Around TownCharitable Involvement

90th Georgetown House Tour Patron’s Partiers Welcome Spring

The 90th Georgetown House Tour — believed to be the oldest, most prestigious house tour in the country — takes place April 21-22, 2023, and as has been the tradition since 2000 when the late (great!) Frida Burling created the Patron’s Party supporters of the event have flocked to a pre-tour garden party that has become the most anticipated soirée of the Spring.

For 2023, Sophie and Val Hawkins hosted supporters at the historic Foxhall House in Georgetown. Val renovated this house, a 6,000 square foot mansion in the middle of Georgetown east, and neighborhood society showed up to clink glasses, listen to music, nosh on canapés, and catch up on the town’s tea in advance of the weekend’s house tour.

The main event, which attracts more than 1,800 guests each year, gives locals and out-of-towners alike the opportunity to visit historic homes in a variety of styles. It also benefits St. John’s ministries serving those in need in Georgetown and beyond.

Don’t miss your chance to get inside nine gawk-worthy Georgetown homes!

Advanced tickets for this event are priced at $55 per person and are available for purchase here.  Tickets may also be purchased at St. John’s Episcopal Church two days before and the day of the tour at 3240 O Street, NW, 20007, and are priced at $60 per person.

Here is a list of participating homes for the house tour:

  1. 1308 29thStreet, NW, 20007.  This early 1900s home, dubbed the Georgetown “Spy House”, was once owned by Frank Wisner, one of the founding fathers of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).  Allen Dulles, the first civilian director of central intelligence and its longest-serving director to date, also owned this home in the early 1950s.
  2. 3023 P Street, NW, 20007. This 1800 federal townhouse in the East Village of Georgetown is often referred to as the “Seam House” because of the vertical seam running down its brick façade. The two-story core of the home was originally used as a workshop but now functions as the dining room and features original exposed beams.  In 1814, the home was purchased as an investment by Washington Bowie, a Scottish tobacco merchant and colonel in the Maryland militia.  Bowie was also the godson of George Washington (who was present at his christening) and founding vestryman in 1796 of St. John’s Church.
  3. 1347 30thStreet, NW, 20007.  This elegant sun-filled 1900s Victorian offers elegant architectural details and an extensive art collection.  Bleached floors and an all-neutral color scheme reflect the modern architectural changes made by Architect Christian Zapatka and Interior Designer Azali Kassum. This home’s history showed a third floor that had been lost in a fire. After much study and planning the home was restored to its original beauty and usefulness.
  4. 1615 31stStreet, NW, 20007.  Hidden away in a charming enclave of Georgian center hall colonials this home is a delight. Tastefully redesigned with both family living and formal entertaining in mind. The owners have filled the home with unique artwork that stands as focal points throughout.
  5. 1698 31stStreet, NW, 20007.  The elegant facade and welcoming foyer are an invitation to the graciousness of this sophisticated bow-front Victorian townhouse.  This late 1800s home boasts bright rooms with large windows, five fireplaces, numerous bookcases, tall ceilings with crown molding and wooden floors.  This home has been lovingly restored by its current owners, Daniel Chao and Jeff Berkowitz. The previous owner of 30 years was Dr. Norma Evenson, was an architect, urban historian, and a prize-winning author of architecture and urban planning books.
  6. 3235 P Street, NW, 20007.   Step inside the newly reimagined home of the preeminent architectural firm, Christian Zapatka Architect.  The repurposed spaces are adorned with storied effects throughout. Zapatka has brought true meaning to the term, “home office.”
  7. 1416 34thStreet, NW, 20007. An Italianate-style house built in 1876, this stately detached brick federal was newly renovated by notable DC architect Dale Overmyer and features hardwood floors and crown molding throughout its grand living spaces.  The side and rear outdoor space and gardens feature an artist’s studio, which is also used as a guest house. The artist’s works can be seen throughout the house.
  8. 1413 35thStreet, NW, 20007.  Notable DC architect Christian Zapatka has transformed this intimate 1,480-square-foot home built in 1900 to reflect modern-day conveniences while keeping the traditional Georgetown charm.  The home features a beautiful, terraced garden that is a must-see.
  9. 3001 R Street, NW, 20007.  Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel, also known as Renwick Chapel, is a historic building in Georgetown that dates to 1849.  The chapel were designed by James Renwick, Jr., architect of the Smithsonian Building and the original Corcoran Gallery of Art, which is now the Renwick Gallery.  It is the architect’s only known example of Gothic Revival church architecture in Washington, D.C.