The 2025 Mothers Day House & Garden Tour – the 68th annual – was held May 10 & May 11.
Tickets sold out this year. Consider becoming a member – to get early opportunities to buy tickets (and a discount) on the 2026 tour.
25 8th St. SE
This year, the tour included 11 homes never before featured on the House Tour, including several semi-public buildings and rest stops. All but one of the tour stops are located in Northeast Capitol Hill, including the historic Swampoodle district, which is the corner of Capitol Hill immediately to the east of Union Station. Map with addresses
Most of the houses on this year’s tour were built in the late 1800’s – only a few years after the end of the Civil War. Their early history offers a fascinating reflection of what life on Capitol Hill was like in the late 19th century.
A few highlights include:
Lincrusta wall covering at 802 Massachusetts Ave. NE
The house at 8th and Massachusetts Ave., NE, recently underwent a meticulous renovation to preserve original details, including doors and transom windows, pocket doors, the staircase, mantels and beautiful wood paneling. The owners added Lincrusta, a luxurious, embossed Victorian wall covering made of linseed oil and wood flour in the parlor. Lincrusta was installed on the Titanic, as well as in the White House.
620 Massachusetts Ave. NE
The house at 620 Massachusetts Ave., NE, was built by a German immigrant who ran a bottling business that bottled soda, porter, sarsaparilla, cider and Capitol Ginger ale right next door. The owners fell in love with the home the moment they saw it because it offered the perfect blend of space, location and historic charm.
The owners of the house on 4th Street, NE, had a surprise when they were renovating it in 2014 – the entire back brick wall fell down. Unbeknownst to the contractor or the current owners, a nondescript brick near the ceiling functioned as a keystone. When it was removed the entire wall collapsed.
Queen Anne row, 600 block of 6th St. NE
The three-in-a-row homes on 6th Street, NE, with metal oriel bay windows, stand out on the block and are an unusual Capitol Hill sight. The owners worked with a paint consultant to find vibrant colors that would coordinate to create the “painted lady” effect you see today. The Queen Anne Victorian architecture is richly varied, lending itself to the three or four colors used on each home. These three 1895 Queen Anne Victorians are all different inside: one has exposed brick and an open floor plan, another has a Scandinavian-inspired kitchen separated from the garden by a wall of glass, and the third one has historic mantels and mirrors to give it a New York brownstone vibe.
Salvaged mantel and tile, 642 6th St. NE
A refreshment break with treats from local vendors, in the lobby of 700 Constitution Avenue NE, is included.
The artwork on this year’s catalogue and poster was created and donated by professional photographer – and former Hill resident – Jenny Nordstrom. Photos on the post courtesy CHRS staff.
The Capitol Hill Restoration Society is a nonprofit organization, founded 70 years ago to help preserve and protect the historic neighborhood’s architectural and residential character. Our mission has been, and continues to be, to uplift the community we live in through education, preservation, and events in celebration of the diverse community and history of the Hill.