I served as a docent on Saturdays back in the mid 90’s. They had a monthly concert series. I got to meet some amazing musicians and singers like Kathleen battle. She was lovely! It truly is a lovely house and I’ve been in the rooms not open to the public.
I had a chance to tour this house a number of years ago. It is just as opulent as it appears in the photos. Well worth a visit! Thanks, as always, for sharing these wonderful houses.
As to sources of "his" wealth: his wife Isabel Weld Perkins inherited $5 million from her Weld grandfather in 1881 (current value of over $146 million). The Larz Anderson estate in Brookline, MA was actually her family's country house. At least the D.C. mansion survives; the Brookline estate was left to Brookline for a park. To prevent any vandalism to the mansion, it was torn down!! I've been here once. It is truly magnificent. Pity he was a racist and ant-Semitic. Excellent video.
What a joyous find this was for me!! During the early 1970s, I went to several debutante parties there which was always a treat. There was a massive Baccarat crystal molded eagle situated mid point on the massive staircase. It was an early gift from the French chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati, which numbers only 200. Both the American and French chapters are worth checking out. Also I recall several hidden staircases, most particularly one in the music room where we'd sneak our dates for a kiss!!! As I recall as well, there was an enormous Buddha in the small backyard that supervised the ball room. Oh --- what glorious memories and parties I have of Anderson House.
The scale of everything in the house is crazy. The rooms are enormous with really high ceilings. The furnishings and color palettes give the word "guilded" it's meaning. The house is sandwiched between two apartment buildings, so I'm glad they bequeathed it as they did or it probably wouldn't be standing today. The Townsend house is across the street and there are several other houses of the period nearby, but I don't know which, if any, are open to the public. It's on the Embassy Row area and the Embassy of India is right across from it
I am a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, headquartered at Anderson House. In addition to the architectural beauty, Larz Anderson embued his patriotism in many of the design and artistic details. Come visit Anderson House to see more.
I just read your post after posting mine above in a response. Yes, particularly the Baccarat crystal eagle sitting on the landing to the second floor is most impressive. I went to several debutante parties there in the early 1970s --- what glorious memories!!
it is a very interesting house. It can be seen that the design of the architectural plan is based on the manor houses of the seventeenth century in England. It would be great if you could incorporate into your videos a more in-depth analysis than just describing the houses. Happy new year ❤
A number of years ago (could 7, 10 by now) this was the 'tea' site for the pre-Covid annual Dupont Circle tour. Not only could you come inside and tour the rooms, but a nice spread set for you with chairs and tables for you and your friends to stop midway through the circuit. Yes, impressive. I've got a Revolutionary War ancestor, but alas, no Society membership - he was not originally an an officer and more importantly, my Dad is the second son so that knocks me out of the chain no matter which way the 3 year service argument eventually went (I'll have to ask the climber cousin sometime)
Yes, a room like that, a great hall, in the English country house tradition would not have a staircase in it. As an architect I'd say it seems like the sort of thing that the client may have insisted on despite then illogic of it.
I enjoy your program very much but it seems like you've switched your format from doing the live videos to doing the videos like this where you just talked about the house with pictures, which is great and informative but I really enjoy seeing you in person and describing each room and walking through the homes or building. Please bring back those live videos also
It wasn't converted for a very specific reason. The Society of the Cincinnati was to be the sole owner in perpetually per Lars Anderson's wishes as it American headquarters. Also, when it was completed it was then the largest private home in America.
Interesting, I've never heard of this place. Here's an interesting book "The Legendary Estates of Beverly Hills". A bit pricey and a keeper. It has places that no longer exist. Another one is "The Estates of Beverly Hills - Holmby Hills - Bel Air - Beverly Park". I have that one also. It's a keeper also.
Hi Ken. I watched your videos for I'm guessing a year enjoying what you presented. When you showered the Wesson mansion in Spfld mass ( I live in Spfld ) I messaged you to tell you about a wonderful grand mansion in my neighborhood asking if you would be interested to show on This House. I thought you may not be interested that's fine but you also didn't even respond. I enjoyed what you presented to us very much your lack of response to me asking would you be interested in that house change my interest in your show so have unsubscribed you.
I was blessed to attend a costume party about 30 years ago
What a lovely opulent mansion, I'm glad that it exists today & can be visited by the public!! Thanks Ken!! 👍👍🙂
Wonderful, nice to see a turn of century treasure still in use today👍❤️
I served as a docent on Saturdays back in the mid 90’s. They had a monthly concert series. I got to meet some amazing musicians and singers like Kathleen battle. She was lovely! It truly is a lovely house and I’ve been in the rooms not open to the public.
And me as well. An amazing experience.
I LOVE old houses! Thanks, Ken.
I had a chance to tour this house a number of years ago. It is just as opulent as it appears in the photos. Well worth a visit! Thanks, as always, for sharing these wonderful houses.
As to sources of "his" wealth: his wife Isabel Weld Perkins inherited $5 million from her Weld grandfather in 1881 (current value of over $146 million). The Larz Anderson estate in Brookline, MA was actually her family's country house. At least the D.C. mansion survives; the Brookline estate was left to Brookline for a park. To prevent any vandalism to the mansion, it was torn down!! I've been here once. It is truly magnificent. Pity he was a racist and ant-Semitic. Excellent video.
What a joyous find this was for me!! During the early 1970s, I went to several debutante parties there which was always a treat. There was a massive Baccarat crystal molded eagle situated mid point on the massive staircase. It was an early gift from the French chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati, which numbers only 200. Both the American and French chapters are worth checking out. Also I recall several hidden staircases, most particularly one in the music room where we'd sneak our dates for a kiss!!! As I recall as well, there was an enormous Buddha in the small backyard that supervised the ball room. Oh --- what glorious memories and parties I have of Anderson House.
Another very interesting video on a beautiful old home. Thank you, Ken! You ou have given me many interesting places to visit.
The scale of everything in the house is crazy. The rooms are enormous with really high ceilings. The furnishings and color palettes give the word "guilded" it's meaning. The house is sandwiched between two apartment buildings, so I'm glad they bequeathed it as they did or it probably wouldn't be standing today. The Townsend house is across the street and there are several other houses of the period nearby, but I don't know which, if any, are open to the public. It's on the Embassy Row area and the Embassy of India is right across from it
Thank you for making content like this! It’s always interesting to hear the facts you’ve gathered for each video! 😌
WOW!!! What a BEAUTIFUL home!!! I need to visit!
I am a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, headquartered at Anderson House. In addition to the architectural beauty, Larz Anderson embued his patriotism in many of the design and artistic details. Come visit Anderson House to see more.
I just read your post after posting mine above in a response. Yes, particularly the Baccarat crystal eagle sitting on the landing to the second floor is most impressive. I went to several debutante parties there in the early 1970s --- what glorious memories!!
I love learning about all of these homes! I will add this to my list next time I'm in DC. Thank you, Ken. Happy New Year!
Must have read my request for more DC!!! Yeah!!!
The floor plans looks aas if the Anderson's were generous to their staff! Love your videos, Ken!
Thanks, Ken! Happy New Year!
A curious piece of architecture. Well done, but quirky in the extreme.
it is a very interesting house. It can be seen that the design of the architectural plan is based on the manor houses of the seventeenth century in England. It would be great if you could incorporate into your videos a more in-depth analysis than just describing the houses. Happy new year ❤
How could have they imagined one like this ,out of the world work , it's occupants could have been so proud
Beautiful house
A number of years ago (could 7, 10 by now) this was the 'tea' site for the pre-Covid annual Dupont Circle tour. Not only could you come inside and tour the rooms, but a nice spread set for you with chairs and tables for you and your friends to stop midway through the circuit. Yes, impressive. I've got a Revolutionary War ancestor, but alas, no Society membership - he was not originally an an officer and more importantly, my Dad is the second son so that knocks me out of the chain no matter which way the 3 year service argument eventually went (I'll have to ask the climber cousin sometime)
LOL -- we're on roughly the same boat, but at least we can wear the same uniform to upgrade our passage 11
That stair case looks like a after thought to me .
Yes, a room like that, a great hall, in the English country house tradition would not have a staircase in it. As an architect I'd say it seems like the sort of thing that the client may have insisted on despite then illogic of it.
I enjoy your program very much but it seems like you've switched your format from doing the live videos to doing the videos like this where you just talked about the house with pictures, which is great and informative but I really enjoy seeing you in person and describing each room and walking through the homes or building. Please bring back those live videos also
This house is enormous, especially the entrance hall 😳😳😳
Would love to tour this house.
I am shocked that it wasn't converted into an embassy. Glad to see that one can visit it.
It wasn't converted for a very specific reason. The Society of the Cincinnati was to be the sole owner in perpetually per Lars Anderson's wishes as it American headquarters. Also, when it was completed it was then the largest private home in America.
Thank you, I always wondered what that house was!
Larz Anderson Patk in Brookline Mass
Any pics of construction ? This looks like it may have been 'founded' ! Very over the top interior.
👍🇨🇦✌️
As I recall, there are some pics in one of the rooms upstairs.
Interesting, I've never heard of this place. Here's an interesting book "The Legendary Estates of Beverly Hills". A bit pricey and a keeper. It has places that no longer exist. Another one is "The Estates of Beverly Hills - Holmby Hills - Bel Air - Beverly Park". I have that one also. It's a keeper also.
Those people had no thought of the future
They didn't need to!!! LOL
Built before income tax LoL, this is quite a house
Hi Ken. I watched your videos for I'm guessing a year enjoying what you presented. When you showered the Wesson mansion in Spfld mass ( I live in Spfld ) I messaged you to tell you about a wonderful grand mansion in my neighborhood asking if you would be interested to show on This House. I thought you may not be interested that's fine but you also didn't even respond. I enjoyed what you presented to us very much your lack of response to me asking would you be interested in that house change my interest in your show so have unsubscribed you.
I think the beautiful manison is too close to other building.
It’s far from serene
Meh, it’s noting but an event venue now doing weddings and parties