After the high-stakes chaos of the White House, most presidents just want to disappear into a quiet life. George W. Bush did exactly that. He didn't head for a flashy coastal estate or a remote mountain compound. He went home to Texas. Specifically, he and Laura bought a house on a quiet cul-de-sac in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas.
It’s a gated community within a city. Sorta.
Actually, the George W. Bush Dallas home is surprisingly modest compared to the sprawling mansions of tech billionaires and oil tycoons that surround it. You’d think a former Commander-in-Chief would live in something resembling a palace. Honestly, from the street, you might not even realize it’s the home of the 43rd President of the United States. It's a classic red-brick house. It’s tucked away. It's very "Dallas."
The Move to Daria Place
When the Bushes left Washington D.C. in January 2009, they didn't waste time. They had already purchased the property on Daria Place months earlier. The house sits on about 1.13 acres, which is a decent chunk of land for a dense metropolitan area like Dallas.
It was built in 1959.
They did some serious renovations before moving in, though. You can't just move a former president into a standard mid-century ranch without upgrading the security. The Secret Service needs their space. There are dedicated quarters for the detail. There are high-tech monitoring systems. Despite all that, the house still feels like a home, not a bunker. It has that warm, lived-in vibe that Laura Bush is known for cultivating.
What’s Inside the George W. Bush Dallas Home?
If you were to walk inside, you wouldn't find gold-plated faucets or marble statues of himself. That’s just not 43's style. The home is roughly 8,500 square feet. Large? Yes. Massive? Not by Dallas standards.
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The layout is designed for family. There are four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. One of the standout features is the sunroom, which looks out over a heavily wooded backyard. It’s where George often spends his time painting. You’ve probably seen his work—the portraits of world leaders and veterans. He needs the light. He needs the quiet.
- The Kitchen: It’s a focal point, as it is in most Texas homes. High-end appliances, but plenty of space for grandkids to run around.
- The Library: Every president needs a place for books, and this one is filled with history, though much of his official archives are down the road at the Bush Presidential Center at SMU.
- The Outdoor Space: There’s a pool, because you can't survive a North Texas July without one.
Preston Hollow is a fascinating choice for a home base. It’s one of the wealthiest zip codes in the country, yet it manages to feel neighborly. You’ll see people jogging, walking dogs, and occasionally, you’ll see a motorcade. It’s a mix of old money and new energy. Mark Cuban lives nearby. So do various Dallas Stars and Cowboys players. It’s where the "who’s who" of Texas power players reside, but they all generally respect each other's privacy.
Living with the Secret Service
Living next to a former president isn't exactly like living next to a regular neighbor. If you live on Daria Place, you get used to the security. There are guard shacks. There are checkpoints. If you’re a delivery driver, you’re getting your van checked.
But the Bushes have tried to be "good neighbors." They attend local events. They go to movies at the nearby NorthPark Center. They eat at local spots like Mi Cocina or Rise nº1. George is frequently spotted at Southern Methodist University (SMU) sporting events. He’s a regular guy who happens to have a security detail that could take down a small army.
People often ask if the house is open for tours. No. Absolutely not. This is a private residence. If you want the "Bush experience," you go to the George W. Bush Presidential Center. That’s where the history is. The Daria Place house is where he drinks his coffee and watches the Rangers game.
Why This House Matters for His Post-Presidency
The choice of the George W. Bush Dallas home says a lot about his transition out of public life. Many presidents stay in D.C. or move to New York to stay close to the power centers. Bush did the opposite. He went back to the place that shaped him.
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He wanted normalcy.
The house serves as a sanctuary. It’s where he processed the heavy years of his presidency and where he began his journey as an artist. It’s also close to his office and the library, allowing him to stay involved in his various initiatives—like the Warrior Open and global health programs—without feeling like he’s still in the "bubble."
The Real Estate Value
Let's talk numbers, even though it feels a bit tacky. The Bushes reportedly paid around $3.8 million for the home in 2008. In today's Dallas market? It’s easily worth double or triple that, not just because of the "Bush factor," but because Preston Hollow land values have skyrocketed.
- Location: Daria Place is a "hidden" street.
- Land: Over an acre is a premium.
- History: The provenance of the home adds a layer of value that’s hard to quantify.
If that house ever hit the open market—which it won't anytime soon—the bidding war would be legendary. Not just from people wanting a nice house, but from collectors of American history.
The Neighbor Factor
It's funny, actually. The neighbors have mostly gotten used to it. Initially, there were concerns about traffic and the "paparazzi" effect, but that faded pretty quickly. The Secret Service is surprisingly discreet once they know who belongs in the neighborhood.
One thing that surprised people was how active the Bushes are in the community. They aren't shut-ins. You might see Laura at the grocery store or George mountain biking at a nearby trail (though he usually does that at his Crawford ranch or on more secluded paths). They are part of the fabric of Dallas.
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Comparing Dallas to the Prairie Chapel Ranch
You can’t talk about the George W. Bush Dallas home without mentioning the Crawford ranch. They are two very different worlds. Crawford is the "Western White House." It’s 1,600 acres of rugged terrain where he clears cedar and hosts foreign heads of state in a much more informal setting.
The Dallas house is the "everyday" home. It’s the urban hub.
While the ranch is about work and sweat, the Dallas home is about family, art, and the next chapter. It’s where they spend the majority of their time now. The ranch is the getaway; Dallas is the life.
A Legacy in Brick and Mortar
Ultimately, the Bush home in Dallas represents a successful "landing." Transitioning from the most powerful person on earth to a private citizen is jarring. Many struggle with it. By choosing a home that is comfortable, secure, but not ostentatious, George and Laura Bush signaled that they were ready to be part of a community again.
It’s a Texas home through and through. It has the limestone, the brick, the sprawling oaks, and the hospitality you’d expect.
If you're ever driving through Preston Hollow, you won't see a sign pointing to it. You won't see a giant flag or a monument. You'll just see a quiet street, a few black SUVs, and a sense of peace that seems to suit the 43rd president just fine.
Actionable Insights for Visiting the Area
If you are interested in the history of the Bush presidency or want to see the environment they live in, here are the best ways to do it respectfully:
- Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Center: Located on the SMU campus, this is the only way to see a replica of the Oval Office and dive into the archives. It’s less than 15 minutes from their private home.
- Explore Preston Hollow: You can drive through the neighborhood to see the architecture, but remember that Daria Place is private. Stick to the main thoroughfares like Preston Road and Royal Lane to get a feel for the area.
- Support Local Dallas Spots: If you want a chance to spot the former First Couple, visit long-standing Dallas institutions like the Miracle Mile or the shops at Highland Park Village. They are known to frequent these areas.
- Respect Privacy: Never attempt to approach the private residence or take photos of the security gates. The Secret Service is very active and will intervene immediately.
The best way to appreciate the George W. Bush Dallas home is to understand it as a symbol of a post-political life well-lived. It's a reminder that even the most powerful people eventually just want a quiet place to call home.