08/13/2026
Historical Highlights, A Series of Historic Properties Sold by Michael Rankin
Representing Washington’s most historic properties.
6 Kalorama Circle: A Federal Revival landmark, 1930.
Commanding a prominent corner of Kalorama Circle, this Federal Revival mansion was built in 1930 by architect John J. Whelan and developer F. Moran “Mike”
McConihe, known for their stately Kalorama embassy projects. Its storied provenance spans
Harvey H. Bundy, Assistant Secretary of State under Hoover; Senator James J. Davis; and
the Swiss Minister Marc Peter, whose legation here became a showcase of art and diplomacy.
Later residents included Constance Mellon Byers, decorated by Sister Parish. Today, 6
Kalorama Circle stands as a century-defining home at the crossroads of Washington’s
political, diplomatic, and artistic life.
1406 34th St: A Georgetown classic circa 1798.
With 18th-century origins and a multitiered garden spanning several combined lots, this
four-level residence stands among Georgetown’s architectural treasures. Once home to Maj.
Gen. Charles Wesson and later to Harold Ickes and Laura Handman, it has long been a
gathering place for Washington’s political and social circles and its elegance rooted in more
than two centuries of history.
3550 Tilden St: Springland Farm, known historically as the Henry Hatch Dent House, Springland is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built circa 1845 for Henry Hatch Dent and Ann Maria Adlum Dent, daughter of vintner John Adlum, the property occupies nearly an acre in Cleveland Park. Once part of Adlum’s celebrated vineyard estate, central to early American winemaking, Springland stands as the best-preserved architectural link to the man known as the Father of American Viticulture.
2210 20th St: A Waddy B. Wood original, 1898.
Designed by celebrated architect Waddy B. Wood, whose later works include the Woodrow
Wilson House and the U.S. Department of the Interior, this 1898 residence was
commissioned for geologist Arthur Keith of the U.S. Geological Survey. Set on a generous lot
with off-street parking, the home reflects Wood’s early mastery of proportion and
craftsmanship—an enduring example of hi