built in 1891 and just under 17.5 feet wide, this distinguished victorian row home at 1816 13th street nw is a notable residence within the greater u street historic district. the home was the residence of teenage duke ellington and his family from 1915 to 1917, a formative period during which he formed “the duke’s serenaders.”
fully renovated in 2023, the home offers versatile living spaces, with a gracious front bay, formal living and dining rooms, and a rare rear tv room providing additional space for everyday living or entertaining. a commercial-grade appliance package complements the updated kitchen, while the historic character and proportions of the original home remain central to its appeal.
the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath main residence features en-suite bedrooms on the upper levels. a one-bedroom, one-bath english basement apartment provides flexibility for guests, extended family, or potential rental income. outdoor spaces include a rear garden with two-car parking, a porch off the tv room, and balconies on both the second and third floors.
