Once upon a time, visitors to the US Capitol Building complained there was nowhere to find shade or a cool drink of water while they were on the Capitol grounds. So when famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead was appointed by Congress to improve the grounds in the 1870’s he included something special in the plans.

I stumbled into that something special this visit and thoroughly enjoyed some stolen moments in this peaceful space. Called the Summerhouse, this red brick grotto is an open hexagon with a fountain in the center.

Large arched doorways are fitted with gorgeous wrought iron gates and flanked by windows. There are stone benches with armrests that provide seating for 22 people.

The fountain was once a drinking fountain fed by a spring. Today, modern water fountains and city water have been added.

It’s the kind of place that makes you wish to linger- even when you have someplace to be. In a city of larger than life monuments and memorials, it isn’t really the kind of place you expect to find hiding amongst the shrubbery and ornamental trees on the sloping lawn of the People’s House. And it does feel hidden as Olmstead was careful to not build something that would interfere with the grounds or the sprawling view of the Capitol building.

It would be a great place to enjoy lunch, to rest your feet while journeying through the city’s landmarks, or to devour a good book on a warm day.

It’s a sharp contrast to the armed police officers stationed on the Capitol building roof and in the shadowy archways of this imposing building.

If you go to the US Capitol, be sure to seek out the Summerhouse. Take a cold drink and relax for a bit while enjoying this historic feature!