The William Penn House

The House

The William Penn House is located in a 1917 row house in an historic neighborhood. We are 5 blocks due east of the US Capitol, the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress and within walking distance to the Smithsonian Museums. The House is four stories with staff living in the fourth floor and in the basement.

The William Penn House is a Quaker (Religious Society of Friends) facility. Quakers believe that there is that of God in each of us. We try to live our lives and operate the House following the testimonies of simplicity, integrity, community, equality and peace.  People of all faiths are welcome to stay with us.

 

 

 

Layout of the house:

  • Basement:
    • Two showers and a half bath
  • First floor:
    • Office and conference room
    • Full bathroom
    • Guest room with one bunkbed. Priority for those with mobility impairments.

  • Second floor:
    • Living room/library
    • Two dining rooms
      • Dining Room contains refrigerator, microwave, toaster and electric kettle.
    • Computer and guest phone
    • Kitchen is for staff only.

  • Third floor:
    • Guest rooms
      • Two rooms with 4 beds each (one for men and one for women)
      • Two rooms with 10 beds each (one for men and one for women)
    • Two full bathrooms

 

 

The House is not easily accessible for those with mobility difficulties.

 

Parking

The only parking available is at Union Station (just under a mile away). All on street parking on weekdays is severely restricted. On street parking is for two hours only within the neighborhood zone.

 

The Grounds

In addition to indoor space, our front and back-yards are also inviting gardens.  The front yard is a Peace Garden with a Peace Pole, and sitting benches.  The backyard is an urban rainscape garden that serves to filter water cleanly to the water-table (one of the most important things homeowners can do to improve water quality).  All the plants in the garden have been selected to help create a more sustainable eco-system.

Below are video-clips of these exterior spaces: