14. Aspen is a little more than a simple cabin
The president’s residence at Camp David is Aspen, which is a large and spacious lodge, used by presidents since FDR. Each president has left behind changes to the lodge and its environs for his successors. Truman had the lawn created. Nixon installed a heated swimming pool outside the lodge, which appears to be in-ground, but isn’t. Instead the ground was terraced around an above-ground pool. Eisenhower installed a golf green on the lawn, which can be approached via several tees around the area. The green is protected by two bunkers on either side, and natural terrain behind.
The president’s residence has several bedrooms for family members or close friends as guests, two outdoor terraces, and an outdoor planting area. On the upper terrace a barbecue pit was installed, where Ike liked to expound upon the proper method of grilling steaks. The kitchen can be manned by navy stewards if desired, or the president’s family can prepare their own meals if they so desire. Aspen is connected via a trail to Hickory Lodge, a recreation center which wasn’t there in FDR’s day, which houses the bowling alley installed by Eisenhower, a movie theater, a bar, game room, and a gift shop, called the Shangri La.
