Walter Lowrie House

The Walter Lowrie House is an official residence in Princeton, New Jersey, distinguished by arched windows, high ceilings, and decorative brackets in the Italianate architectural style. The building connects directly to the Princeton University campus through landscaped gardens and now serves as the university president's official home.

The house was built in 1845 by architect John Notman for John P. Stockton, son of Commodore Robert F. Stockton, who later served as a New Jersey senator and ambassador to Italy. Barbara Armour Lowrie donated the property to Princeton University in memory of her husband Walter Lowrie, transforming it into the president's official residence.

The residence serves as the central venue for Princeton University's presidential functions and hosts academic ceremonies and institutional events. It holds symbolic importance as a gathering space where the university celebrates its most significant moments and brings together its academic community.

The house is easily accessible on foot through the Princeton University campus and is located near the town center. The approach is via well-maintained pathways and green spaces on campus that provide a pleasant route to the building.

The house preserves details of its original Italian design language despite serving for decades as a private residence before assuming its institutional role. This architectural continuity makes it a notable example of how private and public functions can coexist within a single building.

Inception: 1845

Architects: John Notman

Architectural style: Italianate architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.34636,-74.66925

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:05