Here’s What Nixon’s Western White House Looks Like Now (Psst: It’s for Sale!)
Since the dawn of American history, presidents, like all of us, have loved the beach. Washington was, of course, one of our original water babies, born on the marshy shores of Virginia’s Pope’s Creek. President Chester A. Arthur also had a soft spot for sandy places, with a Hamptons beach house worthy of any celeb soiree. And way before the Jersey Shore became known for Springsteen and Snooki, it was known as the hangout of President Ulysses S. Grant, plus six successors who came after him.
But while many presidents have loved the coast, the vast majority haven’t exactly subscribed to the “West Coast is the Best Coast” mentality—with the exception, especially, of our 37th president, Richard Nixon. Born in the SoCal town of Yorba Linda, Nixon is one of the few to have famously kept a “Western White House” during his term, hosting 17 heads of state at the oceanfront mansion while in office.
Dubbed La Casa Pacifica, the Spanish-style escape boasts nine bedrooms and 10 baths (plus 4 half-baths), all tucked into a sprawling 15,000 square feet. And for house hunters with a soft spot for gorgeous former presidents’ mansions, this baby can be scored right now for a discount: $57.5 million. (That’s $5 mil less than it was last year.)
It’s a hefty price to pay, but when you think of the history—not to mention the insane Pacific views—it may very well be worth it. Set on 5.45 acres with 450 feet of beachfront, the walled compound is blessed with plenty of presidential luxuries, including a 3,000-square-foot entertaining pavilion, oceanfront swimming pool (a Nixon add), tennis court, and private putting green. The stunning main house, built in 1927, is updated inside and out while maintaining the structure’s Spanish Colonial-style architecture. Wrapping all the individual buildings are beautifully maintained seaside gardens, loads of patio space, and private walking trails that afford beautiful ocean and sunset views.
Related: Tour This Glass-Walled Architectural Masterpiece With Stunning Pacific Ocean Views:
While it’s been some time since Nixon last gazed at those same serene views—according to Curbed, he sold the compound in the ‘80s to its current owner—prospective buyers could still inherit a decade-plus of presidential legacies. From world leaders to Hollywood greats, the house has hosted plenty of notable VIPs over the years. Now if only the walls enclosing the dreamy SoCal compound could talk…
Want to call this beachfront White House your own? La Casa Pacifica is listed for $57.5 million with Compass. See more photos of the estate below:
