Magnificent Gilded Age mansion in Dupont Circle, Washington DC, owned by an American diplomat, comes on the market
A stunning Gilded Age mansion in Washington, DC, has hit the market for nearly $30 million.
The Blaine Mansion was built in 1881 in the Dupont Circle in the capitol for Republican Representative James Blaine. The former presidential candidate – who narrowly lost to Glover Cleveland – lived in the beautiful terracotta house for just two years before moving out.
Today, the home is owned by former US diplomat John R. Phillips, who served as ambassador to Italy and San Marino. He and his wife, Linda Douglass, a former communications adviser to the Obama administration, listed the historic property for $29.95 million.
If they receive the asking price, it has the potential to set records for the city.
Many important faces have graced the hallways of the Blaine Mansion, including former President Barack Obama, who frequented the Phillips, and current President Joe Biden when he served as VP. So many people have entered the house flanked by the Secret Service that the former diplomat installed landline telephone wires in the garage in case they needed to be called.
The house is the only surviving Dupont Circle mansion that was built in the Gilded Age, although it is now a condominium.
A stunning Gilded Age mansion in Washington, DC, has hit the market for nearly $30 million. The Blaine Mansion is the only surviving Dupont Circle mansion that was built in the Gilded Age, although it is now a condominium
The Blaine Mansion was built in 1881 in Washington DC’s Dupont Circle for Republican Representative James Blaine (left), who lived there for two years. Today the home is owned by former US diplomat John R. Phillips (right), who served as ambassador to Italy and San Marino, and his wife
The lower floors of the 23,600-square-foot home are now office spaces with approximately 7,000 square feet occupying the four-bedroom penthouse, which comprises the top two floors. The home also has access to a private 20-meter rooftop pool and an outdoor kitchen, real estate agent Daniel Heider wrote on the mention.
There is also a private elevator in the building, as well as six beautiful fireplaces, a skylight, and the original paved driveway, which offers a glimpse into the world of James G. Blaine and the extravagant lives of Washington high society. in the 19th century, when DuPont Circle was the exclusive meeting point for all of the city’s rulers.”
The home was designed by Benjamin A. Van Dusen to create a “well-proportioned, effortlessly flowing, and intricately detailed” space, the listing said.
Blaine Mansion features a “gentlemen’s library” with “extensive built-in appliances and two light-filled dens with spectacular views of DuPont Circle park.”
Approximately 7,000 square feet occupies the four-bedroom penthouse, which consists of the top two floors.
The house was designed by Benjamin A. Van Dusen to create a “well-proportioned, effortlessly flowing, and intricately detailed” space
The house has a large wine cellar (photo)
The dark wood contrasts nicely with the bright room with two long built-in bookshelves along each wall. It has enough space for armchairs and a table for the ultimate reading nook.
It also has ‘ambassador’ living and dining rooms, which are accessed through French doors and give an elegant feel. According to the offer, it can accommodate up to 40 people or a dinner or party for 150 guests.
The kitchen has a wood-burning fireplace, built-in cabin, marble countertops, and is stocked with Miele, Sub-Zero, and Wolf appliances.
Just off the kitchen is a private patio with covered and uncovered areas.
The master bedroom has vaulted ceilings and has separate baths and dressing rooms.
It also has large secondary bedrooms and a fitness center, built-in sauna and private office space.
The kitchen has a wood-burning fireplace, built-in cabin, marble countertops and is stocked with Miele, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances
Just off the kitchen is a private patio with covered and uncovered areas
One of the living rooms has light walls that contrast nicely with the dark floor
It also has ‘ambassador’ living and dining rooms, which are accessed through French doors and give an elegant feel. It can accommodate up to 40 people or a dinner or party for 150 guests (photo: one of the dining areas)
The lower floors of the 23,600-square-foot home are now office spaces
“The Blaine Mansion is a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Washington history,” the listing reads.
Phillips and his wife moved to DC in 1993. Phillips had always admired the Blaine Mansion, and a few months into their stay in the capital, he rented office space for his law firms on one of the lower floors.
He also negotiated the rights to buy the mansion when it came on the market. He bought the house in 2006.
After they bought it, they renovated it for three years, according to the Wall Street Journal. In 2006, the mansion was all office space, but renovated the upper floors to create a home for itself.
The house also has access to a private 20m rooftop pool
Linda Douglass said the house is in a prime location and even allowed her access to Biden’s inauguration, which she watched from her upstairs windows
They redesigned the upper floors, but painstakingly honored them with the home’s original aesthetic, including the moldings and fireplaces. They even restored the original seven chimneys after permission from the historical society.
“It really is like living in the Old World,” Phillips told WSJ.
Douglass said the house is in a prime location and even allowed her access to Biden’s inauguration, which she watched from her upstairs windows.
The couple now wants to downsize, which is why they have put their beautiful property on the market. They plan to spend more time in their Maryland home.