Kennedy Compound facts for kids
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Kennedy Compound
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Main house of the Kennedy Compound (1972).
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 Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | 50 Marchant Avenue Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, U.S. |
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| Area | 6 acres (24,000 m²) |
| Built | 1904 |
| Architectural style | Clapboard |
| Part of | Hyannis Port Historic District (ID87000259) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001302 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 28, 1972 |
| Designated NHLD | November 28, 1972 |
| Designated CP | November 10, 1987 |
The Kennedy Compound is a famous group of three houses. They are located on a six-acre (24,000 m²) waterfront property. This property is on Cape Cod in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, in the United States.
This compound was once the home of Joseph P. Kennedy, a successful American businessman and politician. He was also the U.S. ambassador to Great Britain. His wife, Rose, lived there too. Their children included U.S. President John F. Kennedy and U.S. Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy.
As an adult, Edward Kennedy lived in his parents' house. It was his main home from 1982 until he passed away there in August 2009.
John F. Kennedy used the compound as his base for his successful 1960 U.S. presidential campaign. Later, it became his "summer White House" and a place for him to relax. He used it until his passing in November 1963. In 2012, the main house was given to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. As of 2020, Robert Kennedy's wife, Ethel, lives in their home next to the main house.
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History of the Kennedy Compound
In 1926, Joseph P. Kennedy rented a summer cottage at 50 Marchant Avenue in Hyannis Port. Two years later, he bought this house, which was built in 1904. He made it bigger and changed it to fit his growing family. Their nine children spent their summers here. They learned to love sailing and other fun, competitive activities.
In 1956, John F. Kennedy bought his own smaller home. It was at 111 Irving Avenue, close to his father's house. Later, Edward Kennedy bought the house at 28 Marchant Avenue in 1959. This house was right next to the other two. In 1961, Edward sold it to his brother Robert and Robert's wife, Ethel. Edward lived in the main house at the compound until he passed away.
A Family Gathering Place
In 2019, Saoirse Kennedy Hill, one of Robert Kennedy's granddaughters, passed away at a residence within the compound. Her grandmother, Ethel Kennedy, lives there.
Layout of the Houses
All three buildings at the compound are white-frame clapboard structures. This style is common for vacation homes on Cape Cod. The houses are private and not open for public visits, except for special events at the Main House.
The Main House Features
Joseph Kennedy's home, the Main House, is the largest of the three. It has beautiful lawns and gardens around it. From its long porches, you can see amazing views of the ocean.
On the main floor, there is a living room, dining room, and a sun room. There is also a television room, a bedroom John F. Kennedy used, the kitchen, and other useful rooms.
Upstairs, on the second floor, are six bedrooms. There is also a sewing room, a packing room, and four bedrooms for staff. The house also has a full attic.
The basement has a movie theater. There is also a hall filled with dolls from all over the world. A special wine cellar looks like the hull of a ship. There's also a "sipping room," which was a favorite secret spot for the Kennedy family.
The house has stayed much the same since President Kennedy used it. In 2012, the Kennedy family gave the main house to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.
Outdoor Activities and Spaces
On the grounds of the compound, you will find an enclosed swimming pool and a tennis court. There is also a four-car garage and two guest houses.
There are two circular driveways with flagpoles in the middle. A boathouse is also on the property. There are large grassy areas where the family often played touch football games.
Other parts of the land bought by different family members are also well-kept.
Images for kids
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Kennedy Compound in 1972
