Dumbarton Oaks

Welcome to Dumbarton Oaks, a magnificent fifty three acre estate nestled right in the heart of Georgetown in Washington, District of Columbia. As you step onto these grounds, you are entering far more than just a beautiful escape…

Standing before the stately brick facade of the two story Main House, you are looking at the architectural heart of the estate. The origins of this structure date back to eighteen oh one, when William Dorsey, a local lawyer and…

As you walk toward the elegant glass enclosed structure known as the Orangery, you encounter one of the most visually striking and historically dense buildings on the property. The Orangery was originally built by Robert Beverly,…

Moving out from the Orangery toward the gentle slope of the East Lawn, your attention is immediately drawn to the spectacular Yulan Magnolia, affectionately known by the staff as the bride. Native to eastern and southern China,…

Descending toward the expansive South Lawn, your eyes will naturally be drawn to a massive, imposing presence near the Ribbon Walk. This is a giant White Oak, scientifically known as Quercus alba. …

As you step down into the Fountain Terrace, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The sweeping, open lawns give way to a deeply intimate, enclosed space defined by the sound of trickling water and precise architectural geometry. …

Ascending into the Rose Garden, you enter what many consider the symbolic heart of Dumbarton Oaks. The air here is often heavy with the fragrance of hundreds of blooming roses, arranged meticulously in geometric beds. …

Position yourself at the top of the North Vista and look straight down the sweeping, grassy corridor. This area is a brilliant optical illusion, a triumph of Beatrix Farrand's architectural genius. …

As you transition away from the formal lawns and approach the wooded edge of the estate, you will discover the enchanting Lover's Lane Pool. The tranquil surface of the water perfectly mirrors the surrounding canopy, creating a…

Located at the lower edge of the garden, the Catalog House is a modest, beautifully proportioned building that served a very specific purpose in Beatrix Farrand and Mildred Bliss's master plan. Originally, they envisioned that…

As we conclude our walk through Dumbarton Oaks, take a final look across the undulating lawns and the meticulously structured terraces. You have traversed an incredibly complex landscape, one that defies simple categorization. …