Short-to-long-term rental of beautifully furnished suite in Capitol Hill home. The suite is on the third floor of our townhouse; it is not a separate apartment but consists of the entire third floor: light-filled master bedroom (16' x 14' room + 6' x 4' bay window) with queen bed (all guests have said the bed is wonderful), large dresser, end tables and lamps, bay window with table-desk & chairs, huge walk-in closet, kitchenette (combination small fridge and two-burner range, sink unit), microwave, toaster, dishes, flatware, pots and pans, and cooking utensils. The second room can be used as a bedroom, den or office. It is 11' x 9' with a large closet. There is a small table and chairs, a large twin daybed, dresser, and a TV with basic cable. The lovely and spacious full bath (10' x 6') has a claw-foot tub & shower. A full-size washer & dryer is located on the first floor; guests are welcome to use it, we just check in with each other to make sure it is available. All linens (sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels) are provided. WiFi and all utilities (central heat and AC, electric, water) are included.
Lay-out: Although the suite is not completely separate from the house (there is no door separating the unit), you will have a separate entrance and the entire third floor, with the exception of the hall dresser, part of one large closet, and linen closet which I use for storage. If I need to get something from either, I will ask to come up first so as not to intrude on your living space. Both both bedrooms lock.
Key Benefits: Along with full amenities, Gracie's Place is a great solution for professionals, academics, interns, people considering moving to the area who want to check things out, and visitors, looking to stay on the Hill, on a short or long-term basis without the hassle of finding roommates, moving furniture, paying utilities, and the expense of hotels. Three grocery stores (Giant, Whole Foods, and Safeway), and two drugs stores, are close by, as are excellent restaurants and pubs, dry cleaners, gyms, and salons. Other benefits include the ability to eat-in, the convenience to everything DC has to offer, and a great neighborhood; we are located just around the corner from the Atlas Theatre District and H Street Corridor which have excellent restaurants, a theatre, welcoming pubs, and a trolly service that runs to the Union Station metro! The historic Eastern Market with fresh fruit, meats, treats, flowers, and vendors selling everything from hand-made soaps, to art, clothing, jewelry, furniture, and antiques is a mile away; a nice walk or quick bike or car ride away. Barrack's Row, Navy Yard, Chinatown, and Pennsylvania Avenue are within 1-2 miles and offer excellent dining, entertainment, and shopping.
About Us: This is not a typical house-share; my daughter and I reside separately on the lower two floors of the house. We take your lead with respect to interactions, i.e., if you want to borrow something, need a restaurant recommendation or an occasional ride somewhere, have a glass of wine together, please ask! However, if you prefer complete privacy and minimal interaction that is fine too. I'd like the house to be relatively quiet by 9:30 PM on school nights (close doors if watching tv, have music on, etc.)
Guests: The suite sleeps three. No cats, well-trained dogs may be welcome, we love dogs and miss our's terribly. Non-refundable pet fee is required as our house keeper charges significantly more.
REFERENCES:
I have been renting Gracie's Place 5+ years but have just started to list on VRBO: this is why I don't yet have many references here. All guests have been great; we have kept in touch, and have mutually enjoyed the experience:
*Katharina Krause & Sebastian Kroner (August 18, 2014 to March 15, 2015):
'We came to DC as exchange students from Germany and lived at Sheila’s place for eight months. We loved the beautiful furnished rooms and even more our great hosts. Arriving at a new city, with different language and far away from home is always a challenge but thanks to Sheila and Ella we had a great start. We immediately felt very welcome and at home. Sheila knows a lot about Capitol Hill and the entire city so asking her about tips for what to do at the weekends was always a good idea. Even though we shared the same house we had all the privacy we could have asked for and at the same time it was great to know that advice from two DC-natives was always close.
The rooms were beautiful furnished and very well equipped (exactly like on the pictures). We just arrived with two suitcases and had everything we needed. All the rooms are full of light and very comfortable and we cooked great meals in the kitchenette.
Also the location of Sheila’s house is perfect. The bus, stopping right in front of the house, takes less than ten minutes to Union Station, supermarkets are nearby and the Capitol and many other amazing spots (Eastern Market, H-Street,…) are in walking distance.
As our departure to Germany comes closer, we really feel like leaving a second home. Sheila and Ella became great friends of us. We enjoyed hanging out together from time to time and had very nice cooking-evenings in Sheila’s huge kitchen. Sheila and Ella made our stay in the US very special and we can only highly recommend staying with them.
Melissa October 2017 (on Airbnb):
“I worked for months to plan an epic trip to Washington D.C. with my father--he had taken the family a few times in prior years, but I wanted this trip to surpass the others. He is particular about lodging--he was resisting me because he always stays at the same place and was unfamiliar with AirBnb. I encouraged him to trust me to find something suitable to meet his needs (he's having a harder time walking and we needed something close to all of the sights). He and I were THRILLED with Sheila's place. The brownstone is beautiful, in a quiet neighborhood, and close to every single landmark, tour, restaurant, and event that we had on our bucket list. We were more than impressed with this AirBnb and the host--I think I may have finally convinced him to think outside the box when traveling now. He was ecstatic to find that we had access to a washer/dryer, sink, fridge, microwave, etc. Having a private entrance was especially helpful as some of our ventures forced us out early and we came home late. This was a great place at a really great price!!”
*Ann P. (December 2013-April 2014):
'I have rented the 3rd floor for the past 4 months, and have loved the space, the neighborhood--and most of all my wonderful hosts. Sheila and Ella are so welcoming, generous--and fun; and I am awed their patience and willingness to let a stranger into their home-and how great it has been to become their friends! They are inviting and warm. We had great evening get togethers when the timing worked for us all. Sheila is also incredibly thoughtful and respectful of privacy. When I came home tired and exhausted from work, the 3rd floor was a perfect peaceful place to rest and rejuvenate. Complete with a super comfy bed, elegant hardwood floors, great light, ceiling fans and incredibly wonderful furniture. I highly recommend this wonderful apartment to anyone looking for a place to feel welcomed and at home--and so excited and pleased to have two new friends in DC. I look forward to inviting them to my new digs!!'
*Emily C. (February-May 2013)
'Staying with Sheila and her daughter Ella was really a delight. I stayed there for four months, and it felt like home the minute I walked in the door. The space is beautiful and very comfy. Great location as well. It is near some great restaurants only a few blocks away and has access to the beltway and the farmers market. I became fast friends with both Sheila and her daughter and have a feeling we will remain friends for a very long time. She helped me with parking passes and finding my way around, which made my transition to the city so much easier. I would recommend staying here to anyone!!!!'
(Emily even sent us Christmas gifts and stays with us occasionally when she travels between GA and NYC!)
*Carla (June-Oct 2013)
'I rented Sheila's 3rd floor suite for 5 months while working at Smithsonian Magazine. It is impeccable. Beautifully appointed with lots of light, comfortable, gorgeous bathroom. I was able to cook great meals in the kitchenette and make coffee every morning. The suite is on Capitol Hill and convenient to H Street, Union Station, downtown attractions, Lincoln Park and Eastern Market. Sheila and her daughter are smart, friendly and sweet. Sheila is very knowledgable about DC. Highly recommended!'
(Carla and I have kept in touch and hope to see each other soon!)