Joseph Beale House

The Joseph Beale House sits on Massachusetts Avenue and displays Romanesque Revival features with a convex facade and ornate plasterwork across its limestone exterior. The residence occupies an unusually shaped lot at the intersection with R Street, facing toward Sheridan Circle.

The building was designed by architect Glenn Brown between 1907 and 1909 and entered the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Its construction occurred during the period when Embassy Row was becoming a center for diplomatic residences.

The house has served as the Egyptian ambassador's residence since 1928, hosting diplomatic events and international gatherings. The building reflects the important role it plays in the city's diplomatic community.

The residence sits at a prominent corner with clear street visibility, allowing views of its exterior from public areas even though it remains a private property. Its location near Sheridan Circle makes it easy to see the building's architecture while walking through Embassy Row.

The interior follows an unusual spatial arrangement where ground floor areas narrow toward the rear staircase while upper levels expand toward the street. This distinctive feature resulted from the wedge-shaped lot on which the house was built.