There are some interesting fun facts about almost all U.S. presidents, such as that John Tyler had 15 children and that Theodore Roosevelt was the one to coin the term “The White House.” Another factoid is that only one U.S. president in history has received a PhD. That would be Woodrow Wilson, who also served as president of Princeton University before being elected as the country’s 28th president.
During his Princeton presidency, Wilson lived at this enchanting Tudor Revival home. It’s one of the only presidential homes still serving as a residence and has been sensitively restored. Now, it’s on the market asking $6,500,000.
Wilson designed and built the spacious charmer in 1896 for his family. Now almost 130 years old, it has required some tender care and skilled renovations to keep it in tip-top shape for modern living. In a seven-year project, New Jersey-based Ron Berlin and Baxter Construction brought it up to date in all the right ways while preserving its traditional architecture and vintage elements. It is a still true antique with lattice windows, decorative timbering, a classic floor plan, and more.
Upon entering the home, it’s easy to imagine Wilson hosting professors or teaching students there, especially in the wood-paneled office or large reception areas. And, so thoughtful was the renovation that you may first wonder what is newly-added and what was preserved or restored.
A hand-painted wall of Princeton’s landmarks wraps the dining room along with stained glass details, while bespoke moldings and coffered ceilings dance through many of the other main spaces. The huge kitchen was majorly redone and gifted many functional upgrades, including a large island and appliances fit for an avid cook. Another major update was the addition of a greenhouse-inspired sunroom, with a glass ceiling, French doors and a bar for serving up drinks. The upper two floors hold the home’s seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, three of which belonged to Wilson’s children. Many of the rooms hold the original fireplace mantels, including the primary suite.
Not for those seeking something contemporary or trendy, Woodrow Wilson’s former home provides an opportunity to own an antique treasure steps from the Princeton campus. Perhaps an enthusiastic alumni or history buff will scoop it up. Barbara Blackwell of Sotheby’s International Realty holds the listing.
