Many of America’s former presidents chose to live in luxury when they weren’t confined to the walls of the White House. Check out five of the most impressive and beautiful personal homes of former U.S. presidents, from stately brick abodes to oceanfront retreats.
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Springwood – Hyde Park, New York
Overlooking the Hudson River, Springwood is the birthplace, lifelong home, and burial site of 32nd U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. From his birth in 1882 to his death in 1945, the estate in Hyde Park, New York, remained an important touchstone for FDR throughout his life. After being diagnosed with polio at the age of 39, the buildings were outfitted to accommodate FDR’s disability, including the addition of a swimming pool, ramps, handrails, and wheelchair accessibility.
Today, visitors can explore much of the Springwood Estate, including the main house, home to four generations of Roosevelts; the Top Cottage, the 32nd President’s private retreat; and the nation’s first Presidential Library. The grounds — including the rose and vegetable gardens — are open to visitors daily, with house tours varying by season.
The Kennedy Compound – Cape Cod, Massachusetts
It’s no surprise that the Kennedys, a family deeply rooted in Massachusetts, chose to make this stunning stretch of coastline their home. In 1928, Joseph P. Kennedy purchased a summer property on Hyannis Port, which had originally been a rental. Joseph, who had nine children — including future U.S. President John F. Kennedy — expanded the property into what is now known as the Kennedy Compound.
The 6-acre waterfront estate consists of three houses. For decades, the grounds were a place of family gatherings and celebrations, and served as the “Summer White House” from 1961 to 1963 during JFK’s time in office. Beyond its political importance, the compound has been the site of marriages, births, election watch parties, political meetings, and a retreat for President Kennedy, who often visited to walk on the beach when faced with tough decisions. The site has since been transformed into a museum and designated a National Historic Landmark.
Richard Nixon’s Oceanfront Estate – San Clemente, California
A native of Southern California, President Nixon attended Duke Law School, practiced law in California, and served as a state senator before moving to Washington, D.C., and winning the presidency in 1969. That same year, he purchased a stunning 5.5-acre property in San Clemente, an hour from his hometown of Yorba Linda.
While close to his roots, the property was a far cry from his modest beginnings. Boasting 450 feet of prime beachfront and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the estate was nicknamed “La Casa Pacifica.” Also known as the “Western White House,” it served as Nixon’s sanctuary, and the former president made it his permanent residence after his infamous resignation following the Watergate scandal in 1974.
Built in 1927, the 9,000-square-foot Spanish Colonial Revival home features expansive terraces perfect for taking in the ocean vistas. Additional amenities include a pool, tennis courts, a bar, an entertainment room, and a two-bedroom guest house.
Barack Obama’s Brick Mansion – Washington, D.C.
After leaving office, the Obamas chose to call their Kalorama Heights property in Washington, D.C., their permanent home. Located 2 miles from the White House, the neighborhood has welcomed many former presidents and is currently the home of Jeff Bezos, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, news anchor Chris Wallace, and other celebrities.
Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama purchased the four-story, 8,200-square-foot brick mansion for $8.1 million in 2017. The elegant home boasts nine bedrooms, eight and a half baths, two kitchens, and an inviting backyard patio and garden. The Obamas also made some renovations when they became the homeowners, including converting the garage into an office and building a brick wall around the grounds for added security.
Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Estate – Palm Beach, Florida
Donald Trump, who recently began his second term as president, is known for his lavish lifestyle. After leaving the White House in 2021, Trump moved his primary residence from Manhattan, New York City, to his sprawling Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Originally built in 1927 by Marjorie Merriweather Post, heir to the General Foods Corporation, the property was acquired by Trump in 1985. He initially used it as a vacation home before transforming it into a private club in 1994, offering members access to a spa, fitness center, tennis courts, and suites. In 2019, Trump made Mar-a-Lago his personal residence.
The estate, with a name meaning “Sea-to-Lake,” comprises 17 acres between Lake Worth Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. It features Mediterranean villa-style architecture, including Spanish tiles, Italian stone, and marble throughout. The 126-room compound includes a swimming pool, an award-winning spa, five tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, gold-plated sinks, and an opulent 20,000-square-foot ballroom adorned with $7 million worth of gold leaf.
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