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Historic DC Firehouse Penthouse Loft

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A spacious loft with a kitchen, dining area, and living room.
A modern kitchen with a central island, large windows, and a cozy seating area with a sofa and chairs.
A spacious living room with a leather sofa, a dining area with orange chairs, and a kitchen with a brick wall.
A bedroom with a large bed, a mirror, and a red rug.
A modern living room with a large island table, orange chairs, a fireplace, and a staircase with a wooden railing.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Entire condo

5 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 14

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Washington, DC
  • Place, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Howard University
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Capital One Arena
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.)
    ‪56 min drive‬

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About the neighborhood

Washington

Located in Northwest within a short walk of Howard University, this condo is within a mile (2 km) of other popular sights such as Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The condo includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a microwave.
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What's nearby

  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Howard University - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • CityCenterDC - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Smithsonian American Art Museum - 4 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Capital One Arena - 5 min drive - 1.1 miles

Getting around

  • Shaw Station - 5 min walk
  • New Carrollton Station - 15 min drive
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sost - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Kiki - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Little Gay Pub - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Nellie's Sports Bar - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Beau Thai - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire condo to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Historic DC Firehouse Penthouse Loft

Located in the Shaw neighborhood, one of DC's most hip, slick and cool areas, The Firehouse on R housed the first Fully African American Fire company in Washington DC! Built in 1884 and fully renovated in 2017 by a world famous interior designer and TV celebrity, the Firehouse merges exposed architectural beauty with historic photography and modern amenities/design. Total space is roughly 3000 square feet (or 280 square meters). Penthouse sleeps 14 comfortably with 5 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms. 2 parking spaces & amenities included in price.

As seen on Netflix's TV Series "Stay Here" (Season 1, Episode 8)
The condo is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and 4 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 5 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine and a fireplace.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the condo: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Stovetop

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 22

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 22
Property Registration Number 5007242201001530

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Historic DC Firehouse Penthouse Loft Condo
Historic DC Firehouse Penthouse Loft Washington
Historic DC Firehouse Penthouse Loft Condo Washington

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do near this condo?

This condo is situated in Northwest within a short 18-minute walk of Embassy Row and also 19 minutes on foot from CityCenterDC. You'll also find Capital One Arena and White House within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Historic DC Firehouse Penthouse Loft?

Yes, there is a garage.

Is this condo next to a casino?

No, this condo is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this condo?

No, there is no indoor pool at this condo.

Is Historic DC Firehouse Penthouse Loft a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this condo include a fireplace, a smart TV, and a kitchen.

Does Historic DC Firehouse Penthouse Loft have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this condo.

Does this condo include breakfast service?

No, this condo doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this condo allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this condo.

Does Historic DC Firehouse Penthouse Loft have connecting rooms available?

No, this condo doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to this condo?

The closest major airport to this condo is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is 7.4 mi away (25 minutes by car). Another top airport is College Park, MD (CGS), which is located 11.9 mi away (33-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Historic DC Firehouse Penthouse Loft?

No, there aren't any condo at Historic DC Firehouse Penthouse Loft that offer a balcony.

Historic DC Firehouse Penthouse Loft Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 38 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 38 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 38 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 38 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daryn R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent job preserving and documenting the history of this Firehouse! Well appointed and had everything we needed for a family trip to DC. Great location and convenient to all of the city’s events and attractions. Would definitely stay here again if ever in DC again.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renee B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect location for our weekend getaway. Plenty of room and just as advertised. Close to everything and great neighborhood.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rose L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place for a large group to get to spend time together! Great location in the city and lots of room.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Cristina- R.

Loved the location to down town, loved the host communication.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was awesome staying in the historic firehouse! The house was very clean and slept 10 people very comfortably. The location is great, and the host was very responsive before we checked in. We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Judson L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a fun place to stay. Very unique.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

brooks m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place

Very cool house in a very convenient location.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edward N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place in an awesome neighborhood

It’s a great place with lots of space for everyone. We enjoyed our stay. Close to the Metro and awesome restaurants. Highly recommended
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Monica S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Reunion

It was a fantastic stay. Location great. Property had everything we needed. Beds and towels were great.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dori J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay!

The location was great - within easy walking distance of the metro stop, restaurants, and grocery stores. There was plenty of room for our group. The historical character of the architecture is wonderful. Overall, a great experience. We highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Diane B.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Spoke with owner and he indicated he would be taking care of some of maintenance issues we found. We rented this property to celebrate our 50th anniversary with our kids and grandkids and it was very disappointing that the beautiful photos posted of the property didn’t match what we experienced when we arrived. This was our first time experience with VRBO.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great historic property!

We had a great stay. The place was located in a good area convenient to metro. We utilized both the metro and uber. There was a grocery store about 15 minute walk away. The house was clean. There were pots, dishes and dishwasher which came in handy with kids. Overall great little vacation. We hope to stay here again in the future!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gara F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Epic stay

Perfect location … awesome vibe …. beautiful architecture … incredible photography … super comfy beds … we will be back. This place is a gem and Michael is an excellent host. The AC kept us cool when we came in from the 100 degree heat. Thank you for hosting our meaningful and memorable week in DC! Thank you for having us.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samantha E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location and comfortable

Our group of 9 had plenty of room. We really enjoyed having a large kitchen to do meals in and hang out. The natural lighting from the front windows and skylight was lovely. It was also nice to be able to do laundry. The firehouse is situated in a nice area, within easy walking distance of metro stop, restaurants, and grocery stores. Great experience, and glad we found this place.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maryalice M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

MCM weekend

Couple of us came down for the MCM my 3 yr old nephew was entertained the entire time with all the workings and dress up equipment required to be a fireman !! While the rest of us enjoyed group dinners in the spacious easily entertaining kitchen loved the entire weekend thanks DC firehouse !!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

6/10 Okay

katherine h.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness

Bed Linen s /bath towels

Alot of stairs for carrying luggage and cooler /needed updated bed linens and not alot of towels no wash cloths owner needs to check why Led lights under upstairs cabinets not sure why it was there Check for hidden cameras ,Over all things were nice /but not great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Unique Setting for Lasting Memories

We had an incredible weekend staying at this beautifully converted firehouse in Washington, DC! Our group of 13 women (ages 21-45) found the space to be absolutely perfect for our getaway. The layout is fantastic, with plenty of comfortable sleeping accommodations that allowed everyone to have their own space while still feeling connected. The open common areas made it easy to gather, whether for meals, games, or just relaxing.The amenities were well thought out and easy to find, making our stay seamless from start to finish. Whether we were staying in and enjoying the unique charm of the firehouse or heading out to explore DC, the location worked perfectly. The neighborhood felt safe, and we had no trouble getting to restaurants, bars, and local attractions.This is an ideal spot for a large group looking for a fun and memorable stay. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Women of V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

DC Firehouse

Excellent Everything! Owner was super gracious. Mike “Firehouse” keeps a nice lodging. Roomy enough for all 5 of us. Two TVs. Washer and dryers, extra blankets. Easy location, walking, biking. Uber comes at lightening speed. Close to DC’s most visited monuments. Highly reccomend The Unconventional Diner for breakfast. As an historic African American Collective, we were bowled over by the history of this site, which is curated on the walls and windows. You will enjoy a carefree and beautiful stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Dianne K.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in

The Historical Place in Good Location

Upon entering it had not been cleaned. Contacted owner and was told they would be out Sunday morning to clean. Refrigerator not working at all, had to use. Very small unit that came from somewhere. The grandkids enjoyed staying and said it was close to almost everything. Suggestion, let people know how many stairs they must climb. Anyone with a disability couldn’t do it. Was told we would receive a refund for. Our cleaning deposit.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Lisa B.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Great location but….

Even though the firehouse is cool, historic and a good location, it needs some attention. One refrigerator door pull is missing. The stove is dirty, could not get all burners to work and one stove pull was held on by a wire. Upstairs bedroom smells moldy. Couldn’t get the fireplace to work. Shower turns on with pliers and carpet worn out and stained.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Mary C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun Experience

Overall we had a good stay. The property was clean and ready for us upon arrival. We were a family of 10 so we had plenty of sleeping areas. The bedrooms just inside the door were terribly hot throughout our stay, they have 1 fan in there which just doesn’t do what is needed during the hotter months apparently. The upstairs bedrooms stayed cool but there is some dripping from the vents onto the floors/bed. There are lots of stairs so just be ready for that. It had one working washer and dryer on the main floor, the one in the upstairs bedroom didn’t work for us but we were happy to have the one. They could use tvs in the bedrooms, the lighting throughout the apartment is different, and there aren’t outlets in all the bathrooms, but you can make it all work.It is a unique space and they tried to keep with the theme of the building in the decor so sometimes function is lost to that. Some couches/chairs could use updating but again, it all worked. They did have towels, some bathroom supplies, dishes, etc. which are convenient to have. D
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Patricia W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This vrbo was wonderful. My extended family (3 generations ranging in age from 12 - 76) just returned from spending Christmas week there.The firehouse is the absolute cleanest vrbo we have stayed in - which to us is a huge plus. The kitchen was the best stocked vrbo kitchen we've experienced. I was nervous about that, since I was cooking dinner for us. No issue at all! Plenty dishes, utensils, cooking pots/pans and all tools needed to do a traditional turkey dinner for Christmas. There was 1 burner that didn't work....but we worked around it and had no other issues with the kitchen.The firehouse was nice and roomy allowing us the space we needed when we were together too much on any given day. The only room that seemed lacking was the middle living room. We all thought it could use a big table/chair set up or fooseball table. But no complaints, we just didn't use the room except when my husband worked remotely from there 1 day.We really had no complaints. There were a couple outlets that didnt work (particularly in the front bathroom) but we just did our hair in one of the other 3 bathrooms. It appears there is electrical work that is being done (maybe new lighting) which will be helpful. It didn't cause us issues and was out of any harms way....just something we noticed Would def recommend the Firehouse for a unique stay that had all the creature comforts of home. The host was very attentive and responsive as well which is always nice
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Valerie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Unique historic property in great neighborhood

We enjoyed our stay so much at the old firehouse. The Shaw district is amazing, plenty of restaurants within walking distance and only a couple blocks from the Metro. It was super convenient. The property has great space to accommodate a larger group and so much character. Overall, we enjoyed the experience. However, the space could use a bit of TLC to replace missing knobs and handles. Also, there are two washer/dryer locations - however, only one washer and one dryer worked. And not on the same floor. This is an easy enough fix and I am sure it is on the landlords list to do. My biggest disappointment was that there was not really a good area to gather, like around a table. We like to gather and play games. The only viable spot was the kitchen counter, which had a large sink in the middle, making it tough for everyone to co-mingle. Also, the stools are too high for the counter, so your knees are bumping underneath if you weren't careful, which was painful. I recommend putting a gathering table and chairs in one of the rooms.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

4/10 Poor

Carol L.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
The Firehouse VRBO was a huge disappointment for the price. The original concept was innovative and potentially practical, but it appeared that it has not been maintained since the original renovation. While the marketing boasts 5 bedrooms and 4 baths, two of the bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor appear not to have been part of the renovation design. Two years ago, our same group stayed at the VRBO in Charleston and had no complaints. We’re not a difficult group of travelers.Safety Concerns-Exposed line voltage electrical wires and open junction boxes in several locations in the house, including a hard-wired smoke detector-Frayed cords and exposed wiring on hanging lamp-Trip hazards at the top of the stairs due to the broken tile at the top of the stairs and at the first-floor entrance.-Lights and outlets in first floor bathroom are non-functioning. Overhead light in a first floor bedroom non-functioning.-There is an open junction box sitting on the wooden rafters in the front bedroom on the 3rd floor-There is no evidence of a recent fire or building inspection.Disappointments-The entire house was dirty! We had to request that the front bathroom floor be cleaned.-The upholstery on the furniture was very worn and filthy.-Extremely dirty and stained carpeting in the front two bedrooms and the hallway between the rooms-Poor condition of the ball and claw tub._ No towel bars to hang wet towels
stained carpeting
dirty furniture
broken tile at the top of the stairs
exposed junction box
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Shauna H.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy

Misleading Listing & Poor Conditions – Not Worth the Price

This rental was a huge disappointment. There was no hot water for the first two days, and on day four, the water shut off completely for 20 minutes. We later learned the owner knew in advance due to plumbing work below but never told us—and ignored our calls during the outage. We were offered only one night’s refund, and VRBO support was no help.The listing photos are very outdated—at least 8 years old—and don’t reflect the current condition. The upstairs electricity didn’t work, ceiling holes were exposed, and lights didn’t work in some rooms. The beds were not as described—one bunk bed had a mattress under two inches thick, and others were uncomfortable.We also found underwear in the dryer, hair in the shower, and the shower knob wasn’t attached. The Wi-Fi only worked in the living room, and there were old boards in the rafters. On the last day, a rat ran through the house.The location and historic charm can’t make up for the poor maintenance, misleading listing, and lack of accountability. Not worth the money.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025