beginning flush with the first belt line, and
continuing nearly to the modillioned cornice. In this recess the middle,
second and third story windows, are centered, giving the effect of a
very high Palladian window. Large arched windows flank each side of the
entrance, while windows of the second and third stories are quite
ordinary, save in proportion. Every window has outside shutters and
molded iron holdbacks.

[Illustration: Washington's Tomb at Mount Vernon. From a sketch
appearing in a letter of William Yeaton to Lawrence Lewis under date of
April 4, 1835. (_Courtesy Mount Vernon Ladies' Association_)]

The entrance, a flat arch flush with the house, opens into a deeply
recessed and paneled vestibule. Side lunettes, leaded transom, double
doors supported by reeded half columns, and an elaborate fret decorate
the arch and door trim, making the doorway a very important element of
the design. Stone front steps and double flights of outcurving steps,
banded by iron railings, contribute emphasis. The watersheds and belt
lines are white, as is the recessed arch, adding a dramatic touch to the
dull red masonry.

To the right, upon entering, runs a long room the entire length of the
house; to the left a small chamber faces the street. A large arch frames
a graceful stair, which winds up to the third floor in a circular
movement. Newel post and stair ends are carved. While woodwork
throughout the house is elaborate, the difference between the first and
second floors is marked. That of the first floor is massive, rather more
dull than interesting, but the second floor, especially the large room,
is startling in that mantel, door trim, chair rail, and baseboard are
carved with the delicate lightness of Adam. The feature of this room is,
of course, the mantel which is centered between two large shell-like
shallow recessed arches, reaching from the floor to the ceiling. The
room might have been done by McIntire at his best.

In 1814 the Yeatons sold their home to a man who immediately disposed of
his interest in the property to the Bank of the Potomac for ten thousand
dollars. Sixteen years later, on December 9, 1830, the house was
purchased as a town residence by Thomas, Ninth Lord Fairfax, for five
thousand dollars, and remained in the Fairfax family for thirty-four
years. Thomas, Ninth Lord Fairfax, in 1800 married Margaret Herbert,
eldest daughter of William and Sarah Carlyle Herbert and granddaughter
of John Carlyle.