Step into the opulent world of the Perry Belmont House. This magnificent mansion whispers tales of Gilded Age extravagance. Built between 1907 and 1909 it stands as a testament to the ambition of Perry Belmont and his wife Jessie.
The Perry Belmont House is more than just a beautiful building. It’s a window into a bygone era. Perry Belmont a Congressman and later ambassador to Spain spared no expense. He commissioned the renowned French architect Ernest-Paul Sanson. Sanson was known for his grand designs in Europe. He created a stunning Beaux-Arts masterpiece. Horace Trumbauer a rising star from Philadelphia oversaw the construction. The house’s unique triangular shape perfectly fits its wedge of land near Dupont Circle.
The Perry Belmont House was designed for lavish entertaining. It boasts 54 rooms. The layout is unusual. The Belmonts’ private quarters were on the ground floor. The impressive state rooms used for parties were on the second floor. The third floor housed servants’ quarters. A double basement housed kitchens a squash court and more storage. It was the first fully electrified house in the capital a testament to its modern features. The house’s interior followed “Le Goût Rothschild” the preferred taste of the Rothschild family. This meant combining Louis XIV XV and XVI styles. Belmont’s father’s connections to the Rothschilds explain this choice. The materials are exquisite. Indiana limestone forms the facades. Every detail is hand-carved. The Caen stone staircase is a showstopper. The stone was pulverized in France shipped and reconstituted on-site. Even the elevator was lavish. Panelled in gilded oak it carried guests between the five floors.
The Perry Belmont House’s story isn’t just about luxury. It’s also about social intrigue. The Belmonts’ lavish parties drew Washington’s elite. However not everyone approved of the Belmonts. Their marriage was scandalous. Perry’s fight for campaign finance reform and Jessie’s suffragism caused friction. First Lady Theodore Roosevelt notably excluded them from society. The Belmonts even faced opposition from neighbors. They were initially blocked from installing extra windows at their New York residence. This eventually pushed the couple to favor Washington.
The Perry Belmont House hosted many dignitaries. These include the Prime Minister of Italy the President of Brazil and a Japanese naval mission. The Belmonts even hosted the Prince of Wales for ten days. This was after Woodrow Wilson fell ill. The Prince preferred the Belmont House over the British Embassy.
Despite their initial struggles the Belmonts eventually secured their place in Washington society. The Perry Belmont House became a symbol of their influence. However things changed. The Belmonts increasingly spent more time in Paris. After the 1929 Wall Street Crash the house was put on the market. Eventually Perry Belmont sold it to the Order of the Eastern Star in 1935. He ensured its preservation. The Order is dedicated to restoring the house to its former glory. Today you can tour this magnificent home and experience the legacy of the Belmonts.