From B&B to Airbnb? Remixing a Mount Vernon Triangle Mainstay

• September 26th 2018

by Nena Perry-Brown

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Remember the historic firehouse renovation-turned-Airbnb rental in Logan Circle? Well, that's not the only historic property that owner Michael Abbenante has big plans for.

Last December, Abbenante purchased the bright red Spanish-style rowhouse-plus-three-story accessory building at 400 M Street NW (map), a former bed-and-breakfast in need of some TLC. He is currently in the process of restoring the property and returning it to a short-term rental use.

Previously operating as the Mount Vernon Square Bed and Breakfast, the property retains its DCRA license in this business category; it had been on the market for over a year when Abbenante purchased it.

Between the main house and the carriage house, Abbenante is aiming to offer three rental options: 

• In the main house, the basement and first floor will serve as a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with den and garage parking. The 2,000 square-foot unit will also have use of the front patio and a rear balcony, and can house up to 12 guests.
• Also in the main house, the second floor will serve as a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with garage parking. This 1,200 square-foot space can house up to 8 guests and also includes 300 square feet of outdoor space.
• The carriage house is a four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom unit with use of outdoor parking. The 2,000 square-foot building has a private patio and can house up to 12 guests.

Abbenante plans to reside on-site in the uppermost levels of the main house, a separate 1,400 square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with roof deck and private terrace. So as not to completely lose the B&B vibe, breakfast will be served, either via a delivery service or continental-style.

"I'm trying to build a portfolio of historically-relevant properties in the DC area to support families to come to DC and see our city and support our economy locally," Abbenante shares.

The property is currently undergoing some upgrades, including new windows and an energy-efficient makeover to make it more weather-resilient. Abbenante hopes to rebrand the property and begin renting it out in the first quarter of 2019.

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/from-bb-to-airbnb-remixing-a-mount-vernon-triangle-mainstay/14488.