The Washington herald., 1910-05-29
Oddities in Residences of
Wealthy Washington
ians Which Make Them
Interesting to Archi-
tects and Art Lovers.
STUDIO HOUSE"
Mrs. Albert Clifford Barney
Designed Home in Which
Are Housed Many Priceless
Boundary Castle"
Is From Plans Prepared by
Mrs. Henderson.
STUDIO HOUSE"

When the ruins OF Pompen and Hercu-
laneum we're unearthed one pecularity
was noted. This was the fact that, COM
pairing the other residences with the
house Of Pansa, the most perfectly re-
stored Of the dwellings. It was found that
they were all exactly alike as TO archi-
lecture. Each house was decorated DIFF
ferently. IT is true. but there evidently
existed an utter lack OF originality IN the
house plans.
II Washington should In any way be
buried to-day, II is certain that in the
century's tomorrow. II the city would be
disinterred, there would be discovered
many residences bearing the mark OF
originality. for in Washington to-day
most of the homes OF the wealthy are
really unique either as a whole or IN
some particular feature or an elaboration
OF a detail
In many cases this individuality will
take the form OF a memorial 10 some In
cident in by-gone days. at other times II
IL simply an indication OF the principal
study or artistic fad OF the owner.
Shows Southern Nanny
One OF the most human interest fea-
lures to be found in residence In Wash
inEton is the stained glass window which
Is placed over the front balcony Of the
house in Massachusetts avenue which
was built by James G.. Blaine. All the
art glass in this window was brought
from Europe. Few people stop to study
the window. thinking It is Of the usual
religious character; but II they did IL
would gradually dawn upon their vision
that the subject is of typical old-time
Southern nanny in blue and white calico
dress. white apron. and gaudy bandana-
This picture is a loving tribute 20 Mr..
Bleine's old nanny.
Another tribute 10 the memory OF by
gone days can be found in the stately
residence Of the late Thomas F. Walsh,
Just few blocks farther up the street.
Casual observers simply notice the beauty
of the front portlco. with its priceless
Roman seats and urns. but II they would
stop and examine the low wall made Of
blocks of marble which runs around the
base of the portico they would notice
that one of the blocks has been subst-
tuted by a block of stone. This stone
contains gold ore and was taken from the
mine from which Thomas F. Walsh got
his first "pay dirt" which was tho be-
ginning of the Walsh millions.
House upside Down"
When Perry Belmont built his beauti-
fuI miIllon-dollar palace at Eighteenth
street and New Hampshire avenue he not
only dug down three stories underground,
but turned the upper part OF his house
upside down according to all rules Of
architecture heretofore followed. On the
ground floor Of the Belmont house are
the bedrooms, the second floor Is devoted
10 the culinary departments and the din
ing-rooms. OF which there are three, and
above. on the very top floor, are the
drawing-rooms and parlors. wheA you
enter you step into what you think is a
handsome hand-decorated vestibule. but
81 is an elevator which carries you to the
receptiOn-room on the top floor The Bel
mont house has one Of the very finest
picture galleries IN the city, a tiny the
ater. and both Turkish and Russian
baths.
The home OF Mrs Robert Patterson is
built after the manner OF the old Roman
houses, except that instead Of the atrlum,
or Roman waitng-room. for the entrance
she has the perystyleum. or court. This
perystyleum is modelled faithfully after
the italian idea. In the center is a raised
marble platform crowded with ferns and
palms. from amid which plays a foun-
tain. On the platform and around the
room are marble chairs. faithfully copied
from Roman art.
Chapel In Bradley House.
One OF the features Of the Edson Brad
ley house, on Dupont Circle. is the chapel
decorated after the model Gothic chapels
of Europe. Every Sunday morning serv-
ices are held in this chapel. and there IS
always quite a congregation. as Mrs.
Bradley entertains house parties from
New York and Philadelphia each week
end. and her Washington friends beg to
be allowed to attend services in this
quaint chapel. Rev. Herbert Shipman.
OF New York. who is Mrs. Bradley's SON
in-law. frequently officiates. The only re-
lief from the dull blue and gold OF the
decoration is a Michelangelo painting of
Christ.
Besides the chapel. noticeable features
OF the Edson- Bradley home are the music
room and picture gallery. The music
room contains the finest electric organ
in Washington. besides every conceivable
kind Of musical instrument The Brad
leys have collected many musical treas
ures. such as violins. harps. and paint
ings OF rare value for this ROOM In the
picture gallery. which is the main corrI-
dor. are many rare art treasures and
famous canvases. Mrs. Bradley has a
passion for rare porcelains and has the
most valuable collection In this country.
Unique in Many Details.
The home OF Mrs. Albert Clifford Bar
ney, in Sheridan circle, is unique in
many details. This studio house" is
built after an italian style OF architec-
ture. a large arcn leads into a court
decorated with plaques and urns. From !