Tour the Homes: Washington D.C.'s Embassy Row
Dream Drives : Episode DRD-107 -- More Projects »
In the diplomatic center of the nation's capitol, Dream Drives tours the extraordinary residences of the ambassador of Brazil, the Turkish ambassador, the South-African Embassy and the former home of Woodrow Wilson.
Figures A and B — Massachusetts Avenue is the longest avenue in the District. Firmly established as the address for foreign diplomats, it hasn't always been a desirable address. Offal from neighboring slaughterhouses floated on Slash Run, a stream that crossed a section of the avenue, and local gentlemen used nearby woods and fields for sport. It wasn't until 1873 that the first regal residence was built by Sen. William Seward. It was called Seward's Castle and the price tag was $225,000.
Figure C — Prior to 1934, Brazilian government officials conducted business in an embassy that was less than stellar. Accounts exist expressing the embarrassment of Brazilian officials and those visiting the former cramped location. In 1934 that all changed with the purchase of the McCormick House. With a posh Massachusetts Avenue address, the Brazilian embassy became the pride of that country and the envy of others. Now more than 65 years later, the embassy is still a showplace of understated elegance. Figure D — Inside the McCormick House, neo-classical furniture, rumored to have once belonged to Empress Josephine, blends seamlessly with primitive art pieces. Elegant wallpaper repeats the history of the Brazilian people in muted tones of gold and green.
Figure E — It's hats off to this stately residence. Built in 1914, the house once belonged to Edward Everett, who made a fortune with his patented crimped caps — bottlecaps that is. In 1919 Everett married an opera singer, but now it's the Turkish ambassador who sings the praises of this house. The house offers a medley of decorative delights. A wrought-iron canopy and several classical columns greet guests upon arrival. A cornice that seems to carry out a bottle-cap motif tops the brick and granite house. Figure F — Inside the Turkish embassy, leaded glass windows shine light on colored mosaics, and a crimson ballroom takes center stage.
Figure G — The South-African embassy is an original building that was designed in 1936 specifically for the South-African government. Although its Colonial Dutch foundation lies solidly on Massachusetts Avenue, once inside, visitors are whisked to another country. Figure H — Basketry and beadwork, pottery and paintings accentuate the traditional European-influenced furnishings of the embassy, but it's the dining room that garners all the attention. Paneling, the grand table, and chairs are all made from the rare and exotic stinkwood--a native South-African tree.
Figure I — When former President Woodrow Wilson left the White House in 1921, he didn't move far from his presidential digs. He set up house on Massachusetts Avenue. Figure J — A French tapestry and regal portraits draw the eye in the second floor drawing room, while Wilson's library holds cherished items a little closer to home. It is in this room that Wilson placed the chair he used to preside over cabinet meetings.
* Note: Guest contact information subject to change.
Resources Washington, D.C., Convention & Visitors Association
Website:
www.washington.org
Guests Paul Kelsey Williams
Architectural Historian, Kelsey & Associates, Inc.
Website:
www.washingtonhistory.com
Frank Aucella
Museum Director, Woodrow Wilson House
Phone: 202-387-4062 Ext. 11
Website:
www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org
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