Unique Properties: It's Big, It's White...It's the White House!

The White House is probably one of the most recognizable homes in the world, and certainly is high in the ranks as a Unique Property. It's the official home and workplace of the United States President - and I'm always fascinated and intrigued by it. It is a national symbol of the United States that has interesting structural features, and a history like no other. 

The massive colums and symmetrical featuring of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was the design of James Hoban, an Irish-born architect. Construction on the work of art began in 1792. It was nearly 8 years later when the house was finally completed, and although President George Washington came up with the plan for a “President’s House,” he never actually got the chance to reside in it because the Presidency changed hands before he was able to move in. 

The structure survived a brutal fiery rage – twice! Once in 1814, and again in 1929. The interior has been renovated and reconstructed numerous times. Contrary, the exterior stone walls are the same as they were 200 years ago when it was first built. The White House requires 570 gallons of paint to cover its outside surface. Wow, that’s a lot of paint! I'm so glad I don't have to paint it! 

The White House is a structure of great magnitude and strength. It is 55,000 square feet, where an average U.S. Home is between 1,200 and 3,000 square feet! According to the government page about the history of the White House, there are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in the Residence. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators. President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901. For recreation, the White House has a variety of facilities available to its residents, including a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, and bowling lanes. Shown below is the Lincoln bedroom, named after of course President Abraham Lincoln whose legacy lives on not only in the White House, but across the country. Also shown are the bowling lanes in the White House.

I hadn’t been to the White House since I was little. Recently, while on business in the DC area, my Dad and I thought it would be neat to check it out. Since the events of 9/11, citizens from the street can no longer view the White House at close range, and we did not get a chance to see it much more than a glance from the car. Although you cannot see it from the street very well, The White House does offer on-site tours open to the public as Barack and Michelle Obama’s intent is to make the White House “the People’s House.” If you can't make it to our nation's capitol for a White House visit, you could engage in the online interactive tour for more interesting facts and a look inside our President’s Mansion. 

I can't think of any other place in the world that has had more famous and influential people reside. The rich history of the White House serves as a landmark and public symbol of freedom, the people, and is a Unique Property as well. As such an important part of America, this property is indeed one of a kind. 

If you have a $20 bill in your pocket, you also have a piece of White House history for yourself! Now, If only walls could talk!