Most people immediately think of the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts when they think of John F. Kennedy’s home. But a lesser known house in Virginia that JFK and his wife Jackie had built the year that he died has surfaced in the news again this month.
According to a recent Zillow article by Erika Riggs,
In the winter of 1963, John and Jacqueline Kennedy purchased 39 acres in Middleburg, Virginia. While the president preferred the family home in Hyannis, Mass., the first lady wanted the pastoral land to pursue her love of horseback riding.
image from: http://realestate.msn.com/blogs/post–john-f-kennedy’s-custom-home-for-sale
They finished the home in October 1963 and spent only two weekends there. The family last visited on Nov. 10, 1963, just 12 days before JFK was assassinated in Dallas. Jacqueline withdrew to the home after his death to grieve, but within a year, she sold the estate.
image from: http://realestate.msn.com/blogs/post–john-f-kennedy’s-custom-home-for-sale
Now three owners and 50 years later, the custom estate has entered the news cycle again. Nicknamed Wexford — in honor of the Irish county where the Kennedy family traces its roots — the house is listed for $10.995 million.
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
This is huge news in the real estate world because this gem has not been on the market for 22 years, and was largely forgotten. But with all the recent hub-bub from the 50th anniversary of the assassination of JFK, there is renewed interest in this bucolic hidden-away ranch.
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
The house was actually entirely custom designed by the former president’s wife and sited by the couple to have the most optimum views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
Jacqueline Kennedy is quoted as saying:
It’s the only house that Jack and I ever built together, and I designed it all myself … I don’t want it exploited and photographed all over the place, just because it was ours.
(source)
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
Remarkably, the house – both inside and out – has remained largely unscathed since Mrs. Kennedy sold it a year after the death of her husband.
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
But the Kennedy’s are not the only presidential connection this house has. According to the listing blurb, in the fall of 1980 Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy leased the property during the presidential election campaign. Reagan then spent time at the Virginia ranch during the transition period prior to his inauguration.
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
I’m not an expert on Jackie O’s famous style, but I’m pretty sure this is NOT her hand at decorating…
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
The interior is frozen in time circa 1983, but fun to look at nonetheless. The parquet floors are original.
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
The ranch-style home has a total of 5,050 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms.
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
The kitchen has had some updating – probably in the 1990’s by the looks of it – but those cabinets look original:
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
The property also has a horse stable with studio space above….
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
….as well as an in-ground pool, an outdoor cooking area, and a rather sad looking tennis court that harkens back to days that might have been….
There is also a 3-car garage:
The neatest thing about this property is that it “still contains an underground bunker and dependencies used by Secret Service personnel“, according to the listing.
image from: http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
As peaceful as it is, there is a certain somberness that taints this place.
(Special thanks to Carl for telling me about Wexford!)
~~~
Sources:
http://atokaproperties.com/listing/the-kennedy-family-estate/
http://realestate.msn.com/blogs/post–john-f-kennedy’s-custom-home-for-sale
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/23/jfk-wexford_n_4149547.html
thanks so much for giving us such a great tour of the place.
I never thought about this, but if course, it makes sense that they would have a place of their own. Very interesting Sarah- yet again you SCORED!
thanks Cheryl – I had not known about this house until this week either!
You beat me to it. I am so glad to see and know about this wonderful home. Imagine owning this piece of history…amazing.
I like it all but those steps on the smaller building are leaning,Guess its my inner inspector kicking in.lol
I noticed it was a bit rough around the edges too Nick – I wonder if they will get near their asking price when the place clearly needs work.
Good post as always, may i say this…..screaming for interior and exterior design
work. agree with the lean, most likely a number of things. Sad to say, this place
needed design work from the start………….
Ironically it looks very like Irish country homes or “bungalows” as we call them!
Amy from Ireland
http://amydublinia.blogspot.ie/