October 2012 found me inside the fence that surrounds the home of the President of the United States, touring the grounds and gardens during the annual White House fall garden tour. This shot from the South Lawn showcases the south face of the Executive Residence, where the First Family lives. It also showcases the symmetry of the neoclassical Federal design of the Residence – draw an imaginary vertical line down the middle of the photo and the two sides mirror each other.
The beautifully manicured South Lawn (it really was this green!) is the setting for official events, such as State Arrival Ceremonies, as well as informal events, like the annual Easter Egg Roll. Marine One, the presidential helicopter, also arrives and departs from the South Lawn, setting down on three removable aluminum discs that correspond to the copter’s landing gear.
The second-story balcony of the South Portico is called the Truman Balcony, after the President who had it built. It is located off the Oval Yellow Room and is used by the First Family for entertaining or for simply relaxing and enjoying the beautiful view of the White House grounds.
One of two ceremonial gardens of the White House, the Rose Garden borders the Oval Office and the West Wing of the White House.
At the end of the West Wing gallery sits the Oval Office. The unassuming exterior provides no clue to the power within.
Perfect subject for the photo challenge! The White House is such a beautiful place
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Thanks, Laurie! Can you imagine living there??
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That would be a great venue for a garden tea party. Ha!
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Wouldn’t it thought?? 😀
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beautiful Stacy!
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Thanks, Cybele 😀
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Beautiful shots Stacy, that green looks so lush and warm!
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Thanks, Patti! I wonder how much fertilizer it took 😉
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Beautiful!! I also like the path to the Oval Office.
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Thanks, Amy. It’s such a simple, unadorned walkway – I was surprised by that. On the other hand, I guess better not to draw attention to where the President sits 😉 Not in this picture is the swingset off to the left that the Obamas had installed for Sasha and Malia – the President could look out his office windows and see them playing on it 🙂
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How wonderful he could them through his office windows. 🙂 Love it. Thank you, Stacy!
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😊
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I’m not too sure about the symmetry of that lawn, looks like the gardener lost his mowing line!
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Good one, Andrew 😀
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I see a leaf or two that seems to be out of symmetry… 😀 Great one Stacy! Have a good day!
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LOL, Meho 🙂 Thanks!
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Fantastic images, Stacy. I’ve been inside the White House only once, but photos weren’t allowed at that time. I love the perfect symmetry of your first image.
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Thanks, Sylvia! I went through at Christmastime many, many years ago and it was pretty awesome. Since I don’t have photos from that, I’m assuming no pictures are ever allowed of the interior, which makes sense. So it was definitely a treat to have unfettered photographic access to the grounds. Do you live near DC or were you visiting?
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Great photos. My in-laws used to live in DC so I’ve seen the White House several times but I’ve never been inside the perimeter. It’s great, therefore, to see your lovely architectural photos showing the building from different angles.
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Laura, it was surreal to be walking these grounds. I can’t imagine living there, but it sure was amazing to experience the White House this way!
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Beautiful photos….I really like the shot up the path to the oval office.
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Thanks, Tree! There was a security guard standing nearby, but I was able to get this shot off without him in it 🙂 Pretty wild to be standing so close to this famous Office!
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I bet!
I assume you were allowed to take pictures but had to shoot around the guards?
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Actually, I managed to get one with the guard. Not as much fun as the one without 😉
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