Owl's Nest

Built in 1897 for journalist and trade rep William L. Crouse, this fairytale house in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Washington, D.C. has been charming residents and curiosity seekers for almost 125 years.

The whimsical design sprung from the mind of architect Appleton P. Clark and was then miles away from the urban center of the city, which extended only so far as Florida Avenue in the northwest quadrant.

In the intervening years, even as urban sprawl has inched closer and closer as Connecticut Avenue has grown into one of the primary commercial thoroughfares in town, the house still radiates the touch of country charm that has made it such a rare and special place for so long. Even as it is set back down a long drive amid many of the original trees that have grown up with it, there are no gates or fences to block the view from the road.

The house has maintained its character while passing through five owners with the most significant upgrades coming from current owner Chris Donatelli. The local real estate developer purchased the house in 2006 and has gone to great lengths to preserve the historic integrity of the house. Even the three-story rear addition and swimming pool have been constructed with an eye to the original design elements.