House Design

Inside Julia Child's iconic Georgetown home – on the market for $3.5 million

The French gastronomy master created some of her best-known recipes in the kitchen

Julia Child's home in Washington DC
(Image credit: Sean Shanahan for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)

Julia Child's former home in northwest Washington, D.C., is currently listed for $3.5 million. The chef and television host gained national admiration after introducing French gastronomy to the public following the release of her cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking

The home's kitchen later featured in The French Chef – the long-running series that accelerated Julia's fame and allowed her to become one of America's favorite TV cooking personalities. In 2009, the kitchen also welcomed actress Meryl Streep during the filming of Julie & Julia – a film that explores the chef's life. 

The listing offers an opportunity to own one of the best-known kitchens in the U.S., in one of the world's best homes. Here, we explore the famous property. 

Julia Child's home in Washington DC

(Image credit: Sean Shanahan for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)

While it is perhaps inevitable to begin at the kitchen, the home is also a trove of contemporary living room ideas, following several renovations since 2015. Key design features include the exposed brick wall and original beams that complement Georgetown's colonial architecture beyond the patio door. 

Julia Child's home in Washington DC

(Image credit: Sean Shanahan for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)

The room exhibits a sophisticated neutral palette that acts as a soft backdrop for its collection of houseplants and green-hued soft furnishings that pay tribute to the most popular color trends. The open-plan space also boasts a fireplace that acts as a reminder of the postcode's rich history.

Julia Child's home in Washington DC

(Image credit: Sean Shanahan for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)

This living space leads to the home's most famous room, the chef's kitchen. However, despite its prestige, the room looks somewhat unrecognizable from its retro roots. Instead, the space is a maze of modern kitchen ideas – from its marble-hued kitchen island to its integrated appliances that give the room an almost 'invisible-kitchen' effect.  

Julia Child's home in Washington DC

(Image credit: Sean Shanahan for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)

Beyond the floating staircase, the upper level has three bedrooms, including a master suite with a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom with a freestanding tub

Julia Child's home in Washington DC

(Image credit: Sean Shanahan for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)

While Julia Child's home is best-known from the inside, the current exteriors are similarly noteworthy. The backyard space epitomizes urban garden ideas with its paved outdoor dining area – complete with a full-size table and separate lounge area. 

Julia Child's home in Washington DC

(Image credit: Sean Shanahan for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)

Though, this is the only fitting exterior for a house that is so associated with its gastronomical legacy. Meanwhile, the butter-yellow-colored façade is an equally apt tribute to the chef who labeled the property as her 'little jewel' throughout her career. 

Julia Child's home in Washington DC

(Image credit: Sean Shanahan for TTR Sotheby’s International Realty)

Julia Child's home, at 2706 Olive Street, is currently listed with Jonathan Taylor and Maxwell Rabin of Sotheby's International Realty for $3.5 million.  

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.