This Week's Find: A Castle on The Road That Became MacArthur Boulevard

• February 23rd 2022

by Nena Perry-Brown

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This Week's Find is a castle built as part of the establishment of the neighborhood along what is now MacArthur Boulevard. 

In the late 19th century, industrialist twins Edward and Edwin Baltzley bought 500 acres along Conduit Road (which later became MacArthur Boulevard). The plan was to create an upperclass haven, and as they worked to realize this plan, they also helped establish the trolley lines between Glen Echo, Chevy Chase, and downtown DC.

Treasury Department employee R.A. Charles purchased a portion of the 500 acres in 1890 and built the "castle" that is there today. It is thought that Theophilus Parsons Chandler is the architect, as he also designed the adjacent "Baltzley Castle." The 18"-thick walls are comprised of stone sourced from local quarries, and the site has sweeping views of the Potomac River. The property is on the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties and was fully renovated in 2013.

The stone features prominently in the interior, which has open flow throughout the main level. The kitchen is built into a bay window and the adjacent dining area has a pantry nook with built-ins. A ceiling beam spans the entryway between this space and the living room. 

The owner's bedroom has a step up to a stone terrace, and other bedrooms have features including an exposed stone accent wall. The attic bonus room has a steep cove ceiling, lunette dormer windows, and a full bath, and the expansive lower level has a wine cellar and another bedroom and bathroom. 

The property went under contract over the weekend. 

• Full Listing: 5417 Mohican Road (map)
• Price: $2,495,000
• Bedrooms: Five
• Bathrooms: 4.5
• Square Feet: 4,074
• Year Built: 1890
• Listing Agent: Brian Cusick, Keller Williams Capital Properties

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/this-weeks-find-a-castle-on-conduit-road/19303.