About

One of the city of Falls Church's principal historic resources, Mount Hope has two distinct parts: a simple frame dwelling and a more elaborate Victorian ornamental villa, both virtually intact and joined by an infill section of uncertain date. The earlier portion was erected around 1815. The brick portion was built in 1869 by A. E. Lounsberry for William A. Duncan for $3,000, a sizeable sum at the time. Tax records indicate that in 1875 the brick section was valued higher than both Gunston Hall and Woodlawn. Its exterior is distinguished by its spirited wooden detailing, particularly the balconied gable. Although the original 216-acre Mount Hope farm in Falls Church has been developed, the house and remaining half acre of land are protected by a local easement.