If you were a rich guy who moved to Washington in 1909 to serve in William Howard Taft’s cabinet, you’d need a really fabulous house. And the coolest new subdivision of that time was up the hill from Dupont Circle, called Kalorama - from Greek meaning “beautiful view”.
Some of the mansions built by those turn of the last century moguls are still among the finest residences in the District. This neighborhood is full of Washington’s finest homes and embassies, including the amazing French Embassy on Kalorama Road.
So if you are invited to serve in an Obama or McCain administration, you will be able to find a home in Kalorama with great entertaining space – some even have ballrooms!
One of the really fun things about being a Washington real estate broker is getting to see so many o these homes – and sometimes listing or selling one of them. 
When President Woodrow Wilson left office, he and his wife Edith purchased and renovated a beautiful town house that now serves as his Presidential library.
One of my favorites is a lovely place called “The Lindens”. In the 1930’s, it was transported to Washington from Danvers, Massachusetts. This historic 1754 home was taken apart and shipped here in six box cars, with each piece labeled and numbered, and it was put back together again! It was extensively renstored during the 1980's, while keeping the original details in tact.
Another neighborhood treat is known as The Spanish Steps, going up from Decatur Place to 22nd Street. When I lived on Decatur Place in the 1980's, I remember a little old lady who used to attract dozens of cats every day - she fed them at about 6:00 pm each evening.
In addition to being a beautiful neighborhood, Kalorama shares a border with Rock Creek Park, with easy access to hiking and bicycle paths. And being so close to downtown makes it hard to imagine that this was, in the early 1900’s, considered to be a Washington suburb.
Times have changed, but the appeal of this lovely old neighborhood has not changed.
If you are invited to come to Washington to work for the new administration, I would be happy to show you Kalorama and the other fine neighborhoods in the Washington Metropolitan area.
Very interesting and informative!
BethAnn, thank you!
Pat - I love your marketplace because there are so many interesting places to see. I hope you will keep writing about these unique places.
Don't plan on me moving to the area. I don't think either of the candidates will consider me.