story by LIESEL SCHMIDT
photography courtesy of KRISTEN JONES, REALTOR® | BTW IMAGES
Once upon a time, when the streets were traversed by horse and carriage, homes were lit by gas lanterns and the area called Old Town wasn't so old, the 100 block of Prince Street, now known as Captain’s Row, was lined with beautiful little homes owned by sea captains who sailed in clipper ships on the Potomac. In 1786, a prominent merchant named Philip Marsteller built a home at 126 Prince Street for the purpose of renting it to townsfolk—a purpose it served until the Great Fire of 1827, when the frame house burned along with the rest of the block. In total, 53 buildings were lost to the flames.
In the summer of 1830, the owner rebuilt the house on its original foundations and used some of the charred boards on the east and west sides of the house—a feature which still remains today, making it perhaps the only home on the street that still retains some of its original building material.
The home that stands now is one with an incredibly storied past, positioned on a lot that changed hands multiple times before Marsteller purchased and finally improved it with a house. Marsteller, in addition to being a merchant, also achieved the rank of colonel while commanding a regiment in the Revolutionary War. He served as mayor of Alexandria in 1790 and 1792 in addition to serving in the Sun Fire Company and, as a personal friend of George Washington, was a pallbearer at Washington's funeral.
"Nestled on "Captain's Row," this one-of-a-kind property captures the essence of old-world charm. With its beehive oven and an original cobblestone street, this home carries a unique story that will transport you back in time. Selling this historical gem is a true honor, allowing us to pass on a piece of Alexandria's captivating past to those who appreciate the magic of bygone eras." - Kristen Jones, Realtor®
In 1787, Marsteller sold the home and land rights to a baker who used the house as a bakery before it was once again sold a few years later to a merchant. A succession of owners followed before it was destroyed in 1827. At the time of the fire, a merchant named Anthony Rhodes owned the home. When he rebuilt it, he did so above the original cellar, which remained intact due to the sturdiness of the fieldstones.
Over the next 200 years, the house at 126 Prince Street was home to a number of owners and tenants—among them, a notable list of merchants, developers, postmasters, druggists, metal workers and shop owners. And then, in 1947, it saw its last tenant.
Fast forward to 2023. The home at 126 Prince Street has been breathed with new life. Robin’s egg blue paint covers a façade that has seen the progression of time and the incredible changes to the world around it, though the cobblestone street below remains a remnant of days gone by. Along with updates to the plumbing and electrical system in 2016, the exterior restoration of the home is one that respects its history and ushers it into the future.
Boasting 2200 square feet of living space, the main level comprises a front parlor as well as a cozy living room with a stone fireplace and a powder/laundry room. An expansive kitchen brings the house into the 21st century, with stainless steel appliances, a copper farmhouse sink and a Viking oven and stove. The living room features an original beehive oven and brickwork, creating the perfect entertaining space.
On the second floor, the master bedroom and ensuite is joined by a guest bedroom as well as another full bathroom, both with stone fireplaces and wooden mantels. The level also includes a large, open flex space with an additional bathroom, closet and supplementary storage. Outside, a beautiful patio area creates a private outdoor oasis, complete with stone planters and space for entertaining.
As much as the world has changed over the centuries, 126 Prince Street is still unchanged in its charm—a charm that welcomes owners for centuries to come.
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