President Donald Trump kicked off his annual summer retreat this weekend at his expansive Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, a destination long associated with the family’s seasonal activities.

The 500-acre estate serves as the family’s summer hub, where members -- including first lady Melania Trump -- gather throughout the warmer months to enjoy the leisure and amenities of the private country club, as the Daily Mail reports.

The president arrived at the property on Friday evening, signaling the traditional move his family makes after the conclusion of the social season at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, typically around Easter. Mrs. Trump had arrived two days earlier, following her participation in a Senate Spouses' luncheon held in Washington, D.C.

Bedminster arrival signals summer's start

Each year, the Trump family transitions from their winter base in Florida to their New Jersey estate. This tradition reflects a familiar seasonal rhythm, where the family uses the well-appointed Bedminster compound as a central gathering place.

Throughout the summer, President Trump is expected to spend most weekends and a significant portion of August at the estate. The property’s size and amenities allow the extended Trump family to visit and stay comfortably throughout the season.

The estate spans 500 acres and includes two golf courses, a spa and yoga studio, and multi-sport courts for tennis and pickleball. It also features a helicopter pad for Marine One, making travel convenient between Washington and Bedminster.

Family drawn to NJ resort

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are among the family members known to stay at Bedminster during the summer, though they currently reside full time in Miami. The couple has not returned to Washington, D.C., during Trump’s current term in office.

Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Lara Trump also spend time at the estate when their schedules allow. While they have occasionally been seen at the White House, none of the adult children has maintained a consistent presence during this administration.

Melania Trump has primarily been in New York with the couple’s son, Barron, and has remained largely absent from day-to-day affairs in the White House. Her presence at Bedminster aligns with the more private family time she has spent outside of Washington.

Private cottages offer comfort, privacy

Each branch of the family stays in its own white cottage, allowing for privacy while remaining close. The cottages have been customized over the years, with each family group creating their ideal seasonal retreat.

President Trump enlarged his cottage by 500 square feet during a past renovation. The expansion included a balcony, a porch with a turret, and multiple large windows. The Secret Service also installed a red brick wall around the building for enhanced security.

Ivanka and Jared have also made renovations to their cottage, building a basement, extra bedrooms, and a study. A veranda and expanded bathroom suite were added to accommodate their growing family and offer additional comfort.

Estate’s history, luxury appeal run deep

Trump purchased the Bedminster property from a developer in 2002 while the golf course was still under development. Known previously as Lamington Farm, the estate had once belonged to automotive executive John DeLorean.

Beyond its role as a family haven, the estate operates as a private country club with an initiation fee of $125,000, according to the Wall Street Journal. Members have access to accommodations including rental rooms and guest cottages, in addition to the various luxury features across the estate.

Bedminster is also popular for hosting weddings and large events. With a ballroom, a renovated barn, and a former stable refurbished for celebrations, the estate attracts year-round interest from members and event planners.

Historical, personal significance add to allure

The estate also holds personal significance for the family. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were married on the property in 2009, adding to its importance as a landmark in the family’s history.

In 2014, the family received planning approval for a private cemetery on the property. The design included a mausoleum with 10 burial plots and a 19-foot sandstone obelisk, highlighting the long-term connection the Trumps foresee with the site.

Ivana Trump, the former president's first wife, has already been laid to rest there, making the cemetery a final resting place and further enshrining the estate’s place in family legacy.