Compare And Contrast Jefferson's Monticello And Mar A Lago

For this architectural comparison, I will be going deep into the comparing and contrasting of two iconic American homes, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and President Donald Trump’s Mar a Lago Florida home. Although these two beautiful homes serve the same primary function, they are intrinsically different, as seen through their history and rich architectural styles. First, are the necessary facts to be familiar with regarding the two homes. Thomas Jefferson was the architect of his own home, Monticello, located outside Charlottesville, VA. It is important to note that this home was built in two phases, with initial construction of the first phase beginning before the Revolution in 1768, and the house being completely finished with the second

The architects for this extravagant Florida home are Marion Sims Wyeth and later Joseph Urban, with construction lasting only three years, from 1924 - 1927.

Jefferson’s Monticello has an interesting history behind it. Jefferson was rather unimpressed with our nation’s architecture, as we see he vocalized often, putting down the architecture of Williamsburg as well as the structures across Virginia. They were not elegant, and often times copied that of England. Jefferson hated English architecture and wanted to create a style unique to North America. What better way, than to start this vision with his own estate? Jefferson was a gentleman architect and is considered one of the greatest of all time, as though he carried himself as a professional. Even had he never entered political life, Jefferson would be remembered today as one of the earliest proponents of neoclassical architecture in the United States. Jefferson believed art was a powerful tool; it could elicit social change, could inspire

Because he detested the English, Jefferson continually rejected British architectural precedents for those from France. In doing so, Jefferson reinforced the symbolic nature of architecture. Post’s Mar a Lago is also a bold statement for architecture in the United States, becoming one of the most recognizable estates in the United States today. It is consistently ranked in the top five for notable homes/structures in Florida. Mar a Lago’s beauty that continues to showcase over 90 years later are a testament to two strong – willed people: Marjorie Merriweather Post whom designed it, and Donald Trump who restored it back to it’s original beauty after purchasing in 1985, which continues to reflect upon the home today. It is one of the few Mediterranean examples from the early 20th century in the U.S. that still remain in this shape today. Both Monticello and Mar a Lago are beautiful homes, and their popularity is deserved based on their elaborate architectural styles and are worth a visit! Note: you have to be a club member to get into Mar a Lago, so good