British ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C.

United States historic place From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The British ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C. is located at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest, Washington, D.C. in the Embassy Row neighborhood.

Location3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C.
Coordinates38°55′15.92″N 77°3′46.79″W
Built1928
ArchitectEdwin Lutyens
Quick facts Location, Coordinates ...
The British ambassador's residence
Principal southern facade overlooking garden
Location3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C.
Coordinates38°55′15.92″N 77°3′46.79″W
Built1928
ArchitectEdwin Lutyens
Architectural styleQueen Anne
Part ofMassachusetts Avenue Historic District (ID74002166[1])
Designated CPNovember 26, 1973[2]
Close

History and architecture

It was commissioned in 1925, and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1928. An example of Queen Anne Revival architecture, the residence is the only building Lutyens designed in North America. Frederick H. Brooke, the on-site architect, assisted with the design and oversaw the construction of the embassy, which was conducted by developer Harry Wardman.[3][4] The full facade of the building was designed to face southwards towards its gardens, and the building was roofed with Ludowici clay tile.[5][6]

The home is the most prominent part of a compound that also includes the offices of the embassy chancery and is a contributing property to the Massachusetts Avenue Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[1]

King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales stayed at the residence during their 1985 visit to Washington, D.C.[7] Its 2009 property value is $31,308,480. There are about 10,000 visitors each year.[8]

The residence, together with the embassy offices, underwent a 5 year renovation costing £118.8 million ending in 2023.[9]

View of eastern facade from Massachusetts Avenue

See also

Further reading

  • Anthony Seldon, Daniel Collings, The Architecture of Diplomacy: The British Ambassador's Residence in Washington, Random House Incorporated, 2014, ISBN 9782081299023
  • A History of the Gardens of the Ambassador's Residence, British Embassy, Washington

References

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI