711 Prince Street
Patton-Fowle House: One of America’s Finest
Examples of Federal Architecture
What makes this house a prime example of high-style Federal architecture? The façade has several features inspired by the symmetry and grandeur of ancient Greek and Roman villas, which informed the Federal style (1780-1820) — most prominently, the grand entryway with fluted pillars, topped by a Palladian three-part window.
Notice how the entryway and the overhead window draw your gaze. The design of the elaborate fanlight above the door, and the sidelights flanking the door — as well as the Palladian window — was influenced by the light, graceful frescoes found when Pompeii was unearthed, and represent a change in style from the more masculine Georgian style (1700-1780) door décor.
Remarkably, this 5,000-square-foot mansion started life as a humble flounder house, built by James Patton in 1806. After Patton experienced financial problems, William H. Fowle Sr. (1783-1860) purchased the house and half-acre lot in 1811, eventually expanding the footprint beyond the flounder shape.
Fowle was a partner in a shipping firm, President of the Bank of the Old Dominion, and one of the founders of the Alexandria Lyceum. When President John Quincy Adams visited Alexandria in March 1841, he dined with none other than William Fowle.
Fowle’s enlargement of this house (circa-1820) has been attributed to the famed architect Charles Bulfinch (1763-1844), who held the post of Architect of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and is considered one of the first true architects in America.
The house’s interior décor is unusual for Old Town, but “unexpected and chic” was a requirement of homeowners Win Sheridan and Farrell Wilkins when they undertook the extensive redecoration of the house after its 2021 purchase. Courtney Cox of Ivy Lane Living was retained by the owners to redesign the home. “The owners love to entertain and also respect the rich history of their family home. They have such great energy and fun personalities, and I think that is captured in the decor at 711,” said Cox.
The vibe is contemporary, with mid-century sleekness — and a dash of rock and roll as one room has guitars signed by Pearl Jam and Guns N’ Roses. The guitar display rotates with others signed by U2, Metallica, Dave Grohl, Tom Petty and Dave Matthews Band, as Win is an avid guitar collector.
Did you know? Fortunately, the appearance of 711 Prince Street will never change as a previous owner granted a preservation easement to the Historic Alexandria Foundation and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The three-story staircase and some of the house’s other features are also protected from alteration by interior easements.