While all U.S. presidents have the White House in common, a number of them have resided in other notable residences before, during, and after their presidencies. President Donald Trump once owned a coastal mansion in Connecticut, John F. Kennedy had his family’s compound in Hyannis Port (and vacationed at a ritzy villa in the South of France), President Gerald R. Ford retreated to his “Winter White House” in Colorado, and President Chester A. Arthur had his “Summer White House” in the Hamptons.
Before former president Herbert Hoover’s tenure in the White House, he actually lived in a different, smaller white house abroad. According to the historical blue plaque adorning this Georgian newly listed in England, he resided here in 1902.
Hoover studied geology at Stanford and built his career in mine management and engineering, which sent him to China, England, and Australia. Reportedly, by 1901, he rose from his early beginnings as an orphan to becoming one of the richest men in the world. In memoirs published post-presidency, Hoover reflects on this chapter of his life sharing, “My wife searched out a small country house at Walton-on-Thames” and that “curiously it was known as The White House.” A bit of foreshadowing for where they were bound in the future. He did not serve as the United States’ 31st president until almost three decades later, from 1929 until 1933—the start of the Great Depression. Hoover was the first president to give his full presidential salary to charity.
This property where the couple once lived is on the outskirts of London in Surrey. Traditional period details remain, including parapet walls, a bell tower on the roof, bay windows, and cozy fireplaces. The main floor consists of a reception room, drawing room, dining room, kitchen, and study. Upstairs there are four bedrooms, including the primary suite. The timeless floor plan totals 2,706 square feet.
Adam Burlison and Natalie Berthiaud of Knight Frank hold the historic listing for £1,995,000 GBP, or about $2,465,550 USD.
