A rare piece of history in the heart of Herndon! This 1910 charmer sits on nearly a third of an acre just steps from Herndon’s Downtown Historic District. Light pours into every room, and the original character is everywhere you look: refinished hardwood floors, built-in window nooks, and custom bookcases and cabinetry throughout.

The home’s story is as special as the home itself. It was built in the early 1900s by Francis Scott Key-Smith, a prominent Washington, D.C. attorney and the great-grandson of Francis Scott Key, who wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Picture him escaping to this peaceful Herndon cottage between cases in the city and his research into one of America’s most beloved songs.

The main house offers 3 bedrooms: two on the upper level and a third on the main level that also works well as a home office or den. Above the detached garage, the loft with its own full bath can be a 4th bedroom, guest suite, or loft space. Relax or entertain on the generous front porch (approx. 320 sqft), or step out onto the 2nd-floor balcony (approx. 32 sqft) overlooking peaceful Stanton Park right across the street. Out back, a slate side patio and a rear concrete patio set the stage for grilling, outdoor dining, and evenings around the fire pit.

This home has been thoughtfully cared for. In 2023 it got a new roof, new attic insulation, refinished hardwood floors, kitchen upgrades, and updates to the garage loft. In 2025, one of the two HVAC systems serving the main house was replaced, a French drain was added at the front of the house, and two new ceiling fans went up on the front porch. Structural improvements include upgraded support beams in the cellar, replacing the original wood beams, and new fencing in the crawlspace that creates a safe barrier for children and pets where there was none before.

The oversized 2-car detached garage (built in 2014) was expanded in 2016 with the loft and full bath. It’s perfect as a 4th bedroom, guest space, studio, or home office, and the possibilities are endless! Parking for up to 5 vehicles (two in the garage, three in the driveway) is a rare find this close to Downtown Herndon. Both fireplaces are decorative, non-functional, and sold as-is. The property is not located within the Herndon Historic Preservation District (HDRB). BONUS: HOA fees include lawn care!

Located in a friendly family neighborhood next to the Herndon Community Pool, this home is just minutes from Downtown Herndon’s restaurants, bars, coffee shops, salons, and library, plus the W&OD Trail, with easy access to Reston Town Center, Dulles Airport, and the Silver Line Metro.