The former chancery is located on Massachusetts Avenue, right by the Vice President’s pad.
Your chance to live like a diplomat along Washington, D.C.’s Embassy Row has arrived.
A Massachusetts Avenue mansion built in 1919 came to market this week for the first time in 50 years. Located down the street from the Vice President’s residence, a.k.a the United States Naval Observatory, near the Brazilian and South African embassies, the stately 11,000-square-foot home features eight bedrooms and multiple ballrooms and staterooms. Lyndsi Armenio and Matt Windsor of Douglas Elliman hold the $9.5 million listing.
Records show the property is owned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and previously served as the residence of the country’s ambassador. It was, however, most recently used as a chancery, according to press materials. Chanceries are typically connected to an embassy or consulate, meaning several high-ranking officials from the United States and the Middle East have likely spent time in the manse.

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As with many of the government buildings in the nation’s capital, the abode showcases a neoclassical facade with symmetrical windows, clean lines, and prominent Doric columns. It is still something of an anomaly in the neighborhood, though. “The lot is quite large for the area," Armenio and Windsor tell Robb Report, “and the private backyard offers gorgeous sightlines, elevation, and feels very private despite it being located on Massachusetts Ave."
The interiors were last renovated in the ’90s, but don’t feel dated. The classic decor, neutral palette, and charming original details instead result in a timeless feel. Through the portico entrance, stone flooring and dramatic archways lead in and out of large lounge areas and palatial bedrooms. The formal living room is at once elegant and inviting, with multiple sofas, a large built-in bookcase, and parquet flooring. Nearby, the formal dining room is decked out with decorative wallpaper and wood paneling, making it a perfect spot to entertain friends. A grand marble staircase with a wrought-iron railing takes you up to the second floor.

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Back downstairs, three sets of French doors open to the spacious backyard. At the center of the leafy oasis is a huge swimming pool flanked by six sun loungers. Nearby, the pool house offers space to relax and refresh after a day of swimming and sunning.
The best part is that the home is a “blank canvas for restoration or reinvention," as the listing notes. The simple chef’s kitchen, for example, could be completely reimagined by the new owner. (Armenio and Windsor believe the digs should be renovated and utilized for state business, though.)
Another big plus is the location. Historic neighborhoods such as DuPont Circle, Kalorama, Cathedral Heights, Georgetown, and West End are only minutes away, meaning you have quick and easy access to restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, and so on. “An abundance of incredible dining, culture, and influence is just outside the front door," the agents add. Not to mention, you’re steps away from the VP.
From the article by Demetrius Simms