For most of its 169-year history, the Bayne-Fowle House in Alexandria, Va., has been a private residence. But during the Civil War, history intruded and assigned it a public role in service to the Union occupation.The house, at 811 Prince St., was one of 13 Alexandria residences appropriated by the federal government for use as military quarters during the war.
The three-story house — with finished lower level and partially finish attic — is on the market for $8 million. Sandstone stairs lead to the front door, which opens to a foyer nearly as long as the house. The dining room, living room and family room are connected by pocket doors, and each of them has a marble fireplace mantle and period plaster cornices lining the 12-foot ceiling. The living room adjoins a conservatory, which has scalloped window shelves believed to be original to the house. The conservatory is next to a breakfast room with large arched windows.
The lower level has an area for entertaining with a television set behind a sliding sculpture depicting the layout of the city of Alexandria. This level also has a gym, a full bathroom, storage space and a wine room that can hold 1,600 bottles.