A Capitol Hill Home Since 1908

The Third Street House (114 3rd Street NE, Washington, DC 20002) has been part of the Capitol Hill community for nearly three decades, offering residents a unique opportunity to experience life in the heart of Washington, D.C.

The story began when Townsend twins Ryan and Jason graduated from Georgetown University in 1997 and decided to remain in Washington rather than return home to Texas. They purchased the property at Third Street, just blocks from the U.S. Capitol and one block from the U.S. Supreme Court, and began transforming it into the distinctive home it is today.

The house underwent an extensive renovation in 1998. Their mother, Dr. Karan Townsend, played an instrumental role in overseeing the work while serving as a professor at Washington Bible College/Capital Bible Seminary in nearby Lanham, Maryland. During the week, Karan lived on campus; on weekends, she would “camp out” at the Third Street House while working on the renovation.

Paul Wolfkill, the husband of one of Karan’s fellow professors, assisted with much of the project, alongside professional plumbers, HVAC specialists, floor refinishers, and other tradespeople. Together, they helped restore and modernize the historic property while preserving much of its original Capitol Hill character.

The Third Street House soon became more than an investment—it became a family home.

Ryan and Jason lived in the house during 1998 and 1999. Jason and his wife, Ana, later made their home there in 2001, and Karan lived at the Third Street House from 2002 through 2006. Over the years, the house has continued to welcome tenants looking for comfortable, convenient, and community-oriented living in one of Washington’s most historic neighborhoods.

Today, the Third Street House remains owned by Ryan and Jason and is managed by Karan. Although life has taken the family in different directions, their connection to the house continues.

Karan eventually moved to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, where she established and cares for The Town’s Inn, located within the historic part of town and adjacent to the Harpers Ferry National Park. In 2025, Ryan moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he serves as vice president for international partnerships with Reaching & Teaching International Ministries. Jason remained on Capitol Hill, where he has worked in real estate since 2000 and established Townsend Snow & Co.

About the House

Located at 114 3rd Street NE on Capitol Hill, the Third Street House is a four-level, ten-room residence offering furnished accommodations and an exceptional location for experiencing Washington, D.C.

The house, built in 1908, combines the character of a historic Capitol Hill property with the conveniences of modern shared living. Residents enjoy furnished rooms, multiple kitchens and bathrooms, hardwood floors, laundry facilities, outdoor gathering spaces, and professionally maintained common areas.

Perhaps its greatest amenity, however, is its location.

The Third Street House is approximately three blocks from the U.S. Capitol, conveniently located near the Capitol South and Union Station Metro stations, and just a short distance from the Supreme Court, Constitution Avenue, the Library of Congress, and countless Capitol Hill destinations.

Included Amenities

• Fully furnished private rooms, including linens

• All utilities included

• High-speed internet

• Renovated and fully equipped kitchens with granite countertops

• Renovated bathrooms, including showers and traditional clawfoot tubs in the upper three floors

• Hardwood floors

• Multiple washers and dryers

• Brick patios and spacious deck

• Outdoor grill

• Weekly housekeeping provided for common areas

• Household supplies provided for shared spaces

• No security deposit required

• Four levels of living

Walk-in English Basement Apartment

Rooms B1 and B2 feature private bedrooms with a shared bathroom. Room B3 features a private bedroom and private bathroom. Basement tenants also have access to a shared kitchen and washer/dryer.

First Floor

Apartment 1W provides accommodations for up to four residents and includes its own kitchen, bathroom, and washer/dryer. Room 1E offers an additional furnished private-room option with access to a shared kitchen, bathroom, and washer/dryer on the third floor.

Second Floor

Rooms 2E, 2M, and 2W share a full bathroom featuring a shower and classic clawfoot tub.

Third Floor

Rooms 3E and 3W are complemented by a full kitchen and a full bathroom featuring a shower and clawfoot tub.

More Than a Room in Washington

For nearly three decades, the Third Street House has welcomed people to live, work, study, and experience life on Capitol Hill. Its combination of history, location, convenience, and community makes it more than simply a place to rent a room.

It’s your place in the heart of D.C.