Hôtel Fenwick, Private mansion in Bordeaux, France
Hôtel Fenwick is a private mansion in Bordeaux featuring a prominent central arcade framed by two stone columns, with arched French windows opening onto a balcony supported by decorative consoles. The interior is organized around a notable staircase and multiple salons with refined plasterwork details.
The building was constructed between 1793 and 1800 by architect Jean-Baptiste Dufart and became the first United States consulate under Joseph Fenwick's leadership. Its creation reflected the strengthened diplomatic ties between France and the young American republic.
The interior staircase displays Louis XVI styling, and the salon walls feature plasterwork depicting the thirteen original American states. This decoration reflects the historical bond between France and America that defined the building's purpose.
The mansion is located on Cours Xavier-Arnozan in central Bordeaux at an easy-to-find spot near the river. Because certain interior areas are protected as a historic monument, visitor access is limited and you should check conditions before planning your visit.
Carved stone ships were added above the entrance columns around 1870, creating a subtle maritime detail on the facade. This naval touch is an unexpected element that many visitors overlook, yet it ties the building to Bordeaux's seafaring heritage.
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