What is Mar-a-Lago? A Peek Inside Trump's Florida Estate

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On Monday, August 8, 2022, former President Donald J. Trump's home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida was raided by the FBI

We're getting more and more about this event — what is Mar-a-Lago? Where exactly? How big is it and how much does he own it?

Here are the details and background.

In his 2004 book by Donald J. Trump, "Trump: Think Like a Billionaire: Everything You Need to Know About Success, Real Estate, and Life," he states: I am writing to Been sitting there long before I saw it and decided to move to that magnificent location.

Marlago after August FBI raid. 2022 August 2018. FBI agents raided former President Donald Trump's home looking for documents. (Brooke Singman)

"I had the right vision," Trump added. likewise.

Learn more.

When did Trump buy Mar-a-Lago?

Publicly Available According to information, Trump bought Mar-a-Lago for about $10 million in 1985.

Where exactly is Mar-a-Lago?

Located in Palm Beach, Florida, Mar-a-Lago is a resort town and a National Historic Landmark

Former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Resort seen in Palm Beach, Florida, February 8, 2021.

When was it first built?

Built between 1924 and 1927.

Marlago

"After four years of construction, the Mar-Alago estate officially opened in January 1927," says the Mar-Alago website. is described. 

"Marjorie Merriweather Post (then Mrs. E.F. Hutton) searched for several years to find a suitable spot between the sea and Loch Worth to become Queen Mother of Palm Beach.

"The location of Mar-a-Lago is now considered the most valuable parcel of land in Florida."

"At the time there was little but undergrowth and swamps here, and it didn't seem very useful for building sites," the website notes.

"With her realtor, Post crawled through thickets of jungle-shaped growth in search of the perfect property. The result of that search was the main house, Spanish for Spanish. 'Mar-a-Lago'. 'Sea to Lake.'"

Mar-a-Lago Hurricane resistant.

The structure is indeed "hurricane-proof," according to the mansion's website.

Interior view of Mar-a's living room-2000 Donald Trump's Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, circa 2009. (Marc Serota/Getty images)

How many acres does Mar-a-Lago have?

According to Mar-a-Lago's website, "The entire property consists of approximately 20 acres of fully manicured lawns."

Mar-a-Lago value.

"The location where Mar-a-Lago is located is now considered Florida's most valuable land parcel," the facility's website states.

When did Mar-a-Lago become a National Historic Site?

"In January 1969, the Home Office designated the site a 'Mar Arago National Historic Site,'" the website states.

This property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by Act of Congress in 1972.

Later, after Post's death, "the estate was turned over to the federal government for use as a diplomatic/presidential retreat. Ten years later, due to maintenance and security concerns, the government has awarded ownership to the Post Foundation."

Then-President Donald Trump listens to a Christmas Eve video conference call with members of the military at his Mar-a-Lago mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, Dec. 24, 2019.(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

What other details are there about Trump's acquisition? J. Trump purchased the property from the Post Foundation and used it as a private residence until 1995.” 

Then in April 1995, “Mar Arago was established as the Mar Arago Club. "This is the last Palm Beach property where the building and land remain nearly identical to the original concept," the website reveals.

"By granting an easement to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Mar-A-Lago Club will have the building blocks to ensure future management."

147} Is there anything else I should know about Mar-a-Lago?

Trump has kept some of the estate private for his family's personal use.

is his second largest mansion in Florida.

January 20, 2021 Palm Beach, Florida Airplane window of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump (not pictured) as they leave for the international airport.(Reuters/Carlos Barrier)

What is Mar-a-Lago worth?

In 2018, Forbes estimated Mar-alago's estate at his $160 million. That's 16 times what Trump paid him.

When did Mar-a-Lago become the main residence of Donald and Melania Trump?

In September 2019, Mar-a-Lago became the primary residence of Donald and Melania Trump. 

They previously maintained their principal residence in New York City.

Another view of Mar-a-Lago. It sits on 20 acres of lawn and gardens. (iStock)

What does membership in Mar-a-Lago include?

Membership includes use of “formal and casual dining areas, Mar-a-Lago Spa, pool, beach club, breathtaking rooms and luxury suites, and state-of-the-art fitness club.” According to the facility's website, the center, award-winning tennis courts, beautiful croquet lawns, and an entertainment series that hosts internationally renowned talent.

Mar-a-Lago

Multiple locations have reported figures of about $200,000 to join, with an annual cost of $14,000, but these fees is not listed on the Mar-a-Lago website itself. 

What more can you share about Mar-a-Lago?

Mar-a -The Lago Club sits on 20 acres of "manicured lawns, vibrant gardens and spectacular ocean-to-lake views," the website says.

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Also, "Mar-a-Lago is It is the only private club in the United States to have received the prestigious 6-Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and is considered one of the most popular private clubs in the world.”

Kerry J. Byrne contributed reporting for this article.