Alexandria, VA – While many search for years to find a historic home to restore and treasure, for Andrew and Dr Margie Warrell, the opportunity quite literally knocked on their door.
Shortly after relocating from Asia during the pandemic, the Warrells rented a stately red-brick townhouse at 211 Prince Street in Old Town Alexandria.
Just six months later, the owners, Bob and Susan Joseph—who had recently moved into the former home of Marquis de Lafayette on Duke Street—asked if the Warrells were interested in buying it. “We felt like the waters parted,”
Margie said. “It was as though this extraordinary home chose us to carry forward its legacy,” Margie said.
That legacy is rich. Built in the 1780s by Captain John Harper, an early Alexandria merchant and ship captain known for fathering 29 children, the home stands one block from the Potomac River in what’s still called Gentry Row. It later became the residence and medical practice of Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick, one of Alexandria’s most storied figures.
A renowned physician, civic leader, and Masonic Grand Master, Dr. Dick served as the mayor of Alexandria and played a prominent role in shaping the early American republic. Among his historical contributions: he accompanied George Washington to lay the cornerstone of the new capital at Jones Point in 1791 and again at the Capitol in 1793. He was also present at Washington’s deathbed and conducted the initial examination of his body.
Perhaps his most impactful act came during the War of 1812. In August 1814, as British forces sailed up the Potomac to threaten Alexandria, Dr. Dick led a delegation of local leaders who met the British to negotiate. Thanks to his efforts, the town avoided widespread destruction. This was an extraordinary feat. Days earlier the British had burned much of Washington, D.C. Dr. Dick’s reputation was so central to local identity that many Alexandrians gave directions relative to his house: “two blocks from Doctor Dick’s.”
Today, the Warrells’ home still reflects the elegance of the colonial era: original 14-foot ceilings, hand-carved crown molding in every room, and a grand second-floor ballroom stretching the full width of the house with windows overlooking the historic brick-paved street.
One favorite discovery is a hidden compartment behind the two large arched dining room cabinets—likely used for stashing contraband during Prohibition. Margie calls it her “party trick,” delighting guests as she opens the cleverly disguised latch and reveals built-in shelves concealed within the wall.
Renovating such a historic home while honoring its heritage was no small task. The Warrells updated the kitchen with period-appropriate brass trim and fixtures, insulated crawlspaces without disturbing original floorboards, and installed modern heating and cooling systems. The third-floor bathroom was transformed with a clawfoot tub, and salvaged heart-of-pine flooring from Southern Virginia was sourced for the new kitchen to match the home’s original flooring.
They also preserved stunning original details—like the hand-painted metallic wallpaper in the entry hall and the built-in bookshelves that lend the home its unmistakable character. “We see ourselves as temporary custodians of a living piece of American history,” said Margie, who like Andrew grew up in Australia and lived around the world before calling America home.
Her advice for anyone taking on a similar restoration? “Resist the urge to modernize too much.” She adds, “Trends come and go, but the craftsmanship and charm of these homes speak across generations.”
With four adult children living in New York and Virginia and a growing next generation, the Warrells appreciate the home’s scale and its soul. “This home was built to stand the test of time,” Margie said, “and one hundred years from now, people will still be marveling at the care and craftsmanship that went into building it.”
Listing of the Month
Listed by Lyssa Seward and Carly Seward of The Seward Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
8620 Conover Place (Photo courtesy of The Seward Group, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)
8620 Conover Place
Alexandria,, VA 22308
Offered at $935,000
Nestled on a prime corner lot in wonderful Waynewood, this expanded 4BR/2BA Saratoga model blends charm, style, and smart design. A lush lawn, professional landscaping, and inviting front porch set the tone. Inside, gleaming hardwood floors lead through a spacious open floor plan with an updated kitchen, sunlit family room, and cozy gas fireplace. Three bedrooms and an updated skylit bath await upstairs. The walk-out lower level offers flexible living space, a full bath, and a large laundry room. The fenced backyard and deck complete this thoughtfully reimagined home.
Property website: www.8620ConoverPlace.com
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