A Look At The Homes Of U.S. Presidents
The most remarkable estate that the U.S. presidents have lived in is probably the White House. However, that doesn't mean that their other homes weren't exquisite in their own way. From Nixon's "Western White House" to Trump's palace-inspired Mar-A-Lago Club, these homes are as unique as the presidents who lived there.
Lyndon B. Johnson's Ranch Is Now A Historic Park In Texas
Lyndon B. Johnson's ranch is the place where the president grew up and lived out his life. He is even buried on the property grounds! The president arranged for it to be turned into a National Park and museum when he passed.
Though Johnson lived in the White House during his presidency, the ranch was a place he held meetings, as shown in this image. Leaders would gather in the chairs pictured and discuss important matters under the giant tree in Lyndon's front yard.
The Ranch Was Nicknamed The "Texas White House"
Lyndon's use of the ranch during his presidency garnered it the nickname "Texas White House." Here he is talking on the phone while leaning back in his office chair. The busy room features an American flag and a cowskin lounge chair, which goes with the home's nickname.
Floral curtains hang alongside the large windows and the wood-paneling on the walls makes it feel like a true ranch home. Behind Johnson are built-in shelves full of books with nicknacks and fine china on the top shelf. On top of his desk are newspapers and documents, and below is his sleeping Beagle.
Dwight D. Eisenhower's Home Has Been Public Since 1980
President Dwight D. Eisenhower's Pennsylvania home was donated to the National Park Service in 1967 and became a public spectacle in 1980. The lovely grounds are adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield, adding to the historical significance of the property.
The estate features gardens, a putting green, a teahouse, and a skeet range. Gray-green shutters subtly stand out against the home's light grey exterior. Lush green landscaping surrounds the perimeter, adding curb appeal without making the property seem at all ostentatious.
Eisenhower Held Meetings With World Leaders Here
The home features stunning views of South Mountain, making it a pleasant spot to meet with world leaders. The natural setting helped ease tensions amid the Cold War, and this sunroom was a helpful resource for Eisenhower.
The space features wall-to-ceiling windows that look out to the surrounding grounds. Wood-paneled ceilings give the space a cozy feel, while the white paint and furniture keep the interior feeling fresh and classy. The seating area gives way to a bright and spacious dining room, providing additional seating or a place to enjoy a meal with natural views.
It Served As The President's Weekend Retreat
The peaceful setting wasn't just helpful when it came to easing the tensions between world leaders. It also provided Eisenhower with an escape from the stresses of Capital Hill. This room is the den of the home, which is set up like a relaxing reading room.
Built-in shelves along the right wall are filled with books, beneath which is a comfortable loveseat. Across the way are two lounging chairs, one with a large ottoman to kick up your feet and lay back. The focal point of the room is the brick fireplace, which has a vintage feel to it and makes the space all the homier.
Richard Nixon's Home Was Called The Western White House
Richard Nixon's massive home became known as the Western White House due to its upscale gatherings and its location in San Clemente, California. The 15,000-square-foot estate sits on a 5.45-acre lot right off the coast.
Built in 1926, the Spanish-style mansion is also known as La Casa Pacifica. It has 9 bedrooms and 10.5 bathrooms! The enormous entertainment spaces made it the perfect place for Nixon to host parties among celebrities, politicians, and other high-ranked individuals.
Nixon Wrote His Memoirs Here
After Nixon resigned as president, he wrote his memoirs at this home. We can only imagine that he did so in this stunning office, which has beautiful ocean views. The exposed beam ceiling and woods make this room feel like an island getaway.
Huge windows line the walls, offering natural light and gorgeous views at every turn, while bamboo Venetian blinds offer shade and privacy. Beneath the windows are shelves filled with books that have a unique design on them reminiscent of the home's Spanish style.
The House Is On The Market For $65 Million!
Nixon's former estate is on the market for a staggering $65 million! Realtor.com estimates that the monthly payment would come out to over $300,000, and that's with a 20% down payment of $13 million! The property is certainly valuable given its historic significance, location, and stunning architecture.
The living room alone speaks volumes with its vaulted ceiling with exposed beams leading to a skylight. The enormous area has space for a generous living room set and a grand piano. Chandeliers and a fireplace add classy but homey touches to the gorgeous room.
They Leased The Home From Bill Clinton's Press Secretary
The house has more political associations than just the Obamas. The couple actually leased the home from Bill Clinton's former press secretary, Joe Lockhart. The stunning property boasts more than 8,000 square feet and has nine bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms!
The gorgeous living room is full of natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that span the entire rear-facing back wall. Hardwood floors are a stunning contrast to the off-white walls. While the brick fireplace is one focal point of the room, the coffered ceiling steals the show and makes the open room feel even more spacious.
This Property Last Sold For $5.3 Million
This mansion last sold for $5.3 million in 2014, but Redfin now estimates that it is worth more than $6.5 million! The backyard is just as impressive as the interior. It features a large green lawn with enough space to play a round of family-friendly football.
Beyond the field and along the sides is patio space to put furniture and enjoy the weather. Enormous hedges follow the property line for ample privacy and offer shade during the warmer months.
Ronald Reagan's Bel-Air Home Is More Than 7,000-Square-Feet
When Ronald and Nancy Reagan left the White House, they packed their bags and headed to Los Angeles where they purchased this Bel-Air home. The property features 7,192 square feet inside and has three bedrooms and six bathrooms.
Built in 1954, it sits on a 1.29-acre lot and boasts a lush green yard and a pool in the back. The home last sold in 2016 for $15 million, which Zillow estimates would generate a monthly payment of about $70,000 a month with 20% down!
Donald Trump Went From The White House To Mar-A-Lago
After Donald Trump's presidency, he elected to reside at his private club in Palm Beach, Florida called Mar-a-Lago. The stunning resort features upscale designs inspired by European palaces and has neo-Gothic and Andalusian highlights.
Inside are extra-high ceilings and gold-plated designs fill the walls. The club sits on a 20-acres estate and boasts 128 rooms! The waterfront property also has various pools throughout, making it an ideal summertime getaway, or in Trump's case, a permanent residence.
Jimmy Carter Built His Ranch In 1961
This image shows Jimmy Carter addressing the media in front of his estate in 1988. The president built the ranch in 1961 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, and he still lives there today. Though the brick house appears quite large, it is only a two-bedroom.
The house is valued at just $167,000, making it cheaper than Carter's entourage of secret security! Still, the home holds plenty of value in terms of significance, having been Carter's home for the majority of his life.
George W. Bush's Ranch Sits On 1,600 Acres!
George W. Bush lived at his ranch in Texas before and after his presidency and often vacationed at the home while he resided in the White House. The estate, named Prairie Chapel Ranch, sits on a jaw-dropping 1,600 acres in Crawford, Texas.
Like Nixon's San Clemente home, the ranch was also called the "Western White House," but for different reasons. Nixon's property was on the West Coast, while this ranch has a Western feel to it.
First Daughter Jenna Bush Got Married There
With 1,600 acres, it's no wonder that George Bush's daughter, Jenna Bush, elected to get married here. The sweeping greenery offered the perfect backdrop for her wedding. The home also features 3 bedrooms in the main house plus a two-suite guest house.
The first daughter married husband Henry Chase Hager on the ranch in 2008. In addition to being a gorgeous place to hold events, the ranch also has plenty of room to explore and features 40 miles of bike trails.
Gerald Ford Custom-Built His Rancho Mirage Home
Gerald and Betty Ford elected to retire in Rancho Mirage, a Coachella Valley town located just 10 miles from Palm Springs. Their custom-built home features six bedrooms spread out across the more than 6,000 square feet that the property has to offer.
The ranch-style home overlooks a golf course and features a pool, which is especially needed in the warm desert location. The charming house sold to a DreamWorks executive for $1.7 million in 2012.
The House Sold In Just 11 Days
In this image, First Lady Betty Ford and her son, Steve Ford, sit in the study of the Ford's Rancho Mirage home. Out of frame is built-in shelving along the walls that are filled with books and a small seating area.
The home's interior design is reminiscent of the '70s with floral curtains and beige carpeting. This photo was taken in 2006, shortly after the former president died in his home. The property didn't go up for sale until Betty passed, and it reportedly sold in just 11 days.
George H.W. Bush Had A Waterfront Home In Maine
George H.W. Bush enjoyed this waterfront home in Kennebunkport, Maine for decades during and after his presidency. The property's official name was Walker's Point and it was the location where the Bushes were filmed for an ABC interview in 2007.
In this photo, the American flag out front of the home is flown at half-staff to honor the former president's passing. The town recognized the famous estate as Bush's home and residents would sometimes gather on the water to catch a glimpse of the first family.
It Was Their Summer Home During Bush's Presidency
Walker's Point was the Bush family's summer home, even during George H.W. Bush's presidency. He and his wife, First Lady Barbara Bush, lived in the home every year between the months of May and October.
Here the former president is pictured out on the deck where he's having a meeting with several prominent figures, including future Vice President Dick Cheney. The men were discussing the Gulf War Crisis. Having the calming water as a backdrop could be helpful during such vital engagements.
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy didn't live in this home as an adult, but he did grow up here. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, this house is now a historic site where visitors can see where the former president and his other famous relatives lived.
The blue house stands out along the street and has an American flag out front to further distinguish the historic property. Above the front porch is a balcony, though there isn't a door leading to it but rather windows uniformly lining the street-facing second floor.
The Charming Family Dining Room
One of the first rooms visitors encounter when they enter the Kennedy home is this lovely dining room. It features a dainty gold chandelier over an oval table complete with six table settings. There's even a tiny table beneath the window for additional seating.
The Kennedys were a large family with a total of nine children, so even the extra table wouldn't have been enough for everyone to eat together. Still, the room was incredibly charming, even if it did get a little cramped.
The Room Where JFK Was Born
One of the most significant aspects of this house is that it's not only where JFK grew up, but is that actual location where he was born. His mother delivered him on the far bed in this room, specifically because it had better lighting for the doctor.
Exactly 50 years after president Kennedy was born, this house became a National Park Service historic site. For this reason, Kennedy's birthday is a dual celebration and is often the date when the NPS will schedule a special event.
George Washington Spent 45 Years Expanding His Hime
George Washington's Virginia estate, called Mount Vernon, first came into the president's possession back in 1754. At that time, it was a meager farmhouse with one-and-half stories. Washington spent almost half a century expanding his home.
Today, visitors from all over the country travel to tour the 21-room mansion. The stunning home has a red roof and black shutters that pop against the off-white walls. A light tower sits atop the estate like the centerpiece of the home.
The Candlelight Holiday Tour Extends Into The Evening
The holiday Mount Vernon tour is unique in that it is the only time of year when the estate is open in the evening. This way, guests can experience the home when it is candlelit, like this dining room. While there is electrical lighting, as well, the candles add a twinkle to the space.
The dining room features wall molding and is completely covered in green paint that is a stunning contrast to the wood doors and furniture.
This Is Where Washington And Martha Slept
This is the master bedroom of Mount Vernon where George Washington and his wife, Martha, reportedly slept. The decorators even left the corner of the comforter pulled back to make it seem as though the couple still lives there today.
The cream-colored canopy bed is stunning against the red, yellow, and green area rug. Gold framed paintings hang on the wall, which would have been equivalent to family portraits at the time. Straight ahead is a doorless walk-in closet.
James Madison's Home Sits On 2,650 Acres!
James Madison retired alongside his wife, Dolley, at this estate in 1817. The property is located in Montpelier, Virginia and features an astounding 2,650 acres of land! With so much property, it's no wonder that the couple famously hosted huge parties here.
The stunning home features a pillared portico that stands out against the white walls of the home. Even the blue front door pops from a distance. There are also horse pastures on the huge property, which overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Madison Edited His Political Papers Here
Inside, the home features ornate architecture and displays like this one, which showcases one of Dolly Madison's dresses. Guests can peek at various rooms in the home, including the drawing-room where the Madisons hosted their parties.
The estate also has a presidential library and was the location where Madison edited some of his most famous political papers. The mansion isn't the only historic building on the property, and there is also a garden, forest trails, and archeological sites to visit.
Harry Truman's Home Was Built By His Grandfather-In-Law
Harry Truman and his wife, Bess Wallace, spent decades in this stunning Victorian home. They took ownership of the property in 1919 and remained in the home until Truman passed in 1972. The historic home was built before the former president was even born!
Bess' grandfather built the home, which is located in Independence, Missouri. The house was nicknamed the "Summer White House" as the couple stayed their while they were on vacation from Washington D.C.
Harry Truman Loved To Pass The Time By Reading
This image shows president Harry Truman and his wife reading in the living room of their Missouri home. The vintage room features floral furniture, an ornately designed area rug, and a grandfather clock in the corner.
Light sconces flank the enormous window on the far wall and emphasize the room's impeccable symmetry. Harry Truman reportedly loved to read, and there are still more than 1,000 books in his study that visitors can gaze at when taking a tour.
