Iconic Photographer's D.C. Home Hits Market After Four Decades

The Cleveland Park neighborhood in Washington, D.C. is now offering a unique piece of artistic history. The home of William Christenberry, a celebrated photographer and artist known for his poignant depictions of the American South, has been listed for sale at $2.05 million. This marks the first time in over 40 years that the property has been available on the market.

William Christenberry, born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1936, made significant contributions to the world of art, particularly in color photography. His work, which often focused on the rural landscapes of his native Hale County, Alabama, earned him recognition as one of the most important photographers of the American South. Christenberry's artistic journey began with painting and sculpture before he turned his attention to photography, influenced by the seminal work "Let Us Now Praise Famous Men" by James Agee and Walker Evans.

In 1968, Christenberry and his wife, Sandra, relocated to Washington, D.C., where he accepted a teaching position at the Corcoran School of Art. The couple moved into the house at 2739 Macomb St. NW in 1974, eventually purchasing it in 1982. This 1910-built residence became not just a family home but also a crucial space for Christenberry's artistic endeavors.

The property, spanning approximately 4,500 square feet, features four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Its most notable feature is the attached artist's studio, custom-built to Christenberry's specifications. This studio, constructed with the help of a $25,000 Lyndhurst Fellowship grant in 1982, boasts two skylights, a round north-facing window, and an office – elements that Christenberry had long dreamed of having in his workspace.

Over the years, the Christenberrys made several improvements to the house. They renovated the kitchen, added a breakfast room, and created a screened porch affectionately dubbed "the dogtrot" by Bill. The main level was opened up to enhance accessibility and create a more inviting atmosphere.

The house's layout includes a living room with a fireplace, a dining room connected to the galley kitchen, and a deck that links the screened porch to the studio. The studio itself offers over 500 square feet of space on the first floor, complete with a full bathroom and a walk-in closet. The second floor of the studio houses the office.

Outdoors, the property features gardens where Christenberry cultivated various flowers, including daffodils, irises, and hostas. A fish pond adds to the charm of the exterior space. The lot, just shy of being double-sized, includes a one-car garage and an additional uncovered parking spot.

Sandra Christenberry, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday, is now focused on preserving her late husband's artistic legacy. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring that people continue to see and appreciate Christenberry's work, which extends beyond photography to include a diverse body of artistic creations.

Throughout his career, Christenberry received numerous accolades, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1984. His work, which often explored themes of memory, place, and the passage of time, is housed in major museums such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The Christenberry Foundation, established to preserve and promote his artistic legacy, continues to ensure his impact on the art world endures.

As this historically and artistically significant property enters the market, it offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts and homebuyers alike to own a piece of American artistic heritage.

"I have to preserve Bill's legacy and take care of the work and make sure that people still see it. Because I think he's a very important artist, not just in terms of photography, but his whole body of work."