Inside Blair House, the president's official guest house where Vice President Kamala Harris lived for 2 months
Kamala Harris lived at Blair House for two months while the vice president's residence underwent repairs.
Blair House is the president's official guest house, located steps from the White House.
It was built in 1824 as a family residence and has been called the "world's most exclusive hotel."
Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff lived at Blair House for two months while waiting for their future home at Number One Observatory Circle to be renovated. They move out this week.
Source: Insider
Only those who are officially invited by the president and State Department are permitted to stay at the residence.
Source: Blair House
Located across from the White House, it has been called "the world's most exclusive hotel."
Source: Time
The building was originally built in 1824 as a home for Joseph Lovell, the first surgeon general of the US Army.
Source: Blair House
In 1836, Francis Blair, a close friend and supporter of President Andrew Jackson, bought the home for $6,500.
Source: US Department of State
The US government then purchased it in 1942 when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president.
Source: Blair House
Blair House has since served as the president's official guest house, hosting everyone from foreign dignitaries to royalty to heads of state.
Source: Blair House
It has also played an important role in the peaceful transfer of presidential power.
Source: Blair House
Every president-elect since 1977 has stayed at Blair House the night before they are sworn in as commander-in-chief, according to The Washington Post.
Source: The Washington Post
It is tradition that presidents-elect sign their name in the Blair House guest book and attend a church service on the day of their inauguration.
Source: The Washington Post
Today, Blair House consists of four interconnected townhouses containing more than 120 rooms. At 60,600 square feet, it is larger than the White House.
Source: Blair House, White House
Blair House's network of rooms include 14 guest suites, three formal dining rooms, two large conference rooms, and a library. There is also a beauty salon, exercise room, and laundry facility.
Source: Blair House
Throughout the home, the finishings are traditional and luxurious.
Source: Blair House
The residence is officially managed by the State Department's Office of the Chief of Protocol. Eighteen full-time staff members are responsible for cleaning and preparing the home for visitors.
Source: Blair House
Since major renovations in the 1980s, Blair House has been a frequent meeting place for bilateral negotiations and high-level talks.
Source: Blair House
A few notable guests include Queen Elizabeth II, King Juan Carlos of Spain, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Source: Blair House
Visitors typically meet with a wide range of US officials at the home.
Source: Blair House
After a meeting at the White House in 2015, President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping walked to Blair House for a private dinner.
Source: Blair House
A year later, Secretary of State John Kerry met with Aung San Suu Kyi, the civilian leader of Myanmar who won the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize.
Source: Blair House
When foreign dignitaries stay there, their countries' flags are flown from the residence.
Source: Blair House
US officials frequently hosts dinners, official receptions, and parties at the residence, too.
Source: Blair House
Though few may know about the historical significance of Blair House, it has played a key role in American diplomacy over the years.
Source: Blair House
This is an updated version of an article originally written by Brennan Weiss.
Read the original article on Insider
