White House, Warsaw

The White House (Biały Domek) is a historically significant garden villa located in Warsaw. It was constructed between 1774 and 1776 by the renowned Italian architect Domenico Merlini. This charming villa has a rich history and has played host to various notable residents over the years.

The villa's architectural design is characterized by its square shape, featuring identical facades adorned with rustication, an attic, and a small pavilion at the top. These architectural elements contribute to the villa's elegant and harmonious appearance. The White House stands as a fine example of 18th-century architecture in Poland.

One of the villa's most intriguing historical aspects is its association with Stanisław August Poniatowski, the last King of Poland before the country's partition. The villa served as the residence for his mistress during his reign. Additionally, the White House holds the distinction of being the temporary abode of Louis XVIII, the exiled King of France, who resided here from 1801 to 1805.

Inside the villa, visitors can appreciate the artistic and historical significance of its interiors, which were adorned by prominent Polish painters of the time, Jan Ścisło and Jan Bogumił Plersch. Despite the devastation it endured during World War II at the hands of the Germans, many original interior furnishings have been preserved, providing a glimpse into the villa's past grandeur.

Some of the noteworthy interior elements include the grotesque paintings in the dining room, an 18th-century Chinese wallpaper in the Parlor, the king's bed in the bedchamber, and a cabinet designed in the form of an arbor, featuring paintings by Jan Bogumił Plersch.