Some homes are beautiful. Others are memorable. And every so often, an opportunity comes along that may only present itself once in a lifetime. Tucked into the heart of Lafayette Square and facing the park, this extraordinary residence on prestigious Park Avenue began life in 1869 as the Church of the Unity and is now the oldest church on the square. Designed by architect Frederick Raeder, who in 1874 became the first person appointed to lead the School of Architecture at Washington University, the building's remarkable original character remains at the heart of this extraordinary private residence. From the soaring 26-foot tall arched ceilings and exposed wood beams to the enormous stained-glass double doors and magnificent stained-glass windows, the architecture creates a sense of scale, character and history that simply cannot be recreated.
Yet for all its drama, this is not a home that feels like a museum. Thoughtfully transformed for modern living, it offers generous living and entertaining spaces, including a main-floor primary suite and a second bedroom on the main level—an uncommon advantage in a neighborhood where most of the homes place the primary suite upstairs. Four bedroom suites in all, an expanisve masterfully designed chef's kitchen, main-level laundry, potential theater/game room and wine cellar in the lower level and an attached, finished garage with both heating and cooling provide the comfort and functionality expected of a truly exceptional residence. And when it comes time to entertain, the scale and character of this home make it possible to host gatherings on a level few private residences could ever accommodate—from intimate dinners to some of the most lavish celebrations imaginable, all within a setting your guests will never forget.
The outdoor spaces offer an entirely different experience. Just off the kitchen, a covered porch leads to a private patio tucked beneath mature trees and illuminated by string lights—a wonderfully peaceful retreat where filtered sunlight, quiet evenings and the surrounding greenery create a setting that feels almost magical. A separate rear yard provides a perfect spot for four-legged family members, while the expansive front lawn, larger than many entire lots in Lafayette Square, offers an abundance of possibilities for entertaining, gardening, play or simply enjoying the extraordinary setting directly across from Lafayette Park.
More than a home, this is the kind of place that becomes part of your identity—a conversation piece that friends remember, visitors talk about and everyone who enters will have a story to tell. Perhaps most fittingly, the current owners found a way to honor the history of these walls in the most personal way possible. When they began planning their wedding, they realized they didn't need to search for the perfect venue—they were already living in it. Beneath these soaring ceilings, surrounded by family and friends, they exchanged their wedding vows and began the next chapter of their lives.
They were married here.
Now, this extraordinary home is ready for someone else to begin theirs.
