured hedge behind a black metal fence, and a brick driveway leads to a wooden garage door on the right.
A taupe-colored glass door centered on a white brick wall, flanked by two wall-mounted lanterns and matching round planters containing boxwood shrubs. The entryway sits on a red brick patio.
Two outdoor armchairs and ottomans with dark cushions sit on a rug on a brick patio. The patio is bordered by a black metal railing and potted shrubs, with large trees overhead.
A brick patio featuring four woven chairs and a low table arranged around a white outdoor fireplace. A wooden dining table sits in the foreground, with glass doors leading into a white house in the background.
A brick patio runs along the side of a white brick building, bordered by a low boxwood hedge and a large, leafy tree. A metal railing separates the patio from the street below.
A wooden pergola with a black frame covers an outdoor patio dining area featuring a table and six chairs. The patio is constructed of brick and includes a built-in stainless steel grill, a stone fireplace, and surrounding boxwood hedges.
An outdoor dining set sits on a brick patio under a modern black-and-wood pergola. A stainless steel grill is built into a stone counter at the back, with a ceiling fan mounted above the table and chairs.
A raised wooden planter box filled with herbs sits in a garden bed. A stone path leads toward the bed, which is situated in front of a white brick wall and a black metal railing.
A white brick outdoor fireplace and grill area on a brick patio. The space includes a built-in wood storage nook, a fireplace with a herringbone pattern back, and comfortable patio chairs arranged around a wooden coffee table under a pergola.
Wide stone steps lead up to a white brick terrace enclosed by a black metal railing. A grassy lawn with square stone pavers sits in the foreground, and a large tree casts shadows across the house wall.
A row of white rose bushes grows along a garden bed between a tall evergreen hedge and a green lawn.
A white house exterior featuring a wooden garage door with diagonal panels and glass windows. A black metal awning sits above the door, flanked by two outdoor wall lanterns.
A wrought iron gate is set into a white brick wall next to a wooden garage door. Brick steps lead up to the arched gate, which is flanked by climbing vines and a wall-mounted lantern.

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