Did you know that The White House Residence has 35 bathrooms, but none of them are public restrooms? That’s a lot of bathrooms for one house!
The White House Bathrooms
The first bathtub placed in The White House is widely believed to have been installed in 1851 by President Millard Fillmore (1850-53). James Madison (1809-17) is said to have had a bathtub installed in 1814, but the water had to be heated on a stove and carried in a bucket. Sadly, this bathtub didn’t get much use due to the fire set by the British on August 24, 1814.
If we’re getting particular, the first “bathtub” at The White House was actually the Potomac River, and the first mention of a private bathroom was during the Monroe administration (1817-1825)!
While we know the history of some of the White House bathrooms, little is actually known about what they look like today since photos are not allowed to be taken in the White House. According to a former staffer, The White House features an array of styles, from luxury bathroom designs to more utilitarian styles. According to this source, some contain modern toilets with automatic flushing, while others have more traditional handles. Some seem little more than a wash closet, while others exude opulence.
Another White House staffer reportedly had a favorite bathroom near the ceremonial library whose “white marble floors and sinks radiated luxury.” One can only assume this bathroom also boasts timeless and classical fixtures like a white granite vessel sink or a luxury pedestal sink to add a splash of elegance.
The White House Kitchen
The White House kitchen is not as large as one might believe, despite housing five full-time chefs, who serve dinner to as many as 140 guests and hors d’oeuvres to more than 1,000.
A substantial renovation funded by the New Deal Public Works Administration produced the largely stainless steel kitchen that welcomed Harry Truman to the presidential residence in 1945. The White House chefs use produce from the Kitchen Garden, planted in the spring of 2009 by First Lady Michelle Obama, but much is still unknown about the White House kitchen: do they use a water filtration system and what is the style of the kitchen faucets for example?
Bring White House Elegance to Your Home’s Bathrooms
While you may never have the opportunity to use a private bathroom at the White House or step inside the storied kitchen, you can still experience that same level of luxury right at home.
If you’re considering renovating and want to add high-end luxury features, book an Immerse showroom tour with your contractor today! You’ll experience elegant yet practical bathroom and kitchen fixtures that both your family and guests will enjoy.
