Following almost a decade without a fixed address for the Israeli envoy in the United States, the Foreign Ministry confirmed that a "residence" has been procured. This will be the home for the present ambassador, Michael (Mike) Herzog, as well as his successors. Nevertheless, referring to this property simply as a "residence" seems to belittle its grandeur. A more fitting descriptor might be "Palazzo Della Felicita" (Palace of Happiness), a name it was given by its promoters at one stage.
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This stunning four-story estate boasts 11 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, a massage room, a wine cellar with a capacity of 500 bottles, its own movie theater, and Swarovski crystal chandeliers. It also features a massive dome reminiscent of Rome's Pantheon. This impressive property is located in the highly desirable neighborhood of Forest Hills, in the northwest area of the nation's capital, walking distance from Joe Biden's bedroom.
This coveted dwelling stands as one of the most expansive properties in the city, covering a constructed area of 17,630 square feet. The corresponding price is $9.9 million, which doesn't include the real estate agent's fee. The annual property tax for this estate is a substantial $114,238.
Built in 2019, it was initially listed for sale at a price of $15 million. But it never sold, which led to a gradual price drop until a happy buyer was finally found this weekend: Israel.
"This new masterpiece, built of stone, was inspired by the grand Renaissance-style estates built across Europe," the property marketers clarify. "Its artistry is of the highest level, and its finishes define luxury. The grand entrance, which includes a split staircase under a stunning dome ceiling, is the first of many breathtaking rooms."
Sotheby's International Realty confirms the property was conceived with a design that allows large, formal gatherings as well as offering a multitude of relaxed living spaces for family and friends - a key aspect that likely drew the attention of embassy staff to this location. The living room comes with soaring ceilings and features a stone fireplace that stretches four meters, French doors leading to a back patio, and a two-story library adorned with walnut wood. The kitchen is remarkably designed and amply spacious, equipped with high-end Italian cabinetry and professional-grade appliances.
The main level, as per the details, features a lavish suite, complete with a sophisticated marble bathtub and plentiful storage units. The two floors above house six suites, each boasting expansive marble bathrooms and high-end closets. The basement level houses a wellness spa complete with a massage room, a steam room, a dry sauna, and a jacuzzi. The property also includes a fully equipped home cinema, a games room, a wine room capable of storing 500 bottles, a safe room, an extra kitchen and rooms for staff. An elevator services all four floors of the main dwelling, which can also be accessed via several staircases.
Distinguished by its white marble flooring, the garage has the capacity to house eight vehicles and is equipped with electric vehicle chargers as well as a private, camera-secured entrance. The backyard is also private and protected, featuring numerous areas for entertainment, a swimming pool and a detached guesthouse.
Since 2013, Israel has been leasing different properties for its Washington-based ambassador, as the regular official residence was abandoned due to conditions deemed unsuitable for living. The former residence, which had been the home of all Israeli ambassadors to the United States since the 1960s, including Yitzhak Rabin, was located on Chesapeake Street, just a short walk from the newly established "Palazzo Della Felicita."
Unlike the latter, the Chesapeake Street residence gained a negative reputation. Former Israeli ambassador to the US, Michael Oren, labeled it as "shaky, infested with termites, full of mold, cracked walls and a horrific odor coming from inside." He recounted to the U.S. media a morning when he awoke to find the entire floor crawling with termites.
Ron Dermer, who took over from Oren, asked not to reside in the previous embassy because of its poor state and insufficient space for his family of seven. Additionally, he wished to be nearer to an Orthodox synagogue in Maryland. Consequently, he opted to live in a property that set state coffers back by around $15,000 monthly. The former Chesapeake residence was eventually torn down, leaving the plot it occupied deserted for an extended period.
Over the past two years, the current ambassador, Herzog, and his spouse have resided in a rented penthouse, with a monthly rent of approximately $25,000. Since the abandonment of the Chesapeake residence, the state has collectively spent millions of dollars on rent for the ambassador's residences over the years. Following renovations, including the probable removal of the sauna and Jacuzzi to meet required security protocols, the Herzog family is set to move in next month.