Located in the heart of Arlington’s Douglas Park neighborhood is a house that is probably more about opportunity than anything else.  While the property at 1708 South Lincoln Street may not be one of the largest lots in Arlington, as the listing agent points out, it is definitely an opportunity to own a piece of American history. It just isn’t exactly clear what is to be discovered on this property.

At 154 years of age, this house, called the Kollmeyer House (after its mid-1900s owner), has probably seen quite a bit. The house is also known as the Overseer’s House for the Sewell B. Corbett Plantation. The Corbett Homestead was located a couple hundred yards north of this building.  During the Civil War the Federal Army seized the Corbett lands and built Fort Berry, one of the fortifications built to protect Washington, D.C.  This house has also been reported to have been used as a hospital during the Civil War but no documentation has been found to substantiate that claim. The Corbett family cemetery is located between 16th and 17th streets and Quincy and Randolph streets.

A Virginia Historic Landmark Commission Survey of the house lists it as “Corbett Plantation Caretakers House.” According to this survey, “This house has lost much of its mid-19th century architectural style,” as two of the original porches have been removed, the two interior chimneys were taken down, and the interior stairs were relocated. The address was also changed; prior to 1960, it was 3520 17th Street South.  Although the house has been surrounded by a development of 1950s and ’60s-era homes on a cul-de-sac, the yard itself is relatively intact.

This house has a story to tell and only some of that story is known. Maybe the next owner will be ready to research more and answer questions about this house and property.  The five-bedroom, two-bath house is on the market for $749,000 and the listing along with an interior video is available online.

On occasion, Preservation Arlington will highlight unique historic houses that are on the market in Arlington County. We hope to raise awareness of some of the true housing gems we have here. Some might be in great condition and just need to be maintained by their next owner, while others may need a steward with heart and passion to restore and stabilize the property. These are not commercial listings or endorsements by Preservation Arlington.

Historic Photos Courtesy of Arlington County.