California’s Forgotten Governor’s Mansion: Nancy and Ronald Reagan’s Former Home Lists for $7.5 Million—Complete With Secret Time Capsule

A striking California residence that was built to serve as the governor's mansion for Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, has come on the market for $7.5 million.

Though it is a far cry from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., 2300 California Ave. represents its own very significant heritage, having been commissioned by the couple in the late 1960s, soon after Reagan was elected as governor of the Golden State.

The sprawling eight-bedroom estate, which is located in Carmichael, was envisioned as a very modern take on the traditional political property, marking a stark departure from the previous governor's mansion, an aging Victorian mansion in downtown Sacramento that the Reagans famously refused to live in.

The estate was built on a 4.39-acre plot that was gifted to the state as the site of Reagan's future home, intended to usher California's first family into a new era of modernity.

Ironically, the home would never fulfill its lofty purpose, having been completed in 1975 after Reagan's term had ended. Although the dwelling, which is known as Casa de los Gobernadores, was offered to his successor, Jerry Brown, he ultimately turned down the property.

Still, the dwelling bears many incredible design details that lend a truly elevated air worthy of political royalty.

The home’s design was entrusted to Buff & Hensman, among California’s most celebrated modernist architects, with John C. Worsley serving as project architect.

Together they created a residence steeped in midcentury elegance, with its high ceilings and large glass windows that open to impeccably manicured lawns and a redwood forest beyond. 

“It’s one of those rare homes that still feels both stately and serene,” says listing agent Hattie J. Coleman. “You can sense that it was built for California royalty, but it also feels deeply livable and connected to nature, light, and the rhythms of the land.”

While the Reagans' near-residency at the home is undoubtedly its most intriguing calling card, the property also boasts several unique design touches that will no doubt draw the interest of architecture buffs the world over.

These include a custom-built bar gifted to them by legendary actor John Wayne, who also happened to be a close family friend; a dining room table left behind by Nancy, and a sealed time capsule in the atrium, which is meant to stay closed until 2076, the contents of which are unknown. 

An enormous gold eagle adorns one of the outside walls, hanging above the Great Seal of California and the Great Seal of the United States. An American flag is proudly displayed in the entryway.

“It’s this beautiful blend of architectural and cultural history,” Coleman notes. “You’re not just buying a home, you’re stepping into a living piece of California’s story.”

Indeed, the property was so extravagant that it was deemed "too grand" by Brown, who chose instead to live in a modest downtown apartment when he was elected.

From that moment forward, the estate became a private residence, and over the decades, the nearly 12,000-square-foot home has been carefully maintained and thoughtfully updated. 

Modern touches like a renovated chef’s kitchen, upgraded HVAC systems, and a luxurious primary suite with a boutique-style dressing room make it perfectly suited for contemporary life, while the original Buff & Hensman craftsmanship remains unaltered.

Across its 4-plus acres, the property unfolds like a private resort, with its seven water features, a pool surrounded by manicured gardens, multiple firepits and loggias, a putting green, and a full outdoor kitchen.

“It’s a home built for connection,” says Coleman. “Whether that’s gathering around the John Wayne bar for a cocktail or hosting an event that spills from the dining room out to the terrace, every corner invites you to share experiences.”

The property sits within La Casa De Los Gobernadores, a gated enclave that's one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the Greater Sacramento area. It’s close to downtown and just a few minutes from the American River Parkway and boutique shopping along Fair Oaks Boulevard.

“You really get the best of both worlds here,” Coleman explains. “You’re near everything, but it feels like you’re in your own sanctuary.”

With its presidential pedigree and architectural prestige, this Carmichael estate offers a chance to purchase a piece of California history that quite simply can't be replicated.

“This isn’t just real estate,” Coleman says. “It's a legacy, a story. And the kind of home that reminds you why great design, and great history, never go out of style.”