Property was once Alexander Graham Bell’s laboratory
Do you know where Alexander Graham Bell conducted many of his experiments and research? In this beautiful two-story stucco Georgetown cottage located at 3414 Volta Place, N.W. You now have the opportunity to purchase this slice of history, which is on the market for $2.395 million. It is listed by Derry Haws and Thomas Bryant of Long & Foster Real Estate, the No. 1 privately owned residential real estate company in the United States and the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in Washington, D.C.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to own a beautiful Georgetown home on a quiet street with an impressive history,” said Haws. “The home served as the laboratory and library of the one of the great inventors of our time, Alexander Graham Bell. Today, it’s a gorgeous and comfortable home close to all the shopping, dining and nightlife that Georgetown offers.”
The home was originally built as a carriage house and stable for an adjoining home in the decade before the Civil War. Graham Bell purchased the property, including the adjacent home, for $8,000 in 1881. At that time, Graham Bell was already known for inventing the telephone. He bought the Georgetown home for his parents, who were relocating to D.C. to live near their son.
Graham Bell converted the carriage house into what he called “Volta Lab,” a library and laboratory that he used for his experiments. There, he conducted considerable research into the field of deafness. Some historical records show it is where he perfected the phonograph record.
Graham Bell owned the property until 1907, when he donated it to the American Association to Promote the Teaching of Speech to the Deaf. Over the next hundred-plus years, the property changed hands many times. It also was converted multiple times, changing from a lab into a garage into an office and into a residence. Today, 3414 Volta Place is a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom home.
Although different from its original appearance, the property’s architectural integrity has been preserved. A herringbone brick walkway and ornate iron railing were added. Stately iron gates open to a driveway that can accommodate parking for three cars—a rare feature for a Georgetown home.
The home’s side entrance opens onto a large living area with a working fireplace. French doors from the dining area lead to a spacious brick patio, private garden and gorgeous lush landscaping–perfect for outdoor dinner parties. The kitchen features upgraded appliances, including a professional Viking stove and cooktop. Upstairs are the bedrooms and full bathrooms, as well as many closets, bookcases and built-in cabinets for storage.
Learn more about this property and view photos online. For additional information, contact Haws or Bryant in the Georgetown office at 202-944-8400. You can also contact Haws directly at 202-285-6702. For more information about Long & Foster, visit www.LongandFoster.com.