Also known as the “President’s Palace”, was built in 1792 and designed by Irish architect James Hoban. The first President who lived in this amazing132-room home was John Adams in 1800. The President’s Mansion is six stories (Ground Flood, State Floor, Second Floor, Third Floor and a two-story basement), 55,000 square feet, with 16 bedrooms, 35 baths and sits on 18 acres of land.
Other features include twenty-eight fireplaces, three elevators, a pool, a tennis court, a single-lane bowling alley (installed by President Nixon), a movie theater, a jogging track, and a putting green. Those residing in the White House also enjoy daily meals from five full-time chefs. Truly built for a leader in mind, with all the amenities and conveniences one can spend days not leaving the home.
Over the years historical artifacts were added to the White House by First Ladies Jacqueline Kennedy and Pat Nixon who had collected 600 artifacts, considered the most artifact contribution, and by 1988 the home received accreditation as a museum. On the American Institute of Architects the President’s Mansion was ranked second for “America’s Favorite Architecture.”
The presidential family is allowed to make minor changes to their own private housing section of the White House, but any improvements or additions to the State Rooms would need confirmation from the Committee for the Preservation of the White House.
Contributor, designer & admin for JohnHart Gazette.
