Andrea Mitchell, Henry Kissinger, Mary Bush, and Nancy Reagan

Location: The U.S. Capitol Building

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos by Kyle Samperton

ONE FOR THE GIPPER: “This place never looked better,” Ronald Reagan Foundation President Fred Ryan proclaimed, summing up prevailing sentiments the night Nancy Reagan celebrated her late husband’s historic enshrinement in bronze in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. AN “AMERICAN GIANT”: During dinner in Statuary Hall, Sen. Dianne Feinstein paid bi-partisan tribute to the Golden State’s favorite son, “a big star who could have stopped in Hollywood but kept playing … and is now among our nation’s greatest leaders.” House Minority Leader John Boehner’s emotional tribute focused on the 40th president’s “dedication to decency and human values.” Speech writer Peggy Noonan spoke of Mrs. Reagan’s key role in the historic presidency: “Without her,” she reminded guests, “there was no him.”

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Six days, two historic properties, and countless ways to experience the best of Ireland from idyllic County Mayo to bustling Dublin

By Michael M. Clements

Ireland is green, but not in the cliché lucky four leaf clover way. Literally, it’s green – everywhere: the trees, the rolling hills, the countryside. The scene is particularly emerald driving northwest from Ireland’s Atlantic Coast gateway, Shannon International Airport, through Galway into County Mayo. Known for its wide-open spaces and dramatic cliffs that extend finger like into the brooding Irish Sea, County Mayo is the ideal location to experience country luxury at its finest, starting with the magnificent Ashford Castle on the shores of Lough Corrib, which cuts like a jigsaw through the heart of the pastoral landscape.

On the northeast shore of Ireland’s second largestlake, Lough Corrib, stands Ashford Castle, the ultimate in Irish country opulence. Presiding formidably at the peninsula where the lazy River Cong meets Lough Corrib, and hidden deep within over 350 acres of wooded parkland, this 13th century castle hotel is a monument to a fascinating history of a bygone age. Once the estate of the Guinness brewing clan, the property opened its doors as an exclusive hotel in 1939 and is currently a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Read the full story

Karin Tanabe explores Michelle Obama’s modern style and the fashionable women who came before her

Michelle Obama, wearing an Isabel Toledo lemongrass day coat and dress, waves to the enthusiastic crowd gathered on the Inaugural Parade route. (Photo by Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)

Michelle Obama brings a refreshingly modern style to Washington. Loyal, as Pat Nixon was, to American designers, Mrs. Obama has helped lesser known names like Jason Wu, who designed her inauguration gown, and Chicago-based Maria Pinto, make headlines. When her daughters wore J. Crew coats, and she J.Crew gloves, during her husband’s swearing in ceremony, the company’s shares went up 10 percent the following day. At the inaugural balls, Mrs. Obama dressed with appropriate glamour, wearing 61-carat white gold and triple rose cut diamond earrings by Los Angeles-based jewelry designer Loree Rodkin. The jewelry was on loan to the first lady and will be donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

While conjuring images of first lady elegance in the White House, fond memories recall the timeless grace of Jacqueline Kennedy and the Hollywood glamour of Nancy Reagan. Mrs. Kennedy exuded chic by wearing the fashions of domestic designers, like Oleg Cassini, and classic French couturiers like Chanel and Dior. Mrs. Reagan was loyal to American designer James Galanos, but also looked across the pond to Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino. Arriving on the heels of one of the most frugal first ladies ever, Rosalynn Carter (who even brought a sewing machine with her to Pennsylvania Avenue), Nancy Reagan dressed with unapologetic glamour. Her wardrobe for her husband’s second inauguration was estimated at $46,000.
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An original Sears & Roebuck mail-order mansion and a Maclean manse with mini-spa.

By Mary K. Mewborn

Built in 1926, this gorgeous five-bedroom neo-Georgian with limestone columns is located at 2507 Massachusetts Ave., NW, across from the Japanese Embassy.

The District

One of the most prominent houses on Embassy Row has sold for $4.1 million. Built in 1926, this five-bedroom Neo-Georgian with limestone columns is located at 2507 Massachusetts Ave., NW across from the Japanese Embassy. Ideal for formal entertaining, the stately brick manse’s perfectly proportioned public rooms include a receiving parlor with marble floors and a large living room with Palladian windows and a fireplace. The banquet-size dining room boasts crystal chandeliers and French doors opening onto a rear veranda and a terraced garden. Extras include an elevator, wine cellar, butler’s pantry, five fireplaces, and abundant parking. The seller was Morris M. Sobhani, who was represented by Washington Fine Properties executive vice president Bill Moody and colleague Robert Hryniewicki. The purchaser is listed as 2507 Massachusetts Avenue, LLC. The selling agent was Mehrnoosh Neyzari with Long and Foster Real Estate.

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