August 3 – Heurich House (ONP #215)

That “castle” on the corner in D.C.’s Dupont Circle neighborhood? For years I didn’t pay it any attention other than a passing glance.

Until tonight, when an event I attended at the “Heurich House,” turned out to be this place. (Oh, it’s you!) This stone behemoth is actually a Gilded Age mansion built in 1892-94 by Christian Heurich, a German immigrant to the U.S. who made his fortune in the nation’s capital as a beer brewer.

Part medieval castle with a tower and turret and a coat of medieval knight’s armor set up in the vestibule (very welcoming, Christian!), and part Gilded Age froofery, with fringed lampshades, gold-colored upholstery, and tables that weigh more than a couple of elephants, this mansion is definitely NOT my idea of a cozy place to live . . . but then, nobody asked me.

It’s pretty cool to visit, though. The people who run it now as a museum (The Heurich House Museum) are doing a great job, hosting all kinds of events, from film screenings to art exhibits in the carriage house, to beer tastings, of course! The garden is a nice little neighborhood secret too—if the gates are open, you can wander in off the street to enjoy it.  

Suzie

Hi! I’m Suzanne. I’ve committed to seeing One New Place every day for the year 2018!  Join me and follow along with my daily adventures. Even better, try it for yourself–discover One New Place every day/week/month–whatever interval of time works for you!

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