Christian Heurich Mansion & Museum, Washington DC

It was cold and grey in DC today.  I didn't leave my room until lunchtime and was feeling quite restless so I decided to walk towards Dupont Circle to at least get some fresh air and find somewhere to have lunch.  I walked past this imposing Victorian house, the Christian Heurich Mansion, and saw that it was on the National Register of Historic Places.  I also noticed that there was a tour starting in just 3 minutes so I made a quick decision to take the tour, a bargain at just $5.  I love historic homes and buildings and at home in the UK I am a keen member of the National Trust.  

The mansion was built in 1892 by the German immigrant, local brewer, self-made businessman and philanthropist Christian Heurich.  His brewery was once the second largest employer in the DC area, after the Federal Government and he actively managed his business until his death at the age of 102.  This area of DC, Dupont Circle, was once the main area of fashionable and wealthy homes, with many mansions and castles.  Only a few remain today and none as intact as this one.  It contains most of the original furnishings and decorations.  He incorporated all the latest technology of the day - indoor plumbing, circulating hot water heating and a central vacuum system.  He built an elevator shaft but never equipped it with an elevator, saying that he would not do so as long as he was able to climb the stairs, which he was able to do until his death at age 102!  Having suffered several fires at his first brewery, he built this house out of steel and reinforced concrete and it was completely fireproof.  Steel lined pocket doors were used throughout the house so that in the event of a fire the rooms could be closed off.  None of the 15 fireplaces seem to have ever been used.  

The home has 31 bedrooms and is filled with ornate decorations, luxurious furnishings, beautifully crafted wood carvings and painted ceilings.  

The museum hosts a variety of public programmes, including a monthly beer series, lunchtime classical concerts, Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt.  The house is also be rented out for weddings and other private functions.