CHANCERIESTHE DIPLOMATIC ATLAS

Twin Oaks

3225 Woodley Road NW, Washington, DC

From Ambassadorial Residence to Representative Office

Twin Oaks became the residence of the Republic of China’s ambassador in 1937. The government first rented the house and bought it in 1947. It remained the ambassadorial residence through 1978, while the mission’s chancery occupied separate premises. [1] [2]

The change in American diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing put the property’s ownership in question. In December 1978, the government sold Twin Oaks to the Friends of Free China Association. Taiwan’s representative office in the United States repurchased it in 1982. [1]

Recognition and Property Rights

The Taiwan Relations Act preserved the interests in property held by Taiwan’s governing authorities despite the termination of diplomatic relations. [4]

TECRO held its National Day reception at Twin Oaks on October 8, 2025. [3]

Diplomatic Use

Changes to the Property

  • Property leased: 1937 [1]
  • Property purchased: 1947 [1]
  • Property sold: 1978-12 [1]
  • Property repurchased: Taiwan’s representative office in the United States: 1982 [1]

Sources

  1. Taiwan: Issues for Congress, R44996

    Section: Taiwan and Twin Oaks; paragraphs beginning Twin Oaks, a 26-room mansion

  2. Old Chinese Legation: National Register nomination

    PDF page 1, address; PDF page 20 (Section 8, p. 18), opening; PDF page 22 (Section 8, p. 20), embassy rank and 1943 move; PDF page 23 (Section 8, p. 21), conversion

  3. Taiwan Youth Folk Sports Troupe Performs in Washington

    Account of the troupe's performance at the TECRO National Day reception at Twin Oaks on 8 October 2025

  4. Taiwan Relations Act

    Sections 2(b), 3, 4(b)(3)(B), 6 and 10

Cite This Article

Twin Oaks. Chanceries Diplopedia. Record version bdf6abc45c3c207cbd4e.

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