Although it is less known than its neighbor, Number One Observatory Circle (located 4 kilometers northwest of the White House) has nonetheless been home to a long list of politicians. Former residence of the superintendent of the observatory, this magnificent residence has hosted the vice-presidents since 1974. The 49th to occupy this position, Kamala Harris, is no exception and has lived with her husband Doug Emhoff in this sublime 33-room residence since 2020.
© Backgrid USA / Bestimage Kamala Harris and Angela Merkel in front of the Number One Observatory Circle in Washington
Hidden in the middle of five hectares of hills, the “Number One Observatory Circle” first charms with its facade. White bricks, green shutters, a slate-colored roof and elegant bow windows welcome its famous owners from the street. Designed by the American architect Leon E. Dessez, this Queen Anne style building, built 131 years ago, covers a little over 800 square meters and three floors. A house so beautiful that the American author Charles Denyer even devoted a book to it, in which he describes the residence as “surrounded by a forest setting, with lush vegetation, wildlife and the serene sounds of nature, yet just steps from the bustling traffic of Massachusetts Avenue”.
Kamala Harris: What does the inside of her house look like?
A luxuriant exterior common to all former vice-presidents who, however, have carte blanche regarding the interior, as revealed by the specialized media Architectural Digest. After settling down in the “Number One Observatory Circle”, Kamala Harris immediately contacted interior designer to the stars Sheila Bridges to redecorate the entire house: “It was an opportunity to celebrate American design and craftsmanship” the decorator told the Washington Post. Result ? A very Californian neutral palette (where the vice-president comes from, editor’s note) and wooden fireplaces energized by touches of bright colors, like its library covered in bright pink wallpaper. On the furniture side, the designer worked with furniture stored in the official collection of the house as well as with elements already present on site, or which belonged to the Harris/Emhoff couple.
Article written in collaboration with 6Médias.
Photo credits: Zuma Press / Bestimage