Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-17
A MODERN MANSION.
A City Home, Where Elegance and
Comfort Are Combined.
MR. BRITTON's RESIDENCE
A Handsome Front and n Beautiful Interior
Inviting Arrangement of the Rooms-some
Fine Decorative Enects-The Drawing and
Dining Rooms.

YCHERE Is probably no feature about Wash
Il ington that so clearly marks the steady and
rapid material growth of the city as does the in
crease in the number of handsome dwelling
houses Not only are there fine homes scattered
all through the city, but some of the finest are
situated where not 80 very many years ago
there we're corn fields and small cabins. In all
directions they are growing up. but perhaps it
is true of Washington houses as of the course
of empire. that they choose to take their way
westward.
One of the most pleasing Of the distinctly
modern houses built in this city within the
past few years is the residence of Mr.. A. T.
Brit.on. on the east side of 18th street above
Massachusetts, avenue. There is in the first
place something about the house that makes it
clearly Washingtonian, an air of roominess
about il with plenty of light and fresh air. 1t
is not one of row nor is il snugly fitted in be-
tween two others. There is not another house
like it in the CITY.
SEEN FROM ALL DIRECTIONS.
Standing on terrace back from the street
and close to Scott Circle it can be seen from all
directions at once and each view il O pleasing
one. II Is solid and substantial. but not heavy
or awkward The massive front steps and the
first story are of rOu2h-fnished stone, while
above the first story the house is finished in
brick, with stone trimmings that give relief
to the eye and add charm TO the general
effect On the south side of the house. toward
the rear, IL large bay window that
makes a graceful break in the long
stretch of wall while on the southwest corner
of the house and commanding a fine view up
and down the street is a large circular bay win
dow or tower. terminating in a pointed octag-
onal roof. The stone work on this tower Is
finished of just below the second-story windows
by row of carved grifins. or. "a western
paper IL said to have expressed II, "life-siZed
gargoyles."
THE INTERIOR.
Ones first impression on entering the impos-
ing arched doorway is that the house il larger
than was at first thought. The second i'm
preston is that one is within house that was
built for a home-a house to hive in, and not
simply for the sake Of appearance. The first
sight is pleasing. The oak-fnished hallway is
unusually wide and imposing, but not over
povering. The walls are wanscoted and above
this the plaster is delicately tinted and has
wide strip of carved oak Just below
the frieZe. Directly TO the left of
the entrance door is a small recessed hat room
that is screened of by heavy draperies On the
north side of the ball is a large fireplace with
an oak mantel, and on either side of this is a
leather-covered seat running the length of the
wall. or rather as far back as the staircase. The
hall is furnished with number of comfortable
and inviting lounges and chairs; the hardwood
floor is covered with several large Turkey rugs
and heavy oak table stands near the mantel
The ceiling is paneled with solid oak and from
the ceiling. about half way back the length Of
the ball, il pendent a richly carved oak fret
work screen Portieres are suspended from
rod below this and when il is so desired effect
uaIy divide the hall and make a separate
room Of the rear portion.