Leo, a regal eighteenth-century stone lion, presides over an emerald expanse of over 13,000 square feet of turf, embraced and shaded by American elm trees and encircled by colorful seasonal plantings. Evergreen arborvitae and false cypress, along with spring-blooming azaleas, camellias, dogwoods, and magnolia, enclose the space to create an outdoor room for entertaining on a grand scale.

Don't Overlook the View

Climb a few steps to the south portico and catch a glimpse of the Washington monument rising above the treetops. Though Hillwood feels like a country estate, it is only 3.8 miles from the monument. Have a seat at one of the vintage blue and white lawn chairs from the 1960s and sense how Post tastefully combined historic pieces with modern trends. The flag pole across the lawn was a heartwarming addition to the lawn in 1962 when presented to Post by the staff for her 75th birthday.

A Fine Tradition

Marjorie Post hosted receptions on the Lunar Lawn for the political and social elite of Washington and for groups representing her philanthropic efforts, such as the Salvation Army and National Symphony Orchestra. Today, exhibition opening celebrations offer an air of elegance in the tradition of Post’s sophisticated style.