Room to Spare: President Trump Loves His Private Bowling Alley, and He’s Not Alone

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Donald Trump: president of the United States, tweeter in chief, bowler No. 1? As the owner of many pricey, highly exclusive golf courses around the world, Trump is well-known for hitting the links. But lately, he has surprised people by how often he’s been hitting one of the White House’s more downscale amenities: its bowling alley.

The clatter of pins first echoed inside this presidential home in 1969, when avid (and, quite frankly, excellent) bowler President Richard Nixon had it built in the White House basement. And while Trump may still be far more accustomed to perfecting the art of the deal(s) over golf, NPR reports that he’s also begun hosting “pizza and policy at the bowling alley” powwows as well.

Can a custom “Make America Great” bowling ball bag be far behind?

Other members of the Trump clan have been bitten by the bowling bug as well: In January, Donald Trump Jr. tweeted a video of his wife, Vanessa Trump, striking a few pins, saying, “Family bowling session at The White House. [Vanessa Trump] doing pretty well considering she’s in heels.” We suppose at the White House, you’re not forced to wear those ugly bowling shoes.

While bowling is a classic middle-class pastime, a private bowling alley in one’s own home is clearly a luxury amenity.

According to Gary Smith, vice president of residential sales for Brunswick Bowling, a company that designs bowling alleys and equipment for commercial centers and private residences, the demand for home bowling alleys has been surging of late, at least in luxury markets that can afford to have them installed.

“Well-to-do homeowners are looking for more amenities and activities to do in their homes,” he says. “Bowling is a wholesome, family-friendly social activity, which is why it’s so popular.”

Homeowners aren’t installing bowling lanes in their homes just to hone their skills, but to entertain guests—much as they did on tennis courts, and in billiard and game rooms in years past.

“It’s a good catalyst for socialization, and it works well for any age and in any weather conditions,” says Ryan Claxton, president of a builder of residential bowling alleys Fusion Bowling, which has also seen an uptick in interest in the past few years.

Real estate agents agree that bowling alleys are making inroads in luxury homes, in part because these homeowners want their recreation and “exercise” all under one roof.

“The demand has grown as developers seek to include as many entertainment and sports-related amenities that mean you never have to leave your home,” says James Harris of “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles.” “These range from full-size to kid-size … either housed in their own structure or incorporated into the lower level of many properties.”

Indeed, a quick look through realtor.com®‘s listings reveals well over a hundred homes with built-in bowling alleys. Most, of course, are pretty darn expensive, like this Beverly Hills, CA, mansion for sale for a whopping $39,995,000—because nothing says over-the-top opulence like red velvet sofas and a gilded staircase leading to the two bowling lanes in the basement, right? Right?

Is it just us, or does this bowling alley feel presidential?

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Meanwhile, here’s another swanky alley in a home in Southampton, NY, for sale for $39,500,000. This one comes complete with a pool table, fireplace, and full bar. Style points for the classy chandeliers and polished blue floor!

Game time is most definitely on.

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And this single-lane bowling alley tucked into a modest four-bedroom, five-bathroom house in Pembroke, MA, proves you don’t have to be filthy rich to have a bowling alley in your basement; it sold last year for $850,000.

This home with a bowling alley sold for $850,000.

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So how much will a bowling alley set you back, anyway? A pair of bowling lanes, which is the most typical installation, costs around $120,000 to $200,000, says Smith.

In addition to wads of cash, you should also have tons of space. Claxton points out that the perfect room for a pair of lanes is about 100 feet by 15 feet.

But just think of the family-friendly fun you’ll have, and the wheeling and dealing you can do with business partners. And, of course, the thrill of saying “Steeee-RIKE!” in the comfort of your own home. As far as home hobbies go, it beats foosball by a mile.

The post Room to Spare: President Trump Loves His Private Bowling Alley, and He’s Not Alone appeared first on Real Estate News & Advice | realtor.com®.

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