Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' great-great grandfather's mansion for sale (Pictures)
This story first appeared on Zillow.com.
Before Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was married to John F. Kennedy and forever linked to American politics and history, (as well as American style), she was Jackie Bouvier - descended from a family linked to Napoleon-era France.
A former Bouvier family home recently hit the Philadelphia real estate market for $3.199 million. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' great-great grandfather, Michel Bouvier lived in the home after it was built in 1850. Michel Bouvier was a cabinetmaker and left France after the defeat of Napoleon in 1815. In Philadelphia he opened a cabinet and furniture shop where he made items for Napoleon's brother, Joseph Bonaparte.
Later, Michel Bouvier established himself in real estate speculation and the Bouvier fortune was further established.
The Society Hill home in Philadelphia that housed the Bouviers in the later part of the 19th century is a Italianate-style house with over 8,000 square feet of living space. The 6-bedroom, 6.5-bath home retains much of its historic charm, but was completely renovated in 2009, giving the interior a modern and contemporary feel with clean lines and open spaces.
The living room boasts 13-foot-high ceilings and a massive limestone floor-to-ceiling fireplace. French doors open out to a mahogany deck with views of the Philadelphia skyline. The kitchen, as well as the bathrooms, have all new fixtures and finishes; the kitchen features stainless steel appliances and no hint of the 19th century cookstove that would have been there when the home was first constructed.
The second-floor master suite has walk-in closets, a fireplace and spa-like bathroom with a Japanese soaking tub. The rest of the second floor holds a library with enough room for thousands of books.
Other features of the Bouvier home include an elevator with access to the upper three floors, a nanny or guest suite with a separate entrance from the street, exercise room, and sauna.
Based on current mortgage rates, and 20 percent down on a traditional 30-year fixed loan, the monthly mortgage payment for this piece of history is $12,152 a month.
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