While on the embassy tour a few weeks ago, I was able to tour the famous Walsh mansion which houses the Indonesian embassy. Located 2 blocks from Dupont Circle, the house was designed in 1903 by Henry Andersen for Thomas F. Walsh, a gold miner. Not just any gold miner, he found the largest gold mine in the world at the time! He and his wife, Carrie, moved to Washington DC to make their mark on its social scene. The house was built for the sum of $853,000.
While they inhabited the house until Carrie's death in 1932, the site is better known as the home of their daughter, Evalyn Walsh McLean - the last owner of the Hope diamond. She abandoned the house after her mother's death and it was occupied by various goverment agencies at her bequest until it was bought by the Ambassador of Indonesia in 1951 for $335,000. 
Small loggia over the front entry.
The current main entrance. You see the former Ritz Carlton hotel in the background.
Statues from Bali flank the front entrance which ward off evil spirits and invite good spirits.
You enter into a tiny vestibule with marble walls and an ornate ceiling.
Looking back into the vestibule from the central hall.
The most impressive space in the house is the central hall. You can see why!
The skylight rises up 3 floors, letting in tons of light. Even with all of the dark finishes the room felt very bright.
Detail of a banister.
The skylight.
Sconce in the central hall.
To the right of the stairway was a room with another prominent doorway. I wasn't sure if this was originally the main entrance or if this was a type of reception room.
To the left of the main staircase is the salon. In honor of the day an Indonesian band was playing.
The ceiling in the Louis XIV styled room is incredible. I love the juxtoposition with the Indonesian parasols.
More of the salon. 
The ubiquitous crystal chandelier.
Above a doorway. Doesn't this remind you of a carousel?
This doorway led to the Conservatory.
Small loggia over the front entry.
The current main entrance. You see the former Ritz Carlton hotel in the background.Statues from Bali flank the front entrance which ward off evil spirits and invite good spirits.You enter into a tiny vestibule with marble walls and an ornate ceiling.Looking back into the vestibule from the central hall.The most impressive space in the house is the central hall. You can see why! The skylight rises up 3 floors, letting in tons of light. Even with all of the dark finishes the room felt very bright. Detail of a banister.The skylight.Sconce in the central hall.To the right of the stairway was a room with another prominent doorway. I wasn't sure if this was originally the main entrance or if this was a type of reception room.To the left of the main staircase is the salon. In honor of the day an Indonesian band was playing.The ceiling in the Louis XIV styled room is incredible. I love the juxtoposition with the Indonesian parasols.More of the salon. The ubiquitous crystal chandelier.Above a doorway. Doesn't this remind you of a carousel?This doorway led to the Conservatory. Sadly the conservatory has been stripped of most of its charm but with the addition of hideous curtains. Imagine this room filled with potted palms, orchids and trees!
The exterior of the conservatory.
Beyond the salon through a large opening is the music room. Here is a view back into the salon.
While it is named the music room for the enormous organ in the corner, I questioned if this was originally a dining room of. It clearly is used as one now.
The room is lined with these (china?) cupboards which now house Indonesian crafts.
The fireplace in the music room.
While it is named the music room for the enormous organ in the corner, I questioned if this was originally a dining room of. It clearly is used as one now.The room is lined with these (china?) cupboards which now house Indonesian crafts.The fireplace in the music room. Detail of the paneling.
The ceiling in the music room.
The ceiling in the music room. Sadly this was all we were able to see of the mansion, but it was so over the top and ornate I had my fill! What an amazing place!
I have this great tray on my coffee table (Victoria Hagan 'shagreen' tray from Target) that has seen many different lives. Tonight I went to my local hardware store and had them cut some mirror to fit inside. I love it, especially at night. Lets look at some of the previous versions of it.
In an even older version ( 2 years ago) I had a gold and black patterned paper on it. The paper was easy to replace if it got dirty, the cork however was not and held stains easily. I think the mirror is the best version! What do you think?
I spent the weekend in NY and had a wonderful time. The first item of business was the much talked about 
While walking from the 
I recognized the staging of the famous Cecil Beaton photograph of Charles James dresses from the 50s (my favorite image in the world) out of the corner of my eye. My heart stopped - I turned and saw these creative windows devoted to 'the model as muse' and ran across the street to get a closer look. The sun was just right to get the ultimate amount of glare unfortunately, but you can still make out whats going on.
Erte inspired, perhaps? I'm sure this is based off a famous image as well - anyone know?
Above, the approach up the driveway -heavily wooded.
The last of the spring tulips greeted us at the visitors center.
Marjorie Merriweather Post, the foundress, is buried in the middle of her rose garden under a marble column.
The retro blue chairs are original to Marjorie's reign here.
I'm a sucker for the beautiful garden statuary.
It was a damp day and plants were heavy with their new leaves and the moisture. Everything just weeps: A very luscious garden.
The plaque above states that this ivy is from Buckingham Palace.
The moss was green on the Japanese Garden waterfall.
It will become even more full and lush later in the season.
On the other side of the breakfast room is this newly gilded fountain. I was told they cover it in the winter time to protect the gold leafing and keep it bright.
Not all of the beautiful blooms are outdoors though. The green house houses a huge collection of orchids of all different types and colors. 
I loved these reddish orange orchids: for some reason they made me thirsty! Reminded me of blood oranges I suppose!
Moss growing on a water storage container. Is there anything prettier?
Elevation of the mansion by the architect, Bruce Price. 
The entry hall. Not shown here are the beautiful black and white marble floors
I didn't miss out on photographing these AMAZING marble sconces lining the entry hall.
These have to be original. Aren't they amazing?!
Probably the most interesting sconces I've ever seen!
At the rear of the LONG entry hall is the stair hall -seen above.
This ancient fireplace stands at the foot of the stairs. You can see a glimpse of the marble floors.
To the right of the entry hall are 2 small salons with delicate plasterwork. Between the 2 is a small hall and original powder room. Above the 1st salon contains textiles from Uzbekistan.
To the left of the entry hall is the large library, seen here.
Library ceiling
Turkish couch in the library. I always thought these were so cozy!!
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