The American president’s house was actually designed by an Irish architect and looks a whole lot like several of his other buildings. Construction of the White House began in 1792 during the Washington Administration. However, the building was only completed in 1800. So, while Washington oversaw the construction, he never actually lived there. The first president to live there was John Adams and his wife, Abigail.
Curious about what other weird stuff you don’t know about the White House? Each week the White House receives up to 30,000 visitors and 65,000 letters, plus nearly 3,500 phone calls, 100,000 emails, and 1,000 faxes, presumably sent from a time when people still used them.
Georgia - Swan House
This regal and incredibly striking mansion sits nestled on 28 acres and was home to the heirs of a cotton brokerage fortune. It looks almost like an estate out of the French countryside. It was built between 1924 and 1928, though the owner only lived in the house for three years before his sudden passing.
In addition to being one of the most recognized and photographed houses in Atlanta, Georgia, it has been used in several film and TV projects, including "The Hunger Games" and "The Amazing Race." The state boasts gorgeous gardens that transport visitors into a woodland fantasy.
Hawaii - Liljestrand House
Found in Honolulu, this intricate project is also the best-known work that architect Vladimir Ossipoff has done; Liljestrand is a striking example of the Modern Hawaiian style. The house has an environmentally-friendly design, setting it apart yet again from any of its neighbors.
It was commissioned by a couple who found the idyllic plot — a steeply sloped patch overlooking nearby Oahu — during one of their walks. Ossipoff, the architect, was raised in Japan, and his unique style is strongly influenced by his upbringing. The Liljestrand couple was very involved in every step of the design and construction. If you want to see it up close, it's open for tours.
Indiana - John E. Christian House
Another gem of Frankl Lloyd Wright, this home is sometimes ascribed to as the John E. Christian House and was built for a couple who were employed at Purdue University; they weren't as well-to-do as many of his other clients but worked out a special payment plan to get their dream home built.
It's filled with exceptionally colorful decor and remains a shining example of Wright's Usonian style. The plans were all overseen by Wright's wife, Olgivanna. Visitors today are able to tour the grounds and bask in the natural glory of the house. Tours are readily available, and the house's story is shared with the public.
Vermont - Naulakha
Author Rudyard Kipling had this classy two-story shingle-style house (named for a pavilion he saw on a trip to Pakistan) built in 1893, and lived there while he wrote several of his best-known works including "The Jungle Books." Though Kipling didn't spend many years in the house, they were undoubtedly fruitful years.
Certainly, the seclusion and positioning of the house made it possible for Kipling to focus and dedicate himself to his work. Set on a hillside with killer views, today it's available to rent. Visitors can pay a modest amount to stay in this historical house and separate themselves from the hustle and bustle of city life.