British ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C.
- Architect
- Edwin Lutyens
- Style
- Queen Anne
- City
- Washington, DC
The British ambassador's residence at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue sits on Embassy Row and is the only building in North America designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, commissioned in 1925 and designed in 1928. On-site architect Frederick H. Brooke assisted with the design and oversaw construction, which was carried out by developer Harry Wardman. The full facade was oriented to face south toward the residence's gardens.
the building
South-facing garden facade. Lutyens turned the entire facade to face south toward the gardens rather than toward Massachusetts Avenue, shaping the house around light and outlook rather than street presentation. The roof is covered in Ludowici clay tile.
the style
The residence is an example of Queen Anne Revival architecture, also described as baroque revival — a domestic idiom Lutyens practiced often in England but almost never exported. This is his sole North American commission.
More on Queen Annethe architect
Sir Edwin Lutyens was one of the most prominent British architects of his era, and this residence is notable within his body of work as a rarity: the only building he ever designed in North America. Frederick H. Brooke served as on-site architect, assisting with the design and overseeing construction by developer Harry Wardman.
significance
The residence is a contributing property to the Massachusetts Avenue Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1985, King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and Diana, Princess of Wales stayed there during their Washington visit. Its 2009 property value was $31,308,480, and it draws about 10,000 visitors a year.
nearby
- McCormick, Robert S., House (Brazilian Embassy)
- Babcock-Macomb House
- Islamic Center of Washington
- Saint Sophia Cathedral, Washington, DC
- Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel
- Evermay