This Delaware Manse Comes With A Newsworthy Neighbor: the POTUS

Think about famous neighbors: Fred and Ethel. Rhoda and Phyllis. Barney and Betty. Anyone wanting to one-up Lucy, Mary, or even the Flintstones is in luck. The property next door to President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, recently hit the market for $2.39 million.

As if being next door to the first family wasn’t enough street cred, the 8,700-square-foot French Provincial mansion was originally the personal dream home of renowned Delaware builder Joe Marra. It was subsequently upgraded by a new owner, according to the Brandywine Fine Properties Sotheby’s International Realty listing.

The 8,700-square-foot French Provincial mansion sits on close to two acres in an area known as “Chateau Country,” home to a group of large Colonial estates built by the wealthy du Pont family. A secluded gateway and a motor court ensure privacy and security.

European-inspired wooden doors open up to an expansive foyer featuring Brazilian cherry hardwood finishes, cathedral ceilings, and wainscoting wall panels.

“I really appreciate the French architecture. It is an unusual style for the area, which is usually in the Colonial style,” according to listing agent Michael Kelczewski.

The formals—living and dining—are on either side. Both sport fireplaces and crystal chandeliers that hang from decorative ceiling plates. Beyond a winding staircase, the great room has French doors, tray ceilings, and yet another fireplace.

A French country kitchen features commercial-grade appliances, ivory cabinetry, marble countertops, and a tile backsplash. Multiple seating areas include a bar and eat-in breakfast room. Just off the kitchen, a light-filled sunroom leads out to the patio and multi-acre landscaped backyard.

There are two primary suites—one up, the other down. Upstairs also houses three additional bedroom suites and a large play area. Tropical hardwoods cover the entire upper level.

A uniquely positioned lower level sits on a slope, allowing the home’s rear windows to shine natural light into the basement. This versatile space can be used for a media room, office, gym, or game room.

“It’s nice to be in a basement and still have views of a beautiful backyard vista,” says Kelczewski.

Admittedly, living next door to the POTUS has its pros and cons. On the plus side, there’s the chance you’ll run into the Bidens at the local grocery, Janssen’s Market, a five-minute drive from the house. The first family also attends the St. Joseph on the Brandywine Roman Catholic Church nearby.

What could be a challenge is the occasional unannounced presidential visit where they shut down everything and you can’t leave the property, Kelczewski told The New York Post. “But I think [the proximity to President Biden] is a selling point.”

See more photos of the five bedroom, five full, and three half bathroom property located at 1213 Barley Mill Road, Wilmington, DE.