Three years and 20 million dollars later, a fabled residence reopens.
By Gail Scott
Photography Gary Landsman
The turquoise and yellow drawing room is now light and airy with silk and linen calm-yellow sheer drapery that let sunlight flood the room. The light also highlights the exquisite antique Serves vase collection - a main reason why turquoise has become "the new neutral" for the mansion. Note also the Ambassador's antique silver collection crafted by Turkish silversmiths in Istanbul.
These are magical times for Turkish Ambassador Nabi Sensoy and his new wife and longtime friend, Gülgün. A new marriage and a totally refurbished and remodeled residence is ready after more than three years of major architectural restoration and extensive rehabilitation by well-known Washington restoration architect Belinda Reeder and noted embassy interior designer Aniko Gaal Schott.
“We thought we were moving in as early as last August,” said Ambassador Sensoy who, with his new bride, has been living out of packing boxes for some weeks. “But this work of great architectural beauty, one of the historic landmarks of Embassy Row,” jumped in petite Gülgün, “is also a very precious residence now, really a work of art … it’s a great responsibility for us to make use of this historic property in the best way possible for Turkey.”
