rashbre central: the mansion

Wednesday 16 May 2007

the mansion

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I spent an evening this week in The Mansion, which is on O Street in Washington. The idea of The Mansion is to provide an escape into the world as it should be, not as it sometimes is. It is an astonishing amalgam of styles in five interconnected town houses with over one hundered rooms and including a grand ballroom.

The upper floors have been safe houses in the past as well as rooming for J. Edgar Hoover's G-men (real need to know basis stuff) and nowadays the venue hosts various people and events in a rather private way.

Simply put, no one can reach you when you are in the Mansion, unless they have a password. If anyone comes to the door or calls for a guest/member/employee, and they do not have the password, they will be told “There is no one here by that name” or “There is no group here by that name.” No exceptions. What happens at The Mansions stays at The Mansion.

H.H. Leonards-Spero (known simply as 'H') purchased The Mansion February 14, 1980, with the intent to restore its original character by reconnecting the row houses. The result is more than a labour of love and today's effec
t on entering is a magical experience.

The Mansion's rooms comprise varying architectural, artistic and design periods, from the Victorian Age to the Art Deco/Avant Garde. Highlights include a two-story Log Cabin and the secluded Art Deco penthouse with private elevator.

The whole building is filled with amazing artifacts with chandaliers a-plenty, lithographs, fine art, signed guitars, and a miscellany of magical, intriguing and unique items throughout the extensive property.

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