Imagine waking up in the historic rooms of the White House, sipping coffee on the Truman Balcony, and working from the Resolute Desk—all without the chaos of a presidential campaign. For those dreaming of such a lifestyle, there’s a unique opportunity in Atlanta, where a replica of the White House is on the market for a stunning $35 million.
The Atlanta White House: A Dream Realized
The creation of Atlanta’s White House began in 1979, when Fred Milani, an Iranian-born developer, moved to the United States amidst the turmoil of the Iranian Revolution. Settling in Atlanta, Milani embarked on a journey of reinvention, transforming modest homes into sprawling estates that epitomized the McMansion phenomenon.
By the late 1990s, Milani had become a prominent developer, acquiring a lot in Oak Grove for $180,000 in October 1999. Inspired by his wife’s desire for columns, and encouraged by a joking remark from his architect, he decided to build a replica of the White House. “I believe it was Jesus’ plan,” he later told CNN about his vision.
Completed in 2001, the 16,500-square-foot main house includes a 7,500-square-foot guesthouse that mirrors the White House in detail. The interior features a Resolute-style desk and a presidential seal, while the Lincoln Bedroom boasts a hand-painted mural of Abraham Lincoln. Outside, a cross illuminated in the front yard and decorative topiary spell out “God ♥ You,” embodying Milani’s personal and spiritual beliefs.
As a unique blend of political novelty and personal expression, the Atlanta White House caught the attention of locals and tourists alike, becoming a notable landmark. Yet, opinions varied on its charm, with some viewing it as a local treasure and others as an eyesore.
Struggles and New Beginnings
As the housing market reached its nadir in November 2008, Milani listed the property at an ambitious $9.8 million. However, the bleak economic climate left no buyers in sight. After several years of on-and-off market attempts, he accepted a mere $2.2 million offer in 2013, symbolizing a dramatic decline from the initial valuation.
Thuy Ai Kathy Lam, the new owner, emerged from a humble background in Vietnam, where she faced many hardships before moving to Atlanta in 1995. Building a successful network of nail salons and beauty schools, Lam purchased the Atlanta White House in November 2013. She cherished the unique property, raising her children there, hosting community events, and even renting out part of the estate as an Airbnb.
Now that her children have moved on, Lam is ready to downsize and has listed the Atlanta White House for $35 million, making it the highest-priced residential listing in the metro area. However, market realities raise questions about whether she will find a buyer willing to pay that price.
The market for high-end homes in Atlanta has seen significant fluctuations; for example, a stunning 20,000-square-foot mansion recently sold for $15.7 million. Given these trends, it remains uncertain if the Atlanta White House, previously acquired for significantly less, will attract the price Lam seeks.
John is a seasoned journalist at The Bothside News, specializing in balanced reporting across news, sports, business, and lifestyle. He believes in presenting multiple perspectives to help readers form informed opinions. His work embodies the publication’s philosophy that truth emerges from examining all sides of every story.
