3920 Argyle Terrace

Washington, DC 20011

Paul Stone was known for the many gracious homes he built throughout Crestwood, and this one was undoubtedly one of his finest. It is the quintessential interpretation of the Colonial Revival style, incorporating proportions and features from the classical idiom. This successful melding of styles was one of the hallmarks of the firm of Stone, Lloyd and Caldwell, developers of both the Crestwood and Hillcrest neighborhoods in Washington, DC. This residence possesses all of the characteristics for which this builder was known including a first-floor library, fine oak floors, and distinctive stucco work on the lower level, all of which are in immaculate condition. Most of the properties that Mr. Stone's firm built during its halcyon days had finished basements that were designed for entertaining, primarily during Washington's hot summers. Details include knotty-pine wainscoting, fireplaces, and deep window wells admitting plentiful natural light. Unusual for a house from this period is a detached two-car garage, which was an indication of the level of affluence of Mr. Stone's clientele. One of the chief attributes of this house is that it has been spared unsympathetic later additions. Its rooms offer the space and quality characteristic of the time in which it was built. It was kept true to its original sensibility, and most of the original details are still intact. The interior comprises almost 4,000 square feet of living space offering six bedrooms on the upper levels with an additional bedroom in the basement, five full bathrooms, powder room, laundry room, renovated kitchen, living room, separate dining room, solarium, first-floor library, and potential in-law suite. The house enjoys a bucolic setting adjacent to one of the most distinguished residences in the city. The neighborhood is known for its charming mix of styles including primarily Tudor, Spanish Colonial, and Federal revivals. Crestwood was originally planned as a community of in-town estates, and this house was built in 1942. It is located just north of the Piney Branch Bridge and is bordered by Colorado Avenue, 16th Street, and Rock Creek Park. It was developed in the early decades of the 20th century when Crestwood, like its neighbors Forest Hills and Cleveland Park, was a destination for Washingtonians seeking to escape the heat, congestion, and crowding of downtown. During the latter half of the 1930s, Crestwood became a noteworthy destination, primarily due to its proximity to downtown and Rock Creek Park -- one of the neighborhood's greatest assets. Frederick Law Olmsted was a great advocate for the development and creation of the park, which shares many of the same features as his masterpiece, Central Park, in New York City. Residents are only a 10-minute walk away from the park's many hiking trails and picnic spots.