While the iconic White House immediately springs to mind when we think of the U.S. President's home, the official residence of the Vice President often remains a bit of a mystery. It's not quite as widely known, but the Vice President also has their own dedicated dwelling – a beautiful, albeit smaller, white brick house that carries its own unique history and charm.
So, where exactly does the Vice President hang their hat? For decades, vice presidents lived in their own private homes. That all changed in 1974 when Congress decided it was time for a dedicated official residence. The chosen spot? The grounds of the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. Before this designation, the house served as the home for the Naval Observatory's superintendent and later its chief of naval operations. It wasn't until 1977 that Walter Mondale became the first Vice President to officially move into this unique residence.
A Home with a View (and a Purpose)
The Vice President's House, nestled on the sprawling 72-acre campus of the Naval Observatory, is more than just a home; it's a working scientific institution. The observatory itself is one of the oldest scientific bodies in the U.S., dedicated to providing precise positioning, navigation, and timing data for the Navy and the Department of Defense. This means that while the Vice President and their family enjoy a peaceful, almost forest-like setting, they're also surrounded by the hum of scientific discovery, observing the celestial dance of planets, the moon, and the sun.
Located just a couple of miles from the White House and conveniently close to many embassies, the residence offers a blend of tranquility and proximity. The exact number of rooms is kept under wraps for security reasons, and public access is understandably limited. However, we do know that the magnificent Queen Anne-style home, built in 1893, was designed by Washington architect Leon E. Dessez. It boasts around 9,000 square feet, featuring spaces like a library and an underground kitchen. The exterior, originally unpainted terra cotta bricks, was painted white in 1960, giving it its distinctive look.
Personal Touches and Evolving Amenities
What's fascinating is that each Vice President has the freedom to personalize the space. The Vice President’s Residence Foundation, established in 1991, plays a crucial role in maintaining the home through private donations, allowing for renovations and additions. We've seen a variety of personal touches over the years. The Cheneys, for instance, opted for neutral palettes with the help of an interior designer. Over time, amenities have been added to suit the residents' lifestyles – a jogging track (which George H.W. Bush apparently loved so much he continued using it post-vice presidency), a workout facility, and even a horseshoe pit. Dan Quayle added a swimming pool, and Joe Biden created the Family Heritage Garden, a touching tribute to past residents, including their beloved dog Champ, whose bronze statue now resides there. Karen Pence even introduced a beehive in 2017 to raise awareness for declining honeybee populations.
And for that ultimate sense of security, the property is rumored to have a subterranean bunker capable of withstanding significant threats, though specifics remain confidential.
Inside the Residence
While the exterior is grand, the interior offers a more intimate glimpse. The Bidens, for example, found solace in the Solarium, a bright space with large windows where they'd often share meals. Compared to the vastness of the White House, this residence is a more manageable three-story brick structure of about 850 square meters. The first floor houses living and entertaining areas, including dining and reception rooms with fireplaces, a pantry, and a kitchen. It's a space that balances official duties with family life, a home that has evolved with each occupant while remaining a steadfast symbol of the Vice Presidency.
