Dutchess County Home Fit for a Presidential Pretender: ‘Faux-val’ Office:
The Oval Office is for sale.
That’s the kind of sensational headline you’d expect to see from political commentators nowadays.
In Wappingers Falls, a village about halfway between Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, it’s sort of true. One home buyer will get a personal parody of the presidential parlor.
Greg and Katie Knowles built their dream home a decade ago after moving to Dutchess County from Hawaii. They wanted it to be special. The home sits on 10 acres and has a recording studio and an indoor salt-water pool off the master suite (heated to 84 degrees, it’s a concession for moving out of paradise). But that’s not the draw. The wow factor is the faux Oval Office, which Greg used as his personal office.
The room, with its blue carpet and presidential seal, is detailed and exacting, but also so unexpected. A casual observer scrolling through pictures of homes for sale near Newburgh might do a double take – and then share the photos on social media with a caption like, “Wait for it.”
Two golden-tone couches, the flag of the executive branch, and a grandfather clock were all distinct décor decisions. Yes, the walls are round. Greg Knowles told the media that he was more enamored of the fictional president on the TV show “The West Wing” than of any particular president in recent memory.
The Knowleses’ home listing went viral when it was listed. However, according to the Wall Street Journal, the couple have had limited showings and no offers so far, preferring to wait until the busy spring home buying and moving season before showing the home in all its glory.
The homeowners are moving to California.
The Oval Office replica was a five-figure buildout.
Realtor.com lists the 9,000-square-foot Wappingers Falls home at $2.79 million. Click here for photos. The WSJ reports that the Oval Office replica was a five-figure buildout. Unsurprisingly, that’s not the home’s only standout feature. It also has an air-conditioned dog kennel, a great room with cathedral ceiling, four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and a small apartment with its own kitchenette.
Who will be the next owners of this private palace surrounded by trees? If playing president isn’t your game, the Knowleses are also selling their pipe organ.
All home moves require movers. If you are in the market for a new place to live or are selling your home, call a professional moving company for a free quote. A professional mover will be able to provide helpful tips, answer questions and guide you through the process.
Professional movers have the equipment, training and knowledge to pack and transport all your home goods and specialty items, whether that means a pipe organ, recording studio sound mixers, pool and patio furniture or a large presidential desk.
