About Us

Knollwood opened its doors in 1962 following a groundbreaking ceremony by Mamie Eisenhower. This unique community was the result of the dedication of two special women, Mrs. Maxwell Taylor, the wife of then Chief of Staff of the Army, and Mrs. Hoy Davis. These ambitious ladies enlisted the help of thousands of Army wives around the world. Their goal was to provide affordable, secure retirement housing and health care services for Army widows who, at the time, received minimal benefits from the government. This unique community has been capably managed by the Army Distaff Foundation, a non-profit corporation for over 40 years. Knollwood offers a continuum of care to best fulfill the physical and emotional needs of each resident.

Knollwood is situated on 16 exquisite acres in Washington, DC. The estate is graced by azaleas, dogwoods and stately oaks on a knoll overlooking Rock Creek Park. Our residents thrive on the energy and exciting opportunities offered by living in the nation’s capital. The city’s amenities are only minutes away. An enjoyable day at the Smithsonian museum, an evening at the Kennedy Center, or just dining in Georgetown are just a few of the many treasures one can appreciate in the nation’s capital.

At Knollwood, male and female officers of all uniformed services and their female relatives have the opportunity to live with others who have experienced the unique life of the military. Old friendships are renewed and new friends are discovered. It is a community in which one instantly feels "at home."

Knollwood continues to carry out this vision…today and into the future.

"The mission of the Army Distaff Foundation is to provide affordable, secure retirement housing and health care services to retired career officers of all uniformed services and their female relatives. Residency at Knollwood is never limited by one’s financial resources."


About the Army Distaff Foundation, Inc.

Through the years and changing times we have not lost sight of our original mission of providing affordable, secure retirement housing and health care services to military residents never limited by their ability to pay. The Army Distaff Foundation is committed to carrying out this tradition of caring for military officers, their spouses and female relatives. Through the charitable contributions of many, Knollwood is able to fulfill its mission through its Fellowship Assistance Fund. This is a restrictive invested fund whose monies are soley used to give confidential assistance to those residents at Knollwood who need financial assistance.

Throughout the year Knollwood hosts a variety of social functions and events to help raise money for the Fellowship Assistance Fund. An annual gala is held yearly that honors an outstanding individual for their contributions to the military community. These functions raise funds that benefit the residents at Knollwood. Other programs such as our silent auctions, annual giving, and major gifts program also help bring in charitable contributions. Your assistance ensures our residents’ security and quality of care. Your contribution is important in assuring the future of the founders’ vision. For more information on the Fellowship Assistance Fund or membership information click here.


Admissions Requirements

Regular and reserve component male and female military officers of all uniform services, their spouses, sisters, daughters, mothers and mothers-in-law are eligible for residency at Knollwood regardless of race, religion, age, sex, handicap or disability.


HIPAA Regulations

The Army Distaff Foundation fully complies with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) to protect patient's medical information and privacy. For more informaion about HIPAA, please visit The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.