Replica White House ends up on the real estate market

January 9, 2009 by Mark Pollak

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photo credit: Just a guy who likes to take pictures

It looks the same as the real thing, right down to the frontal columns and balconies, but this replica White House is just as vulnerable to upheaval in the US housing market as any other home.

Branded the ‘McWhite House’ by the press, the striking Atlanta tribute to America’s most famous home recently appeared on the housing market after the owner, Fred Milani, felt forced to sell.

Abraham Lincoln interiors

A prominent real estate developer, Mr Milani put it up for $9.88 million after demand for luxury housing hit his business. A gallery from the New York Times gives us a unique glimpse into one of the country’s most unique properties, and it’s compelling viewing.

Although a scaled-down version of the real thing, it still covers 16,500 sq ft and has a Middle East-meets-America style thanks to the owner’s Iranian origins. An Abraham Lincoln mural adorns one wall and a tapestry depicting the last supper can be seen in the dining room.

Mr Milani has reportedly had contact from two potential buyers interested in the spectacular example of custom housing, a sector which has taken a blow during the current real estate slowdown.

‘There are still people with money’

He hopes to continue living in it for the time being, adding, according to the Times’ real estate section:

“It’s hard to sell homes, period, because of this economy. But there are still people with money, and if they find a good deal like this one, they will jump on it.”

That depends on a buyer wanting the American housing market’s answer to a fairytale castle, of course, even if the novelty has become a local tourist attraction. Maybe George Bush is thinking of buying his own piece of real estate nostalgia. He may not even be able to tell the difference.

Gallery: http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/01/07/us/0108-ATLANTA_index.html