Worlds Best Homes

Inside Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home – the Palm Beach estate searched by the FBI

Take a look around the former President's South Florida property – described as a 'National Historic Landmark' home

Donald Trump Florida home - his house Mar a Lago
(Image credit: Alamy)

Donald Trump, the former President, was recently indicted on 37 counts relating to the alleged mishandling of classified documents and violation of the Espionage Act. Many of these documents were reportedly stored in his Mar-A-Lago home before the FBI seized over 33 boxes from the property. 

However, even prior to his indictment, the home has created as much attention as Obama's house and Joe Biden's houses combined. So what do we need to know about this property?

Mar-a-Lago is a vast 17-acre estate in Palm Beach boasting 58 bedrooms, 33 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces, five tennis courts, and a 20,000 square-foot ballroom decorated with gold leaf worth millions.

Mar A Lago

(Image credit: Alamy)

Trump bought the property in 1985 from cereals heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. Mrs Post donated the property to the US Government in 1973 for use as a winter escape, but it was returned to the Post Foundation in 1981 following worries over high maintenance costs and security issues. In 1980, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

It was put up for sale in 1981 for $20 million. The exact price Trump paid for the estate in 1985 is unknown, but it’s thought to have been around $10 million.

In 1995, he turned the property into a high-end members club, with fees thought to be around $200,000, and created a 3,000 square-foot property on the estate for personal use.

Construction on the property started in 1924, finishing in 1927, and its extravagant interiors reflect Spanish, Venetian and Portuguese styles.

The estate boasts a Beach Club, which extends across two acres of direct access to a private beach, and includes a 132-foot by 50-foot pool, whirlpool, and beachfront bistro. There's also a 27-hole golf course and a fitness centre to keep the Trumps busy.

Why is Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in the news?

The former president will speak from his Mar-a-Lago home after his criminal indictment on April 4th. He is the first former president in US history to face criminal charges after a grand jury voted to indict him last week.

The property first entered the news on 8th August, when the FBI entered the home and seized documents relating to an inquiry into missing White House records. 

Contributing Editor

Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.