Special thanks to a Dear Reader for pointing out an interesting column in Wednesday’s Washington Post advertising great bargains on former or soon-to-be-former U.S. Embassy buildings, including chanceries and diplomatic residences. On the heels of my blog entry about the Paraguayan cattle ranch for sale, these real estate opportunities seem even better; well, more historically significant, at any rate. Who wouldn’t want to own the Ottawa, Canada residence featured in the Paul Newman/Joanne Woodward classic, "Mr. and Mrs. Bridge"? It could be yours for just U.S.$2.25 million.
I searched the Web and found photos of these properties. Which one(s) would you like to buy?
Granted, the London property is gorgeous, but $180 million is a lot of money. The other properties have a distinctly U.S. government ambience. With a little paint and some nice curtains, you could enhance their inner beauty. Me, I’m partial to the soon-to-be-former chancery in Kathmandu, Nepal. At just $6 million, it’s a steal!
If you like living among embassies but don’t want to leave the country, then why not try to find a place on Embassy Row in Washington, D.C.? They’re not quite a steal, but it’s pretty cool living where the diplomats hang out.
Now wait a minute. Define ‘distinctly US Government ambience". Does this means it come with Condi Rice portraits in the foyer, a garbage disposal, built in free trade agreements or what? Or the Datona pool boy?