KENNEBUNKPORT — Presidential hopeful Jeb Bush will soon have a new foothold in Maine, as the Bush family is building a new two-story cottage in the Bushes’ Kennebunkport compound with their second son in mind.
The new residence will likely be a summer home for the former governor of Florida, though the house could be used year-round, according to architect Kristi Kenney, founder of KW architects, who described the house as “New England Shingle” style.
“The house is modest and fairly simple in design with a large wrap-around farmer’s porch,” Kenney said in an email, describing details that were requested by Jeb’s mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush. Kenney said she made an effort to privilege views of the ocean in every room in the new house.
Jim McGrath, spokesperson for former president George H.W. Bush, confirmed the plans, but stated the property will not be owned by Jeb outright. According to the Kenenbunkport town assessor’s office, the land was owned by the “Walker’s Point Family Limited Partnership.” Plans for the new residence were approved by the Planning Board back in 2013.
The Boston Globe reported that the 3,000 square-foot house will sit on 1.3 acres valued at $1.3 million, and that construction will cost $600,000. Former president George W. Bush already has a cottage at Walker’s point, as do the rest of Jeb’s siblings.
Walker’s point, referred to as the “Summer White House” during Bush Sr.’s tenure as president, has been owned by the Bush family since the late 19th Century, when it was purchased by Jeb’s grandfather, George H. Walker.
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