Halcyon House, Federal mansion in Georgetown, Washington D.C., United States.
Halcyon House is a three-story brick residence in Georgetown featuring symmetrical windows, a formal entrance, and gardens overlooking the Potomac River. The property spans approximately six thousand square meters and now functions as headquarters for an organization focused on science and business innovation.
Benjamin Stoddert, the first Secretary of the Navy, built this residence in 1787 and regularly held gatherings of early American leaders within its walls. The early twentieth century brought unusual architectural changes by a subsequent owner that left a lasting impression on the structure.
The building reflects architectural choices made across two centuries, blending initial Federal details with early twentieth-century modifications that tell a story through design. Walking through the rooms reveals how different eras left their mark on the interior.
The house sits on Prospect Street in the heart of Georgetown and is accessible for organizational use and occasional visits. Its location near other historic sites and the riverfront makes it a natural stop while exploring the neighborhood.
A later owner, Albert Clemens, nephew of Mark Twain, commissioned unusual structural additions including stairways leading nowhere. He held the belief that continuous construction would extend his lifespan.
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