California’s ‘Western White House’ Finally Sells for Presidential Price of $23 Million

The White House is about to get a new set of residents in the form of President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, Melania—but as it happens, so is its West Coast–based lookalike, which was recently sold for the staggering price of $23 million.

While certainly not pocket change, the transaction is a fair bit lower than the original $38.9 million price that the Hillsborough, CA, property—which is known as the “Western White House”—was listed for.

The Julia Morgan–designed property, which was created as an homage to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., first came on the market in June 2023 at that eyebrow-raising sum.

The price changed a few times, dropping to $29,995,000 in October 2023, then rising back up to $36,900,000 in April 2024 before plummeting back down to $26,995,000 in June 2024.

Still, the seller walked away with a respectable profit: The estate had previously sold in 2022 for $15 million, after it was listed in 2021 for $25 million.

“The seller did do quite a few upgrades to the property, most notably the entire kitchen and master bathroom,” says Alex Buljan, who co-listed the property with Pierre Buljan, both of Compass. “A lot of the systems inside the house were upgraded as well.”

The buyer’s identity hasn’t been disclosed, but Alex notes “the buyer was drawn to the grandeur of the property, and seemed to fully appreciate the classic details throughout.”

Storied estate

The storied property has a connection to the legendary Hearst family.

In the 1930s, the home’s owner, George Hearst, son of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, commissioned Morgan to redesign the property, which had been damaged by fire a few years before. A replica of the White House was sought.

And indeed, the redesign featured details like the white columns at the entry, the rose bushes dotting the landscape, and a curved library emulating the Oval Office.

Morgan had been previously tapped by the elder Hearst to design Hearst Castle in the Central Coast town of San Simeon, CA.

Lore has it that Hearst fils intended to donate the property to the U.S. government for use by presidents upon visits to the Golden State. However, this didn’t happen and Hearst sold the home without ever moving in.

Before Hearst acquired it, the property had been owned by a silver baron, Charles Frederick Crocker, who had bought it in the 1870s from a cattle rancher, William Henry Howard.

The Crocker family sold it to a contractor in 1915, who had the home moved to a more scenic area a quarter-mile down the street, where it stands today.

The dazzling domicile apparently caught the eye of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in the 1970s, who were said to have been interested in purchasing the place but backed out at the last minute.

Opulent interiors

The unmistakable exterior features “majestic” columns and an “impeccably laid” driveway, the listing notes. The 24,000-square-foot, four-level neoclassical Georgian abode features 11 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms.

The interior boasts an abundance of windows, soaring ceilings, and accents that include intricate crown molding, wood floors, and sparkling chandeliers. These elements are combined with modern comforts and sleek lines.

Recently rejuvenated, the home comes with the “finest fixtures” and “state-of-the-art appliances,” according to the listing.

The primary bedroom encompasses a fireplace, sitting area, and “opulent” bath.

In addition, the spacious place offers a wine cellar, home theater, gym, and panic room. Bring all your cars, as there’s parking for eight.

Set on 2.9 acres of well-manicured grounds, the gated estate is hidden behind hedgerows. Lawns, the rose garden, ivy arches, and statues surround the pool, bathhouse, and gazebo.

Greg Browman with Corcoran Global Living represented the buyer.