Argentina asks $2.5M for Kalorama fixer-upper where Roald Dahl was once a regular

The Republic of Argentina is selling a five-level mansion in Kalorama that has an interesting history—both literary and military.

The almost 10,000-square-foot estate is located at 2136 R St. NW, one block off Embassy Row. When Texas oil baron and publisher Charles Edward Marsh lived there in the 1940s, British author (and spy) Roald Dahl often visited as a guest.

Dahl moved to D.C. in 1942 to work at the British Embassy. He is now chiefly remembered for his children’s literature, including “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “James and the Giant Peach.”

The property later came into the hands of Argentina and served as the residence of the South American country’s military attaché.

It has an impressive white sandstone façade, sweeping rooms meant for entertaining, and rounded windows. Among its other features are several fireplaces, hardwood floors, Parisian-style wrought-iron grillwork, and eight bedrooms.

Listed for $2.5 million, the mansion will require significant restoration work, having been built in 1911, per Homesnap. It comes with garage parking for two cars and a patio in the back.

Kerry Fortune Carlsen and Liza Tanner Boyd of Washington Fine Properties are the listing agents.

• 2136 R Street NW [Homesnap]
• Who Slept Here: Roald Dahl got writing start in Washington [Washington Post]
• Important Addresses From Roald Dahl’s Years in Washington [Washingtonian]