When Sir Christopher Meyer served as ambassador to Washington from 1997 to 2003, his wife Lady Meyer caused controversy after embarking on a makeover of the residence costing around £1 million.
However, this is a mere bagatelle compared to the cash the Foreign Office is about to lavish on what is described as Washington's Downton Abbey.
I can disclose it is to spend a staggering £55 million refurbishing the embassy compound and the ambassador's incomparable residence, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
There will be a further bill for finding what is described as 'appropriate alternative accommodation' for the current ambassador, Sir Kim Darroch.
The Foreign Office is to spend a staggering £55 million refurbishing the embassy compound and the ambassador's incomparable residence. Pictured, current ambassador Sir Kim Darroch and his wife
The information is revealed in a letter written last week to Tory MP Tom Tugendhat — who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee — by Sir Simon McDonald, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign Office, who notes that those temporary relocation costs are 'commercially sensitive'.
In a previous letter, earlier last month, Sir Simon explained to Tugendhat that 'essential health and safety works' were needed on several of the embassy buildings, whose pipes had rusted and urgently required replacing.
Arguably worst afflicted is the ambassador's residence, often considered one of Lutyens's finest creations for its flawless blend of country-house style with American colonial architecture.
'There have been several floods in the residence,' writes Sir Simon, adding that the ambassador will have to 'vacate the residence for a period of at least 12 months, given the disruptive nature of the infrastructure work, which includes asbestos removal'.
The ambassador's residence at the British embassy (pictured) is described as Washington's Downton Abbey
The ambassador's residence is often considered one of Lutyens's finest creations for its flawless blend of country-house style with American colonial architecture
There is some consolation for Sir Kim: McDonald insists that 'the project budget' allows for 'hiring of external facilities to enable business and hospitality to continue'.
The Foreign Office raised £420 million in January by selling its embassy in Bangkok to fund modernisation projects across its global estate. For nearly 90 years, the Washington residence has been at the heart of the special relationship, playing host to prime ministers, presidents, royalty and even The Beatles.
During Peter Jay's legendary ambassadorship, he marked a notch on the embassy bedpost by fathering a son by his children's nanny.
When Sir Christopher Meyer served as ambassador to Washington from 1997 to 2003, his wife Lady Meyer caused controversy after embarking on a makeover costing around £1 million. Pictured, the residence's sitting room
Besotted Kylie shows off her 'man of the year'
Pop pixie Kylie Minogue stole the show at the GQ Men Of The Year Awards by making her debut public appearance with her new boyfriend, Paul Solomons — the magazine's creative director.
The couple met through mutual friends in February following her painful split from actor Joshua Sasse, 30, and confirmed their relationship in May.
Pop pixie Kylie Minogue stole the show at the GQ Men Of The Year Awards by making her debut public appearance with her new boyfriend, Paul Solomons
Gliding up the red carpet outside the Tate Modern on Wednesday, Kylie, 50, who dazzled in a gold Stella McCartney gown, could barely keep her eyes — or hands — off the strapping Welshman, 43.
'I've found my man. Of the year — and some,' she joked, later perching on his lap inside the party, top.
Gliding up the red carpet outside the Tate Modern on Wednesday, Kylie, 50, could barely keep her eyes — or hands — off the strapping Welshman, 43
Strictly? Blair can't be bovvered
Former PM Tony Blair says he gets asked to appear in Strictly Come Dancing every year and even the Christmas special.
And every year he spurns the request, leaving the disappointed producers kicking their heels. 'I don't think anything I have done TV-wise can really top the Comic Relief sketch [in 2007] I appeared on with Catherine Tate,' he says.
'Everywhere in the world I get asked about that — and I mean everywhere — followed by the 'Am I bovvered?' line, so I truly think I can't top that.'
Goldie's girl looks swell in a bikini
Pregnant Hollywood star Kate Hudson refuses to skimp on style.
Posting a selfie online just weeks ahead of her due date, the 39-year-old daughter of Goldie Hawn proudly shows off her baby bump in an orange bikini and patterned kimono.
Pregnant Kate Hudson proudly shows off her baby bump in an orange bikini and patterned kimono
The actress, who has two sons by two different men — Black Crowes rocker Chris Robinson and Muse's Matt Bellamy — is expecting her first girl with musician Danny Fujikawa.
Mamma Mia! Brosnan's model son is all grown up
Former Bond star Pierce Brosnan played the role of proud father yesterday when he shared a picture of his 17-year-old model son, Paris, online.
The Mamma Mia! actor, 65, wished the 6 ft 1 in teen, pictured below as a toddler with his dad, luck ahead of his catwalk shows at New York fashion week.
Pierce recently advised Paris, whose mother is the Irish/American star's second wife Keely Shaye Smith: 'Work hard, love life, be lucky, courage always, and don't forget to have lots of laughs .'
Former Bond star Pierce Brosnan played the role of proud father yesterday when he shared a picture of his 17-year-old model son, Paris, online
The Mamma Mia! actor, 65, wished the 6 ft 1 in teen (pictured above as a toddler with his dad) luck ahead of his catwalk shows at New York fashion week
Mum-of-two Mariella Frostrup says her generation never grew up and is set on an Ab Fab old age.
The 55-year-old broadcaster says: 'Having partied like it was 1999 at a slew of celebrations for friends reaching their half-century, I'm starting to wonder if it's adults, not kids, who can't be trusted.
'Whether it's drinking too much, messy love lives, or being financially feckless . . . the Patsy and Edina-styled embarrassments of Absolutely Fabulous appear to have become the status quo.'
Link hienalouca.com
https://hienalouca.com/2018/09/07/55million-bill-to-revamp-our-man-in-americas-residence/
Main photo article When Sir Christopher Meyer served as ambassador to Washington from 1997 to 2003, his wife Lady Meyer caused controversy after embarking on a makeover of the residence costing around £1 million.
However, this is a mere bagatelle compared to the cash the Foreign Office is about to lavish on what ...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves US News HienaLouca
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