This really was a pleasurable inspection - sure, there was stuff, but pleasurable.
Obviously the design of the original house, front and back, brings to mind Mount Vernon, George Washington's inherited home. Two more recent additions to the original house have been added on each side.
Mount Vernon is just up the street to the left of this house. The rear portico shares virtually the same view of the Potomac River that Mr. Washington had. You are looking at Maryland in the distance.
Built in 1939, this house was meant to look like Mount Vernon.
Built on the original property, for a long while it stood alone, to be surrounded now by a modern neighborhood.
The "cupola" was added later. It really does not serve the same function as the cupola on top of Mount Vernon did.
Cupolas were 18th century versions of air conditioning. A cupola was a small tower on top of a big hole through the roof. Full of windows that could be opened, when they were, and the windows and doors were opened elsewhere in the house, air would flow from high pressure to low pressure, entering the house through windows and doors and exiting at the cupola. Convection kept the air moving. Air conditioning!
Pure physics.
The "cupola" in this photo is cosmetic.
When I was in the back yard here, I heard a screech overhead and, looking up, a large bald eagle flew over my head. I was 
invading, and he landed further away and watched my every move.
I was also interesting to the local squatters, living here inside the roof. Notice the damage below the gutter. The front door they created for their residency has allowed for water to enter.
It is a big house! The inspection took a while. It has its problems!
But how wonderful to be there and enjoy its ambiance.
My recommendation: home inspectors are introduced to many different areas, eras, home designs and architecture. It is a fun occupation! Sure, there are things to investigate and report on, but day after day we experience different things, meet terrific people and enjoy our business! This home inspector LOVES his work, and if I could do home inspections for free, I TRULY WOULD.
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