Long before Lil' Wayne, Mariah Carey, and other celebrities featured tours of their multi-million dollar McMansions on the MTV show "Cribs," our Presidents led the way in majestic homes of their time.
Sited on the Potomac River, George Washington's family home, Mount Vernon, is one such example. Designed in the neoclassical style, its proximity to the river made that the focal point, as gardens stretched out in front of the Mansion to screen the farm. Washington turned a four-room, one and a half story farm house into a two and a half story mansion featuring a picturesque porch overlooking the views. Another notable presidential estate was that of Thomas Jefferson. Being an architect, he designed and built his home, Monticello, between 1769 and 1784. One of the most unique feature of this house is the Dome Room, which features a central oculus and six circular windows along its perimeter.
The title of Ultimate Presidential Crib goes to the White House, designed by James Hoban in 1792. With over 130 rooms, it surpasses all others in scale and grandeur. The White House has been home to every President since John Adams, the nation’s second president. Like any great crib, swanky amenities are key, and the White House does not sell itself short. Added to the residence over time are a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, and bowling lane.
Keep in mind that while the chances of you passing security for an in-person glimpse of a celebrity's digs are slim, there are many presidential estates open to the public for tours that impress.
