The Obamas’ New Home Isn’t The White House, But That’s A Good Thing
Presidents are only allowed a total of eight consecutive years in office, granted they win the second term election. Barack Obama was the leader of the free world from January 20, 2009, until January 20, 2017. After that last day in office, he and the family had to leave the best living arrangements they've ever had -- the White House. Come to find out, that statement might not be entirely accurate.
Settling On A New Residence
In 2016, the publication Town & Country shared that the Obamas would move into the exclusive Kalorama neighborhood in Washington D.C. They would buy a home there in 2017, and describing it as lavish wouldn't even do it justice. Pick your jaw up off the ground after you're finished marveling at their new residence.
According to a 2018 GoBankingRates estimate, Barack Obama has a net worth of $40 million. That's the type of money you need to live in the posh Kalorama neighborhood. At their new home in Washington DC, the Obamas comfortably kick their feet up.
The House Is For Life After Presidency
The residence has an estimated value between $6 and $8 million with rent around $22,000 per month. Initially, the family rented the home because they were only going to remain in DC until Sasha Obama finished high school.
Ultimately, they bought it and gave it some luxurious upgrades. Let's see it!
Stepping Through The Front Door
As you would suspect, even the front door has a majestic look to it. The characteristics of the large wrought iron door are unique. The wall sconces give it a classic vibe, and it should because F. Moran McConihe built this home in 1928.
That patina copper awning helps reinforce the classic yet lavish feel as well. From the moment you get on the porch, you know the inside will be something that will leave you in awe.
The Lavish Hall
The front door only sets up the inside, which is fit for a young king. Right away, the beautiful black and white marble floor in the front hall grabs your attention.
If it felt luxurious from merely the front door, this floor adds to that feeling. The home tops 8,200 square feet, with nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms. While the residence sits on half an acre, wait until you see one of the bedrooms or even the living room...
Living Room Beauty
With 8,200 square feet at your disposal, there's a lot you can do. The living room is the space where the family can enjoy some quality bonding time. The former first lady can have mother-daughter time, and Mr. Obama can practice singing Al Green all he wants.
After eight years of being in the most famous house in America, now the former first family can spend as much time as they want in a home that nearly rivals it.
Floor-To-Ceiling Windows Accent The Family Room
When they don't want to spend time in their bedrooms, perhaps the Obamas take a trip to the family room. Complete with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to the backyard (wait until you see that), this is a space to relax.
During summer breaks, Malia can get her summer reading done in peace with fine art surrounding her. We're sure friends of the kids love when Sasha and Malia tell them its game night at their place.
The Bright And Beautiful Kitchen
Of course the kitchen is immaculate, featuring subway tile up tot he ceiling and a white and gray color scheme. This gorgeous eat-in kitchen features stainless steel stove and oven, but the fridge elegantly fits into the cabinetry.
The countertops are marble, only adding to the ambiance. Whether they have a chef or if Barack and Michelle take turns cooking, it must be fun walking in here to prepare a meal each night. There's also a TV sitting in the corner in case you missed it.
A Gorgeous Space To Cook
The black frames on this vintage-vibe windows bring in some natural light and fresh air. This wouldn't be a bad place to cook at all, now would it?
Did we forget to mention the 6-burner gas range? We've seen a ton of kitchens, but this could be one of the more elegant ones out there. With this state of the art tech, breakfast at the Obama residence must feel like you're eating at a five-star restaurant.
An Extended Kitchen
The marble countertop theme continues throughout the extended kitchen, where there's another sink and room for more appliances. The built-in shelving for cook books adds a nice touch. The decorative rug running down the middle adds some decorative color against the antique floors.
In cupboard above the sink is stocked with plenty of wine glasses. Once again, the deeper we dive into this home, the more luxurious it becomes. It only makes sense that Jeff Bezos and Ivanka Trump used to live in the neighborhood, too.
Dining Fit For A President
Dining in the White House where you have to host state dinners must have been fun and spacious, but Michelle and the family aren't missing much with this. Their dining room is massive.
With eight dining chairs going around the table, party for eight sounds nice. There are even bonus chairs waiting to get used if more company wants to come over and have a sit-down dinner with the former first family. Thanksgiving at the Obamas', please.
Where The Obamas Sleep
In any household, the master room is always the bedroom everyone else wishes they had. That applies here the most. In what looks like a luxury hotel suite, the master bedroom at the Obama residence is stunning.
It turns out that Michelle Obama was not only a fabulous First Lady, but she has excellent taste in homes. She was the one who picked this house due to her husband being so busy. She said, "[Barack] was being president when we had to move, so he didn't really have time to go house-hunting."
Lounge Like Royalty In The Master Bedroom
There really is no let-up with the elegant aesthetics this home exudes. While Michelle might've picked the house, she had a little help with the interior design. No big deal there, we've all sought assistance in the past.
Ellen DeGeneres asked Michelle who decorated the home so nicely, which Michelle replied: "I did, with the help of my team and we had a decorator, but I picked out the house. I, you know, I was responsible."
A Look Inside One Of The Many Bedrooms
Even the secondary bedrooms received the posh treatment. There are eight of them, so imagine eight times the elegance for any visitor who gets lucky enough to stay the night here.
"They're drawn to elegant, simple things," the family's interior designer for the White House, Michael S. Smith, revealed to Architectural Digest. That's the most accurate description. As beautiful and fancy as things look, simplicity still is the underlying theme throughout the home. Consistency is key here.
This Bedroom Has Two Beds For Company
Michelle Obama said, "It's a beautiful brick home, and it's the first regular house, with a door and a doorbell, that I have had in about eight years." This has to be one of the greatest transitions into a regular home ever.
With enough room for however many guests they want, Malia and Sasha probably had a tough time trying to figure out which room they wanted to claim as their own.
Get Dressed In Style
Michelle Obama is a style icon. Not only did she set trends as the First Lady, but she shows off her fashionista side even more now that she isn't in the office and doesn't have those rules to abide by.
A dressing room like this is the only way to go. She and the girls can come in here and treat it like the fitting rooms at Prada store. Do you think Barack uses the walk-in closet at all?
Michelle Gets Her Own Master Bathroom
We suppose having separate master bathrooms would make sense. That way, there's no fussing over the lack of space, something Barack already complained about, according to Michelle. "He — no, no — he still talks about this," she tells Ellen. "He got so shortchanged on this whole deal."
Well, with Michelle having her own bathroom, that's one less thing for him to make a scene about. As beautiful as Michelle's is, how gorgeous do you think Barack's restroom is?
His Is Simpler Than Hers, But Still Luxurious
Okay, we might be able to sympathize with Barack here. Michelle said Barack complained that "He doesn't have enough closet space." Not only does the 44th president not have enough of that, but his bathroom isn't as put together either.
Does he have the right to complain? Probably not because his home is more lavish than the majority of homeowners in America, but he can feel free to lament to his wife and kids as much as he wants.
The Bathroom Design Here Is Flawless
At first glance, this looks like a bathroom inside of a hipster spoken word cafe located in Manhattan. The wallpaper sticks out the most, and we'd imagine when you first walk in, you can't help but admire it.
This is only one of the eight and a half bathrooms in the abode, and each one most likely has a separate vibe. The design, black walls with white trees, is certainly a look we could get accustomed to.
Just Sweat It Out
When you live a busy life, getting exercise can be a challenge. Having the ability to break a sweat when you're at home helps out a ton. It looks like the Obamas like to work on their cardio with this elliptical.
With the eight bedrooms, one can easily get used as a home office or gym. They chose to make this one a cardio room. There's also a bookshelf consisting of what looks like a bunch of encyclopedias.
Sunny And Bo Enter A New World
Obama's two dogs, Sunny and Bo must adore this backyard. The two pooches lived in the White House so long, they don't even know what a doorbell is, let alone other dogs nearby.
Michelle described a time she was alone with the dogs saying: "I walked out into my backyard. I sat on the stoop, and there were dogs barking in the distance, and I realized Bo and Sunny had really never heard neighbor dogs. They're like, 'What's that?'" They must enjoy the outdoors quite a bit with this lush backyard.
A Gorgeous Courtyard For Nice Days
This gorgeous outdoor courtyard is gated for privacy and security. The vibrant green trees along the perimeter of the space provide additional privacy as well as shade on hot and sunny days.
There's ample seating for a group in the area as well as a table to enjoy an outdoor picnic. We can picture the entire family gathered for a nice dinner, followed by a game of croquet or bocce in the inviting green area.
A Spacious Den
If lounging around is your thing, then this den would probably be your favorite room in the house. Located on the ground floor are the second kitchen, laundry facility, a wet bar, and a media room.
Equipped with the extra comfortable reclining chair, it looks like comfort will suck you in and keep you if you find yourself in this den. Whether you want to kick your feet up or take a quick nap, you make it happen in this room.
Security Is Essential
Security is of the utmost importance for any former president. The Obama family's new home is safe and secure but doesn't look like a military base or fortress. There's an understated gate around the property rather than a tall fence completely blocking people from seeing the house at all.
Additionally, the courtyard area can accommodate eight to ten vehicles -- perfect for all the Secret Service cars used by Obama's security team.
Why Kalorama?
Kalorama, which is Greek for "beautiful view," is one of the ritziest neighborhoods in the Washington, D.C. area. It's no wonder it attracts so many high-profile and wealthy individuals. For starters, the neighborhood is home to 28 embassies and a whole slew of ambassadors' residences.
In fact, several former presidents and other high-profile people live (and have lived) in Kalorama. Pictured here is a historical marker of Joel Barlow, who named the area in the early 1800s.
President Wilson Also Moved To Kalorama After The White House
This Georgian Revival-style home, designed by architect Waddy Wood and built in 1915, was where the twenty-eighth President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, moved after leaving the White House. He and his wife Edith bought the property in 1921 and had it remodeled.
Located at 2340 S Street NW, the home is near Embassy Row. Wilson died in an upstairs bedroom of the home in 1924. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
President Taft's Former Home Is Now One Of D.C.'s Most Expensive Rentals
This home on Wyoming Avenue was once occupied by President William Howard Taft. Taft moved into it after being appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 1921. He was the first former president to hold this title.
The home, where the former president eventually died, later became the official Embassy of Syria. In 2012, the building was the site of large scale protests against the Syrian government's crackdown against uprisings in the country. The uprising was the start of the Syrian Civil War.
Ivanka Trump And Jared Kushner Are Some Of The Obamas' New Neighbors
After her father Donald Trump became president of the United States and took up residence in the nation's capital, Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner chose a home just around the corner from the Obamas' Kalorama home.
The first daughter and son-in-law, who both advise the president, paid around $15,000 a month in rent for the massive 8,200-square-foot property. As of 2018, they were spotted house-hunting nearby... perhaps indicating that they plan to stay in the area on a more permanent basis.
Amazon Billionaire Jeff Bezos Bought Two Connected Buildings In Kalorama
Back before their divorce, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife MacKenzie bought a $23 million Kalorama estate and began renovating it. The home used to be the Textile Museum, and the Bezos had plans to give the building a $12 million update and and expansion. The property includes 11 bedrooms, 25 bathrooms, 2 elevators, a solarium, and a whiskey cellar.
And that's not all. Also included in the home's massive footprint: three kitchens, two libraries, five living rooms, five staircases, two gyms, and a ballroom.
Ted Kennedy's Former Kalorama Mansion Sold For $6.5 Million In 2011
The former Senator Ted Kennedy and his wife Vicki Reggie purchased this Kalorama house for $2.8 million in 1998. She sold the home after Kennedy's death and moved to a different house just a couple of blocks away.
The house, which resembles a smaller version of the White House, features six bedrooms, seven baths (with two in the master suite!) five fireplaces, a wine cellar, gym, and an indoor pool.
Rex Tillerson Moved Into The Neighborhood In 2011
Add the Former United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to the list of famous and powerful people who have called Kalorama home. In 2011, he reportedly paid $5.6 million for the stunning five-bedroom, 5,500 square foot Colonial Revival townhouse.
One of Tillerson's neighbors explained the area's popularity to the Daily Mail. "It's a neighborhood that's hidden away, with people of higher means, and it's very quiet, very pleasant and very attractive," said Joan Ludlow. She's lived there since 1979.
FDR And Eleanor Roosevelt Lived Here Before He Became President
Before he became president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. During this time, he and his wife Eleanor lived in this 12-bedroom house located at 2131 R St NW.
Unfortunately, it was at this home that FDR's extramarital affair, with his wife's social secretary, was discovered. Also during the Roosevelts' time in the house, an anarchist bombed their across-the-street neighbor, Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer. Today, the house is the residence of the Ambassador of Mali.
Lincoln's Home Is A Historical Landmark
Abraham Lincoln purchased his residence in 1844. Located 200 miles south of Chicago, the house was built with 12 rooms in a Greek style. Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd, lived in the decadent home for 17 years before moving to Washinton D.C.
In 1887, 22 years after the president's assassination, the house was opened to the public. Tours led by park rangers take visitors through the children's rooms, the formal parlor, sitting rooms, the kitchen, various outbuildings, and the couple's separate bedrooms. Hundreds of thousands of curious tourists visit the historically recognized landmark every year.
Mar-a-Lago Is One Of Trump's Homes
Donald Trump was a very wealthy businessman before being elected President of the United States. Because of that, he owned several residences, although we wouldn't call them private. Mar-a-Lago, for example, is a vacation resort purchased by Trump in 1985.
Trump regularly visits Palm Beach to stay at his private quarters located on the grounds. Asked about his favorite getaway spot with the press, he nicknamed it the "Southern White House." It's currently ranked as the 20th largest mansion in the country. Next up, George W. Bush's life on the prairie is revealed.
George W. Bush Spends His Time At The "Western White House"
In 1999, George W. Bush purchased the Prairie Chapel Ranch. During his presidency, he would spend his vacation time at the 1,583-acre property located in McLennan County, Texas. He also hosted many dignitaries at the ranch, teaching them about the little pleasures in life.
Bush bought the property with money he earned from selling the Texas Rangers for $14.3 million. The original owners used the land to raise turkeys and dogs. The scope of the residence is so vast it contains three miles of frontage and seven canyons. Bush also had a lake made so he could go fishing at his leisure.
Lyndon Johnson's House Is Surrounded By A National Park
Correction, Lyndon Johnson's house is a national park. The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is located in Texas 50 miles west of Austin. The park grounds surround and protect Johnson's home, his ranch, and his final resting place. During his life, it's estimated Johnson spent 20 percent of his time here.
Visitors can take self-guided tours through the park after purchasing a permit. On the tour, you'll see Johnson's first school, the Texas White House, the Johnson Family Cemetary, and a reconstruction of his birth home. In just two more slides, the answer to which President lived in the "Little White House" is revealed.
The Kennedy Compound
Before President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, he would spend his summers with his family at the Kennedy Compound. During these times, the family would come together and play touch football games, among other activities.
Features of the main house (there are three houses on the compound) include a sunroom, bedrooms, utility rooms, four servant's bedrooms, a full attic, a wine cellar, and a movie theater. Since the Kennedys bought the property in 1928, minimal remodeling has occurred. In 2012 the main house was donated to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.
Harry Truman Owned The "Little White House"
Harry Truman hated Washington D.C.'s cold winters. To solve his problem, Truman, along with key members of his staff, would relocate to Key West, Florida until the Nation's capital warmed back up.
The house, located on a naval base, served the President for 175 days of his presidency and became known as the "Little White House."After his death in 1972, the home opened up as a vacation home for several subsequent presidents like Jimm Carter and Bill Clinton.
Mount Vernon Is The Original Presidential Residence
Before George Washington was president, he lived at his Mount Vernon plantation house. He became the owner of the property in 1761 and gave up growing tobacco in 1766 to focus on other, less labor-intensive crops. During his two terms as President, it's estimated Washington spent 434 days at his home.
Upon his death, Washington stipulated in his will that all of his slaves be emancipated after his wife Martha's death. In 1799 a funeral for Washington was held at Mount Vernon, where he was buried. In 1801, all 318 slaves at Mount Vernon were given their freedom. Up next, Ronald Reagan takes us to California for a sunny getaway.
Ronald Reagan Preferred A Southern California Lifestyle
Built in 1871, Ronald Reagan bought Rancho del Cielo in 1974 for half a million dollars. The purchase came near the end of his second term as Governor of California. During his presidency, it became his vacation home, although sometimes business was held at the Southern California estate.
In 1981, Reagan signed the Economic Recovery Tax Act at the ranch. He also hosted Margaret Thatcher, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Queen Elizabeth II there. By the late '90s, the ranch wasn't being used and was sold to Young America's Foundation, who keep it maintained as a monument to President Reagan today. Just ahead, Richard Nixon finds his happy place in Orange County.
Nixon Kept A Mansion In Orange County
Richard Nixon bought La Casa Pacifica in 1969 during his first term as President. The residence was quickly named the "Western White House." Once in his possession, the property underwent massive remodeling, some of which was to accommodate the secret service.
After resigning as President, Nixon and his wife retired to the mansion. Nixon spent his newly free time writing his memoirs. By 1980, he tired of the residence and moved to New Jersey. Unlike many homes on this list, La Casa Pacifica is not open to the public and remains a private residence today.
Thomas Jefferson Built Monticello From The Ground Up
At 26-years-old, Thomas Jefferson broke ground on Monticello. He designed the property himself after inheriting a large chunk of land from his father. Located in Virginia, Monticello operated as a tobacco and wheat plantation in the 1700s.
Falling into ruins since his death, a $35 million restoration project was launched in 2017. Through this project, some darker aspects of Jefferson's life have been unearthed, including his relationship with Sally Hemmings, a slave who was given a private room and preferential treatment.
