Barack Obama may have spent eight years living in one of the largest, most well-known houses in the world, but when he was a lowly senator he lived in a surprisingly modest home in Washington DC. Let's take a look around…
As the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, his wife Michelle and their two daughters lived in the White House from 2009 to 2017 and, afterwards, they settled into civilian life in a nine-bedroom $8.1 million (£6.5m) home in Washington DC's upmarket Kalorama neighbourhood. But before all the glitz and glamour, Obama rented an apartment in a very low-key DC townhouse while he was a senator, which is now on the market for just under $1.3 million (£1m).
The narrow building with a cherry-red front door sits on 6th Street Northeast, less than a mile from Capitol Hill. The property is actually split into two apartments, including the first-floor unit that Obama lived in when he represented Illinois from 2005 to 2008, including the period in which he was running for president.
Inside, the building is surprisingly modest for the home of a former president. “It’s kind of a modest house,” listing agent, Linda Pettie with Coldwell Banker Realty, told the New York Post. The interior is neutrally decorated throughout, with a light and airy yet decidedly serviceable feel.
The main unit has two bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths, located on the 2nd and 3rd floors, but it was the one-bed, one-bath first-floor apartment that Obama lived in. It currently rents out for $1,500 (£1,200) per month and has views of Stanton Park, home to the district's famous spring cherry blossoms.
Outside, a fire escape leads down to a small patio area, with just enough room to have a few friends over on a summer evening. In 2008, Obama said the space had a “vintage, college-dorm, pizza, empty-bottle feel to it." He even admitted to 60 Minutes that his staff had better homes than he did. He's certainly come a very long way since his days in this one-bed rental.
Love this? Read on to discover more surprisingly modest celebrity homes...
Imagining a typical celebrity home conjures up images of a mega-mansion complete with the most jaw-dropping amenities. However, there are plenty of down-to-earth stars that spend their money on inexpensive homes, including the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton. Take a look inside these simple celebrity homes that didn't break the bank.
Worth a reported $375 million (£299m) according to Forbes' 2022 report, this superstar is not just a celebrated country singer, but an actress, writer, and even a coronavirus vaccine investor. With a star-spangled career spanning over 40 years and her own theme park, this Grammy award-winning mega star’s longtime home with her husband, Carl Dean is not quite what you’d expect…
After moving to Nashville in 1964 to pursue her singing career, Dolly reportedly met Dean outside a Laundromat. Within two years the pair were married and Parton’s career took off. By 1980 she was known for her songs Jolene and I Will Always Love You, with millions of dollars of royalties as singer/songwriter. But Parton decided to snap up this modest little abode in Tennessee for $50,000 (£39.9k), approximately $190k (£151k) today.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home was built in 1941 and spans 4,795-square-foot of living space. With an eat-in kitchen and a great room spacious enough for entertaining guests, we’re sure the Partons were happy here in their two-storey, single-family residence.
Sitting on 2.4 acres of land, the property was once a successful owner-occupied Bed n Breakfast named ‘Dolly’s Getaway,’ as stated in a previous listing according to the New York Post. When Dolly moved into the abode in 1980, her now infamous 9 to 5 theme song was reaching No.1 across the music charts, from country to pop.
Although staying in the Tennessee residence from 1980 to 1996, Dolly and her husband were dreaming about their next home while living there. In an interview for her book Dolly on Dolly, the singer describes how they would "drive down to Mississippi for our anniversary with this old camera and we’d take pictures of parts of the Southern mansions we liked. A porch here, a pillar there. Then we’d take ’em home and look at ’em real hard, puttin’ it all together in our minds" according to Vigour Times.
With two bathrooms, a walk-in closet and dual heating and cooling units, the modest abode wasn’t lacking in amenities. But the pair sold up in 1996 for a rather profitable $140,000 (£112k), or around $269,000 (£215k) in today’s cash, after enjoying the longtime Nashville pad for 16 years together.
The stucco-fronted, gated property is surrounded by woodland across it’s 2.4 acreage and features a carport, covered porch and patio with decking area. Fans of the outdoors, Dolly and Carl liked to go on trips together at the time. “We take off in our camper or go to our lake house,” she wrote in her 1994 memoir, Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business. “We might go on a picnic somewhere, and then decide to stay overnight. Then we’ll go to a ‘drive up to your room’ motel” as reported by US magazine.
A detached studio once served as an online business, hosting its own AC and bathroom and touted as a potential venue for weddings, family reunions or a museum as per the listing’s suggestions. After lounging on the market for 12 years and enduring many a price cut, the historic home reportedly sold for a profitable $849,000 (£678k) in December 2021.
She may have a bursting property portfolio, with homes mainly in Nashville, Brentwood and Tennessee, but this property in West Hollywood is another one of Dolly Parton's more unusual real estate purchases. The country music legend snapped up the home in 2007 for $1.2 million (£958k) and put it on the market seven years later for $1.4 million (£1.18m). Despite its star pedigree, the house never sold.
It's not known how much time Parton spends at the home, with her main residence being in Nashville. While Dolly herself is known for her glamorous looks, this homely living area speaks to her humble beginnings with charming floral patterns and rustic furnishings.
There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms in the house. This main bedroom has plenty of storage with two wardrobes, a built-in vanity area and French doors that open out onto a private deck.
Outside, the quaint yard has a barbecue, built-in seating and is fully enclosed away from any prying eyes. A covered deck also sits alongside the garage, which is used as a private guest suite.
In 2006, just as she was at the start of what turned out to be a super-successful acting career, Jennifer Lawrence bought a townhouse in Santa Monica for $880,000 (£702k). The Hunger Games star ended up selling the home in 2016 for $1.2 million (£958k), but by this time had already been named by Forbes as one of the highest-paid women in Hollywood.
The classic two-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse resides north of Wilshire, Santa Monica and hosts a rather unassuming facade, neatly shaded by hedgerow and neat, manicured front lawns.
Inside, the understated home is spread over two floors with 1,400 square feet of space. The cosy living room boasts hardwood floors, a fireplace and glass doors that lead out to the garden – a far cry from her new luxury New York townhouse.
Far from an expansive oasis, the garden is a small patch of paradise. Consisting of a rectangular concrete patch, there's just enough room for a laid-back patio set and a barbecue for some alfresco grilling.
Known for his starring role as Frodo in The Lord of the Rings franchise, actor Elijah Wood bought a small home in Venice, Los Angeles for $1.2 million (£958k) back in 2004. The star sold the tiny home in February 2020 for $1.7 million (£1.36m).
Sitting behind a tall fence, the home, which is made up of two cottages, dates back to the 1920s. Elijah's little abode resides on a highly desirable street called Electric Avenue in the Venice area of California. The rather unique property features two detached bungalows on one lot.
Having recently undergone renovation work, the front property features quirky cork tiling and an airy open-plan living space framed by a wood-beamed cathedral ceiling.
With a total of two bathrooms and two bedrooms, the homes may be snug but definitely don't scrimp on style. This small but tasteful bedroom is light-filled and boasts views out into the backyard.
An extra-wide door leads out to the deck and firepit, while bamboo screening and plenty of foliage creates a cosy secret garden feel with the utmost privacy guaranteed.
Four years after their breakthrough role in Juno, Elliot Page bought a humble home in Los Angeles' Studio City in 2011 for $885,000 (£706k). Coming in at just 1,500 square feet, the star sold the home in 2014 for just over $1 million (£798k), around the same time they played Kitty Pryde in X-Men: Days of Future Past.
The single family residence is found in Studio City, California and was originally built in 1953. With a quaint blue front door and winding front stairway, Elliot's humble abode makes for a rather charming home.
A far cry from a lavish celebrity mansion, the two-bedroom, one-and-half bathroom home has a living room with two double glass doors, traditional beamed ceilings and a cosy fireplace that sits on a whitewashed brick chimney breast.
The small kitchen is the perfect place to rustle up a home-cooked meal but is fairly plain and not what you might expect from a big star.
It may be a modest home, but Page still had access to this cute swimming pool. The lush green yard also had an outdoor dining area, with a string of festoon lights positioned above it – perfect for relaxed dinners and hot summer days.
Brooke Shields' Hamptons home may not be small, but it is still a far cry from the sprawling mansions that superstars usually opt for. The actress and model bought the home in 2013 for $4.3 million (£3.4m) as a getaway for her and her family.
The six-bedroom home sits on half an acre in Southampton, New York and in close distance to the ocean beaches, as per the listing. Over time, Shields spent time renovating the home, and we can see why once you take a look inside...
Before renovations, the 4,500-square-foot house looked just like a regular family home. The spacious entryway leads through to a smart living room decorated in neutral tones and graced with a lovely open fireplace.
Also on the lower floor is this small dining room, kitchen and family room, which leads out to the pergola-covered terrace. The six-bedroom, six-and-half bathroom home includes a master room with an ensuite that features a grand marble bath.
Outside, the half-acre grounds include raised vegetable gardens and a freshwater pool, while a small pool house also sits nearby - a perfect addition for guests.
Cher is known for her impressive property portfolio of beautiful houses. But one of her more modest properties was this three-bed apartment in Venice Beach, which she snapped up in 2010 for $1.5 million (£1.2m).
With just 1,800 square-feet of space, the small home would have been the perfect peaceful spot for Cher, with a zen garden and access to the coast. The small and modern, architectural home boasts high ceilings and large glass wall windows that open out to refreshing ocean breezes.
Sitting within walking distance to the beach, bars and art galleries of Venice Beach's buzzing Main St, this apartment is the perfect place to get away from it all. It features a double-height open-plan living room with bi-fold doors that lead out to the grass-covered deck.
Outdoors, the tropical-inspired home features a bamboo shower and built-in barbecue on the 500-square-foot roof deck. Cher sold the apartment in 2013 for $2 million (£1.7m).
Actress Christina Ricci lived in a rather unassuming home until 2014 when she sold it for $1.4 million (£1.1m). Located in The Oaks, Los Angeles, the star bought the home in 2005 for $1.5 million (£1.2m), a small price to pay for living in the star-studded Calabasas area.
At 1,900 square feet the home may be considered on the small side when compared to a neighbouring Kardashian mansion, but it is bursting with charm, inside and out...
The living room features a fireplace and large glass doors that lead outside to the back garden. With glossy wooden floors and a strong monochrome theme, the room sure packs a punch.
With a breakfast area, the galley kitchen is light and bright with plenty of cupboard space and a large stove. Elsewhere, two ensuite bathrooms sit alongside two bedrooms, including the master suite which has its very own sitting area.
Centred around a sparkling pool with a large, covered patio and terraced gardens, there's also a hot tub which sits within the upper paved area. Perfect for the busy actress to unwind after a hard day's filming.
Despite amassing a vast fortune, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl is known for his frugal spending. In 2007 he spent just under $3.8 million (£3m) on a beachfront home. It may have come at a price but it is a surprisingly humble choice by one of the richest drummers of all time.
In 2015, the rockstar sold the home at a loss for $2.9 million (£2.3m) after reducing the price a number of times. Designed by noted Beverly Hills Architect Phillip Jon Brown & Built in 2005, the four-bedroom building may look bland on the outside but boasts sleek, modern design on the inside…
Sat right on the oceanfront between Malibu and Santa Barbara, the abode hosts a raised, open living space with custom built-ins including an open, fully equipped kitchen between the living room and dining room areas with covetable panoramic ocean views.
The open-plan living area includes a small but fully equipped kitchen that sits in between the dining room and living room, with panoramic views of the ocean through a picture window. With double-height ceilings and cherry wood finishes, the space is homely and cosy.
Upstairs, there are four bedrooms and four bathrooms including the master suite, which has a full-length window overlooking the beach. Grohl also converted the fourth bedroom into an entertainment centre with its own home theatre.
Australian actress, Margot Robbie, best known for her roles in The Wolf of Wall Street and as Harley Quinn in the Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey, bought this quaint bungalow in 2017 for a reported $950,000 (£758k).
As one of the world's highest-paid actresses, Robbie has used her $40 million (£32m) fortune to invest in her fair share of properties, including this tiny home on Camrose Drive, Los Angeles. Nestled behind mature Californian trees, the classic Hollywood Hills bungalow would have made a perfect getaway for the megastar.
Dating back to 1951, the charming house can be found in LA’s historic Hollywood Heights district and is brimming with plenty of period appeal. Sold in March 2021 for just under $1.2 million (£958k) however, maybe the star had set her eyes on something a little bigger.
Covering just 945 square feet, the property features two bedrooms and one bathroom and has undergone extensive renovations. As well as repainting inside and out, the star refinished its hardwood floors and revamped the kitchen with cotton-white Shaker cabinets and top-of-the-range stainless steel appliances.
The master bedroom is a chic space with access to a charming tiered garden. The terrace offers views out over the canyon, while the lower patio is the perfect spot to enjoy morning coffees. The house also boasts a light-filled living room with a breakfast nook, an office and a laundry room.
In 2014, just after his breakup with Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson sold his mansion in Los Feliz and moved into an unassuming ranch-style home in the Hollywood Hills. Worth a rumoured $100 million (£80m), the star could have had his pick of the pads...
The actor paid just under $2.8 million (£2.32m) for his new 1,940-square-foot home but with the Twilight franchise under his belt, he could surely have gone for something much bigger than the rather quaint bungalow.
With just two bedrooms and two bathrooms, the undeniably cool home was built in 1958. Hidden behind a small gate and down a long brick driveway, the cute property offers a star some much need privacy. Inside, the living room has been fitted with beautiful wooden bookshelves – perfect for Pattison, who is an avid reader – and the skylights and vaulted ceilings let in the California sunshine.
The kitchen may be small but is perfectly formed with pine cabinets, a range cooker and a traditional-style farmhouse sink. There's also room for a dining room table that sits next to double doors that open up to the small garden.
Outside, the garden is a private oasis with a small swimming pool, a covered patio space and a small spa area. With private views out over the surrounding valleys, who needs a huge house?
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