Brent school catchment is just part of the exemplary location of this incredible home, but there's more. Possessing 3 upper floor bedrooms with 2 baths & laundry, any extended group could live well. The upper floor deck off the MBR, is a plus for a late evening refreshment, as the sun drops over the National Mall. The main floor, with 10 ft ceilings, offers a large living/dining room area leading to an ample bar overseeing the spacious kitchen prep area. A side door to the rear yard bypasses a flex guest room w/a huge shower bath for two. The lower level offers another flex room, full bath, and 2nd laundry. The short, residential street is shaded by mature trees, softening the shining sun during the searing heat of recent days, and seems surprisingly cooler, by many degrees. Complementing the trees in the front, the shaded rear patio is cooler as well. The West setting Sun stays longer for later fall evenings after work (does work quit after hours?). This block feels like a Northern extension of Seward Park, near the steps of justice, lobbys left & right; Embassies with secret motives (Nancy Drew would know) & the Major Bastions of Power that line both sides of the Mall (a venue for protest & acclaim). 217 5th is walking distance to those Halls, but on the way you pass ethnic cuisines, coffee shops, and vintage pubs where opinions flow freely. This is simply one of the optimal locations; on Capitol Hill, close but not next to the World's greatest power center. Located in simply one of the best locations on Capitol Hill. Just 2-3 blocks from Capitol South or Eastern market metros and steps to historic markets, monuments, the Mall, museums, & other exciting venues, like the U. S. Capitol, restaurants, dives, shops, and entertainment. This block has no alley, limiting traffic noise & providing a deep lot & quiet private media patio, ideal for entertaining, playing games, or watching your favorite program or event. A second-floor 12 x 12 Wisteria-covered deck provides an additional oasis of solitude for morning coffee or an evening libation. This residence offers 3 large traditional bedrooms and 2 full baths on the second floor, with more sleeping areas on the first floors rear family room & basement; each with a full bath to comfortably accommodate guests separated from the owners' area. For convenience, two stacked laundries; one on the second floor and one in the basement. The spacious living room and dining areas are highlighted by two fireplaces w/ mantles, exposed brick, and repurposed original 1880s wood features. The social kitchen sports a refinished wood-beam peninsula, bar sink, and mini- fridge area, plus a hideaway prep island offering an expansive setting for entertaining, cooking, and everyday dining. Refinished original floors throughout add to the old-world feel of this expansive, yet private home. Historic, built in 1870 during the boom years after the civil war. The population of Washington nearly doubled to 130, 000 and again in 1900 to 270K. The city grew up with improving infrastructure. A plate on the corner of Independence provides a date in the 1800s when it was laid. Our city is relatively old and new infrastructure is ongoing. Several neighbors' homes date from a similar period and later, the architecture varies. The layout offers several options for use as an AirBnB individually on three levels. The Capitol Hill experience is addicting; former residents return again & again, state freely to hill w the suburbs! Buy here, buy now, buy Smith.