Barack Obama, accustomed to special privileges, requested an earlier move-in time but his request was declined.
The Obamas had asked White House officials to move into Blair House about two weeks before the traditional date so their two daughters could start their new school when classes resume Jan. 5.
Obama aides say the White House told them that the request cannot be met because the current administration still has plans for the historic government home across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House.
Blair House, which dates to 1824, has served as the official presidential guest house since 1942 for heads of state and other foreign dignitaries.
Appearing deceptively small from Pennsylvania Avenue, Blair House (shown above) is actually a complex of four joined townhouses that is larger than the White House, with 119 rooms and 70,000 square feet of space.
There are 14 guest bedrooms, eight staff bedrooms, 35 bathrooms, four dining rooms, kitchen facilities, laundry and dry cleaning facilities, an exercise room, a flower shop, and a fully equipped hair salon
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