The home is maintained by the U.S. Department of State and the General Services Administration.
WASHINGTON — If walls could talk, the Blair House would be the ultimate storyteller. Located at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue, directly across the street from the White House, this historic home is no ordinary guest house — it’s the President’s guest house.
While it might not get the same spotlight as its grand neighbor, Blair House has hosted presidents, royalty, and world leaders, earning its nickname as “the world’s most exclusive hotel.”
Blair House was built in 1824 and originally served as a private home. In 1836, it became the home of Francis Preston Blair, a journalist and political advisor to President Andrew Jackson. The house remained in the Blair family until 1942, when the U.S. government purchased it to serve as a home for official guests of the president.
During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt saw the need for a dedicated space to host visiting dignitaries, especially with hotel space in short supply. The Blairs’ elegant home, just steps from the White House, was the perfect fit.
So what’s inside? The Blair House is a luxurious, 70,000-square-foot extension of the White House. It’s actually not just one house. It’s a complex of four interconnected townhouses. With 119 rooms, including 14 guest bedrooms, 35 bathrooms, three formal dining rooms, and a fully-equipped beauty salon, Blair House is equipped to offer its guests a five-star experience.
The decor is a reflection of American history and craftsmanship, with antique furniture, fine art, and countless historical artifacts.
Blair House has witnessed some pivotal moments in American history. It served as President Harry Truman’s temporary residence from 1948 to 1952 while the White House underwent extensive renovations.
Blair House has also been a stage for diplomacy. It’s hosted countless state leaders and royalty, from Queen Elizabeth II to Nelson Mandela. During the 1950 Korean War crisis, the United Nations Command was established in its halls.
But the house hasn’t always been a sanctuary. In 1950, it was the site of an assassination attempt on President Truman by Puerto Rican nationalists. The Secret Service thwarted the attack, but the incident remains a stark reminder of the security challenges facing America’s leaders.
Today, Blair House continues to host foreign leaders and dignitaries visiting Washington. From late-night strategy sessions to quiet moments of reflection, the house provides a private, secure space for guests to prepare for meetings or enjoy a bit of downtime before engaging in high-stakes diplomacy.
Blair House is more than just a luxurious guest house. It’s a symbol of American hospitality and diplomacy, a place where relationships are forged, and history is made.
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