Historic Alexandria Homes Tour Opens Eight Old Town Homes

ALEXANDRIA — On an ordinary day, Old Town’s historic homes offer their stories from the sidewalk: a graceful doorway, old brickwork, a garden wall and perhaps a glimpse of a courtyard hidden beyond a gate.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, The Twig’s Historic Alexandria Homes Tour will offer something far rarer — a one-day invitation inside.

The 84th annual tour will open eight private residences in Old Town’s southeast quadrant from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s group includes some of the area’s most historic homes, including properties that have not appeared on another tour, according to Twig member Scoti Albrecht.

The timing carries special resonance. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary and Alexandria celebrates its 277th year, the tour will take visitors into homes where Revolutionary-era history is not simply displayed behind museum glass, but woven into daily life.

One home holds George Washington’s favorite writing chair, a portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette and a Federal-style eagle mirror. Another offers the sort of French-inflected furnishings — including a poker table, wine table and Louis XIV-style mirror — that might make a visitor expect Marie Antoinette to appear around the corner.

There are quieter surprises, too: concealed liquor bars, coffee nooks, French wine tables and swimming pools tucked where few would expect them in Old Town. One homeowner will display a patent for a medical device; another is a local artist. The tour also includes a prominent attorney and author, as well as a homeowner whose custom furniture was made in Paris and shipped to Alexandria.

Costumed historical visitors will add another unexpected layer to the day.

A Rare Look at How Historic Homes Live Now

The appeal is more than curiosity. Tour-goers often know Old Town’s streets well — perhaps from an evening walk to dinner, a weekend stroll or years of admiring the façades — but have wondered what lies behind the doors.

They come to trace the original footprint of a house, learn where additions began and see how centuries-old buildings have been remodeled for modern life. Many of the homes once lacked indoor plumbing; some held stores, law offices or inns on their first floors before becoming the homes they are today.

The tour gives visitors a privileged look at how owners have preserved, adapted and furnished those spaces. They often leave with a better understanding of architecture and historic preservation — and sometimes a list of ideas for their own homes.

The exact locations are revealed when ticket holders check in and receive their tour books, which serve as both ticket and guide. Twig volunteers and trained docents will be stationed throughout the homes to share history and keep the experience moving smoothly through narrow staircases, low ceilings and older floor plans.

A Fundraiser With a Purpose

The Homes Tour is also one of Alexandria’s signature philanthropic events. Every dollar of proceeds supports Inova Alexandria Hospital, and The Twig operates entirely through volunteers.

Founded in 1933 as the Junior Auxiliary of Alexandria Hospital, The Twig has spent more than 90 years raising money, providing service and supporting local health care. Its current commitment includes a $2 million gift toward the future Inova Alexandria Hospital campus at Landmark; the new hospital’s conference center will be named for The Twig.

For one Saturday each fall, the tour turns Old Town’s familiar streets into a living history lesson — and transforms an afternoon of architecture, design and discovery into support for the hospital every Alexandrian may someday need.

IF YOU GO

What: The Twig’s 84th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Old Town Alexandria; home locations provided at check-in
Tickets: $50; sales close Sept. 10. Tickets do sell out, so buy early.
Info: thetwig.org/homes-tour
Note: Tickets include the tour book and same-day admission to the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum.