This Tiny 1780 Home Built by a British Sea Captain Just Hit the Market — and the Price Is Turning Heads
March 1, 2026
This Adorable Red Tiny Home in Georgetown Dates Back to 1780 — and It’s Listed for Nearly $2 Million 😲🏡
A charming little red home in Washington, DC, believed to have been built by a British sea captain nearly 250 years ago, has just hit the market for just under $2 million.
Described in its listing as a true “treasure,” the historic residence is said to be one of the oldest homes in Georgetown. While it may be small in size, it offers plenty of character, featuring 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms, and approximately 1,015 square feet of living space.
But what this tiny home lacks in scale, it more than makes up for in remarkable history. Dating all the way back to 1780, the home is believed to have been built by a European sailor, with some accounts even suggesting that the hand-hewn interior beams were crafted from wood salvaged from a shipwreck that washed ashore nearby.
In more recent history, this charming little home was owned by Ann Caracristi — a renowned cryptologist, World War II veteran, and the first woman to serve as deputy director of the NSA. She purchased the historic property in the mid-1900s and called it home for more than 60 years, living there until her passing in 2016. According to the listing, the residence is now being offered with many of its traditional decor features still intact, including a personal library of books that once belonged to Caracristi — adding yet another meaningful layer to the home’s remarkable story.
An adorable red tiny home that is said to have been built by a British sea captain nearly 250 years ago has hit the market in Washington, DC, for just a touch under $2 million Realtor.com
Described in its listing as a “treasure,” the home, which is “believed to be one of the oldest homes in Georgetown,” comes complete with just one bedroom and 1.5 bathrooms, and spreads across a pint-sized 1,015 square feet of living space. Realtor.com
Some reports suggest that the hand-hewn beams inside the home were made with wood from a ship that had come aground in the area. Realtor.com
The adorable abode was once home to Ann Caracristi, a cryptologist, World War II veteran, and the first woman to serve as deputy director of the NSA. Realtor.com
After Ann Caracristi’s death, the historic home sold for $825,000 before changing hands again in 2023 for $1.1 million. Now, the remarkable property is back on the market once more, offering what the listing describes as “a rare opportunity to own a genuine piece of American history.” It has even become a featured stop on the well-known Georgetown House Tour.
According to the listing, the residence beautifully blends irreplaceable historic character with warmth and charm. Guests are welcomed into a cozy living room filled with timeless details, including dark wood paneling, weathered hand-hewn ceiling beams, and a charming fireplace that adds to the home’s intimate atmosphere.
Just beyond the main living space is the chef’s kitchen, which brings a refreshing burst of color with its soft green cabinetry, along with a small island and modern high-end appliances that help balance the home’s old-world charm with everyday functionality.
A thoughtfully designed addition helps carry the historic home into the present, introducing a bright sitting area and kitchen extension filled with natural light from three skylights and a glass door that opens into a private enclosed garden—a peaceful little retreat tucked into the heart of the city.
Elsewhere, the home includes a quaint powder room with antique-inspired touches, while the transition space between the living room and kitchen offers enough flexibility for a small personal office or work nook, adding even more practicality to this tiny but unforgettable home.
Adjacent to the living area sits the chef’s kitchen, which adds a pop of color thanks to its light green cabinets, and comes complete with a small island and state-of-the-art appliances.Realtor.com
Moving upstairs, guests are greeted with a large bedroom with built-in closets.Realtor.com
There is a sweet backyard area that would be ideal for hosting guests. Realtor.com
The property is separated from its neighbor on one side by a tiny alley that leads between the front entrance and the backyard. Realtor.com
Upstairs, the home continues its storybook charm with a spacious bedroom that features built-in closets and an en-suite bathroom complete with a deep soaking tub that also functions as a shower. There is also an additional nook that can serve as a quiet home office, offering peaceful views out over the garden below.
The property is being offered partially furnished, giving future owners the chance to inherit several charming interior pieces, including wooden desks, rustic decor, pewter accents, and even Ann Caracristi’s personal library—details that add even more personality and history to the already remarkable home.
Out front, a classic white picket fence adds to the home’s undeniable curb appeal and enhances its fairytale-like presence along the street.
Of course, like many historic Georgetown homes, the property is built very close to its neighboring residence, leaving limited privacy. Still, a narrow side alley helps create a bit of separation and preserves the home’s tucked-away feel.
While tiny homes have surged in popularity in recent years—especially among buyers seeking a more affordable way into homeownership—this particular property stands in a category of its own. It isn’t just small and charming… it’s a true piece of American history.