Miller House

Miller House is a châteauesque mansion in the Kalorama neighborhood featuring naval-inspired decorations carved into its stone exterior, including a distinctive ship's cat sculpture on the rooftop. The design blends French castle architecture with maritime elements reflecting the original owner's naval service.

Commander Frederick Augustus Miller commissioned architect Paul J. Pelz in 1901 to design this residence, incorporating naval influences throughout its architecture. The structure survived a major fire in 1984 and underwent interior reconstruction while preserving its original exterior shell.

The residence functioned as a diplomatic hub during the 1920s, with missions from Costa Rica and El Salvador operating from its rooms. Visitors today can sense this international importance reflected in the formal design and refined appointments throughout.

The property contains the first automobile garage built in Washington D.C., originally designed to house early electric vehicles. Visitors should allow time to examine both the exterior stonework and this historic garage facility on the grounds.

The fire of 1984 tested the building in an unusual way - the thick stone walls remained nearly intact while everything inside required complete replacement. This disaster inadvertently demonstrated the durability of its original exterior construction and preservation potential.