Transport yourself back to the 1920s in this Del Ray bungalow! In those 100 years, this home has only housed three families and the current family has breathed new life into the space while keeping the original charm intact as they rehab the property piece by piece.  They’ve added their own flair as well: you might be greeted by flamingos on the front lawn or other decorative seasonal statues throughout the year.

 

When purchased mid-pandemic, the house had holes in the porch floorboards and permanently drawn window coverings inside, obscuring the true beauty – and potential – of the space. A stroke of luck where the beautiful original hardwood floors uncovered under nearly a century of carpeting.  The living room’s fun color palette welcomes you to this happy home, and the gracious original arch leads you to the dining room. 

 

The kitchen has been opened up to the dining room with a new layout to maximize space. The main-level powder room was added as was a dedicated pantry - the ultimate luxuries for smaller Del Ray houses!

 

The biggest changes to the house are below foot. In order to add a 1,000 square foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for grandparents who were looking to retire near family, according to City of Alexandria zoning requirements, the main house at 16 West Del Ray had to be enlarged. The basement was dug out to include 9’ ceilings and add 200 square feet to the home.  Now, the basement features a kid and teen friendly hangout space, a workshop for grandpa (can you spot the model ships he’s built?), and a full bathroom.  This also gives the home additional flexibility for the future to use the basement as guest suite or a rentable space. 

 

The new back porch sits atop the expanded basement.  From here, you can see the ADU built in 2024 for the owner’s parents.  Stop there next!