Real estate developer Don Peebles and his wife Katrina.
Don Peebles, together with his wife of nearly two decades, Katrina, exemplifies the next generation of philanthropists; an independent, can-do generation, whose vision and values are only beginning to be felt on a large scale. Grounded in the principles of his early mentors and role models who, “never saw any limitations on what I could accomplish,” Don and Katrina are guided by a desire to leverage their philanthropy to help create a more level playing field, whether by providing entrepreneurship programs for urban youth or by supporting research into (traditionally under-funded) women’s cancers. WL recently spent an afternoon at home with the family on their striking Massachusetts Avenue Heights property.
Situated atop a sloping hill at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, the Peebles’ 5,000 square foot residence is an excellent example of early twentieth century Jacobean revival architecture. The exterior is a combination of stone and stucco with iron and wood accents, with the graceful arches, terraces, and turrets of the Jacobean period. Don is a native Washingtonian, so when the couple sold their house on Birch Road, NW in the spring of 2007, it was important to them to maintain their connection to the city where Don has a large extended family and numerous business interests.
