Where the World’s Presidents Live
With February upon us, one very special holiday comes to mind. No, not Groundhogs Day. Presidents Day! And before you argue, keep in mind that some of us get work and school off for Presidents Day. So yes, Presidents Day. And how are we going to celebrate Presidents Day here at The Real Estate Home Guide? By looking at some presidential homes, of course. Now sure, not every country has a “President”, but they do have a “Prime Minister” or some other equivalent. So enjoy as we take a look at some of the most esteemed homes in the world.
The White House
photo credit: Scott Ableman
Yep, we’re going to start with a big one. This is it, the place where arguably the most powerful person in the world lives and conducts their business. It was completed in 1800, but then promptly burnt to a crisp by the British only twelve years later. Oh yes. In the War of 1812 the Brits burnt down all but one government building in Washington D.C. (the Patent Office was spared). Today it’s hard for an American to imagine a full land invasion of the United States (Red Dawn not withstanding). The entire interior of the White House was incinerated. A good portion of the exterior had survived, but it had been so badly weakened that it had to be torn down during reconstruction. The White House would be gutted again shortly after World War II when it was discovered that the old building was close to collapse. The interior was torn out, a steel frame installed inside for reinforcement, and then the interior rebuilt. Today, the White House stands as proud as ever and is one of the most favorite homes in the United States.
Elysee Palace
photo credit: Thomas Faivre-Duboz
When it comes to great buildings, the French have plenty, and for a long period of its history, the Elysee Palace was pretty much just one of those great buildings. Originally finished in 1722, the building was originally known as the Hotel d’Evreux. The building would be later bought by Louis XV as a home for his mistress. In 1773, the house would change hands again to Nicolas Beaujon, one of the wealthiest men in France, who would go on to make substantial changes to the building. Then the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars hit. Suddenly this grand building found itself being utilized as a furniture warehouse, followed by a print factory, and then a dance hall. Finally, the building would be put to use for government purposes by a man named Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1853, Napoleon’s nephew, Napoleon III, had renovations done that gave the building its currently look. In 1873, the building officially became the residence of the French President.
Kantei
Image via Wikipedia
In 2002 the Japanese completed work on the “Kantei”, the new workplace of the Prime Minister of Japan. But where would the Prime Minster live? Next door, in the old Kantei, now known as the Sori Kotei. The position of “Prime Minister” was not created in Japan until 1885, and the official residence would not be completed until 1929. The first Kantei was a two story mansion. At this point you’re probably imagining some exotic building out of samurai movie. Nope. The building was Art Deco, and inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. The new Kantei was built next door when the old Kantei became too cramped to serve the function of both home and executive office. This mirrors America’s White House, which suffered the same problem during the time of Theodore Roosevelt. The solution was the same, the creation of the West Wing next door.
10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street
Sometimes you just have to love British pragmatism. Where other countries give flamboyant names to the homes of their leaders, the Brits simply call theirs “10 Downing Street”, the building’s address. Colloquially, the building is known by an even simpler name “Number 10”. The house was originally three buildings, all built at different times, at least two of which during the 14th and 15th centuries. These two homes eventually ended up in the hands of monarchy. King George II would then offer the two buildings to then “First Lord of the Treasury” (Prime Minster), Sir Robert Walpole. Sir Robert accepted only on the condition that the home being given not to him but to the office of “First Lord of the Treasury”. Sir Robert would then acquire the cottage next door. The three buildings were then combined into one structure and gutted, the entire interior redone. It was during this time that the now famous door on Downing Street became the main entrance. As with the White Horse, shortly after World War II, 10 Downing Street was discovered to be on the verge of collapsee. The building was rebuilt with as much of the original structure left intact. That which was replaced was meticulously rebuilt to match the original home. One major change was made, however. It turned out that the famous “black” exterior was actually yellow, just very, very dirty. The decision was then made to paint the building back so it would look as it has for centuries.
In this modern age, some may protest that the heads of government are awarded too many perks. Private planes, cars, palaces. There are two things to keep in mind, however. For the leader of a large country these “perks” are often necessary for doing their jobs. Leaders play host to other leaders, and therefore need a nice home. More importantly, being “Leader of the Nation” is one of the toughest, most stressful jobs in the world. For anyone who wants to argue , take a look at before and after photos of any man who has served as United States President. Perhaps that is why we have a day to celebrate them. Happy Presidents Day!
Where the World’s Presidents Live
