Tucked discreetly along one of Cleveland Park’s most beautiful and storied streets, 3519 Lowell Street NW stands as a soon-to-be icon of timeless residential design, a breathtaking reimagining of a historic home that transcends renovation by establishing an identity both deeply rooted and quietly global. Originally constructed in 1916 as a classic American Four Square, long cited as an exemplar of the form, the residence has been meticulously re-envisioned. A comprehensive renovation, completed in 2023, honors its early 20th-century origins while introducing a refined sensibility shaped by years of living abroad, resulting in a home that feels simultaneously familiar and refreshingly modern. The transformation has garnered international recognition, including being the only North American renovation longlisted for the prestigious Dezeen Awards, and has been featured in national publications such as Dwell and Residential Design, as well as locally in Washingtonian Magazine and the Washington Business Journal, among others.
Elevated above the street and approached with deliberate intention, the home enjoys a rare sense of privacy and presence, set apart from the rhythm of urban life. Positioned on an extraordinary double lot spanning 0.30 acres, the property offers a sense of openness and calm increasingly elusive within the city. Sweeping views of the Washington National Cathedral rise above curated gardens, mature trees, and a private meadow, creating a setting both serene and sophisticated. Indoor and outdoor spaces are equally suited to gathering and entertaining, offering the ease of living amid greenery, light, and carefully composed sightlines.
The transformation, led by Colleen Healey Architecture in partnership with Lynley Ogilvie Landscape Design, conceived Hidden Meadow as a residence where architecture, landscape, and light are inseparable. A planted meadow framed by Corten planters creates a contemplative pause between the main house and a detached garage and pool house with guest suite above, forming a secluded courtyard rarely found in Washington.
At the heart of the project is a deliberate interplay between preservation and invention. Historic sleeping porches were retained and reinforced, while a steel-framed rear volume introduces a luminous kitchen and dining space. Ten-foot sliding doors connect seamlessly to a screened porch with retractable screens and built-in heaters, extending living into the landscape. Subtle shifts in material from warm wood to smooth concrete mark the transition from historic to modern with clarity and intention.
Inside, approximately 7,400 square feet reveal six en suite bedrooms, each with its own private bath, along with two additional suites with full baths and kitchenettes, supporting true multigenerational living. Two offices and a sequence of living spaces offer flexibility for work, study, or leisure. The original three-story staircase anchors the home, while new interiors introduce sculptural plaster forms, gentle curves, and a serene palette of natural materials.
The lower level includes a fully equipped gym, while features such as dual laundry areas enhance everyday convenience. Skylights and soaring ceilings with exposed beams amplify light and openness, while reflective surfaces extend garden views deep into the interior.
The exterior blends Accoya siding and expansive glass with the original façade, complemented by a detached garage and pool house. Lush gardens frame a heated pool and outdoor living areas, ensuring privacy for summer gatherings, all within walking distance to top schools and parks.
3519 Lowell Street NW is not simply restored, but redefined, a rare synthesis of history, global influence, and modern craftsmanship.
